2008 Chevrolet Express Owner Manual Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 Front Seats ............................................... 1-2 Rear Seats ............................................... 1-6 Safety Belts ............................................. 1-10 Child Restraints ....................................... 1-29 Airbag System ......................................... 1-57 Restraint System Check ............................ 1-75 Features and Controls .......................
Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer/retailer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the name CHEVY EXPRESS are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice.
Using this Manual Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If this is done, it can help you learn about the features and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work together in the owner manual to explain things. If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, refer to the DURAMAX® Diesel supplement for additional and specific information on this engine.
Vehicle Damage Warnings Vehicle Symbols You will also find notices in this manual. The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage, or indicator. Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle.
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Front Seats ......................................................1-2 Manual Seats ................................................1-2 Power Seat ...................................................1-3 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-3 Rear Seats .......................................................1-6 Rear Seat Operation .......................................1-6 Safety Belts ...................................................
Front Seats Manual Seats {CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. Lift the bar located under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.
Power Seat Reclining Seatbacks {CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. {CAUTION: If your vehicle has front power seat(s), you can adjust them with these controls located at the front center of the seat cushion.
To return the seatback to an upright position, do the following: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback and the seatback will return to the upright position. 2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked. To recline the seatback, do the following: 1. Lift the recline lever. 2. Move the seatback to the desired position, then release the lever to lock the seatback in place. 3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
{CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts cannot do their job when you are reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash, the belt could go up over your abdomen.
Rear Seats Rear Seat Operation Removing the Rear Seat Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap-shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed. 1. To do this, press the tip of a key into the release hole of the safety belt buckle while pulling up on the safety belt. Three Passenger Seat Shown The driver’s side pin has a gray cap with a black “L” marked on it. 2. Locate the pins. On a three passenger seat there are two pins located on the inboard sides of the rear seats.
3. Pull the pin handle up to disengage the pin from the retaining clip, then pull the pin out. 4. Repeat this procedure for the other pins. 5. Pull the seat rearward about 2 inches (5 cm) and then lift the seat from the floor rails. 6. Remove the seat from the vehicle. 7. For the first row rear seat, stow the safety belt latch by attaching the clip on the safety belt latch to the trim just inside the side door.
Replacing the Rear Seats {CAUTION: A seat that is not locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it. {CAUTION: A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured.
Three Passenger Seat Shown 4. Push the pin(s) marked “R” down until they are in the retaining clip. Three Passenger Seat Shown 5. Push the pin(s) marked “L” down until they are in the retaining clip. 6. If the vehicle has a floor mat, put the flap back to its original position. 7. Repeat this procedure for the other seat base. 8. Connect the quick-release latch plates for the lap-shoulder belts by inserting the latch plates into the buckles attached at the outboard positions of the bench seat.
Safety Belts {CAUTION: Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. {CAUTION: Do not let anyone ride where he or she cannot wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you are not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected from it and be seriously injured or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot! Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop. 1-12 The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
or the instrument panel... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt? A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety belt or not. But your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-29 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-32. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit snugly against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give as much protection this way.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not on the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied on the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests. A: The belt is over an armrest.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Your body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. You might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. A: The belt is behind the body.
Q: What is wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer/retailer to fix it. Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in your vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of a passenger belt out all the way, you may engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. 3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants. Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Your vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
Safety Belt Pretensioners Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your vehicle is below 8,500 lb (3 855 kg) then your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for the front occupants. You can find the GVWR on the certification label on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20 for more information. Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults.
2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 1-26 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
{CAUTION: A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. 4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as described in previously in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Child Restraints Older Children The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booster seat, state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the below fit test: • Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. • Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue.
Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.
{CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child might slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The child could also move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued) children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. {CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed.
Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? {CAUTION: A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available.
Child Restraint Systems {CAUTION: The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries.
Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle {CAUTION: A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-36 A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle.
When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle.
Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle.
Top Tether Anchor Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.
See the information following for installing a child restraint with a top tether in the second, third and fourth row center positions. Do not install three child restraints in the same row at the same time and never install two top tethers using the same top tether anchor. i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-38 for additional information. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System {CAUTION: Front Passenger Position There is a top tether anchor for the front passenger position with a front passenger seat. The anchor is located at the rear of the seat cushion on the right front passenger’s seat.
{CAUTION: {CAUTION: Each top tether anchor and lower anchor in the vehicle is designed to hold only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per anchor.
1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position. 1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 1.3.
If the position you are using has an integrated headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint. 3. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.
If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. If you need to install more than one child restraint in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-38. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2.
4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Passenger Sensing System) Your vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-38.
If your vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, we recommend that rear-facing child restraints not be transported in your vehicle, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-39 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if necessary. 1-50 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.
7. If your vehicle does not have a rear seat and your child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-39 for more information. 8. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started.
Remove any additional material from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters or seat massagers before reinstalling or securing the child restraint. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Airbag Off Switch) If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer/retailer.
{CAUTION: {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. If the airbag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The right front passenger’s airbag could inflate even though the switch is off.
If your vehicle does not have a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, we recommend that rear-facing child restraints not be transported in your vehicle, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-39 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if necessary. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.
8. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.
Airbag System Your vehicle has the following airbag: • A frontal airbag for the driver. Your vehicle may have the following airbags: • A frontal airbag for the right front passenger. • A roof-rail airbag for the driver (cargo van). • A roof-rail airbag for the right front passenger position (cargo or passenger van equipped with a sliding door).
Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: {CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them.
{CAUTION: {CAUTION: Airbags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to the airbag, as you would be if you were sitting on the edge of your seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with airbags.
Where Are the Airbags? If your vehicle has one, the right front passenger’s airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar If your vehicle is a cargo or passenger van with a sliding door and it has a roof-rail airbag for the driver and right front passenger position, the roof-rail airbags are in the ceiling above the side window.
For passenger vans with a sliding door, on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, you will have a separate roof-rail airbag for the passenger seated directly behind the right front passenger and the third row outboard passenger position. {CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear.
• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). • If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. Single Stage vs.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel.
The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.
Airbag Off Switch If your instrument panel has one of the switches pictured in the following illustrations, your vehicle has an airbag on-off switch that you can use to manually turn on or off the right front passenger’s airbag. This switch should only be turned to airbag OFF if the person in the right front passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identified by the national government as follows: Infant.
Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician: • Causes the passenger airbag to pose a special risk for the passenger; and • Makes the potential harm from the passenger airbag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the airbag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.
The airbag off light will come on to let you know that the right front passenger’s airbag is off. The airbag off light will stay on to remind you that the airbag is off. See Airbag Off Light on page 3-30. The airbag off light will stay on to remind you that the airbag is off. The right front passenger’s airbag will remain off until you turn it back on again.
Passenger Sensing System If your instrument panel has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, your vehicle has a passenger sensing system unless there is an airbag off switch located on the instrument panel. If there is an airbag off switch, your vehicle does not have a passenger sensing system. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-66 for more information. The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, will be visible during the system check.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag.
If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (With Passenger Sensing System) in the Index.
{CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-29 for more on this, including important safety information.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has approved for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-74 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly.
Restraint System Check Airbags Checking the Restraint Systems The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-29 for more information. Safety Belts Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts.
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash {CAUTION: A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-2 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation ...................................................2-4 Doors and Locks .............................................2-6 Door Locks ....................................................2-6 Power Door Locks ..........................................2-7 Cargo Door Relocking .....................................
Keys {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children. The key can be used for the ignition and all door locks.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, it operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any RKE system.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 65 feet (20 m) away with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3. If enabled through the DIC, the horn will chirp when Q is pressed again within five seconds of the previous press of the lock button.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be re-coded to match the new transmitter. The lost transmitter will no longer work after the new transmitters are re-coded. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.
Doors and Locks Door Locks There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with keyless entry, see Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3 for more information. From the outside, use your key. {CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. • Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it.
Power Door Locks This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition. On vehicles with power door locks, the switches are located on the doors. You can program this feature using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DELAY DOOR LOCK under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-60. T: Press the bottom of the switch to lock all the doors at once. Press the top of the switch to unlock all the doors at once. When a door is locked, the inside door handle will not work.
Automatic Door Lock For the 60/40 side swing-out door, move the button to the right for the driver’s side door or to the left for the passenger’s side door to engage the security feature. The doors will automatically lock when the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P). The automatic door locking feature cannot be disabled. Automatic Door Unlock The vehicle doors with automatically unlock when the shift lever is moved into PARK (P).
