2004 Chevrolet Express Owner Manual Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 Front Seats ............................................... 1-3 Rear Seats ............................................... 1-6 Safety Belts ............................................. 1-10 Child Restraints ....................................... 1-32 Air Bag System ....................................... 1-65 Restraint System Check ............................ 1-76 Features and Controls ........................
Canadian Owners You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer 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.
Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning. You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” {CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Vehicle Damage Warnings Vehicle Symbols Also, in this book you will find these notices: Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, 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 will tell you about something that can damage your vehicle.
These are some examples of symbols you may find on your vehicle: v
Model Reference This manual covers these models: Passenger Van vi Cargo Van Cab and Chassis
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Front Seats ......................................................1-3 Manual Seats ................................................1-3 Power Seat ...................................................1-4 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-4 Rear Seats .......................................................1-6 Rear Seat Operation .......................................1-6 Safety Belts ...................................................
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Air Bag System ..............................................1-65 Where Are the Air Bags? ...............................1-67 When Should an Air Bag Inflate? ....................1-69 What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? .....................1-70 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .....................1-70 What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates? ...................................................1-70 Air Bag Off Switch ........................................
Front Seats The bucket seats can be adjusted forward or rearward with the lever located at the front of the seat. Manual Seats To adjust the seat, pull the lever up to release the seat bottom. Slide the seat to where you want it and then release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place. {CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving.
Power Seat Reclining Seatbacks If your vehicle has a power seat on the driver’s or passenger’s side, you can adjust it with these controls located at the front center of the seat cushion. To adjust the seatback, lift the front of the lever, which is located on the inboard side of the seat cushion. To raise or lower the seat, move the center knob up or down. To move the seat forward or rearward, move the center knob toward the right or left.
{CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t 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. But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen.
Rear Seats 2. Locate the pins. • There are two pins located on the inboard sides Rear Seat Operation Removing the Rear Seat 1. Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed. 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. 1-6 of the rear seats. If the vehicle has floor mats, the pins will be located under a flap that has been cut into the mat.
• The passenger’s side pin will have an “R” marked on it and will look like this: 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. For the remaining rear seats, stow the safety belt latch plate on the clip at the window trim. 3. Pull the pin handle up to disengage from the retaining clip, then pull the pin out. 4. Repeat this procedure for the pin on the other seat base. 5.
Replacing the Rear Seats {CAUTION: A seat that isn’t 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 won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured.
4. Push the pin with the handle marked “R” down until it is in the retaining clip. 5. Push the pin with the handle marked “L” down until it is 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. Do not twist the belt. 9.
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: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.
Put someone on it. 1-12 Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.
The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... or the instrument panel...
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be – whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident – even one that isn’t your fault – you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h).
Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-31.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, pull on the center adjuster control labeled PULL. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt.
Q: What’s 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 against your body. A: 1-18 The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way.
Q: What’s 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 at 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’s 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 at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests. A: 1-20 The belt is over an armrest.
Q: What’s 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 aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
Q: What’s wrong with this? {CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t 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 to fix it. A: 1-22 The belt is twisted across the body.
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 don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Center Passenger Position (2nd Row) Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-16.
Center Passenger Position (3rd, 4th and 5th Row) Lap Belt If your vehicle has third, fourth or fifth row bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions. When you sit in a center seating position in the third, fourth or fifth row, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.
Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug.
Lap-Shoulder Belt Here’s how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-31. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
{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 against your body. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear safety belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seats.
2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 1-30 3. Be sure the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit.
Child Restraints Older Children Q: A: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? If possible, 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. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.
Q: A: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? If the child is seated in a rear outside seat position, move the child toward the center of the vehicle. See Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults on page 1-29. If the child is sitting in the second row center seat position, move the child toward the safety belt buckle.
CAUTION: (Continued) this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children.
Cargo Vans with a Passenger Air Bag and an Air Bag Off Switch, Passenger Vans and Cab and Chassis Models {CAUTION: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.
{CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide.
For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.
Cargo Vans with a Passenger Air Bag and without an Air Bag Off Switch {CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, an air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide.
CAUTION: (Continued) up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints. {CAUTION: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.
Child Restraint Systems An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. 1-40 A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.
A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields. A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.
Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint.
Where to Put the Restraint CAUTION: Passenger Vans without an Air Bag Off Switch Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We, therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear seat including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.
Passenger Vans with an Air Bag Off Switch Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We, therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. If you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s air bag.
Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models without an Air Bag Off Switch CAUTION: The child restraint must be secured properly in the right front passenger seat. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, never use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle Here is why: If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the front passenger position, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.
Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models with an Air Bag Off Switch The child restraint must be secured properly in the right front passenger seat. If you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s air bag. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-72 and Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-60 for more on this, including important safety information.
Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.
Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Top Strap Anchor Location On vehicles with a front passenger seat, the anchor for a top strap is located at the rear of the seat cushion on the right front passenger’s seat. {CAUTION: Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor only one child restraint.
If your vehicle is a passenger van with rear seats, an anchor bracket for a top strap is located at the rear of the seat cushion for each three-passenger rear bench seat. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position, or in any four-passenger rear bench seat. Anchor the top strap to this bracket. For the second row only, in the left outboard seating position, use anchor point (A). For the right outboard seating position, use anchor point (B).
This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors (A, B) and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap (C). In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system.
The LATCH system labels are located on the outboard and inboard positions of the seats. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System (Rear) 1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. {CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly.
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System (Front) CAUTION: Unless your vehicle has an air bag off switch and you have used it to turn the passenger’s air bag off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat. Here’s why: If your vehicle is a cargo van with a right front passenger air bag but does not have an air bag off switch, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle.
{CAUTION: If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The right front passenger’s air bag could inflate even though the switch is off.
To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top tether from the top tether anchorage and then disconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCH anchorages. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position If you were using a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with an air bag off switch, turn on the right front passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger air bag risk group.
For vehicles with a third, fourth or fifth row, there are no top strap anchors in the rear outside seat positions of the third, fourth or fifth row. Do not secure a child seat in these positions if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position.
4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-56 5. To tighten the belt, 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. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (2nd Row) If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-49. See Top Strap on page 1-47 if the child restraint has one. There is no top strap anchor in the center seat position of the second row.
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (3rd, 4th and 5th Row) If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-49. See Top Strap on page 1-47 if the child restraint has one. For vehicles with a fourth or fifth row four-passenger bench seat, there are no top strap anchors in the center seating positions of a fourth or fifth row four-passenger bench seat.
1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-49. See Top Strap on page 1-47 if the child restraint has one.
Unless your vehicle has an air bag off switch and you have used it to turn the passenger’s air bag off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat. Here’s why: {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag.
{CAUTION: If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The right front passenger’s air bag could inflate even though the switch is off.
4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. If you were using a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with an air bag off switch, turn on the right front passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger air bag risk group.
Air Bag System This part explains the air bag system. If it says AIR BAG on the middle part of the steering wheel and AIR BAG on the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger’s seat, your vehicle has two air bags — one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. If it says AIR BAG on the middle part of the steering wheel but it doesn’t say AIR BAG on the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger’s seat, your vehicle has an air bag for the driver only.
Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system: {CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Air bags are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes.
If your vehicle has an air bag for the right front passenger read this. {CAUTION: The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-29 for more information. Where Are the Air Bags? Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed.
{CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. If your vehicle has one, the right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
When Should an Air Bag Inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal, or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your vehicle is 8600 or above, your vehicle has single stage air bags. If the GVWR is below 8600 then your vehicle has dual stage air bags. You can find the GVWR on the certification label on the rear edge of the driver’s door.
