oil level GMC SIERRA 2000 User Guide

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6-12
Engine Oil
If the CHECK ENG OIL
LEVEL appears on the
instrument panel, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see ªCHECK ENG OIL LEVELº
in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick has
a yellow ring handle and is
located on the passenger's
side of the engine.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.

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6-13
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap for
the VORTEC 4300 V6
engine is located on the
driver's side engine
valve cover.
The engine oil fill cap for the VORTEC 4800, 5300 and
6000 V8 engines is located on the passenger's side
engine valve cover.
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.

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6-19
2. If your vehicle does not
have a panel under the
center of the instrument
panel, or when the panel
is removed, reach under
the instrument panel
towards the front of the
vehicle and pull
downward on the filter
retaining bracket.
3. Remove the air filter by pulling downward on the
element. Remove the second portion of the air filter
by sliding it towards the rear of the vehicle and then
pulling downward.
4. Install the new filter by reversing the steps listed
previously. Be sure to follow any instructions that
may be included in the replacement filter package.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the passenger compartment air filter. See
ªScheduled Maintenanceº in the Index.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 is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.

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6-23
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. See your maintenance schedule to find out
when to change your transmission fluid.
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.

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6-28
When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to
raise the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the filler
plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
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 ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and 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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6-73 Cooling System Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªCooling Systemº in the Index.
Engine Transmission Quantity
VORTEC 4300 V6 Automatic 12.6 quarts (11.9 L)
VORTEC 4300 V6 Manual 12.9 quarts (12.2 L)
VORTEC 4800 V8 Automatic 13.4 quarts (12.7 L)
VORTEC 4800 V8 Manual 13.7 quarts (13.0 L)
VORTEC 5300 V8 Automatic 13.4 quarts (12.7 L)
VORTEC 5300 V8** Automatic 14.9 quarts (14.1 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8 Automatic 14.8 quarts (14.0 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8* Automatic 14.4 quarts (13.6 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8 Manual 15.2 quarts (14.4 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8* Manual 14.8 quarts (14.0 L)
* Vehicles equipped with the optional engine oil cooler.
** Vehicles equipped with the optional air conditioner.

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6-74 Crankcase Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating range.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine VIN
Quantity with Filter

VORTEC 4300 V6 W 4.5 quarts (4.3 L)
VORTEC 4800 V8 V 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 5300 V8 T 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)
VORTEC 6000 V8 U 6.0 quarts (5.7 L)

Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
Fuel Tank Capacity (Approximate)
Type Quantity
Short Bed 26.0 gallons (98.0 L)
Long Bed 34.0 gallons (128.0 L)
Chassis Cab 34.0 gallons (128.0 L)

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7-18
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Don't forget to check your spare tire. See ªTiresº in the
Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.

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7-24 Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Drive Axle Service
Check rear/front axle fluid level and add as needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case
(Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months or at oil change intervals, check front
axle and transfer case and add lubricant when necessary.
On manual shift transfer case, oil the control lever pivot
point. Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. More frequent lubrication may be
required on off
-road use.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.