For the side sliding door, move the button up to engage the security feature. Move the button down to return the door locks to normal operation. Sliding Side Door Side Sliding Door Lockout Protection This feature protects you from locking your key in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a door is open. To open the sliding side door from the outside, pull the handle toward the rear of the vehicle and slide the door open.
60/40 Swing-Out Side Door To open the sliding side door from the inside, turn the handle upward and toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide the door toward the rear of the vehicle. To close the sliding side door from the inside, grasp the handle and slide the door toward the front of the vehicle. Make sure the door is completely closed before driving away. 2-10 To open the front portion of a 60/40 door from the outside, pull out on the handle and pull the door toward you.
To open the front portion of a 60/40 door from the inside, pull the handle toward you and push open the door. To open the rear portion of a 60/40 door from the outside, pull the handle on the side of the rear door and pull the door toward you. To close the 60/40 side doors, close the rear door first. Then close the front door. Check to make sure that both doors are completely closed. The front side swing-out door has a check strap assembly in the door frame to keep the door from opening beyond 90 degrees.
Rear Doors To open the rear doors from the outside, pull the handle toward you to open the passenger side rear door first. {CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. • Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.
Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Manual Windows To operate your manual windows, turn the hand crank on each door to raise or lower your side door windows. Power Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome from extreme heat in warm or hot weather and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke.
If you have power windows, the controls are located on each of the side doors. Express-Down The driver and front passenger window switches also has an express-down feature that allows the window to be lowered without holding the switch. Press fully and release the side of the window switch marked AUTO to activate the express-down mode. This mode can be cancelled at any time by pulling up on the switch. To open the window part way, lightly tap the switch until the window is at the desired position.
Swing-Out Windows Rear Swing-Out Windows Side Swing-Out Window To open the side door swing-out window, pull up on the latch at the edge of the window. Swing the window out and push down on the latch to lock the window into place. To close the window, pull the latch toward you and push down on the latch to lock it. 2-16 Your vehicle also has rear swing-out windows. The rear swing-out windows work the same way as the side swing out window, but the latch is located at the bottom edge of the window.
Enhanced Technology Glass Sun Visors Your vehicle may be equipped with Enhanced Technology Glass (ETG). ETG is part of the overall occupant protection system on passenger vans. ETG may help to keep passengers sitting next to these fixed windows from being ejected through the glass in some, but not in all crashes. Even with this glass, seat belts must still be worn at all times. For passenger vans, use only ETG glass approved for your vehicle for replacement when damaged.
PASS-Key® III+ PASS-Key® III+ Operation The PASS-Key® III+ system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key® III+ (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key® III+ is a passive theft deterrent system. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the instrument panel PASS KEY fuse. If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key® III+ to have a new key made. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-109.
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Ignition Positions Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four different positions. Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: • Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). • Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the accessory ignition position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the accessory ignition position for a long period of time. C (ON/RUN): This is the position for driving. The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off.
Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts. Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components.
Fuel Regulator Your vehicle has a fuel regulator that shuts the fuel off when the engine reaches 5,600 rpm. Engine Coolant Heater If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting your vehicle.
Automatic Transmission Operation {CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. 2-24 Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-30. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you need more power for passing, and you are: • Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. • Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You will shift down to the next gear and have more power. Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding” under Loss of Control on page 4-11.
Tow/Haul Mode Tow/haul is designed to assist while your vehicle is pulling a large or heavy load or trailer. Tow/haul is most useful while pulling such a load in rolling terrain, in stop-and-go traffic, or when you need improved low-speed control, such as when parking.
Parking Brake If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above the parking brake pedal, with the parking brake symbol, to release the parking brake. If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released, the brake system warning light will go off. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts.
Shifting Into PARK (P) {CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. 1.
Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your vehicle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-29.
Parking Over Things That Burn {CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn. Engine Exhaust {CAUTION: Engine exhaust and fuel operated heater exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
Running the Engine While Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. {CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. See the earlier caution under Engine Exhaust on page 2-31. Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the climate control fan is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage.
Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the lamps behind you. Push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
Outside Power Mirrors If the vehicle has power mirrors, the control is located on the driver’s side door. Outside Convex Mirror {CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Outside Heated Mirrors If your vehicle is equipped with outside heated mirrors, they can be defrosted by pressing the mirror button located near the fan control. Storage Areas Your vehicle may have a front storage compartment. It is located at the center of the instrument panel extension, by the floor. To open the compartment, pull up on the latch. The compartment will open automatically. Storage compartments may also be included on the inside of each front door.
✍ NOTES 2-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Overview ...............................3-4 Hazard Warning Flashers ................................3-6 Other Warning Devices ...................................3-6 Horn .............................................................3-6 Tilt Wheel .....................................................3-6 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .........................3-7 Turn and Lane-Change Signals ........................3-8 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer ..............
Section 3 Instrument Panel Highbeam On Light .......................................3-43 Tow/Haul Mode Light ....................................3-43 Fuel Gage ...................................................3-43 Driver Information Center (DIC) .......................3-44 DIC Operation and Displays ...........................3-45 DIC Compass ..............................................3-50 DIC Warnings and Messages .........................3-52 DIC Vehicle Customization .............................
✍ NOTES 3-3
Instrument Panel Overview 3-4
The main components of the instrument panel are the following: A. Air Outlets. See Outlet Adjustment on page 3-22. B. Driver Information Center Buttons. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-44. C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7. D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. See Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6. E. Instrument Panel Cluster. See Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-26. F. Shift Lever. See Starting the Engine on page 2-21. G.
Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices The hazard warning flashers warn others. They also let the police and other emergency vehicles know you have a problem. If you carry reflective triangles, you can set them up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. The hazard warning flasher button is located on top of the steering column. Horn Press the horn symbol in the middle of the steering wheel to sound the horn.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the wheel in place. The lever on the left side of the steering column includes the following: • G Turn and Lane Change Signals. Turn and Lane-Change Signals on page 3-8. • 53 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer. Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-9. • Flash-to-Pass Feature. See Flash-to-Pass on page 3-9. • N Windshield Wipers.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. An arrow on the instrument panel cluster will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change. To signal a lane change, raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash.
Turn Signal On Chime Flash-to-Pass If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the turn signal and the message TURN SIGNAL ON also appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-52. To turn off the chime and message, move the turn signal lever to the off position. This feature allows you to use your high-beam headlamps to signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
d (Low Speed): For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the first solid band past the delay settings position. a (High Speed): For high-speed wiping, turn the band further, to the second solid band past the delay settings. 9 (Off): To stop the wipers, move the band to off. Windshield Washer L (Washer Fluid): There is a paddle marked with the windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle.
Cruise Control {CAUTION: Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. If your vehicle has the StabiliTrak® system and begins to limit wheel spin while you are using cruise control, the cruise control will automatically disengage. See StabiliTrak® System on page 4-5. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise control back on.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate): Press this button to make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously set speed. SET − (Set/Coast): Press this button to set the speed or make the vehicle decelerate. [ (Cancel): Press this button to cancel cruise control without erasing the set speed from memory. Setting Cruise Control {CAUTION: If you leave your cruise control on when you are not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you do not want to. You could be startled and even lose control.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control To increase the cruise speed while using cruise control: • Press and hold the +RES button on the steering wheel until you reach your new desired speed, then release it. • To increase vehicle speed in small increments, press the +RES button. Each time you do this, you will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
Exterior Lamps The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
When the headlamps are turned on while the vehicle is on, the headlamps will turn off automatically 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off. When the headlamps are turned on while the vehicle is off, the headlamps will continue to stay on. To prevent the battery from being drained, turn the control to the off position. A warning chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the ignition switch is off and the headlamps are on.
Automatic Headlamp System When it is dark enough outside and the headlamp switch is in AUTO, the automatic headlamp system will turn on the headlamps at the normal brightness along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, roof marker lamps, and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim. If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic headlamp system will come on immediately.
Dome Lamps Entry/Exit Lighting The dome lamps come on when any door is opened. They turn off after all the doors are closed. Your vehicle has an illuminated entry/exit feature. The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the instrument panel brightness knob, located next to the exterior lamps control, clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or closed.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage or voltage display on the Driver Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed. The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter If your vehicle has this feature it is located in the center console or on the instrument panel. Pull up on the ashtray door to open it if it is in the console or pull the door open it if it is on the instrument panel. Notice: If you put papers, pins, or other flammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them and possibly damage your vehicle. Never put flammable items in the ashtray.
To change the current mode, select one of the following: 9 (Off): If your vehicle has air conditioning, your heating/air conditioning controls will look like this: This turns the system off. H (Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument panel outlets. ) (Bi-Level): This mode directs about half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, then directs most of the remaining air to the floor outlets. Some air may be directed toward the windshield.
