maintenance GMC SIERRA 2002 Owner's Guide

6-33
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with
DOT
-3 brake fluid. See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking outof the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See ªChecking Brake Fluidº in
this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.

6-36
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your brakingsystem
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you need new ones put in
-- be sure you get
new approved GM replacement parts. If you don't, your
brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change
-- for the worse. The braking performance
you've come to expect can change in many other ways if
someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-46
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly, do
the following:
1. Lift the wiper arm and turn the blade until it is facing
away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.

6-49 Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000
to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate
your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See ªWhen It's
Time for New Tiresº and ªWheel Replacementº later in
this section for more information. Make sure the spare tire
is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn
the tire. If it moves, use the wheel wrench/hoist shaft to
tighten the cable. See ªStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and
Toolsº in the Index.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation is the
most important. See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in
the Index for scheduled rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here. Don't include the spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the
Certification/Tire label. Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.

6-63
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and
exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, will
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new
vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.

6-77 Engine Specifications
Engine VORTEC 6000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type V8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Code U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug Gap 0.060 inches (1.52 mm). . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tires
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lb-ft (190 N´m) . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure See the Certification/Tire label. . . . . .
on the rear edge of the driver's door.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Oil Filter* PF59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter* A1518C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter Kit** 52485513. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve* CV948C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs PTZ16R15 Denso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PZTR5A15 NGK
Fuel Filter* GF626. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper Blades** 15153642. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type ITTA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* ACDelco

Part No.
**GM Part No.

7-
7-1
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7
-2 Introduction
7
-4 Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
7
-5 Scheduled Maintenance
7
-16 Part B: Owner Checks and Services7
-21 Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
7
-23 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
7
-26 Part E: Maintenance Record

7-2
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Introduction
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.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this
manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure to
follow recommended maintenance may not be covered
by warranty.

7-3 How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts:
ªPart A: Scheduled Maintenance Servicesº explains
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex, so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer's service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know
-how
and the proper tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
If you want to get the service information, see ªService
and Owner Publicationsº in the Index.ªPart B: Owner Checks and Servicesº tells you
what should be checked and when. It also explains
what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in
good condition.
ªPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspectionsº explains
important inspections that your dealer's service
department or another qualified service center
should perform.
ªPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricantsº lists
some recommended products necessary to help keep
your vehicle properly maintained. These products, or
their equivalents, should be used whether you do the
work yourself or have it done.
ªPart E: Maintenance Recordº is a place for
you to record and keep track of the maintenance
performed on your vehicle. Keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle
for warranty repairs.

7-4
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your
vehicle in good working condition. But we don't know
exactly how you'll drive it. You may drive very short
distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive
long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
You may use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in
many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read the
following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good
condition, see your dealer.
This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when you should schedule them. If you
go to your dealer for your service needs, you'll know
that GM
-trained and supported service people will
perform the work using genuine GM parts.The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle
uses these. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that:

carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will find these limits on your vehicle's
Certification/Tire label. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº
in the Index.

are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.

are driven off
-road in the recommended manner.
See ªOperating Your Vehicle Off Paved Roadsº in
the Index.

use the recommended fuel. See ªFuelº in the Index.