Contents Section: Procedures All sections

Maintenance Information GMC Suburban R1500

Procedures 7 illustrations ~1575 words

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Note. For the 1988-91 model years General Motors manufactured two (2) different truck models; the "R" & "V" models (similar to the older 1973-1987 model trucks), and the new "C" & "K" models. The new models use the old model designations except for payloads (Was: C10/15, Now: C1500). From 1992 all trucks are new design "C" & "K" models.

Note. The Crew-Cab Bonus Cab (Single Rear Wheel) and Dually are only available (1988-91) in "R" & "V" models; and all Extended Cabs only in the new "C" & "K" design.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: MODEL IDENTIFICATION

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

SERVICE PARTS IDENTIFICATION LABEL

Label is located inside glove box door and has the vehicle's VIN, wheelbase, paint information, and a list of all production options and special equipment.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 5

Scheme 5: VIN Code ID Explanation

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation, emission classification, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR, VIN Position 4). Emission classification is identified by engine VIN code (except diesel-powered vehicles). Manufacturer's Schedules identify items to be serviced based on type of operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

  1. Short Trips (4 Miles Or Less)
  2. Freezing Temperatures
  3. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
  4. Severe Dust Conditions
  5. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
  6. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

Normal Service

  1. No Severe Service Operating Conditions

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 7

Scheme 7

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS

Wheel and tire information can be found on the decal attached to rear of driver's door.

ApplicationFt. lbs. (N.m)
"C" 1500120 (163)
"K" 1500 & "C" & "K" 2500120 (163)
"C" & "K" 3500 (Single Rear Wheels)120 (163)

WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REAR WHEEL ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

Note. On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

  1. DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
  2. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
  3. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CAUTIONIndicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER (GASOLINE MODELS)

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C); Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

WARNINGHalogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONDue to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER PLUS COVERAGE LIMITED WARRANTY

Entire vehicle (except battery) is covered for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covered by this warranty are any repairs to vehicle components which have proven defective in material and workmanship under normal use (tires excluded). Warranty repairs (parts and labor) will be made by the Dealer at no charge using new or remanufactured parts. This warranty is subject to a 100 deductible for each repair visit after the first year or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

BATTERY COVERAGE

Covers replacement cost of battery for 3 years or 50,000 miles (36,000 miles on 1992 models), whichever occurs first. A prorated charge applies after first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Covers any body sheet metal panel that is perforated due to corrosion. Coverage is for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS "DEFECT" & "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage is for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed in order for the vehicle to pass a federally-required state or local emissions test. Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

EMISSION "PERFORMANCE" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure vehicle passes inspection. Coverage is for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

LIGHT-DUTY EMISSION "DEFECTS" WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Coverage is for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are covered for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

HEAVY-DUTY EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS (GASOLINE ENGINES)

Warranty coverage is 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

HEAVY-DUTY EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS (DIESEL ENGINES)

Warranty coverage is 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The fuse block is located behind a cover in the dash to the left of the steering column.

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1983-84)

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - Ints-Lps 5 Amp Instrument Panel Lights, Headlight Warning Buzzer, Rear Defogger Switch Light
  2. 2 - Pwr-Accy 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Power Door Locks, Rear Defogger
  3. 3 - Horn-Dim 20 Amp Horn, Dome & Glove Box Lights, Clock, Courtesy Lights, Lift Gate Release Solenoid, Cigarette Lighter
  4. 4 - Ign-Gau 20 Amp Ignition, Gauges, Rear Defogger Relay, Automatic Transmission Converter Clutch, Cruise Control
  5. 5 - Choke 20 Amp Choke
  6. 6 - Stop-Haz 15 Amp Stoplights, Hazard Warning Lights
  7. 7 - T/L-Ctsy 20 Amp Light Switch, Taillights & Parking Lights
  8. 8 - Turn-B/U 15 Amp Turn Signal Lights, Back-Up Lights
  9. 9 - Htr-A/C 25 Amp Heating & A/C
  10. 10 - Radio 15 Amp Radio
  11. 11 - ECM B 10 Amp Electronic Control Module
  12. 12 - ECM I 10 Amp Electronic Control Module
  13. 13 - Pwr Wdo 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Power Windows
  14. 14 - Wiper 25 Amp Windshield Wipers & Washers
  15. 15 - Crank 3 Amp