Defogging and Defrosting Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear. Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This can be minimized if the climate control is used properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost from the windshield and side windows. Rear Window Defogger Use the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Outlet Adjustment Use the outlets located near the center and on the sides of the instrument panel to change the direction of airflow. Operation Tips • Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air inlets at the base of the windshield that may block the flow of air into your vehicle. • Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may adversely affect the performance of the system. • Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more effectively.
Q (High): Turn the thumbwheel to this position to supply the most amount of heat to the rear-seating area. c (Medium): Turn the thumbwheel to this position to supply half the amount of heat to the rear-seating area. R (Low): Turn the thumbwheel to this position to supply the least amount of heat to the rear-seating area. 9 (Off): Turn the thumbwheel to this position to turn the rear heating system off.
A rear seat passenger can use this control panel to personally adjust the temperature, the direction of the airflow and the fan speed for the rear seating area. The fan knob located on the front climate control panel must be turned to AUX (Auxiliary) to let a rear seat passenger use the control panel in the rear seating area. Performing this action disables the front control panel. To return control to this panel, move the fan knob out of AUX.
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Instrument Panel Cluster The instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how the vehicle is running. You will know how fast you are going, how much fuel you are using, and many other things you will need to know to drive safely and economically. If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information.
Speedometer and Odometer Trip Odometer The speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero. The odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada).
Safety Belt Reminders Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light Safety Belt Reminder Light Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime will sound for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. This would only occur if the passenger airbag is enabled. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-69 for more information. The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, will come on and stay on for several seconds and then flash for several more.
Airbag Readiness Light There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 1-57.
Airbag Off Light When you manually turn the right front passenger’s airbag off using the airbag on-off switch, if equipped, on the instrument panel, the indicator light OFF or the off symbol will come on and stay on to remind you that the airbag has been turned off. This light will go off when you turn the airbag on. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-66 for more on this, including important safety information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The right front passenger’s airbag could inflate even though the switch is off.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the right front passenger’s frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate). {CAUTION: If the on indicator comes on when you have a rear-facing child restraint installed in the right front passenger’s seat, it means that the passenger sensing system has not turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag. A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer/retailer for service. {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system.
Voltmeter Gage When your engine is not running, but the ignition is on, this gage shows the battery’s state of charge in DC volts. You can only drive for a short time with the reading in either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off all unnecessary accessories. Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-28 for more information. The light will stay on if your parking brake does not release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem. If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push, or the pedal may go closer to the floor.
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light Engine Coolant Temperature Gage If you have the StabiliTrak® system, this light will be on or flashing, according to the description table for the StabiliTrak® system. For more information, see StabiliTrak® System on page 4-5. You will hear three chimes if the light turns on and one chime if the light turns off. If this light remains on steady, your vehicle needs to be taken in for service. United States Canada This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
Tire Pressure Light This light comes on briefly when the engine is started. A tire pressure message in the Driver Information Center (DIC), may accompany the light. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-52 for more information. Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the proper pressure. See Tires on page 5-56 for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Check Engine Light A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The check engine light comes on to indicate that there is an OBD II problem and service is required. Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem is apparent.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working, when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired. This light also comes on during a malfunction in one of two ways: • Light Flashing — A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See Gasoline Octane on page 5-6. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration — these conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up. This will be detected by the system and cause the light to turn on.
Oil Pressure Gage A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as possible. {CAUTION: Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.
Oil Pressure Light Security Light {CAUTION: Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always follow the maintenance schedule in this manual for changing engine oil.
Highbeam On Light Fuel Gage This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-9 for more information. Tow/Haul Mode Light This light comes on when the Tow/Haul mode has been activated. United States Canada The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about how much fuel you have left in your tank. The gage will first indicate empty before you are out of fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as possible.
Listed are four situations you may experience with your fuel gage: • At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads full. • It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank. • The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up. • The gage does not go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
DIC Operation and Displays The DIC has different displays which can be accessed by pressing the DIC buttons located on the instrument panel, next to the instrument panel cluster. DIC Buttons The buttons are the trip/fuel, vehicle information, customization, and set/reset buttons. The button functions are detailed in the following pages.
Trip Odometers Press the trip/fuel button until A or B displays. This display shows the current distance traveled in either miles (mi) or kilometers (km) since the last reset for each trip odometer. Both trip odometers can be used at the same time. Each trip odometer can be reset to zero separately by pressing the set/reset button while the desired trip odometer is displayed. The trip odometer has a feature called the retro-active reset.
Average Economy Press the trip/fuel button until AVG ECONOMY displays. This display shows the approximate average miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km). This number is calculated based on the number of mpg (L/100 km) recorded since the last time this menu item was reset. To reset AVG ECONOMY, press and hold the set/reset button. The display will return to zero. Fuel Used Press the trip/fuel button until FUEL USED displays.
Vehicle Information Menu Items T (Vehicle Information): Press this button to scroll through the following menu items: Oil Life Press the vehicle information button until OIL LIFE REMAINING displays. This display shows an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. If you see 99% OIL LIFE REMAINING on the display, that means 99% of the current oil life remains. The engine oil life system will alert you to change the oil on a schedule consistent with your driving conditions.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service. Engine Hours Press the vehicle information button until ENGINE HOURS displays. This display shows the total number of hours the engine has run. Relearn Tire Positions Your vehicle may have this display. To access this display, the vehicle must be in PARK (P).
DIC Compass Your vehicle may have a compass in the Driver Information Center (DIC). Compass Zone Your dealer/retailer will set the correct zone for your location. Under certain circumstances, such as during a long distance cross-country trip or moving to a new state or province, it will be necessary to compensate for compass variance by resetting the zone through the DIC if the zone is not set correctly. Compass variance is the difference between the earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north.
Compass Calibration To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure: The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location, such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers, or other industrial structures, if possible. Compass Calibration Procedure If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the compass should be calibrated.
DIC Warnings and Messages AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver that the status of the vehicle has changed and that some action may be needed by the driver to correct the condition. Multiple messages may appear one after another. This message displays when the automatic headlamps are turned off. See Exterior Lamps on page 3-14 for more information.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DRIVER DOOR OPEN This message displays when the engine oil needs to be changed. When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message. See Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18 for information on how to reset the message. See Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15 and Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4 for more information. This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the oil level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure this message clears. See Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15 for additional information. ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE PASSENGER DOOR OPEN This message displays when the outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly. This message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN On some vehicles, this message displays and a chime sounds if the passenger side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is in a drive gear. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC. SERVICE A/C SYSTEM This message displays when the electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and heating systems are no longer working.
SERVICE STABILITRAK ® SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM If your vehicle has StabiliTrak and this message displays, it means there may be a problem with the StabiliTrak® system. If you see this message, try to reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least 15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON There are several conditions that can cause this message to appear. This message displays when a non-emissions related malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE THROTTLE TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE This message cannot be acknowledged. If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this message displays when the system is re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. See DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-45 for more information. The tire positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE WAIT TO START Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the transmission fluid is overheating and the transmission temperature warning is displayed on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that would not be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated transmission fluid or while the transmission temperature warning is displayed.
Entering the Feature Settings Menu 1. Turn the ignition on and place the vehicle in PARK (P). To avoid excessive drain on the battery, it is recommended that the headlamps are turned off. 2. Press the customization button to enter the feature settings menu. If the menu is not available, FEATURE SETTINGS AVAILABLE IN PARK will display. Before entering the menu, make sure the vehicle is in PARK (P). LANGUAGE This feature allows you to select the language in which the DIC messages will appear.
Press the customization button until AUTO DOOR LOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to access the settings for this feature. Then press the customization button to scroll through the following settings: Press the customization button until AUTO DOOR UNLOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to access the settings for this feature.
REMOTE DOOR LOCK This feature allows you to select the type of feedback you will receive when locking the vehicle with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. You will not receive feedback when locking the vehicle with the RKE transmitter if the doors are open. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4 for more information. Press the customization button until REMOTE DOOR LOCK appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to access the settings for this feature.
DELAY DOOR LOCK EXIT LIGHTING This feature allows you to select whether or not the locking of the vehicle’s doors will be delayed. When locking the doors with the power door lock switch and a door is open, this feature will delay locking the doors until five seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use. The key must be out of the ignition for this feature to work.
