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GM Fluid & Lubrication Info

sperry

Silent Avalanche RIP
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Info - Release of DEXRON III (H-Revision) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) #04-07-30-037 - (Sep 3, 2004)

2005 and Prior Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2003-2005 HUMMER H2

with Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

DEXRON?-III (H-Revision) ATF

General Motors has recently upgraded the DEXRON?-III ATF specification.

The upgraded specification is referred to as DEXRON?-III (H-Revision). This upgrade will ensure that ATF's are commercially available to match the quality and durability of current factory-fill ATF. Fluids that meet the requirements of the H-Revision are labeled as "DEXRON?-III, Approved for the H Specification".

The fluids labeled as DEXRON?-III, Approved for the H Specification can be used in any transmission application which specifies the use of DEXRON?-III, IIE, II or DEXRON? ATFs.

DEXRON?-III Fluids that DO NOT meet the H-Revision will not be licensed after December 31, 2004.

Current stock of DEXRON?-III ATF can be used until the supply is depleted.
 
Info - Use of Synthetic Front Axle Lubricant For 4WD Vehicles Sold in Cold Weather Climates #03-04-19-001B - (Sep 3, 2004)

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban 2500

2002-2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500HD

2002-2004 GMC Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon XL 2500

2002-2003 GMC Sierra 1500HD

with Four-Wheel Drive and 9.25" Front Axle Assemblies and Built Prior to April 1, 2004

This bulletin is being revised to update vehicle applications, part numbers and fluid fill information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-04-19-001A (Section 04 -- Driveline/Axle).

Important

This bulletin is intended for vehicles sold in very cold weather climates, especially those in Alaska and certain regions of Canada.


Important

This bulletin DOES NOT apply to vehicles built after April 1, 2004. Vehicles referenced above that were built after April 1, 2004 were manufactured with front axles containing synthetic axle lubricant and do not need to have the front axle fluid inspected or changed.


Front axles in the above-listed vehicles built before April 1, 2004 are manufactured with mineral-oil base axle fluid. Because of the 9.25" front axle assembly's internal design characteristics, there may be insufficient lubrication flow at very low ambient temperatures (-24?C (-12?F) or below). This may contribute to premature pinion bearing wear if a vehicle is driven extensively in very low ambient temperatures.

Important

Please be certain that PDI personnel know to perform the drain/refill procedure all year round (not just in the cold weather months).


New vehicles that are expected to operate extensively in 4WD in temperatures below -24?C (-12?F) should have their front axle fluid drained and refilled with synthetic axle lubricant during PDI or before delivery to the first retail customer.

Follow the Front Drive Axle Lubricant Replacement procedure found in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #673354). It is not necessary to flush the front axle assembly. Use Synthetic Axle Lubricant, P/N 12378261 or P/N 89021677 (Canadian P/N 10953455 or P/N 89021678 ). Each of these part numbers is the same axle lubricant, with differences in packaging only. Fill to a level between 6 and 9 mm (0.25 in to 0.375 in) below the bottom of the fill plug.

For vehicles that have the axle lubricant changed, the front axle vent hose connector assembly will need to be inspected.

Important

Front axle assemblies with a vent hose connector assembly that is white in color do not need to be changed.


If the vent hose connector is black in color, it will need to be changed so that the O-ring seal is compatible with the synthetic lubricant. Install vent connector, P/N 12479390 . Follow the Front Drive Axle Vent Hose Connector Replacement procedure in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #843184).

Parts Information

Part Number                                 Description   Qty

12378261 or 89021677 Oil, Synthetic Gear       2

(Canadian P/N 10953455    2
or 89021678 )

12479390 Connector, Axle Vent         1

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
 
Lubricant Replacement - Front Drive Axle

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle.  
  2. Remove the front differential carrier shield, if equipped. Refer to Shield Replacement .
  3. Clean the area around the front axle fill plug and the drain plug.
  4. Remove the fill plug.
normal_834237.gif


  5. Remove the drain plug.
  6. Drain the fluid from the front differential carrier assembly.

Installation Procedure

     Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

normal_834237.gif


  1. Install the drain plug.

     Tighten

     Tighten the drain plug to 33 N?m (24 lb ft).
  2. Fill the differential carrier assembly with axle lubricant. Use the correct fluid. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid in Maintenance and Lubrication and Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants .
  3. Install the fill plug.

