transmission GMC YUKON DENALI 2003 Owner's Guide

To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180°F
to 200°F
(82°C
to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it's colder than 50°F
(IO'C), drive the vehicle
in THIRD
(3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for
10 minutes.
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine
off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are
50°F (10°C) or more.
If it's colder than 50°F (IO'C), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid
level be low during this cold check,
you must check the
fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.
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, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in
PARK (P).
@ Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
Then, without shutting
off the engine, follow
these steps:
1- The transmission dipstick handle with the graphic is
located at the rear of
the engine compartment,
on the passenger's side.
5-21

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for
more information on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then 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. 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 Part D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-15.
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@
-111, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than DEXRON@
-111 is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under How to Check.
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.
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.
5-22

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level
is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches
FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch
is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air
tu cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing and/or high outside temperatures, the fan
speed increases as the clutch more fully engages.
So
you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is
normal and should not be mistaken as the transmission
slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the cooling
system functioning properly. The fan will slow down
when additional cooling is not required and the clutch
disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine.
It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
5-33

Notice: If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can be
damaged.
2.
Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other.
If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able
to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice: If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlets. Turn
off the
radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
And it could save your radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and
negative
(-) terminal locations of the other vehicle.
Your vehicle has a remote positive
(+) jump
starting terminal and a remote negative
(-) jump
starting terminal.
You should always use these
remote terminals instead
of the terminals on the
battery.
The remote positive
(+)
terminal is located under a red plastic cover near
the engine accessory drive
bracket.
To access the
remote positive
(+)
terminal, open the red
plastic cover.
5-41

Fuses
RR HVAC
Usage
Rear Climate Control
AUX PWR I
Auxiliary Power
Outlet
- Console
IGN
1
PCM 1 Ignition Relay
Electronic Throttle Control,
ETC/ECM Powertrain Control Module
Electronic Brake Controller
IGN E Instrument Panel Cluster,
Air
Conditioning Relay, Turn
SignaVHazard Switch, Starter
Relav
RTD I Ride Control I
TRL B/U
~~
I Backup LampsTrailG Wiring 1
PCM B I
Powertrain Control Module,
Fuel Pumr,
I I
F/PMP I Fuel Pump (Relay)
B/U LP
I
Back-up Lamps, Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock
I
Control System
RR DEFOG
Rear Window Defoaaer
HDLP-HI
~~~ ____
HeadlampHighBeam Relay
PRIME Not Used
Fuses I Usage I
SIR Supplemental Inflatable
Restraint System
FRT PARK
DRL Front Parking Lamps,
Sidemarker Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps
(Relav)
SEO IGN
Truck Body Controller Ignition
TBC IGN1 Rear
Defog Relay
HI HDLP-LT High
Beam Headlamp-Left
LH HID Not
Used
DRL
I Davtime Runnina LamDs I
Instrument Panel
IPC/DIC Cluster/Driver Information
HI HDLP-RT
HDLP-LOW High
Beam Headlamp-Right
Headlamp Low Beam Relav
A/C COMP
I Air Conditionina Comm-essor I v
A/C COMP Air
Conditioning Compressor
Relav
5-94

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
5-13 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 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)
U Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page
5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
17 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page
5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
0 Rotate tires. See Tire lnspection and Rotation on
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
0 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page
5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
CI Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
3 Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page
5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
(See footnote t.)
U Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
U Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service.
6-6

37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
U Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page 5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
U Rotate tires. See Tire inspection and Rotation on
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
D Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page 5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
U Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90°F (32°C)
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 at
100,000 miles
(166
000 km).
52,500 Milles (87 500 km)
U Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page 5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
D Rotate tires. See Tire lnspection and Rotation on
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
U Check readfront axle fluid level and add fluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
page 5-56 for proper rotation pattern and additional
information. (See footnote
+.)
Ll Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote
t.)
lJ Inspect Evaporative Control System. Check all fuel
and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing and condition. Check that the purge valve
works properly,
if equipped. Replace as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
t.)
U Rotate tires. See Tire lnspection and Rotation on
6-i

100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
0 Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control
ii Repiace spark piugs. An Emission Zoniroi Service.
0 Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
Service.
- In heavy
city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
- In hilly or mountainous terrain.
- When doing frequent trailer towing.
- Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
Ll If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transmission fluid, change
both the fluid and filter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
0 Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See
Engine Codant on page 5-22 for what to me.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service.
0 Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission
Control Service.
U Inspect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
An Emission Control Service.
6-9

Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield.
Also see
Cleaning the Outside
of Your Vehicle on page 5-81.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly inflation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is inflated
to
the correct tire inflation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then
try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrenchhatchet
to tighten the cable. See Changing a Flat
Tire
on page 5-63.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Restriction
Indicator Check
Your vehicle has an engine air cleaner filter restriction
indicator located on the air cleaner in the engine
compartment. The indicator lets you know when the air
cleaner filter is dirty and needs
to be changed. Check
the indicator at least twice a year or when your engine oil is changed,
whichever occurs first. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
on page 5- 17 for more information. Inspect
your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more often
if
the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off road
conditions.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 6- 15.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on page
5-20. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.

Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assembly, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, door hinges, liftgate
hinge, liftgate linkage, liftgate handle pivot points, latch
bolt, fuel door hinge, locks and folding seat hardware.
Part
D tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed
to a corrosive
environment.
Star+nr Sw'+zh Check
ten you are doing this check, the v_--icle
could move suddenly.
If it does, you or others
could be injured. Follow the steps below.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
around
the vehicle.
brake. See Parking Brake on page
2-25 if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
Whe.. IOU a1 - rloing this check, tt.- vehicle
could move suddenly.
If it does, you or others
could
be injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on page 2-25 if necessary.
Be ready
to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN
position, but don't start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the shift lever
out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK
(P), your vehicle needs service.
6-1 2