CHIME VOLUME This feature allows you to select the volume level of the chime. Press the customization button until CHIME VOLUME appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button once to access the settings for this feature. Then press the customization button to scroll through the following settings: NORMAL: The chime volume will be set to a normal level. LOUD: The chime volume will be set to a loud level. NO CHANGE: No change will be made to this feature. The current setting will remain.
Exiting the Feature Settings Menu The feature settings menu will be exited when any of the following occurs: • The vehicle is no longer in ON/RUN. • The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttons are pressed. • The end of the feature settings menu is reached and exited. • A 40 second time period has elapsed with no selection made.
While your vehicle is parked: • Familiarize yourself with all of its controls. • Familiarize yourself with its operation. • Set up your audio system by presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite radio stations using the presets and steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Setting the Clock MP3 Radio with a Single CD Player AM-FM Radio with Optional CD Player If your vehicle has a radio with a single CD (MP3) player, the radio has a H button for setting the time and date. If your vehicle has an AM/FM radio with an optional CD player, it has a H (clock) button for setting the time. With these types of radios, the clock can be set with either the radio turned on or off. Set the time by following these steps: 1.
Changing the Time and Date Default Settings You can change the time default setting from 12 hours to 24 hours or change the date default setting from month/day/year to day/month/year. To change the time or date default settings, follow these instructions: 1. Press the H button and then the pushbutton located under the forward arrow that is currently displayed on the radio screen until the time 12H (hour) and 24H (hour), and the date MM/DD (month and day) and DD/MM (day and month) are displayed. 2.
Changing the Time and Date Default Settings Radio(s) You can change the time default setting from 12 hours to 24 hours or change the date default setting from month/day/year to day/month/year. To change the time or date default settings, follow these instructions: 1. Press the MENU button.
Radio Data System (RDS) Your Radio may have a Radio Data System (RDS). The RDS feature is available for use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. This system relies upon receiving specific information from these stations and only works when the information is available. While the radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the station name or call letters displays. In rare cases, a radio station could broadcast incorrect information that causes the radio features to work improperly.
4 (Information) (AM-FM Radio and Radio with CD (Base)): Press to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. While the ignition is off, press to display the time. 4 (Information) (MP3 and RDS Features): Press to display additional text information related to the current FM-RDS station or MP3 song. A choice of additional information such as: Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT (category) can display.
Finding a Station BAND: Press to switch between FM1 and FM2 and AM. The selection displays. f (Tune): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the station frequency. © SEEK ¨: Press the arrows to go to the previous or to the next station and stay there. To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for two seconds until a beep sounds. The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to the next station.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to your favorite stations using the presets, favorites button, and steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature. See Defensive Driving on page 4-2.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) (AM-FM Radio and Radio with CD (Base)) BASS/TREB Bass/Treble: To adjust the bass or treble, press the f knob or the EQ button until the desired tone control label displays. Turn the f knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the setting. The display shows the current bass or treble level. If a station’s frequency is weak, or if there is static, decrease the treble. Unique BASS/TREB settings can be saved for each source.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) Radio Messages BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To adjust balance or fade, press the f knob until the speaker control labels display. Continue pressing to highlight the desired label, or press the pushbutton positioned under the desired label. Turn the f knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the highlighted setting. Calibration Error: The audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory.
To insert multiple CDs, do the following: 1. Press and hold the ^ button for two seconds. A beep sounds and Load All Discs displays. 2. Follow the displayed instruction on when to insert the discs. The CD player takes up to six CDs. 3. Press the ^ button again to cancel loading more CDs. Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up. The player pulls it in and the CD should begin playing. If you want to insert a CD with the ignition off, first press the Z button or the DISP knob.
Care of Your CD and DVD Player f (Tune): Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caught in the CD or DVD player. If a CD is recorded on a personal computer and a description label is needed, try labeling the top of the recorded CD with a marking pen. playing. The use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD and DVD player mechanism.
To use random on the Base Radio with Single CD player, do the following: • Press the RDM button to play tracks from a CD in random order. The random icon displays. Press again to turn off random play. The random icon disappears from the display. To use random on an Uplevel Radio with a Single CD player, do the following: 1. Press the CD/AUX button, insert a disc partway into the slot of the CD player. A RDM label displays. 2.
Playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc Your radio with a Single CD player or a Six-Disc CD player has the capability of playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW disc. For more information on how to play an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW disc, see “Using an MP3” in the index. CD Messages REMOVE/CHECK DISC: Radios with a Single CD player or radios with a Six-Disc player displays CHECK DISC and/or ejects the CD if an error occurs.
To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s front auxiliary input jack. When a device is connected, press the radio CD/AUX button to begin playing audio from the device over the vehicle speakers. O (Power/Volume): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume of the portable player. You might need to do additional volume adjustments from the portable device if the volume is not loud or soft enough.
MP3 Format If you burn your own MP3 disc on a personal computer: • Make sure the MP3 files are recorded on a CD-R or CD-RW disc. • Do not mix standard audio and MP3 files on one disc. • The CD player is able to read and play a maximum of 50 folders, 15 playlists, and 512 folders and files. • Create a folder structure that makes it easy to find songs while driving. Organize songs by albums using one folder for each album. Each folder or album should contain 18 songs or less. • Avoid subfolders.
Root Directory Order of Play The root directory of the CD-R or CD-RW is treated as a folder. If the root directory has compressed audio files, the directory displays as the CD label. All files contained directly under the root directory are accessed prior to any root directory folders. However, playlists (Px) are always accessed before root folders or files. Tracks recorded to the CD-R or CD-RW are played in the following order: If a disc contains both uncompressed CD audio (.
Preprogrammed Playlists Preprogrammed playlists that were created using WinAmp™, MusicMatch™, or Real Jukebox™ software can be accessed, however, they cannot be edited using the radio. These playlists are treated as special folders containing compressed audio song files. Playing an MP3 Insert a CD-R or CD-RW partway into the slot (Single CD Player), or press the load button and wait for the message to insert disc (Six-Disc CD Player), label side up.
s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button to reverse playback quickly within an MP3 file. Sound is heard at a reduced volume. Release this button to resume playing the file. The elapsed time of the file displays. \ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold this button to advance playback quickly within an MP3 file. Sound is heard at a reduced volume. Release this button to resume playing the file. The elapsed time of the file displays.
To change from playback by artist to playback by album, press the pushbutton located below the Sort By label. From the sort screen, push one of the buttons below the album button. Press the pushbutton below the back label to return to the main music navigator screen. Now the album name is displayed on the second line between the arrows and songs from the current album begins to play.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls Vehicles with audio steering wheel controls could differ depending on your vehicle’s options. Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include the following: To scan stations, press and hold the down arrow for two seconds until SCAN displays and a beep sounds. The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to the next station. Press the down arrow again to stop scanning.
Radio Reception FM Stereo Frequency interference and static can occur during normal radio reception if items such as cell phone chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item from the accessory power outlet. FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..........4-2 Defensive Driving ...........................................4-2 Drunk Driving .................................................4-2 Control of a Vehicle ........................................4-3 Braking .........................................................4-3 Antilock Brake System (ABS) ...........................4-4 Braking in Emergencies ...................................4-5 Locking Rear Axle ...................
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Defensive Driving Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear your safety belt — See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 1-10. {CAUTION: Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready. In addition: • Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured. Control of a Vehicle For persons under 21, it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied. Antilock Brake System (ABS) Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake.
ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance.
Pressing and holding the StabiliTrak® button located on the instrument panel for more than five seconds can turn off StabiliTrak® and part of the traction control system. For more information, see StabiliTrak® Indicator Light on page 3-36. For your safety, the system can only be disabled when the vehicle speed is less than 20 mph (32 km/h). You will hear three chimes and the StabiliTrak® not ready light will come on. To turn on the StabiliTrak® system, press the StabiliTrak® button again.
Traction Control Operation All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System ® The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary. If the brake-traction control system activates constantly or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed braking, the brake-traction control will be automatically disabled.
Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here is why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction.
Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem.
Off-Road Recovery Passing You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you are driving. Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing, we suggest the following tips: • Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect a successful pass. If in doubt, wait. • Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems — brakes, steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Night driving tips include: • Drive defensively. • Do not drink and drive. • Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside rearview mirror. • Slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles because your headlamps can only light up so much road ahead. 4-12 • • • • • Watch for animals. When tired, pull off the road.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Hydroplaning Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep-standing or flowing water. Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip Highway Hypnosis To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing. Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: • Keep your vehicle serviced and in good shape. • Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission. • Going down steep or long hills, shift to a lower gear. {CAUTION: If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so hot that they would not work well.
Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: • Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. • You might want to put winter emergency supplies in your vehicle. Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and reflective warning triangles.
Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed, blowing, or loose snow — drive with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have ABS, begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-4.
{CAUTION: You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful. Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe and/or the fuel operated heater exhaust system, if equipped.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the battery (or batteries) charged. You will need a well-charged battery (or batteries) to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out Loading Your Vehicle First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stability system. See StabiliTrak® System on page 4-5. Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Tire and Loading Information Label The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the size of the original equipment tires (C) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires on page 5-56 and Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64. There is also important loading information on the vehicle Certification/Tire label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs). 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. 6.
Example 2 Item A B C Description Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = Subtract Occupant Weight 150 lbs (68 kg) × 5 = Available Cargo Weight = Example 3 Total Item 1,000 lbs (453 kg) A 750 lbs (136 kg) B 250 lbs (113 kg) C Description Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = Subtract Occupant Weight 200 lbs (91 kg) × 5 = Available Cargo Weight = Total 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 1000 lbs (453 kg) 0 lbs (0 kg) Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label for specific information about you
Certification/Tire Label The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
Add-On Equipment {CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. • Put things in the cargo area of your vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly. • Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats. • Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. • When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle behind another vehicle — such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as “dinghy” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly” (towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”). With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground. Notice: Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle if any of its wheels will be on the ground.
Towing a Trailer If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. {CAUTION: If you do not use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: • There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. • Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later in this section. • Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven.
The following charts show how much your trailer can weigh, based upon vehicle model and options. G1500 Cargo Van 2WD 4300 V6 5300 V8 Axle Ratio 3.73 3.73 Maximum Trailer Weight 4,400 lbs (1 996 kg) 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) GCWR* 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) H1500 Cargo Van AWD 5300 V8 Axle Ratio 3.73 Maximum Trailer Weight 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) GCWR* 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR* 3.
G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 4800 V8 6000 V8 G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 6000 V8 G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 4800 V8 6000 V8 Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR* 3.73 4.10 3.73 4.10 6,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 7,100 lbs (3 220 kg) 8,200 lbs (3 719 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR* 3.73 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR* 3.73 4.10 3.73 4.
G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 4800 V8 6000 V8 G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 6000 V8 G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 6000 V8 Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight 3.73 4.10 3.73 4.10 6,100 lbs (2 767 kg) 7,100 lbs (3 221 kg) 8,200 lbs (3 719 kg) 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR* 3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR* 3.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment, passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This will help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on the rear axle. After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
But let’s say your specific vehicle is equipped with some of the latest options and you have a front seat passenger and two rear seat passengers with some luggage and gear in the vehicle as well. You may add 300 lbs (136 kg) to the front axle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear axle weight. Your vehicle now weighs: The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times the actual weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by 1.5 leaves you with being able to handle only 600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight.
Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight Carrying Hitches The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg), be sure to use a properly mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the proper size. This equipment is very important for proper vehicle loading and good handling when you’re driving. You should always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more than these limits. You can ask a hitch dealer/retailer about sway controls.
Driving with a Trailer {CAUTION: If you have a rear-most window open and you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle. You can not see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or death. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-31. To maximize your safety when towing a trailer: • Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and make necessary repairs before starting on your trip. • Keep the rear-most windows closed.
Following Distance Making Turns Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. Passing When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal.
Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or a lower gear under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: • start your engine, • shift into a gear, and • release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks. Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this.
Trailer Wiring Harness The optional heavy-duty trailer wiring package includes a wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector at the rear of the vehicle and a four-wire harness assembly under the driver side of the instrument panel. The four-wire harness assembly comes without a connector. If your vehicle does not have a trailer hitch, the seven-wire harness assembly with connector is taped together and located in a frame pocket at the driver side rear left corner of the frame.
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Service ............................................................5-3 Accessories and Modifications ..........................5-3 California Proposition 65 Warning .....................5-4 California Perchlorate Materials Requirements .....5-4 Doing Your Own Service Work .........................5-4 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ..............................................5-5 Fuel ................................................................
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Tires ..............................................................5-56 Tire Sidewall Labeling ...................................5-56 Tire Terminology and Definitions .....................5-61 Inflation - Tire Pressure .................................5-64 Dual Tire Operation .......................................5-65 Tire Pressure Monitor System .........................5-66 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .....................5-67 Tire Inspection and Rotation ...
Service Accessories and Modifications For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer. You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to your vehicle they can affect your vehicle’s performance and safety, including such things as, airbags, braking, stability, ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes, traction control and stability control.
California Proposition 65 Warning Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems (including some inside the vehicle), many fluids, and some component wear by-products contain and/or emit these chemicals.
If you want to do some of your own service work, you should use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15. Fuel Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-73. For vehicles with gasoline engines, please read this.
Gasoline Octane California Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
Additives To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that help prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing the emission control system to work properly. In most cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter or number that identifies your vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the instrument panel. See Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on page 5-108. If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 4 only), you can use either regular unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85); also see Fuel on page 5-5.
E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you will need to refill the fuel tank more often when using E85 than when you are using gasoline. See Filling the Tank on page 5-10. Notice: Some additives are not compatible with E85 fuel and can harm your vehicle’s fuel system. Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused by additives would not be covered by your new vehicle warranty. Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol.
Filling the Tank {CAUTION: Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others, read and follow all the instructions on the pump island. Turn off your engine when you are refueling. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle. Do not use cellular phones. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended when refueling your vehicle. This is against the law in some places.
If the vehicle has E85 fuel capability, a yellow cap with the words “E85/gasoline” can be seen. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise. While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the hook on the fuel door. When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under the Hood {CAUTION: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: • Dispense fuel only into approved containers. • Do not fill a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or on any surface other than the ground.
Hood Release To open the hood: 1. Pull the handle with this symbol on it. It is located in front of the driver’s side door frame near the floor. 2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift up the secondary hood release, which is located underneath the middle of the hood. 3. Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood. If your vehicle has an underhood lamp, it will automatically come on and stay on until the hood is closed.
Engine Compartment Overview If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information.
A. Battery. See Battery on page 5-40. B. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Radiator Pressure Cap on page 5-27. C. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System on page 5-29. D. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking the Fluid Level” under Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-21. E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15. F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15. G.
When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-116. Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50. • Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it is recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. Engine Oil Additives Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard GM6094M are all you need for good performance and engine protection.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change the oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message being turned on, reset the system. To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message: 1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off. 2.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ® If your vehicle has the DURAMAX Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance II intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each 50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4 for more information. If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter. Make sure that the filter fits properly into the housing. 5. Reinstall the cover and fasten the retaining clips. {CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and the engine backfires, you could be burned.
How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid 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). Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service department. Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F (10°C).
Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: 1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. 2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 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.
How to Add Automatic Transmission Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13. Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmission dipstick tube 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.
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL® may cause premature engine, heater core, radiator and fuel operated heater (FOH) corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always use DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle. What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOL® coolant which will not damage aluminum parts.
Checking Coolant for Gasoline Engines Adding Coolant If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Checking Coolant” under “Van Models” in the DURAMAX® Diesel Supplement for information on checking your vehicle’s coolant. If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. The coolant recovery tank is located near the center of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for more information on location.
Radiator Pressure Cap {CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine. Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator. For information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see Cooling System on page 5-29. The radiator pressure cap is located near the center of the engine compartment.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine {CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on, you can drive normally. When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what you will see: If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the COLD FILL mark. If it is not, you may have a leak at the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the cooling system. {CAUTION: Heater, fuel operated heater (FOH), radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant.
• Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters full {CAUTION: Adding only plain water to the cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but you would not get the overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned.
If the overheat warning continues, there is one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it. {CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap — even a little — they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap, is hot.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24 for more information about the proper coolant mixture. 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the COLD FILL mark. 5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
Engine Fan Noise Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide more air to 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.
Power Steering Fluid The power steering fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 for reservoir location. How to Check Power Steering Fluid To check the power steering fluid, do the following: 1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment cool down. 2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean. 3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. 4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it. 5.
Windshield Washer Fluid • When using concentrated washer fluid, follow What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing. Adding Washer Fluid Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank is full.
Brakes Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14 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 hydraulic system.
Checking Brake Fluid The brake fluid can be checked without taking off the cap by looking at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above MIN. If it is not, have the brake hydraulic 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 helps keep dirt from entering the reservoir. {CAUTION: With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic system, the brakes might not work well. This could cause a crash.
Brake Wear Your vehicle has 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 can come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving, except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly. Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts. When you replace parts of the braking system — for example, when the brake linings wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved replacement parts. If you do not, the brakes might not work properly.