Seat Position Sensors How Does an Air Bag Restrain? Vehicles with dual stage air bags are also equipped with special sensors which enable the sensing system to monitor the position of both the driver and passenger front seats. The seat position sensors provide information which is used to determine if the air bags should deploy at a reduced level or at full depoyment. In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. {CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so.
Air Bag Off Switch This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG 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 air bag to pose a special risk for the passenger; and • makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the air bag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.
{CAUTION: If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The right front passenger’s air bag could inflate even though the switch is off.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Restraint System Check Checking Your Restraint Systems Q: If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly? A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash.
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.
✍ NOTES 1-78
Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-2 Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-4 Doors and Locks .............................................2-7 Door Locks ....................................................2-7 Power Door Locks ..........................................2-8 Cargo Door Relocking .....................................2-8 Rear Door Security Locks ..............
Keys {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The children or others could be badly injured or even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
This vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and door locks. It will fit with either side up. Remote Keyless Entry System If equipped, the remote keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2.
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: • Check the distance. You may be too far from your Remote Keyless Entry System Operation Your vehicle may have this feature. Q(Lock): vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. Press this button once to lock all of the doors.
L(Panic Alarm): The remote keyless entry transmitter comes equipped with an instant panic alarm. To use the alarm, press the horn symbol while the ignition is turned off. The horn will sound and both the interior and exterior lamps will flash for up to thirty seconds. To stop the instant panic alarm, press the panic button again, wait for thirty seconds, or start the vehicle.
Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about four years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.
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 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 Cargo Door Relocking Press the bottom side of the power door lock switch to lock all the doors at once. Press the top side of the power door lock switch to unlock all the doors at once. When a door is locked, the inside door handle will not work. 2-8 This feature protects the owner from having an unsecured side cargo door.
Rear Door Security Locks Move the button to the left to engage the security feature. Move the button to the right to return the door locks to normal operation. Security locks are located on the passenger side rear door, the side sliding door or the front portion of the 60/40 side swing-out door. With this feature, you can lock these doors so they can’t be opened from the inside by passengers. Passenger Side 60/40 Swing-Out Side Door Move the button to the right to engage the security feature.
Move the button up to engage the security feature. Move the button down to return the door locks to normal operation. 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. If the power lock switch is pressed when either the driver’s, passenger’s, or rear door is open, all the doors will lock and then the driver’s door will unlock. This feature does not include the side cargo door.
Sliding Side Door To open the sliding side door from outside, pull the handle toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide the door open. To close the sliding side door from outside, use the outside door handle to slide the door toward the front of the vehicle. When the door slides closed completely, it will be flush with the side of the body.
To open the sliding door from inside, turn the handle upward and toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide the door toward the rear of the vehicle to open it. To close the sliding door from inside, grasp the inside handle and slide the door toward the front of the vehicle to a closed position. Make sure the door is completely closed before driving away.
60/40 Swing-Out Side Door To open the front portion of a 60/40 door from the outside, pull out on the handle and pull it 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.
Rear Doors {CAUTION: 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 it 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.
To open the rear doors from the outside, pull the handle toward you to open the passenger’s side rear door first. To open the driver’s side rear door, pull the latch release at the inside edge of the door. To close the rear doors, close the driver side rear door first. Then, close the passenger side rear door. Check to make sure both doors are completely closed.
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 The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger window as well. Your power windows will work when the ignition has been turned to RUN or ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Ignition Positions on page 2-20. Press the rear of the switch with the power window symbol on it to lower the window.
Swing-Out Windows Rear-Swing Out Windows Side Swing-Out Window To open the side door swing-out windows, 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. Your vehicle also has rear swing out windows. 2-18 The rear swing-out windows work the same way as the side swing out windows, but the latch is located at the bottom edge of the window.
Sun Visors Passlock® To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them from side to side. Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock® theft-deterrent system. Visor Vanity Mirror Passlock® is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock® enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled. Some visors have mirrors built in, with or without lamps.
