1999-2007 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra Pickup Truck and Related SUV Routine Maintenance FAQ

The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado are designed to take a licking and keep on ticking, to coin a famous advertising phrase, but you still need to maintain them to keep them running smoothly, and regular service and check-ups are essential. 

Everything in this maintenance guide comes from the Haynes Repair Manual for the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1999-2006, including the Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon SUVs models. The manual contains step-by-step instructions based on a full teardown and rebuild, and has a complete list of jobs you can do from home with simple tools and a few spare parts. 

Oil Change

Transmission Fluid Change

Transfer Case and Differential Fluid Change

Cooling System Flush and Fill

Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types

Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs

Maintenance Schedule

The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.

When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).

Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first

• Check the engine oil level
• Check the coolant level
• Check the windshield washer fluid level
• Check the brake and clutch fluid levels
• Check the tires and tire pressures ( Section 5 )

Every 3000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . .

• Check the power steering fluid level
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level
• Change the engine oil and filter

Every 6000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . .

• Check the seat belts
• Inspect the windshield wiper blades
• Check and service the battery
• Check the engine drivebelt
• Inspect underhood hoses
• Check the cooling system
• Rotate the tires
• Check the lubricant level in the front (4x4) and rear axles

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . .

• Lubricate the chassis
• Check the fuel system
• Check the brake system*
• Check the exhaust system
• Check the manual transmission lubricant level
• Check the transfer case lubricant level - 4WD
• Replace the interior ventilation filter*

Every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first

All items listed above, plus . . .

• Change the brake fluid
• Replace the air filter*
• Replace the fuel filter
• Replace the spark plugs (conventional, non-platinum)**
• Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill) (green-colored ethylene glycol anti-freeze only)
• Check the steering, suspension and driveaxle boots
• Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter**

Every 60,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first

• Change the manual transmission lubricant**
• Change the transfer case lubricant**
• Inspect the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve
• Change the differential lubricant**
• Replace the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve

Every 100,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first

• Inspect/replace the spark plug wires
• Replace the spark plugs (platinum type)
• Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill) (orange-colored DEX-COOL anti-freeze only)

* This item is affected by “severe” operating conditions as described below. If your vehicle is operated under severe conditions, perform these maintenance tasks at half the recommended intervals. Severe conditions include the following:

• Operating in mostly dusty areas (dirt roads, or off-road)
• Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
• Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing

** If operated under one or more of the following conditions, perform these procedures at half the recommended interval

• In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
• In hilly or mountainous terrain
• Frequent trailer towing
• Frequent off road use or if the vehicle is driven through water