Jump Starting If your vehicle’s battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely. {CAUTION: Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: • They contain acid that can burn you. • They contain gas that can explode or ignite. • They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.
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 behind a red plastic cover near the engine accessory drive bracket on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, below the alternator.
{CAUTION: Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running. 5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable does not go to the dead battery.
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle. 5. Return the remote positive (+) terminal cover to its original position. Jumper Cable Removal A.
All-Wheel Drive Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these vehicles. However, there are two additional systems that need lubrication. Transfer Case When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. How to Check Lubricant To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface. If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant.
Rear Axle When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. How to Check Lubricant If you have the 1500 Series, the proper level is from 5/8 inch (15 mm) to 1 5/8 inch (40 mm) below the bottom of the filler plug hole. The proper level for the 2500 and 3500 Series is from 0 to 1/4 (6 mm) below the bottom of the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level.
Front Axle When to Check and Change Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. How to Check Lubricant To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface. If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you may need to add some lubricant. When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to 3/8 inch (10 mm) below the filler plug hole.
These standards apply only to vehicles sold in the United States. Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing thereof: 1. The removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair or replacement, of any device or element of design incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise control, prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use; or 2.
Bulb Replacement Headlamps For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see Replacement Bulbs on page 5-54. To remove the headlamp assembly from the vehicle and access the bulbs: For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer/retailer. 1. Open the hood. See Hood Release on page 5-13 for more information. 2. Remove the two bolts from the headlamp assembly. Halogen Bulbs {CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb.
4. Lift the inboard side of the headlamp to release the inboard tab from the radiator support. 5. Lift the outboard side of the headlamp to release the outboard tab from the radiator support. 6. Lower the headlamp to allow the vertical adjustor to clear the tie bar. 7. Turn the headlamp forward and upward to remove it from the grille. 8. Turn the bulb connector counterclockwise and pull it out of the housing. 9.
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking Lamps 3. Remove the lamp from the grille. To replace the front turn signal, sidemarker and/or parking lamp bulb(s): 5. Remove the bulb socket from the back of the lamp assembly. 4. Squeeze the tab on the side of the bulb socket while turning it counterclockwise. 6. Replace the bulb. 7. Turn the bulb socket clockwise to reinstall it in the lamp assembly.
To replace a bulb: Taillamps To replace one of these bulbs: 1. Remove the two inboard nuts from the inside of the taillamp assembly. 1. Remove the two screws from the CHMSL assembly. 2. Remove the assembly. 3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise one quarter turn to remove it from the socket. 4. Install a new bulb. 5. Reverse the steps to reinstall the assembly. If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, as in a luggage carrier, care should be taken not to block or damage the CHMSL. 2.
Replacement Bulbs 6. Remove the bulb socket by squeezing the tab on the side of the socket while turning it counterclockwise. 7. Turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it.
Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. To remove the type with a release clip, do the following: 1. Lift the wiper arm until it locks into a vertical position. 3. The insert has two notches at one end that are locked by bottom claws of the blade assembly. At the notched end, pull the insert from the blade assembly. 4. To install the new wiper insert, slide the notched end last, into the end with two blade claws.
Tires CAUTION: Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty booklet for details. {CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. • Overloading your vehicle’s tires can cause overheating as a result of too much flexing. You could have an air-out and a serious accident. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20.
(A) Tire Size: The tire size code is a combination of letters and numbers used to define a particular tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service description. See the “Tire Size” illustration later in this section for more detail. (B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria Specification): Original equipment tires designed to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
(E) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. (F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. For more information, see Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 5-76. (G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria Specification): Original equipment tires designed to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines. (C) Dual Tire Maximum Load: Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load when used in a dual configuration.
Tire Size The following examples show the different parts of a tire size. (A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The United States version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the first character in the tire size means a passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association. (A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: The United States version of a metric tire sizing system.
(D) Construction Code: A letter code is used to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means belted-bias ply construction. (E) Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel in inches. (F) Service Description: The service description indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire. The load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and date of production. Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles. Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20. Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Inflation - Tire Pressure Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively. Notice: Do not let anyone tell you that under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is not.
How to Check Dual Tire Operation Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are underinflated. Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Tire Pressure Monitor System The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the vehicle. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry and Science Canada The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
For additional information and details about the DIC operation and displays see DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-45 and DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-52. The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting low and need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
• One or more TPMS sensors are missing or damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS malfunction light should go off when the TPMS sensors are installed and the sensor matching process is performed successfully. See your dealer/retailer for service. • Replacement tires or wheels do not match your vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires and wheels other than those recommended for your vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. See Buying New Tires on page 5-74.
The TPMS sensor matching process is outlined below: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with the engine off. 3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time for approximately five seconds. The horn sounds twice to signal the receiver is in relearn mode and TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on the DIC screen.
Tire Inspection and Rotation We recommend that you regularly inspect your vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs of wear or damage. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-73 for more information. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to 13 000 km). See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle.
{CAUTION: Dual Rear Wheels If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, always use one of the correct rotation patterns shown here when rotating the tires. When you install dual wheels, be sure that vent holes in the inner and outer wheels on each side are lined up. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20.
When It Is Time for New Tires Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions, influence when you need new tires. One way to tell when it is time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. Some commercial truck tires may not have treadwear indicators.
Buying New Tires GM has developed and matched specific tires for your vehicle. The original equipment tires installed on your vehicle, when it was new, were designed to meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC spec) system rating. If you need replacement tires, GM strongly recommends that you get tires with the same TPC Spec rating.
Different Size Tires and Wheels {CAUTION: If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle. If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating, and construction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original tires.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and temperature performance. This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.
Traction – AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance Wheel Replacement The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary on a regular basis. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling to one side or the other, the alignment might need to be checked.
Used Replacement Wheels {CAUTION: Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement. {CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous.
Tire Chains {CAUTION: If your vehicle has dual wheels or P245/75R16 or LT245/75R16 size tires, do not use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash.
If a Tire Goes Flat It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard warning flashers. See Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6 for more information. CAUTION: (Continued) To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised. {CAUTION: Changing a tire can be dangerous.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools If you have a cargo van or a passenger van, the equipment you will need is located in the passenger side rear corner of the vehicle. Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it off of the mounting bracket. The following information tells you how to use the jack and change a tire. If you have a van with the 15-passenger seating arrangement, the equipment you will need is secured on the rear floor of the passenger side of the vehicle.
To access the equipment, remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it out of the mounting bracket. The tools you will be using include the jack (A), jack handle extension (B), jack handle (C), wheel wrench (D), and the ratchet (E). The spare tire is stored underneath the rear of your vehicle. You will use the wheel wrench (D) and the ratchet (E) to lower the spare tire from the vehicle.
To lower the spare tire from the vehicle: 1. Attach the wheel wrench and ratchet, with the DOWN side facing you. The wheel wrench has a socket end and a flat chisel end. Note that there is an UP side and a DOWN side on the ratchet. 2. Put the flat chisel end of the wheel wrench on an angle through the hole between the body and the bumper. Be sure the flat end connects into the hoist shaft. 3. Turn the ratchet counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire If your vehicle has plastic wheel nut caps, loosen them by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. The wheel nut caps are designed to remain with the center cap. Remove the center cap. If the wheel has a smooth center piece, place the chisel end of the wheel wrench in the slot on the wheel and gently pry it out. 1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-82 for more information. 4.
3. Assemble the jack and tools: Rear Position Front Position Front Flat: Assemble the jack (A) together with the jack handle (B) and ratchet (C) as shown. Be sure that the ratchet has the UP mark facing you. Rear Flat: Assemble the jack (A) together with the jack handle (B), jack handle extension (C) and ratchet (D) as shown. Be sure that the ratchet has the UP mark facing you. To assemble the jack handle and jack handle extension, use the art and text following.
Connect the jack handle (B) and jack handle extension (C) together and press the retention clip (arrow) so it engages. Front Position 4. Position the jack under the vehicle as shown.
{CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. {CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle. 5.
6. Remove all the wheel nuts. 7. Take flat tire off of the mounting surface. 5-90 {CAUTION: Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
9. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each wheel nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub. 8. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. {CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. Because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle’s wheel could fall off, causing a crash. 10. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
{CAUTION: {CAUTION: If wheel studs are damaged, they can break. If all the studs on a wheel broke, the wheel could come off and cause a crash. If any stud is damaged because of a loose-running wheel, it could be that all of the studs are damaged. To be sure, replace all studs on the wheel. If the stud holes in a wheel have become larger, the wheel could collapse in operation. Replace any wheel if its stud holes have become larger or distorted in any way. Inspect hubs and hub-piloted wheels for damage.