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Ignition Positions New Vehicle Break-In 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 speed — fast or slow — for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. • Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so.
A (LOCK): This position locks the ignition and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove the key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. Notice: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can not turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle needs service.
Starting Your Engine When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or −18°C), do this: Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position – that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START and hold it there up to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key. Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving.
Fuel Regulator You have a fuel regulator that shuts the fuel off when the engine reaches 5,600 rpm. Engine Coolant Heater In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1.
Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. {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. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to.
{CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
All-Wheel Drive Parking Brake If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, your engine’s driving power is sent to all four wheels for extra traction when needed. To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. This is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road conditions.
Shifting Into Park (P) 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this: {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 4-37.
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running {CAUTION: • Move the lever up as far as it will go. It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave your vehicle with the engine running. 3. Move the ignition key to LOCK. 4.
Torque Lock Shifting Out of Park (P) If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission 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 2-27.
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust {CAUTION: {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. 2-30 Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can not see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: • Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. • Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Running Your Engine While You Are 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 2-30. 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 Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror If you have a cargo van without the rear door glass, your vehicle may not have a rearview mirror. Outside Camper-Type Mirrors If your vehicle is equipped with the camper-type mirrors, they can be adjusted so you can have a clear view of any objects behind you. Pull the tab under the mirror toward you to reduce glare from headlamps behind you after dark. Push the tab away from you to restore the mirror to the original position.
2. Turn the mirror head so that it swings further outboard and adjust the mirror surface as needed. Outside Power Mirrors Select the mirror you want to move by turning the knob clockwise to adjust the passenger’s side mirror and counterclockwise to adjust the driver’s side mirror. The center position is neutral. Then, adjust the mirror angle by pushing the knob in the direction desired until the mirror is adjusted to where you want it.
Outside Convex Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror may be convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. Outside Heated Mirrors Your outside mirrors can be defrosted by pressing the button located near the fan control. {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.
OnStar® System OnStar® Services One of the following plans is normally included for a specific duration with each vehicle equipped with OnStar®. You can upgrade or extend your OnStar® service plan to meet your needs. Your vehicle may be equipped with the OnStar® System. OnStar® uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite technology, wireless communications, and call centers to provide you with a wide range of safety, security, information and convenience services.
Luxury and Leisure Plan • All Directions and Connections Plan services • Personal Concierge OnStar® Personal Calling With OnStar® Personal Calling, you have a safer way to stay connected while driving. It’s a hands-free wireless phone that’s integrated into your vehicle. You can place calls nationwide using voice-activated dialing with no contracts and no additional roaming charges.
Section 3 Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Overview ...............................3-4 Hazard Warning Flashers ................................3-6 Other Warning Devices ...................................3-7 Horn .............................................................3-7 Tilt Wheel .....................................................3-7 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .........................3-8 Exterior Lamps .............................................3-14 Interior Lamps ......................
Section 3 Instrument Panel Audio System(s) .............................................3-43 Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..................................3-44 Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ..................................3-44 AM-FM Radio ...............................................3-45 Radio with CD ..............................................3-48 Radio with Cassette and CD ..........................3-53 Radio with Six-Disc CD ..........
✍ NOTES 3-3
Instrument Panel Overview 3-4
The main components of your instrument panel are the following: A. Air Outlets. See Outlet Adjustment on page 3-22. B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8. C. Instrument Panel Cluster. See Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-26. D. Shift Lever. See Starting Your Engine on page 2-22. E. Climate Control System. See Climate Control System on page 3-19. F. Audio System(s). See Audio System(s) on page 3-43. G. Exterior and Interior Lamp Controls.
Hazard Warning Flashers The hazard warning flasher button is located at the top of the steering column. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in. Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to turn the flashers off. Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can use them to warn others. Set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Horn Press the horn symbol in the middle of the steering wheel to sound the horn. Tilt Wheel A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 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.
