brake fluid GMC SIERRA DENALI 2003 User Guide

Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT-3
brake fluid. See
Engine Compantment Overview on
page
5-12 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 out of 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 “top off 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.
If yo, ..rave 1,- _._____ rake ---id, it ~~-1 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 “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake fluid. See
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections on page 6-14.
5-39

Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid.
Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only. See
Part Dr Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 6- 16.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above
MIN. If it isn’t have your brake system
checked to see
if there is a leak. Always
clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
With the wrong kind
of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
5-40

Notice:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based
oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts
so badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
Don’t let someone
put in the wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your
vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately.
See “Appearance Care” in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal firmly). The
brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence
to GM torque specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See
Brake System Inspection on page 6- 15
5-41

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule ...................................... 6.2
introduction
................................................... 6.2
Your Vehicle and the Environment
.................... 6-2
Maintenance Requirements
.............................. 6-2
How This Section is Organized
......................... 6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
........... 6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
.................... 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance
................................... 6-5
Part
B: Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-10
At Each Fuel Fill
.......................................... 6-10
At Least Once a Month
................ ......... 6-10
At Least Twice a Year
............................... 6-11 At Least
Once a Year
................................... 6-11
Part
C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections ......... 6.14
Steering and Suspension Inspection
................ 6.14
Exhaust System inspection
............................ 6-14
Fuel System Inspection
.................................. 6.14
Engine Cooling System inspection
................... 6.14
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
........................ 6.15
Brake System Inspection
................................ 6.15
Part
D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .... 6-16
Part E: Maintenance Record
........................... 6.18
Transfer Case and
Front Axle
6- 1

If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-73
for information on resetting the system.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil
and filter change.
Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case shift
linkage and parking brake cable guides. Ball joints
should not be lubricated unless their temperature is
10°F (-12°C) or higher or they could be damaged.
After the services are performed, record the date,
odometer reading and who performed the service on the
maintenance record pages in Part
E of this schedule.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page 5-62 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
0 Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace filter
if necessary. An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote
t.)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62
for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.
(See footnote +.)
6-6

Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive) Inspection
Every 12 months, or at engine oil change intervals,
check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary.
A fluid loss could indicate a problem.
Check and have it repaired,
if needed. Check vent
hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installation.
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.
6-1 5

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Power Steering
System
~~
Automatic
Transmission Fluid/Lubricant
Engine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To determine
the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle's engine, see
Engine Oil on
Daae
5- 13.
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on
page
5-24.
Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
GM Optikleen Washer Solvent or
equivalent.
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No.
U.S. 1052884, in Canada
993294, or equivalent).
DEXRON-Ill Automatic Transmission
Fluid. Usage
FluWLubricant
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Key Lock
Canada 10953474. or eauivalent). Cylinders (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Floor Shift
Linkage
Chassis
Lubrication Lubriplate
Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No.
US. 12346293, in Canada
' 992723, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGl #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part
No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242, or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGl #2,
Cateaow LB or GC-LB.
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S.
Front Axle 12378261, in Canada 10953455) or
equivalent meeting GM Specification
99861 15.
Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only
Rear Axle
88901362).
Do not add friction
(Steerable) GM Part
No. 12378557
(in Canada
modifier.
Transfer Case
I Fluid.
DEXRON-Ill Automatic Transmission
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985,
in Canada Rear Driveline
meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Center Spline 88901242, or equivalent) or lubricant
CateqorV LB or GC-LB.
6-1 6

Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-16
Adding Washer Fluid
....................................... 5-38
Additional Program Information
........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6
Add-on Electrical Equipment
............................ 5-95
Add-on Equipment .......................................... 4-48
Off Light ..................................................... 3-28
Passenger Status Indicator
........................... 3-30
Readiness Light
.......................................... 3-27
Air Bag Systems
............................................. 1-57
Bag-Equipped Vehicle
............................... 1-72
Passenger Sensing System
........................... 1-68
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)
.............. 3-66
Air Bag
Adding Equipment to Your Air
Air Bag
Off Switch ....................................... 1-64
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
.................... 1-62
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
......... 1-72
What Makes an
Air Bag inflate? .................... 1-61
What Will You See After an
Air Bag Inflates?
...................................... 1-62
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
................... 1-61
Where Are the Air Bags?
.............................. 1-59
Air Cleaner/FiIter, Engine
................................. 5-1 9
All Overseas Locations ...................................... 7-4
All-Wheel Drive
............................................... 5-49
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
......................... 2-21
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
.................. 5-90
AM ............................................................ 3-82
Antenna, Fixed Mast
....................................... 3-84
Anti-lock Brake System
..................................... 4-7
Appearance Care
............................................ 5-86
Care of Safety Belts
.................................... 5-88
Antenna,
XMTM Satellite
Radio System ............... 3-84
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning
Light .............. 3-35
Chemical Paint Spotting
............................... 5-91
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
................ 5-86
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
.............. 5-88
Finish Damage
............................................ 5-91
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials .......... 5-92
Sheet Metal Damage
................................... 5-91
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-91
Weatherstrips
.............................................. 5-88
Ashtrays
........................................................ 3-17
Audio System(s)
............................................. 3-61
Audio Systems
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
...................... 3-81
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
................ 3-83
Care of Your CD Player
............................... 3-84
Care of Your CDs
........................................ 3-84
CD Changer
............................................... 3-78
DAB Radio Antenna System
.......................... 3-84
Fixed Mast Antenna
..................................... 3-84
Radio with Cassette and CD
......................... 3-62
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
................................ 3-76
Setting the Time
.......................................... 3-61
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................ 3-81
Understanding Radio Reception
..................... 3-82
1