Secondary Latch System Your vehicle has an underbody-mounted tire hoist assembly equipped with a secondary latch system. It is designed to stop the spare tire from suddenly falling off the vehicle if the cable holding the spare tire is damaged. For the secondary latch to work, the tire must be stowed with the valve stem pointing down. See Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-97 for instructions on storing the spare tire correctly. 11. Use the wheel wrench to tighten the nuts firmly.
To release the spare tire from the secondary latch: 2. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed. {CAUTION: Someone standing too close during the procedure could be injured by the jack. If the spare tire does not slide off the jack completely, make sure no one is behind you or on either side of you as you pull the jack out from the under spare. 1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable end is visible.
4. Attach the jack handle/jack handle extension to the jack. With the UP mark facing you, slide the ratchet onto the end of the jack handle extension. 5. Place the jack under the vehicle, ahead of the rear bumper. Position the center lift point of the jack under the center of the spare tire and turn the handle clockwise to raise the jack until it lifts the secondary latch spring.
6. Keep raising the jack until the spare tire stops moving upward and is held firmly in place. This lets you know that the secondary latch has released. The spare tire is now balancing on the jack. 7. Lower the jack by turning the ratchet counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack until the spare tire slides off the jack or is hanging by the cable. 8. Disconnect the jack handle from the jack and carefully remove the jack.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools {CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. 1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle with the valve stem pointed down. 2. Pull the retaining bar through the center of the wheel, making sure it is properly attached.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle, keeping the cable tight. 4. With the UP side facing you, attach the ratchet to the wheel wrench. 5. Put the flat end of the wheel wrench on an angle through the hole in the rear door frame, above the bumper. 6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle. Continue turning the ratchet until the tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened. 7. Make sure the tire is stored securely.
Spare Tire Your vehicle, when new, had a fully-inflated spare tire. A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its inflation pressure regularly. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-20 for information regarding proper tire inflation and loading your vehicle. For instruction on how to remove, install or store a spare tire, see Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire on page 5-86 and Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-97.
When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned. Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray, apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
Fabric/Carpet Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For soils, always try to remove them first with plain water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as possible using one of the following techniques: If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or spot lifter may be necessary.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on your instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. {CAUTION: Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Follow all manufacturers’ directions regarding correct product usage, necessary safety precautions and appropriate disposal of any vehicle care product. Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after to remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting High pressure car washes may cause water to enter the vehicle.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually needed. However, you may use chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels could damage the wheels. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on chrome wheels only. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because the surface could be damaged. Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Finish Damage Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into major repair expense. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer/retailer. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s/retailer’s body and paint shop. Underbody Maintenance Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody.
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials Description Polishing Cloth Tar and Road Oil Remover Chrome Cleaner and Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Vinyl Cleaner Glass Cleaner Chrome Wheel Cleaner Finish Enhancer Usage Interior and exterior polishing cloth. Removes tar, road oil, and asphalt. Use on chrome or stainless steel. Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls and raised white lettering. Cleans vinyl. Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints. Removes dirt and grime from chrome wheels.
Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Engine Identification The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code. This code helps you identify your vehicle’s engine, specifications, and replacement parts. See Capacities and Specifications on page 5-116 for your vehicle’s engine code. Service Parts Identification Label This label is on the front passenger door frame. It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment Notice: Do not add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage would not be covered by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should. Add-on equipment can drain your vehicle’s battery, even if your vehicle is not operating. Your vehicle has an airbag system.
Floor Console Fuse Block The floor console fuse block is located under the driver seat.
Fuse 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Usage Ignition Switch, Theft Deterrent System Module (PK3) Upfitter Courtesy Lamps Climate Control 1 (HVAC) Empty Instrument Panel Cluster Audio System, Chime Auxiliary Park Lamp Auxiliary Trailer Back-up Lamps Remote Function Actuator, Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) Climate Control (HVAC) Controls Trailer Park Lamps Front Park Lamps Taillamps, Back-up Lamps Empty Steering Wheel Sensor Outside Rearview Mirror Switch Empty Empty Fuse 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Relays 39 40 41 42 43 44 Usage Run (High Current Micro) Park Lamps (High Current Micro) Empty (Mini Micro) Upfitter Auxiliary 2 (High Current ISO Relay) Retained Accessory Power (RAP) (High Current Micro) Rear Defogger (High Current Micro) Circuit Breaker Usage 45 Power Window 46 Power Seats 5-112 Engine Compartment Fuse Block The fuse block is located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. Notice: Spilling liquid on any electrical components on your vehicle may damage it.
Fuse 1 2 3 4 Usage Left High-Beam Headlamp Fuel Pump Empty Fuel Heater (Diesel) Fuse 5 6 7 8 Usage Right High-Beam Headlamp Empty Left Low-Beam Headlamp Right Stoplamp, Trailer Turn Signal 5-113
Fuse 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 5-114 Usage Right Low-Beam Headlamp Daytime Running Lamps 2 (DRL) Fuel System Control Module Ignition (Gas) Daytime Running Lamps 1 (DRL) Auxiliary Stoplamp Fuel Operated Heater Module (Diesel) Fuel System Control Module Battery (Gas) Left Stoplamp, Trailer Turn Signal Canister Vent Solenoid (Gas) Empty Empty Body Control Module 1 Special Equipment Option (SEO) Body Control Module 4 Body Control Module 6 Empty Body Control Module 7 Body Control
Fuse 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 Usage Transmission Control Module Ignition Engine Control Module Ignition Mass Airflow Sensor, Canister Vent Engine Control Module, Powertrain Transmission Even Ignition Injectors (Gas) Glow Plug Module (Diesel) Engine Control Module Battery Odd Ignition Injectors (Gas) Oxygen Sensor 2 (Gas) Air Conditioning Compressor Fan Clutch (Diesel) V6 Fuel Injectors (Gas) Antilock Brake System Module (J-Case) Antilock Brake System Motor (J-Case) Trailer Wiring
Capacities and Specifications If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13 for more information. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level or as recommended in this manual. See refrigerant charge label under the hood for charge capacity information and requirements.
Capacities Application English Metric Fuel Tank Standard Tank (Passenger and Cargo) 31.0 gal 117.3 L Standard Tank (Cab and Chassis) 33.0 gal 124.9 L Optional Tank (Cab and Chassis)* 57.0 gal 215.7 L * 159 inch (4 039 mm) wheelbase or 177 inch (4 496 mm) wheelbase only Transmission Capacities 4-SPD 4L60-E Transmission 5.0 qt 4.7 L 4-SPD 4L80-E 7.7 qt 7.3 L 4-SPD 4L80-E Heavy Duty Transmission 7.7 qt 7.3 L Wheel Nut Torque 140 ft lb 190 Y All capacities are approximate.
✍ NOTES 5-118
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule ......................................6-2 Introduction ...................................................6-2 Maintenance Requirements ..............................6-2 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................6-2 Using the Maintenance Schedule ......................6-3 Scheduled Maintenance ...................................6-4 Additional Required Services (Gasoline Engine) .......................................
Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Requirements This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX® Diesel manual. Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections, replacement parts, and recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good working condition.
Using the Maintenance Schedule We want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we do not know exactly how you will drive it. You might drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you might drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you might drive it to work, to do errands, or in many other ways. Because of all the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
When you go to your dealer/retailer for your service needs, you will know that trained and supported service technicians will perform the work using genuine parts. If you want to purchase service information, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15. Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9 tells you what should be checked, when to check it, and what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
Scheduled Maintenance Service Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-15. Reset oil life system. See Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18. An Emission Control Service. Maintenance I Maintenance II • • Lubricate chassis components. See footnote #. • • Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j). • • Inspect engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20. See footnote (l).
Scheduled Maintenance (cont’d) Service Maintenance I Maintenance II Lubricate body components. See footnote (f). • Check transmission fluid level and add fluid as needed. • Inspect shields, vehicles with GVWR above 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only. See footnote (g). • Inspect throttle system. See footnote (m). • Additional Required Services (Gasoline Engine) This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine.
Additional Required Services (cont’d) Service and Miles (Kilometers) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter (severe service). See footnote (h). 25,000 (40 000) 50,000 (80 000) • 75,000 (120 000) 100,000 (160 000) • Change automatic transmission fluid and filter (normal service). • Replace spark plugs and inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service. • 125,000 (200 000) 150,000 (240 000) • Engine cooling system service (or every five years, whichever occurs first).