Turn Signal On Chime Flash-To-Pass Feature 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. To turn off the chime, 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. It works even if your headlamps are off.
Windshield Wipers 9 (Off): You control the windshield wipers by turning the band with the wiper symbol on it. Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. 8(Mist): For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to mist. Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will stop after one wipe.
Cruise Control 9(Off) This position turns the system off. If your vehicle has cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will disengage. {CAUTION: R(On): This position activates the system. Cruise control can be dangerous where you can not drive safely at a steady speed.
Setting Cruise Control Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from on to resume/accelerate briefly. {CAUTION: You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there. 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. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use cruise control.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control • Press and hold the set button at the end of the lever until you reach the lower speed you want, then release it. • To slow down in very small amounts, press the set button briefly. Each time you do this, you’ll go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Exterior Lamps defeated. When the DRLs are active, the DRL indicator will illuminate. The control on the driver’s side of your instrument panel operates the exterior lamps. Turn the control clockwise to operate the lamps. The exterior lamp control has four positions: Ø (Defeat): Turn and release the control to this position to turn off the DRLs. To turn them back on, turn and release the control to this position again. Shutting the vehicle off and restarting it will also reactivate the DRLs.
Lamps On Reminder A reminder chime will sound when your control is turned to the headlamps or parking lamps position, your key is out of the ignition, and your driver’s door is open. To disable the chime, turn the control to the Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) position and then back to the parking lamps or headlamps position. Turn the exterior lamp control to the defeat position or shift into PARK (P). The DRLs will stay off until the control is toggled again or the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).
Dome Lamp Override Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control Press this knob located next to the exterior lamps knob to extend and turn it to adjust the instrument panel brightness. Turn the knob all the way up to turn on the interior lamps. Press the knob back into its stored position. You can use the dome override button, located below the exterior lamp control, to set the dome lamps to come on automatically while a door is opened, or to remain off.
Exit Lighting Reading Lamps With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on for a period of forty seconds when you remove the key from the ignition. The lights will not come on if the dome override button is pressed in. To turn on the reading lamps, press the button located next to each lamp. To turn them off, press the button again. Entry Lighting Your vehicle is equipped with an illuminated entry feature.
Accessory Power Outlets With accessory power outlets you can plug in auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or CB radio. Your vehicle may have two accessory power outlets. If your vehicle has a cigarette lighter/accessory power outlet, it is located on the driver’s side of front storage compartment. The other accessory power outlet is located on the passenger’s side of the front storage compartment. To use the outlet, lift the cover. When not using it, always close the cover.
Climate Controls To change the current mode, select one of the following: H (Vent): Climate Control System With this system you can control the heating, cooling and ventilation for your vehicle. 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.
(Temperature Control): Turn the center knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the temperature inside your vehicle. If your vehicle has air conditioning, your heating/air conditioning controls will look like this: Defogging and Defrosting 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 your windshield and side windows.
1(Defrost): This setting operates the defroster. Most of the air comes out near the windshield, with some going to the floor outlets and front side windows. The air conditioning compressor may operate in this setting to dehumidify the air. Rear Window Defogger The blend setting is useful for cold weather with a large number of passengers or very humid conditions to help keep the windshield clear. Use defrost to remove fog or ice from the windshield quickly in extremely cold conditions.
Outlet Adjustment Rear Heating System Use the outlets located near the center and on the sides of the instrument panel to change the direction of airflow. Your vehicle may have a rear heating system that allows you to adjust the amount of air flowing into the rear of the vehicle, from the front-seating area. This feature works with the main climate-control system in your vehicle.
9 (Off): Turn the thumbwheel to this position to turn off the rear heating system. Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System Your vehicle may have a rear heating and air-conditioning system. This system regulates the temperature, the fan speed and the air delivery for the rear-seat passengers only. It also works with the main climate-control system in your vehicle. Front Climate-Control Panel Use this control panel when you would like to maintain a separate temperature setting.