Audio Systems (cont.)
XMTM Satellite Radio Antenna System ............ 3-84
Automatic Headlamp System
............................ 3-1 2
Operation ................................................... 2-1 8
System Check
......................................... 6-12
Automatic
Transmission
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-21
Automatic Transmission Check
.......................... 6-1 1
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
B
Backing Up .................................................... 4-57
Battery
.......................................................... 5-42
Battery Replacement
......................................... 2-5
Battery Run-Down Protection ............................ 3-1 6
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
............................. 3-54
Battery Warning Light
...................................... 3-33
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
......................... 4-35
Body Lubrication Service
.................................. 6-1 1
Brake Parking
...................................................... 2-22
System Inspection
....................................... 6-1 5
System Warning Light .................................. 3-34
Brake Adjustment
............................................ 5-42
Brake Fluid
.................................................... 5-39
Brake Pedal Travel
......................................... 5-42
Brake Wear
.................................... ....... 5-41
Brakes
.......................................................... 5-39
Braking ........................................................... 4-6 Braking
in Emergencies
..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle
..................................... 2-15
Bulb Replacement
........................................... 5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp
............................................ 5-56
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps
........................................ 5-53
Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-52
Headlamps
................................................. 5-52
Pickup Box Identification and Fender
Marker Lamps
......................................... 5-58
Replacement Bulbs
...................................... 5-59
Roof Marker Lamps
..................................... 5-54
Buying New Tires
........................................... 5-64
Taillamps
.................................................... 5-58
C
California Fuel .................................................. 5-6
Canada
........................................................... 7-4
Canadian Owners
................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... 7-7
Capacities and Specifications
.......................... 5-1 04
Car Washes for QUADRASTEERTM Equipped Vehicles
..................................................... 4-13
Carbon Monoxide
..................... 4-38, 4-51, 2-8, 2-26
Care of
Safety Belts
................................ ..... 5-88
Care
of Your
Cassette Tape Player
................................... 3-83
2

Care of Your (cont.)
CD Player
................................ ... 3-84
CDS
.......................................................... 3-84
Cargo Lamp
............................. ... 3-14
CARGO LAMP
ON ....................... ... 3-56
Cassette Tape Messages
................................. 3-73
Cassette Tape Player Service
........................... 6-10
CD Adapter Kits
............................................. 3-74
CD Changer
................................................... 3-78
CD Functions
................................................. 3-80
Center Console Storage Area
........................... 2-39
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
.................. 5-98
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts
............. 1-22
Chains, Tires .................................................. 5-68
Check Cargo Lamp
............................................... 5-56
CHANGE ENGINE OIL .................................... 3-54
Engine Light
.................................... ... 3-38
Check Engine Light
.......................... ... 3-38
CHECK OIL LEVEL
..................................... 3-58
CHECK WASHER FLUID
................................. 3-58
Checking Brake Fluid
...................................... 5-40
Checking Coolant ............................................ 5-26
Checking Engine Oil
........................................ 5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood
...................... 5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-73
Chemical Paint Spotting
................................... 5-91 Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems
............................... 1-36
Infants and Young Children
........................... 1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children
(LATCH System) .......................... 1-43
Older Children ............................................. 1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
LATCH System
........................................ 1-46
Rear Seat Position
................................... 1-48
Outside Seat Position
............................ 1-46
Front Seat Position
................................... 1-50
Top Strap ................................................... 1-40
Top Strap Anchor Location
............................ 1-41
Cigarette Lighter
............................................. 3-17
Where
to Put the Restraint
........................... 1-38
Cleaning Inside of Your Vehicle
.................................. 5-86
Outside
of Your Vehicle ................................ 5-88
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-91
Weatherstrips
.............................................. 5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
....................... 5-89
Cleaning the Mirror
......................................... 2-30
Climate Control Dual Automatic
..... . 3-18