transmission GMC SIERRA 2001 Manual PDF

6-24
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross
-hatched area, for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross
-hatched area for a hot check.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.)
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON
-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.

6-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Only)
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 25,000 miles
(41 500 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 50,000 miles (83 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
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.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.

6-26
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).

With your foot on the brake pedal, run the engine
for at least once minute and shift to DRIVE (D).
Then shift to NEUTRAL (N) and then REVERSE (R)
to fill the hydraulic system. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).

Allow the engine to run at idle (500
- 800 rpm).
Slowly release the brake pedal.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:Cold Check Procedure
The purpose of the cold check is to determine if the
transmission has enough fluid to be operated safely until
a hot check can be made. The fluid level rises as fluid
temperature increases. DO NOT fill above the COLD
CHECK band if the transmission fluid is below normal
operating temperatures.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Insert the dipstick into the tube and remove.
Check the fluid level reading. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.
4. If the fluid level is within the COLD CHECK band,
the transmission may be operated until the fluid is
hot enough to perform a hot check. If the fluid level
is not within the COLD CHECK band, add or drain
fluid as necessary to bring the level into the middle
of the COLD CHECK band.

6-27
5. Perform a hot check at the first opportunity after the
normal operating temperature of 160
F (71
C) to
200
F (93
C) is reached.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Hot Check Procedure
The fluid must be hot to ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as temperature increases.
1. Operate the transmission in DRIVE (D) range until
the normal operating temperature of 160
F (71
C)
to 200
F (93
C) is reached.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again. Repeat the check
procedure to verify the reading.4. Safe operating level is within the HOT RUN band
on the dipstick. The width of the HOT RUN band
represents approximately 1.06 quart (1.0 liter) of
fluid at normal operating temperature.
5. If the fluid level is not within the HOT RUN band,
add or drain fluid as necessary to bring the fluid
level to within the HOT RUN band.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedures described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level.
If inconsistent readings persist, check the transmission
breather to be sure it is clean and unclogged. If readings
are still inconsistent, contact your dealer.

6-28 How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.)
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot
check. It doesn't take much fluid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Don't overfill.
NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON
-III
is not covered by your new vehicle warranty.

After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under ªHow to Check.º

When the correct fluid level is obtained,
push the dipstick back in all the way.
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.

6-29
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:
5-Speed for VORTEC 4300 V6 and 4800 V8 engines
shown, other manual transmissions similar1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

6-74
Center Instrument Panel Utility Block
The center instrument panel utility block is located
underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.
Name Usage
SEO Special Equipment Option
HTD ST Heated Seats
SPARE 4 Not UsedName Usage
VANITY Headliner Wiring
TRAILER Trailer Brake Wiring
PWR ST Power Seats
SPARE 5 Not Used
CLUTCH Manual Transmission Clutch Switch
UPF Upfitter
PARK LAMP Parking Lamps (Relay)
FRT PRK EXPT Not Used (Fuse)
SL RIDE Manual Selectable Ride Switch
SPARE 2 Not Used
RR PRK LP Not Used (Relay)
RR FOG LP Not Used (Relay)
SPARE 3 Not Used
INADV PWR Interior Lights Feed
CTSY LP Courtesy Lamps
CEL PHONE Cellular Telephone Wiring

6-78
Name Usage
ETC Electronic Throttle Control
IGN E A/C Compressor Relay, Rear
Window Defogger, Daytime
Running Lamps, A.I.R. System
B/U LP Backup Lamps, Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock
Control System
ATC Automatic Transfer Case
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger,
Heated Mirrors (Relay)
RR PRK Right Rear Parking Lamps
ECM B PCM
F/PMP Fuel Pump (Relay)
O2 A Oxygen Sensors
FUEL HT Fuel Heater, Glow Plug and
Intake Heater Controls
O2 B Oxygen Sensors
LR PRK Left Rear Parking Lamps
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger,
Heated MirrorsName Usage
HDLP Headlamps (Relay)
TRL PRK Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring
RT HDLP Right Headlamps
DRL Daytime Running Lamps (Relay)
HTD MIR Heated Mirrors
LT HDLP Left Headlamps
A/C Air Conditioning
AUX PWR Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary
Power Outlets
SEO 2 Special Equipment Option Power,
Power Seats, Aux Roof Mnt Lamp
SEO 1 Special Equipment Option Power, Aux
Roof Mnt Lamp, Cell Phone, OnStar


DRL Daytime Running Lamps
A/C A/C (Relay)
FOG LP Fog Lamps
FOG LP Fog Lamps (Relay)
RADIO Audio System, Instrument Cluster,
Climate Control System

6-79
Name Usage
CIGAR Cigarette Lighter,
Auxiliary Power Outlets
RT TURN Right Turn Signals
BTSI Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System
LT TURN Left Turn Signals
FR PRK Front Parking Lamps,
Sidemarker Lamps
W/W PMP Windshield Washer Pump
HORN Horn (Relay)
IGN C Ignition Switch, Fuel Pump,
PRND321 Display, Crank
RDO AMP Not Used
HAZ LP Exterior Lamps, Hazard Lamps
EXP LPS Not Used
HORN Horn
CTSY LP Interior Lamps
RR WPR Not Used
TBC Body Control Module, Remote
Keyless Entry, HeadlampsReplacement Bulbs
Low-Beam Headlamps2 9006
High
-Beam Headlamps2 9005
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) 2 3157KX
Front Marker Lamp 2 194
Front Parking and Turn Lamp 2 3157 A
Rear Marker Lamp,
Taillamp and Stop Lamp2 3157
Taillamp and Stop Lamp** 2 1157
Rear Turn Lamp 2 3157
Rear Turn Lamp ** 2 1156
Back
-up Lamp2 3157
Back
-up Lamp **2 1156
Center High
-Mounted Stoplamp2 912
Cargo Lamp 2 912
* For replacement bulbs not listed here, please consult
your dealer.
** Chassis Cab Models

6-81 Cooling System Capacity
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)
VORTEC 6600 V8 Manual 20.7 quarts (19.6 L)
VORTEC 6600 V8 Automatic 20.3 quarts (19.2 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8 Manual 21.1 quarts (20.0 L)
VORTEC 8100 V8 Automatic 20.7 quarts (19.6 L)
* Vehicles equipped with the optional engine oil cooler.
** Vehicles equipped with the optional air conditioner.