engine oil GMC SIERRA 1997 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 1997, Model line: SIERRA, Model: GMC SIERRA 1997Pages: 436, PDF Size: 23.38 MB
Page 297 of 436

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter. See “Owner Checks and Services”
in
the Index.
Operating the engine with the
air cleaner off
can cause you OF others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air,
it stops flame if
the engine backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t
drive with it
off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner
off.
I NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is
when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83
000 km) if the vehicle’s CVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If your vehicle’s GVWR is not over
8,600 and you do
not use your vehicle under any
of these conditions, the
fluid and filter do
not require changing.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services’’
in the Index.
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Page 301 of 436

Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid
in your manual
transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your
GM dealership
Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission.
Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and
fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting
a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on
a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
the
filler plug hole.
it
is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described
in the next steps.
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Page 305 of 436

If the differential is at operating temperature (warm),
add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise
the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
new DEX-COOL@ engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or
150,000 miles (240
000 km), whichever occurs first,
if
you add only DEX-COOL@ extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when
it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your vehicle will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (1 29°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning gages work as they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only
DEX-COOL@(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
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Page 306 of 436

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL’ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts.
If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
A CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant
mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant
mix. With
plain water or the wrong
mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine
could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost wouldn’t be covered
by your
warranty. Too much water in the mix can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.
6-30
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Page 313 of 436

NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts.
For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash
it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
Brake Wear
If you have a C 3500 HD model, it has four-wheel disc
brakes without wear indicators.
If you ever hear a brake
rubbing noise, have the brake linings inspected.
If your pickup is not a
C 3500 HD model, it has front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads
(except
C 3500 HD models) have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new
pads
are needed. The sound may come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on
the brake pedal firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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Page 350 of 436

Name
ECM-B
RR DEFOG IGN-E
Usage
Fuel Pump, PCMNCM
Rear Window Defogger
Auxiliary Fan Relay Coil,
A/C
Compressor Relay, Hot Fuel
Module, Dual Tanks
Name
FUEL SOL
GLOW PLUG
HORN
AUX FAN
ECM-
1
NC
ENG-
1
LIGHTING
BATT
IGN-A
IGN-B ABS
BLOWER STOP/HAZ
Usage
Fuel Solenoid (Diesel Engine)
Glow plugs (Diesel Engine)
Horn, Underhood Lamps
Auxiliary Fan
Injectors,
PCMNCM
Air Conditioning
lgnition Switch,
EGR, Canister
Purge,
EVRV Idle Coast Solenoid,
Heated
02, Fuel Heater
(Diesel Engine), Water Sensor
(Diesel Engine)
Headlamp and Panel Dimmer
Switch,
Fog and Courtesy Fuses
Battery, Fuse Block Busbar
Ignition Switch
Ignition Switch
Anti-Lock Brake Module
Hi Blower Relay
Stoplamps
6-74
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Page 354 of 436

Fuel Tank Capacity (Approximate)
Type
Short Bed
Long Bed Standard Crew Cab
Chassis-Cab Side Tank
Chassis-Cab Rear Tank 3500
HD Models Side Tank
3500
HD Models Rear Tank
Cooling System Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See “Cooling
System” in the Index.
Engine
“VORTEC” 4300
“VORTEC”
5000
“VORTEC” 5700
“VORTEC” 7400
“VORTEC”
7400
w/3500 HD
VIN
W
M
R
J
J
Quantity
13 quarts (12.3 L)
17.5 quarts (16.6 L)
17.5 quarts (16.6 L)
25 quarts (23.5 L)
28.5 quarts (27 L)
Crankcase Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See “Engine
Oil” in the Index.
Engine
“VORTEC” 4300
“VORTEC”
5000
“VORTEC” 5700”
“VORTEC” 7400*
VIN
W
M
R
J
Quantity with Filter?
5 quarts (4.8 L)
5 quarts (4.8 L)
7 quarts (6.5 L)
4.5 quarts (4.3
L)
?Oil
filter should be changed at every oil change.
*Add one additional quart (.946
L) for C-3500 HD Models.
Quantity
26 gallons (98 L)
34 gallons (128 L)
34 gallons (128 L)
22 gallons (83 L)
18 gallons (68 L)
22 gallons (83 L)
18 gallons (68 L)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same.
If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used.
If you’re not sure, ask your GM dealer.
See the refrigerant charge label under the hood for
information regarding refrigerant capacity.
6-78
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Page 356 of 436

Introduction
IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle
in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can
even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
GM dealer for details.
7-2
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Page 359 of 436

Maintenance Schedule
-
Short Trip/City Definition -- Gasoline Engines
Follow the Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule if any
one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures
are below freezing.
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
off-road frequently.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or
You frequently tow a trailer.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if you
operate
your vehicle under any of these conditions is that
these conditions cause engine
oil to break down soonel:
Short Trip/City Intervals -- Gasoline Engines
Every
3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
or other commercial application.
Change (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or
3 months, whichever occurs first). Drive
Axle Service (or
3 months, whichever occurs fmt).
Short Trip/City Intervals -- Gasoline Engines
Every 6,000 Miles (10
000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Shields and
Underhood Insulation Inspection (GVWR above
8,500 lbs. only). Front Wheel Bearing Repack (2WD
only) (or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter Replacement.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
Transmission Service (vehicles over
8600 GVWR or
driven under severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
Inspection. Evaporative Control System Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete maintenance schedule
on the following pages.
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Page 360 of 436

Maintenance Schedule
Follow this maintenance schedule only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Maintenance
Schedule is true.
Da not use this schedule if the vehicle
is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area or used
off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City schedule for
these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with afully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine
oil to break
down slower:
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every
12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Drive Axle Service. Tire Rotation.
Underhood Insulation Inspection (GVWR above
8,500 lbs. only).
Every 15,000 Miles (25 OOO km): Shields and
I
1 Long Trip/Highway Intervals -- Gasoline Engines ~~~ ~
~ ~~
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Fuel Filter
Replacement. Front Wheel Bearing Repack
(2WD only)
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs fiist).
Transmission Service (vehicles over
8600 GVWR or
driven under severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection. Fuel
Tank, Cap and Lines
Inspection. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
Inspection. Evaporative Control System Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement. Positive
Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Inspection.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to
follow the complete maintenance schedule
on the following pages.
7-6
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