     Tighten

     Tighten the fill plug to 33 N?m (24 lb ft).
  4. Install the front differential carrier shield, if equipped. Refer to Shield Replacement .
  5. Lower the vehicle.
 
Light Duty Truck Rear Axle Lubrication Service Interval - kw fluid gear GMT600 GMT610 GMT800 GMT805 GMT820 GMT830 housing label oil #PIP3001 - (Jun 7, 2004)

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms in the PI.

Condition/Concern:

The service information and owners manual do not show a service interval for the 8.6, 9.5, 9.75, 10.5, and 11.5 inch rear axles with or without G80 (locking differential).

Recommendation/Instructions:

These axles do not need to be serviced under normal operation due to the synthetic fluid that is used from the manufacturer. In May of 2002, the oil drain plug was also eliminated from the 8.6 inch axle housing in production.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance.

Models:

((99-05 Chevrolet Silverado) and (02-05 Chevrolet Avalanche) and (99-05 GMC Sierra ) and (99-05 Chevrolet Express) and (99-05 GMC Savanna) and (99-05 Chevrolet Tahoe) and (99-05 GMC Yukon) and (99-05 Chevrolet Suburban) and (99-05 GMC Yukon XL) and (99-05 Cadillac Escalade)
 
Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (8.6 Inch Axle)

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.



  2. Remove the rear axle fill plug.



  3. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1). Discard the rear axle housing cover bolts.
  4. Carefully remove the rear axle housing cover (2) and drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
  5. Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.
  6. Inspect the bottom of the rear axle housing for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation is an indication of extreme wear.

Installation Procedure



  1. Install a new gasket and the rear axle housing cover (2).

     Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice

     Important: Do not reuse the rear axle housing cover bolts.

  2. Install the new rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

     Tighten
     Tighten the bolts to 40 N?m (30 lb ft).

  3. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid & Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.



  4. Install the rear axle fill plug.

     Tighten
     Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N?m (24 lb ft).

  5. Lower the vehicle.
 
Capacities - Approximate Fluid & Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
 

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Oil Life Monitor

Courtesy of CAFCNA: cadboy1

  The patented engine oil change technology involves computerized monitoring of engine revolutions, operating temperature, and other factors to optimize the change interval selection. The typical recommended interval for gasoline-fueled passenger cars and light-duty trucks is 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever first occurs, when outside temperatures are below freezing and trips are short. These conditions are considered severe duty. For ideal driving conditions, relating to long trips with mild outside temperatures, the interval can be expanded to 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Starting with the 2000 model year on certain vehicles, GM will raise the maximum mileage allowed for Oil-Life System-equipped vehicles to between 10,000 and 15,000 miles (16,000 and 25,000 km), depending on vehicle brand and engine*.

The development of the Oil-Life System began over a decade ago by researchers Shirley Schwartz and Donald Smolenski, both of the GM Research Laboratories. They discovered, through various investigations, that oil degradation, in general, followed pathways influenced by service and environmental conditions. The extremes of these conditions, as shown in Figure 1, are high-temperature, high-load on one end and low-temperature, low-load on the other. In between is the large operating domain representing the majority of driving conditions. The basic design of the Oil-Life System was intended to characterize extreme operating conditions and most points in between. While the Oil-Life System does not actually monitor any single quality or physical property of the oil, it does incorporate the use of a highly sophisticated mathematical model. This model applies the known influence of oil service temperature and revolutions to characterize the remaining life. The influence of temperature, in particular, has a marked impact on oil life. The almost parabolic nature of the aging rate with temperature emphasizes the importance of this as dependent variable. On the other hand, time or running time (in the absence of mileage or engine revolution data) was not found to be a particularly good indicator of oil life, since it did not adequately distinguish between periods of extended idle and periods when engine speed was high.

