recommended oil GMC SIERRA 1997 Owners Manual

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances,
stop and back up. Drive on
to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds,
you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must
start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip?
If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have
it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
GM
dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready
and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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a
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid
a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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If there seems to be no leak, start the engine again. See
if the fan speed increases when idle speed is doubled by
pushing
the accelerator pedal down. If it doesn’t, your
vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery
Tank -- Gasoline Engines
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level
isn’t at or above the COLD mark, add a
50/50 mixture of
clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@
(silicate-free) antifreeze at the coolant recovery tank. (See
“Engine Coolant’’
in the Index for more information.)
I
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.
CAUTION: (Continued) 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.
I NOTICE:
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In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mix.
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Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadlenyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT);
ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel
contains
"T. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines.
If fuels containing MMT are used,
spark plug life may
be reduced and your emission control
system performance may
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel may
turn on. If this
occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that
will help prevent
deposits from forming
in your engine and fuel system,
allowing your emission control system to function
properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything
to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing oxygenates,
such
as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines
may
be available in your area to help clean the air. General
Motors recommends that you use these gasolines
if they
comply
with the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode
NOTICE: (Continued)
I NOTICE: (Continued) I
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries -- Gasoline
Engines
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or
any other fuel not
recommended
in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused
by use of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact
a major oil company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.
You can also write us
at the following address for
advice. Just tell
us where you're going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors International Product Center 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L 1 H 8P7
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I 1 What Kind of Oil to Use
I NOTICE: I Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking
for the “Starbuk” symbol. This symbol
.I
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which
mark that shows the proper operating range, does not carry this Starburst symbol.
The engine oil fill cap
for the “VORTEC”
4300,
5000 and 5700 engines are
located on the driver’s side
engine valve cover.
your engine could be damaged.
I
The engine oil fill cap for the “VORTEC” 7400 engine
is located at the front of the engine.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere
in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back
in when you’re through. If you
change your own oil,
be sure
you use oil that has
the Starburst symbol on
the
front of the oil container.
If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine
is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown
in the following chart:
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RECOMMENDED SAE YlSCOSlTT GRADE ENGINE OILS I
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL VISCOSITY GRADE OIL
FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE. I
HOT
WEATHER
COLD
WEATHER
SAE 5w-30 PREFERRED
LWK
Fm THIS
SYMBOL
DO NOT USE SAE 2ow-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use
SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going
to be
0°F (- 18°C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container
show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such
as SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29”C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
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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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Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing
with water is all that is usually
needed. However, you may use chrome polish on
chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid
damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum.
A
coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended
for all bright metal parts.
Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel.
A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface
of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage
the surface. You may use chrome polish on
chrome wheels, but avoid any painted surface of the
wheel, and buff off immediately after application.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface
of these wheels.
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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.
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Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
** Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
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Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed. If driving in
dusty areas
or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km).
Standard Differential -- Check fluid level and add
fluid
as needed at every oil change. If driving in
dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every
15,000 miles (25 000 km).
More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty
or off-road use.
3500 HD Models with applications requiring extreme
overloadtrailer towing conditions and high-speed (above
45 mph or 70 km/h) conditions for extended
periods of time must have the drive axle fluid changed every
30,000 miles (50 OOO km). See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in this section.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every
3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote
#.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add
fluid as needed. Check constant velocity
joints and axle seals for leaking.
(See footnote **.)
DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY:
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Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule -- Gasdin-
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
( 166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections’’ following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge
that
all recommended maintenance services be performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, rear driveline
center splines, front axle propshaft splines and brake
pedal springs. Ball joints and kingpin bushings should
not be lubricated unless their temperature is 10 OF
(- 12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in Part
C of this schedule.
** Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
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Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Standard Differential
-- Check fluid level and add
fluid as needed at every engine oil change.
3500 HD Models with applications requiring
high-speed (above
45 mph or 70 kmh) operation for
extended periods of time must have the drive axle
fluid changed every
30,000 miles (50 000 km).
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