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1985-87)
  1. 1 - Choke 20 Amp Electric Choke
  2. 2 - Htr-A/C 20 Amp Heater & A/C, Alternator Gauge
  3. 3 - Aux-Htr-A/C 25 Amp Auxiliary Heater & Rear A/C
  4. 4 - Gau/Idle 20 Amp Warning Gauges, Idle Stop Solenoid, Warning Lights, Diesel Glow Plugs Relay (Diesel Engines), Diesel Fuel Heater (Diesel Engines)
  5. 5 - Radio 15 Amp Radio, Automatic Transmission (MD8), Auxiliary Battery
  6. 6 - Stop-Haz 15 Amp Hazard Flasher, Stoplights
  7. 7 - Ign 20 Amp Tachometer, Diesel Warning Lights, Cruise Control, Auxiliary Fuel Tank, 4-Wheel Drive Indicator Light, Rear Window Defogger, Automatic Trans. (M40)
  8. 8 - T/L-Ctsy 20 Amp Courtesy Lights, Taillights & Parking Lights
  9. 9 - Wiper 25 Amp Windshield Washer/Wiper
  10. 10 - Turn-B/U 15 Amp Back-Up Light Switch, Turn Signal Flasher
  11. 11 - Horn-Dim 20 Amp Horn, Cargo & Dome Lights, Headlight Warning, Cigarette Lighter, Clock
  12. 12 - Inst-Lps 5 Amp Instrument Panel Lights, Light Switch Rheostat, Headlight Warning, Rear Window Defogger Switch Light
  13. 13 - Wdo 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Power Tailgate Window, Power Windows
  14. 14 - Pwr-Accy 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Power Tailgate Window (Rear Switch), Power Door Locks, Rear Defogger

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1988-91 "R" & "V" SERIES)
  1. 1 - HORN/DIM 20 Amp (Yellow) Horn, Cigarette Lighter, Dome & Cargo Lights, Clock
  2. 2 - T/L CTSY 20 Amp (Yellow) Taillights/Courtesy Lights, Parking Lights, Roof Marker
  3. 3 - ECM B 10 Amp (Red) (Gasoline Models) Electronic Control Module Memory, TBI Fuel Pump, TBI Auxiliary Tank Selector Switch
  4. 4 - IGN 20 Amp (Yellow) Rear Defogger, Cruise Control, Engine Overspeed Light, Carbureted & Diesel Auxiliary Fuel Tank Selector Switch
  5. 5 - GAUGE/IDLE 20 Amp (Yellow) Instrument Cluster, Seat Belt & Lights On Buzzer, TBI Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid, Auxiliary Coolant Fan Relay, TBI Fuel Pump Priming Module, Transmission Kickdown Relay and Solenoid (M40), A.I.R. Divert Solenoid (Carbureted Models), Water in Fuel Sensor & Fuel Heater (Diesel)
  6. 6 - TURN-B/U 15 Amp (Blue) Directional Signals, Back-Up Lights
  7. 7 - ECM I 10 Amp (Red) (Gasoline Models) ECM-Ignition Feed (Ing. 1), Vehicle Speed Sensor, TBI Spark Control Module, TBI Fuel Injectors, TBI A.I.R. Divert Solenoid, TBI EGR or E.V.R.V. Solenoid
  8. 8 - INST LPS 5 Amp Instrument Panel Lights, Lights On Reminder Module
  9. 9 - AUX HTR A/C 25 Amp Auxiliary Heater & Air Conditioning
  10. 10 - HTR A/C 20 Amp (Yellow) Heater & Air Conditioning
  11. 11 - PWR WDO 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Power Windows
  12. 12 - Not Used (1988-90) DRL 15 Amp (Blue) (1991) Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
  13. 13 - PWR ACC 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Tailgate Power Window, Rear Defogger, Power Door Locks
  14. 14 - STOP-HAZ 15 Amp (Blue) Hazard Flasher, Seat Belt & Headlight On Buzzer, Stop Lights
  15. 15 - RADIO 15 Amp (Blue) Radio, Auxiliary Battery Relay, 4WD Indicator Light, Automatic Transmission, Converter Clutch Solenoid (Diesel)
  16. 16 - WIPER 25 Amp Windshield Wipers, Washer Pump
  17. 17 - CRANK 3 Amp (Violet) (Gasoline Models) Electronic Control Module, Crank Circuit
  18. 18 - CHOKE 20 Amp (Yellow) (1988-90) Not Used (1991) Carburetor Choke Heater