The onboard calculation of oil age was simplified by using penalty factors (as opposed to equations). A penalty factor is an indication of the rate of oil aging at a given operating temperature. For any given oil, higher penalty factors are associated with faster oil-aging rates. The model uses engine revolutions as a basis for measuring duration of service. Gathering the data to show correlation of on-board measurements of oil-change intervals to laboratory oil analysis is a slow process, requiring months or years. For example, a typical short-trip service test can last two years. During the original research program approximately 130,000 kilometers were accumulated in determining the constants for the mathematical model and another 160,000 kilometers were logged in testing vehicles equipped with the Oil-Life System. The four oil analysis tests are:

1. Total Acid Number (TAN)-Concentration of acid constituents in the oil from oil oxidation and combustion products.
2. Total Base Number (TBN)-Depletion of overbase detergent additive.
3. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)-Approximates the remaining life of the antioxidant (residual oxidation induction time).
4. Pentane Insolubles (PIN)-Concentration of carbon soot and sludge.

The point at which the oil-change indicator signaled an oil change is then shown. All oil analyses results are plotted, including those data points regarded as "outliers", that is, points with values differing by more than approximately 20 percent from the trend lines from all data. It is interesting that DSC data followed a rapid decay curve from the outset. Also interesting is that both TAN rises and TBN falls at an apparent increased rate near the point where PIN rises (about 16,000 km). Even though not all of these changes occurred with each vehicle and there was usually some oscillation in the data, it was still possible to use these generalizations as guidelines to characterize the oil aging process.

From these studies and other subsequent investigations it is clear that there are distinct benefits to drivers of vehicles equipped with the oil-life monitoring systems. For those who neglect to change their oil on a regular basis, the system provides reminders that a change is due. If they need the reminder and follow through with an oil change, they'll protect their engine from premature wear. And, drivers who thought they needed to get their oil changed every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or so, might be able to go longer between changes. This will save them money, time, and perhaps more importantly, precious natural resources.

Ref: Schwartz, S. E. and D. J. Smolenski, "Development of an Automatic Engine Oil-Change Indicator System," SAE Paper 870403.

* General Motors has set the maximum distance for normal driving on the Chevrolet Avalanche equipped with the 5.3 liter and 8.1 liter V-8 gasoline powered engines at 10,000 miles.

Author Credit: General Motors Corporation.
 
Document ID# 1459491
(2004 referenced) Chevrolet Avalanche​

DEX-COOL Engine Coolant Information #00-06-02-006A - (Feb 13, 2004)

Table 1: (Image below) -- Approved Engine Coolant Recycling Services -- DEX-COOL?
Table 2: (Image below) -- Approved Engine Coolant Recycling Services and Equipment - Conventional Green

DEX-COOL? Engine Coolant Information

2004 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks

2004 and Prior HUMMER H2

This bulletin is being revised to add model years and updated information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-02-006 (Section 6 -- Engine/Propulsion System).

Licensed Approved DEX-COOL? Providers

Important

USE OF NON APPROVED VIRGIN OR RECYCLED DEX-COOL? OR DEVIATIONS IN THE FORM OF ALTERNATE CHEMICALS OR ALTERATION OF EQUIPMENT, WILL VOID THE GM ENDORSEMENT, MAY DEGRADE COOLANT SYSTEM INTEGRITY, AND PLACE THE COOLING SYSTEM WARRANTY UNDER JEOPARDY.


Following are the only current licensed and approved providers of virgin DEX-COOL? and DEX-COOL? inhibitor packages used for recycling. Products that are advertised as "COMPATIBLE" or "RECOMMENDED" for use with DEX-COOL? have not been tested or approved by General Motors. Non approved coolants may degrade the coolant system integrity and will no longer be considered a 5yr/150,000 mile (240,000 km) coolant.

Approved providers of DEX-COOL? meeting General Motors GM6277M specifications are as follows:

   ? GM Vehicle Care
   ? AC Delco
   ? ChevronTexaco
   ? Shell
   ? Prestone
   ? Recycled Fluid Technologies (Bulk Service)

Coolant Removal Services/Recycling

The following tables include all coolant recycling processes currently approved by GM. Also included is a primary phone number and demographic information. Used DEX-COOL? can be combined with used conventional coolant (green) for recycling. Depending on the recycling service and/or equipment, it is then designated as a conventional (2yr/30,000 mile (50,000 km) coolant or DEX-COOL? 5yr/150,000 mile (240,000 km) coolant. Recycled coolants as designated in this bulletin may be used during the vehicle(s) warranty period.