To change the current mode, select one of the following: D (Vent): Use this mode to direct air to the upper outlets, with a little air directed to the floor outlets. 2(Floor): Use this mode to direct most of the air to the floor outlets. 9 (Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise or counterclockwise to HIGH, MED (Medium) or LOW to increase or decrease the fan speed in the rear-seating area. Turn the knob to OFF to turn off the fan.
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators 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.
Instrument Panel Cluster United States version shown, Canada similar Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely, and economically.
Speedometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada). Trip Odometer The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero. You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new odometer installed.
Electronic Road-Speed Governor Safety Belt Reminder Light Your vehicle may have this feature. This system automatically controls top vehicle speed. The system controller receives a signal from the vehicle speed sensor and reduces power when the vehicle speed reaches the maximum 65 mph (105 km/h) governed speed. When the key is turned to RUN or START, a tone will come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensor, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see Air Bag System on page 1-65.
Air Bag Off Light If your vehicle is equipped with an air bag off switch, when you turn the right front passenger’s air bag off, the air bag off light will come on and stay on to remind you that the air bag has been turned off. This light will go off when you turn the air bag back on again. See Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-72 for more on this, including important safety information.
Charging System Light {CAUTION: If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The right front passenger’s air bag could inflate even though the switch is off.
Voltmeter Gage When your engine is not running, but the ignition is on (in the RUN position), this gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts. Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a large number of electrical accessories are operating in the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an extended period. This condition is normal since the charging system is not able to provide full power at engine idle.
Brake System Warning Light With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will come on when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem. Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when you start your engine and may stay on for several seconds. That’s normal. If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with your regular brakes.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage Low Coolant Warning Light United States United States Canada This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area your engine is too hot! Canada This message is displayed when the cooling system is low on coolant. The engine may overheat. See Engine Coolant on page 5-22 and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can. It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Check Engine Light Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure 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 a problem and service is required.
If the Light Is Flashing Reducing vehicle speed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off. Avoiding hard accelerations. Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? Avoiding steep uphill grades. If so, your electrical system may be wet.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs Oil Pressure Gage Some state/provincial and local governments have or may begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration. Here are some things you need to know to help your vehicle pass an inspection: Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the Check Engine light is on or not working properly.
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. Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Security Light United States Cruise Control Light Canada The light will stay on until the engine starts. If the light flashes, the Passlock® System has entered a tamper mode. If the vehicle fails to start, see Passlock® on page 2-19. If the light comes on continuously while driving and stays on, there may be a problem with the Passlock® System. Your vehicle will not be protected by Passlock®, and you should see your GM dealer.
Reduced Engine Power Light If the check engine and reduced engine power lights are on, the throttle may be disabled, and a noticeable reduction in the vehicle’s performance may occur. If the reduced engine power light is on, but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while the reduced engine power light is on, but acceleration and speed may be reduced.
Check Gages Warning Light United States Fuel Gage Canada This light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your coolant temperature and engine oil pressure gages to see if they are in the warning zones. United States Canada The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about how much fuel you have left in your tank.
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 doesn’t go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) Press and hold the HR or MIN arrow for two seconds. Then press HR until the correct hour appears on the display. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute appears on the display. The time may be set with the ignition on or off. Your radio may have a button marked with an H or HR to represent hours and an M or MN to represent minutes.
AM-FM Radio Finding a Station AM FM: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, or AM. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Turn this knob to select radio stations. o SEEK p: Press the right or the left arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. Playing the Radio To scan stations, press and hold either SEEK arrow for two seconds until you hear a beep. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station.
Setting Preset Stations Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM) by performing the following steps: AUDIO: To adjust the bass and the treble, press and release the AUDIO button until BAS or TRE appears on the display. Then press and hold the up or the down arrow to increase or to decrease. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. 1. Turn the radio on. 2.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) Radio Messages AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and the left speakers, press and release the AUDIO button until BAL appears on the display. Then press and hold the up or the down arrow to move the sound toward the right or the left speakers. CAL (Calibration): Your audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory.