Maintenance Footnotes (Gasoline Engine) This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX® Diesel manual. † The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
(g) Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg) only: Inspect shields for damage or looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles sold in the United States and recommended for vehicles sold in Canada. (k) Inspect 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.
At the First 100, 1,000 and 6,000 Miles (160, 1 600 and 10 000 km) For vehicles with dual wheels, check dual wheel nut torque. For proper torque, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-116. Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer fluid reservoir and add the proper fluid if necessary. At Least Once a Month At Each Fuel Fill Tire Inflation Check It is important to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
At Least Once a Year Starter Switch Check {CAUTION: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured. Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check {CAUTION: When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position. • The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). • The ignition key should come out only in LOCK/OFF. Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required. Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see the maintenance schedule section in the DURAMAX® Diesel manual. Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer/retailer. Usage Engine Oil Fluid/Lubricant Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in Chassis Canada 88901242) or lubricant Lubrication meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB. Wheel bearing lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Front Wheel Category GC or GC-LB Bearings (GM Part No. U.S. 1051344, in Canada 993037). SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Lubricant Front and Rear Axle (GM Part No. U.S. 89021677, in Axle Canada 89021678) or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115.
Maintenance Replacement Parts If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information. Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained by your dealer/retailer. Part Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Engine Oil Filter 4300 V6 4800 V8, 5300 V8, 6000 V8 Spark Plugs 4300 V6 4800 V8, 5300 V8, 6000 V8 Wiper Blades 22 inches (56.
Engine Drive Belt Routing If your vehicle has the DURAMAX® Diesel engine, see the DURAMAX® Diesel manual for more information.
Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the type of services performed in the boxes provided. See Maintenance Requirements on page 6-2. Any additional information from Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9 can be added on the following record pages. You should retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record (cont’d) Date 6-18 Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance I or Maintenance II Services Performed
Maintenance Record (cont’d) Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance I or Maintenance II Services Performed 6-19
Maintenance Record (cont’d) Date 6-20 Odometer Reading Serviced By Maintenance I or Maintenance II Services Performed
Section 7 Customer Assistance Information Customer Assistance and Information ...............7-2 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ......................7-2 Online Owner Center ......................................7-4 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ................................7-5 Customer Assistance Offices ............................7-5 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ................7-6 Roadside Assistance Program ..........................7-6 Scheduling Service Appointments ..
Customer Assistance and Information Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief available to you. You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the toll-free telephone number or write them at the following address: BBB Auto Line Program Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
Online Owner Center My GM Canada (Canada only) (United States only) My GM Canada is a password-protected section of gmcanada.com where you can save information on GM vehicles, get personalized offers, and use handy tools and forms with greater ease. The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership needs. Specific vehicle information can be found in one place. The Online Owner Center allows you to: • Get e-mail service reminders.
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users From U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 Fax Number: 313-381-0022 To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Chevrolet has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user in the U.S. can communicate with Chevrolet by dialing: 1-800-833-CHEV (2438). (TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program Roadside Assistance Program For vehicles purchased in the U.S., call 1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872); (Text telephone (TTY): 1-888-889-2438). For vehicles purchased in Canada, call 1-800-268-6800. Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As the owner of a new Chevrolet vehicle, you are automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance program.
Services Provided The following services are provided in the U.S. and Canada up to 5 years/100,000 miles (160 000 km), whichever occurs first, and, in Canada only, up to a maximum coverage of $100. • Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station (approximately $5 in Canada). In Canada, service to provide diesel may be restricted. For safety reasons, propane and other alternative fuels will not be provided through this service.
• Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance (Canada only): In the event of a warranty related vehicle disablement, while en route and over 250 kilometres from the original point of departure, you may qualify for trip interruption expense assistance. This assistance covers reasonable reimbursement of up to a maximum of $500 (Canadian) for (A) meals (maximum of $50/day), (B) lodging (maximum of $100/night) and (C) alternate ground transportation (maximum of $40/day).
Towing and Road Service Exclusions Specifically excluded from Roadside Assistance coverage are towing or services for vehicles operated on a non-public roadway or highway, fines, impound towing caused by a violation of local, Municipal, State, Provincial, or Federal law, and mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires, chains, or other traction devices. Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait, GM helps to minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances, your dealer can offer you one of the following: Shuttle Service Shuttle service is the preferred means of offering Courtesy Transportation. Dealers may provide you with shuttle service to get you to your destination with minimal interruption of your daily schedule.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify, change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at its sole discretion. Collision Damage Repair of the vehicle. A recycled original equipment GM part, may be an acceptable choice to maintain your vehicle’s originally designed appearance and safety performance, however, the history of these parts is not known.
Insuring Your Vehicle If a Crash Occurs Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There are significant differences in the quality of coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many insurance policies provide reduced protection to your GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage repairs by using aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance companies will not specify aftermarket collision parts.
• Gather the important information you will need from the other driver. Things like name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), insurance company and policy number, and a general description of the damage to the other vehicle. • If possible, call your insurance company from the scene of the crash. They will walk you through the information they will need.
Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited.
Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. Service Bulletins Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated computers that record information about the vehicle’s performance and how it is driven.
Event Data Recorders This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
OnStar® If your vehicle has OnStar and you subscribe to the OnStar services, please refer to the OnStar Terms and Conditions for information on data collection and use. Navigation System If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the system may result in the storage of destinations, addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip information. Refer to the navigation system operating manual for information on stored data and for deletion instructions.
A Accessories and Modifications ............................ 5-3 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ....................................................... 1-74 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-7 Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................... 5-109 Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-20 Air Conditioning .............................................. 3-19 Airbag Off Light .....................................................
Automatic Door Unlock ...................................... 2-8 Automatic Headlamp System ............................ 3-16 Automatic Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-21 Operation ................................................... 2-24 B Battery .......................................................... 5-40 Electric Power Management .......................... 3-17 Run-Down Protection ................................... 3-18 Brake Emergencies ...............
Child Restraints (cont.) Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ........................... 1-48, 1-52 Where to Put the Restraint ........................... 1-38 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-19 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels ...................................... 5-104 Exterior Lamps/Lenses ................................ 5-103 Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 5-101 Finish Care ...............................................
Door 60/40 Swing-Out Side Door ........................... 2-10 Automatic Door Lock ..................................... 2-8 Automatic Door Unlock .................................. 2-8 Cargo Door Relocking .................................... 2-7 Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-7 Locks .......................................................... 2-6 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-7 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ...............
F Filter Engine Air Cleaner ...................................... 5-20 Finish Damage ............................................. 5-106 Fixed Mast Antenna ........................................ 3-88 Flashers, Hazard Warning .................................. 3-6 Flash-to-Pass ................................................... 3-9 Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-81 Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-82 Flat Tire, Storing .................
Headlamps (cont.) Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-50 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-9 On Reminder .............................................. 3-15 Heater ........................................................... 3-19 Highbeam On Light ......................................... 3-43 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-14 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-15 Hood Checking Things Under .............
Light (cont.) StabiliTrak® Indicator .................................... 3-36 Tire Pressure .............................................. 3-37 Tow/Haul Mode ........................................... 3-43 Lighting Entry/Exit ................................................... 3-17 Lights Exterior Lamps ............................................ 3-14 Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-9 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-9 On Reminder ..................
Mirrors (cont.) Outside Heated Mirrors ................................ 2-35 Outside Manual Mirror .................................. 2-33 Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-34 MP3 ............................................................. 3-81 MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-4 N Navigation System, Privacy .............................. 7-18 New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-20 Noise Control System, Tampering ...........
Power Door Locks .................................................. 2-7 Retained Accessory (RAP) ............................ 2-21 Seat ............................................................ 1-3 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-35 Windows .................................................... 2-14 Privacy .......................................................... 7-16 Event Data Recorders .................................. 7-17 Navigation System ............................
S Safety Belt Reminder Light ............................................ 3-28 Safety Belts Care of .................................................... 5-102 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-15 Lap-Shoulder Belt ........................................ 1-22 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-28 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-28 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ....................... 1-10 Safety Warnings and Symbols ...........................
T Taillamps ....................................................... 5-53 Theft-Deterrent, Radio ..................................... 3-86 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-17 PASS-Key® III+ ........................................... 2-18 PASS-Key® III+ Operation ............................. 2-18 Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-6 Time, Setting .................................................. 3-68 Tire Pressure Light ......................
U Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-76 Using this Manual ............................................... iii V Vehicle Control ........................................................ 4-3 Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Loading ...................................................... 4-20 Symbols ......................................................... iv Vehicle Customization, DIC ..............................