DEX-COOL? Recycling

The DEX-COOL? recycling service listed in Table 1 has been approved for recycling waste engine coolants (DEX-COOL? or conventional) to DEX-COOL? with 5yr/150,000 (240,000 km) mile usability. Recycling Fluid Technologies is the only licensed provider of Recycled DEX-COOL? meeting GM6277M specifications and utilizes GM approved inhibitor packages. This is currently a limited program being monitored by GM Service Operations which will be expanded as demand increases.

Conventional (Green) Recycling

Processes listed in the Table 2 are capable of recycling waste engine coolants (DEX-COOL? or conventional) to a conventional (green) coolant. Recycling conventional coolant can be accomplished at your facility by a technician using approved EQUIPMENT (listed by model number in Table 2), or by an approved coolant recycling SERVICE which may recycle the coolant at your facility or at an offsite operation. Refer to the table below for GM approved coolant recyclers in either of these two categories. Should you decide to recycle the coolant yourself, strict adherence to the operating procedures is imperative. Use ONLY the inhibitor chemicals supplied by the respective (GM approved) recycling equipment manufacturer.

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Sealing Tablets

Cooling System Sealing Tablets (Seal Tabs) should not be used as a regular maintenance item after servicing an engine cooling system. Discoloration of coolant can occur if too many seal tabs have been inserted into the cooling system. This can occur if seal tabs are repeatedly used over the service life of a vehicle. Where appropriate, seal tabs may be used if diagnostics fail to repair a small leak in the cooling system.

When a condition appears in which seal tabs may be beneficial, a specific bulletin may be released describing their proper usage. After performing specific procedures outlining seal tab usage, install an appropriate identification label to indicate that the seal tabs have been installed. If seal tabs were installed in the cooling system during assembly, the recommended amount may be added if the cooling system is drained and refilled during a service event. The recommended number of seal tabs depends on the capacity of the cooling system. Use between 1 and 1-1/2 grams of seal tabs per liter of cooling system capacity.

Water Quality

The integrity of the coolant is dependent upon the quality of DEX-COOL? and water. DEX-COOL? is a product which has enhanced protection capability as well as an extended service interval. These enhanced properties may be jeopardized by combining DEX-COOL? with poor quality water. If you suspect the water in your area of being poor quality, it is recommended you use distilled or de-ionized water with DEX-COOL?.

"Pink" DEX-COOL?

DEX-COOL? is orange in color to distinguish it from other coolants. Due to inconsistencies in the mixing of the dyes used with DEX-COOL?, some batches may appear pink after time. The color shift from orange to pink does not affect the integrity of coolant, and still maintains the 5yr/150,000 mile (240,000 km) service interval. General Motors is currently pursuing a course of action which will stabilize the color of DEX-COOL? in the field.

Back Service

Only use DEX-COOL? if the vehicle was originally equipped with DEX-COOL?.

Contamination

Mixing conventional green coolant with DEX-COOL? will degrade the service interval from 5yrs./150,000 miles to 2yrs./30,000 miles (50,000 km) if left in the contaminated condition. If contamination occurs, the cooling system must be flushed twice immediately and re-filled with a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL? and clean water in order to preserve the enhanced properties and extended service interval of DEX-COOL? .

After 5 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km)

After 5 yrs/150,000 miles (240,000 km), the coolant should be changed, preferably using a coolant exchanger. If the vehicle was originally equipped with DEX-COOL? and has not had problems with contamination from non-DEX-COOL? coolants, then the service interval remains the same, and the coolant does not need to be changed for another 5 yrs/150,000 miles (240,000 km).

Equipment (Coolant Exchangers)

The preferred method of performing coolant service is to use a coolant exchanger. A coolant exchanger can replace virtually all of the old coolant with new coolant. Coolant exchangers can be used to perform a coolant service without spillage, and facilitate easy waste collection. They can also be used to lower the coolant level in a vehicle to allow for less messy servicing of cooling system components. It is recommended that you use a coolant exchanger with a vacuum feature that allows easing [lsquo ]burping[rsquo ] (removing trapped air) of the cooling system. This is a substantial time savings over current methods of repeatedly thermocycling the vehicle and toping-off the radiator. The vacuum feature also allows venting of a hot system to relieve system pressure. Approved coolant exchangers are available through the GMDE (General Motors Dealer Equipment) program (1-800-GM-TOOLS).

 
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