engine oil GMC SIERRA CLASSIC 2007 User Guide

TRANSMISSION HOT
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC,
you can damage the transmission. This could
lead to costly repairs that would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
vehicle with overheated transmission uid
or while the transmission temperature warning
is displayed.
If the transmission uid temperature becomes
high, this message will appear on the DIC display.
When the transmission enters the protection
mode, you may notice a change in the
transmission shifting patterns. When the
transmission uid temperature returns to normal,
the display will turn off and the transmission
shifting patterns will return to normal.If the vehicle has the Tow/Haul mode, use this
feature if the transmission is operating at higher
temperatures and/or the following situations
exist, which can cause the transmission to operate
at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer
Hot outside air temperatures
Hauling a large or heavy load
Over-loading
Low transmission uid level
High transmission uid level
Restricted air ow to the radiator and the
auxiliary transmission oil cooler
A temporary solution to hotter transmission
operating temperatures may be to let the
transmission cool down. If the transmission is
operated at higher temperatures on a frequent
basis, seeScheduled Maintenance (Gasoline
Engine) on page 617for the transmission
your vehicle is equipped with for the proper
transmission maintenance intervals. Also see
Transmission Temperature Gage on page 257for
more information.
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Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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 inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is 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?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated,
with a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
399

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will
ash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
ash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the
bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may
think drivers behind you are seeing your signal
when they are not. It’s important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbefore
you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you
don’t shift down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can
tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often (e.g., under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions).You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode
if the transmission shifts too often. SeeTow/Haul
Mode Light on page 264.
If you have a 5-speed manual transmission and
you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to use
FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear
(or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, consider the following: Engine coolant at
or near sea level will boil at a lower temperature
than at higher altitudes. If you turn your engine off
immediately after towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let
the engine run while parked, preferably on
level ground, with the automatic transmission in
PARK (P) for a few minutes before turning
the engine off. For manual transmissions, let the
engine run while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission out of gear and the
parking brake applied, for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, seeEngine Overheating on page 505.
453

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 617for
more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle
lubricant, belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and
the Index will help you nd them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following
wiring harnesses for towing a trailer or hauling
a slide-in camper.
Basic Trailer Wiring
All regular, extended cab and crew cab pickups
have an eight-wire trailer towing harness.For vehicles not equipped with heavy duty
trailering, the harness is clipped to the vehicle’s
frame behind the spare tire mount. The harness
requires the installation of a trailer connector,
which is available through your dealer.
If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes, you
can get a jumper harness (electric trailer brake
control) with a trailer battery feed fuse from
your dealer.
If you need to tow a light-duty trailer with a
standard four-way round pin connector, you can
also get an adapter from your dealer.
456

Service........................................................ 468
Accessories and Modications................... 468
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 469
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 469
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 470
Fuel............................................................. 470
Gasoline Octane........................................ 470
Gasoline Specications.............................. 471
California Fuel........................................... 471
Additives................................................... 472
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)............................ 473
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 474
Filling the Tank......................................... 474
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 477
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 478
Hood Release........................................... 479
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 480
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine).................... 486
Engine Oil Life System
(Gasoline Engine).................................. 489
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
(Gasoline Engines)................................. 491Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Allison Transmission®) .......................... 494
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Except Allison Transmission
®) ............... 497
Manual Transmission Fluid........................ 500
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 501
Engine Coolant.......................................... 502
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 505
Engine Overheating................................... 505
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only)........ 508
Cooling System......................................... 508
Engine Fan Noise..................................... 514
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 515
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 516
Brakes...................................................... 517
Battery...................................................... 520
Jump Starting............................................ 521
Rear Axle.................................................... 527
Four-Wheel Drive........................................ 528
Front Axle................................................... 529
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
465

E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so
you will need to rell your fuel tank more often
when using E85 than when you are using gasoline.
SeeFilling the Tank on page 474.
Notice:Some additives are not compatible
with E85 fuel and may harm your fuel system.
Damage caused by additives would not be
covered by your new vehicle warranty. Do not
use additives with E85 fuel.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Do not use
fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in your fuel system and also damage
the plastic and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside
the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may
be hard to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or
any other fuel not recommended in the previous
text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of
improper fuel would not be covered by your
warranty.To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business
in the country where you will be driving.
Filling the Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel re
can cause bad injuries. To help avoid
injuries to you and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the pump island.
Turn off your engine when you are
refueling. Do not smoke if you are near
fuel or refueling your vehicle. Keep
sparks, ames, and smoking materials
away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel
pump unattended when refueling your
vehicle. This is against the law in some
places. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.
474

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine
parts and start a re. These include
liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake uid,
windshield washer and other uids, and
plastic or rubber. You or others could be
burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
478

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline Engines) on page 491.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Engine Coolant on page 502andCoolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 505.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline
Engines) on page 491.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 486.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick
(If Equipped). See “Checking the Fluid Level”
underAutomatic Transmission Fluid (Allison
Transmission
®) on page 494orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmission
®) on page 497.
F. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 508.G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 486.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 515.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See
Jump Starting on page 521.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 521.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 517.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 501.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 603.
N. Battery. SeeBattery on page 520.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 516.
481

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline Engines) on page 491.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Engine Coolant on page 502andCoolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 505.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline
Engines) on page 491.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 486.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick
(If Equipped). See “Checking the Fluid Level”
underAutomatic Transmission Fluid (Allison
Transmission
®) on page 494orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmission
®) on page 497.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 486.G. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 508.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See
Jump Starting on page 521.
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 515.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 521.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 517.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 501.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 603.
N. Battery. SeeBattery on page 520.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 516.
483

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline Engines) on page 491.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Engine Coolant on page 502andCoolant
Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 505.
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter (Gasoline
Engines) on page 491.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 486.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick
(If Equipped). See “Checking the Fluid Level”
underAutomatic Transmission Fluid (Allison
Transmission
®) on page 494orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (Except Allison
Transmission
®) on page 497.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 486.G. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 508.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See
Jump Starting on page 521.
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 521.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 515.
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 517.
L. Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 501.
M. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 603.
N. Battery. SeeBattery on page 520.
O. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 516.
485