Radio with CD Finding a Station AM FM: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, and AM. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Turn this knob to select radio stations. o SEEK p: Press the right or the left arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. Playing the Radio To scan stations, press and hold either SEEK arrow for two seconds until you hear a beep. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station.
Setting Preset Stations Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM) by performing the following steps: AUDIO: To adjust the bass or the treble, press and release the AUDIO button repeatedly until BAS or TRE appears on the display. Then press and hold the up or the down arrow to increase or to decrease. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. 1.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) Radio Messages AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and the left speakers, press and release the AUDIO button until BAL appears on the display. Then press and hold the up or the down arrow to move the sound toward the right or the left speakers. CAL (Calibration): Your audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory.
As each new track starts to play, the track number will appear on the display. The CD player can play the smaller 8 cm single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner. If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality of the music that has been recorded, and the way the CD-R has been handled.
RCL (Recall): Press this knob to see the current track number or how long the current track has been playing. AM FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a CD is playing. The inactive CD will remain safely inside the radio for future listening. CD: Press this button to play the CD when listening to the radio. CD will appear on the display. Z (Eject): Press this button to eject a CD. Eject may be activated with either the ignition or radio off.
Radio with Cassette and CD AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): With automatic volume, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to select LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. AVOL will appear on the display. Each higher setting will allow for more volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds. Then as you drive, automatic volume increases the volume, as necessary, to overcome noise at any speed.
Finding a Station Setting Preset Stations BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, or AM. The display will show your selection. The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM) by performing the following steps: TUNE: Turn this knob to select radio stations. Press the right or the left arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. 1. Turn the radio on.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) AUDIO: Push and release the AUDIO knob until BASS, MID, or TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease. The display will show the bass, midrange, or treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and the left speakers, push and release the AUDIO knob until BAL appears on the display.
Radio Data System (RDS) Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS features are available for use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information.
SCAN: You can scan the stations within a PTY by performing the following: 1. Turn the P-TYPE LIST knob to activate program type select mode. TYPE and a PTY will appear on the display. Setting Preset PTYs The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite PTYs. These buttons have factory PTY presets. You can set up to 12 PTYs (six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the following steps: 2. Turn the P-TYPE LIST knob to select a PTY. 1. Press BAND to select FM1 or FM2. 3.
RDS Messages ALERT!: Alert warns of local or national emergencies. When an alert announcement comes on the current radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will hear the announcement, even if the volume is muted or a cassette tape or CD is playing. If a cassette tape or CD is playing, play will stop during the announcement. You will not be able to turn off alert announcements. ALERT! will not be affected by tests of the emergency broadcast system.
Radio Messages The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape. CAL ERR (Calibration Error): Your audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If CAL ERR appears on the display it means that your radio has not been configured properly for your vehicle and must be returned to the dealer for service. If you want to insert a tape while the ignition is off, first press the eject button or the DISP knob.
2 NEXT: Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for next to work. Press this pushbutton to go to the next selection on the tape. If you press the pushbutton more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the tape. SEEK and a positive number will appear on the display. q SEEK r: The right arrow is the same as the NEXT pushbutton, and the left arrow is the same as the PREV pushbutton.
Cassette Tape Messages CHK TAPE (Check Tape): If CHK TAPE appears on the radio display, the tape will not play because of one of the following errors: • The tape is tight and the player cannot turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player.
Playing a CD Do not play 3 inch CDs without a standard adapter CD. Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in and the CD should begin playing. The CD symbol will appear on the display. If you want to insert a CD with the ignition off, first press the eject button or the DISP knob. If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages” later in this section. If you turn off the ignition or radio with a CD in the player, it will stay n the player.
4 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to advance quickly within a track. Press and hold this pushbutton for less than two seconds to advance at six times the normal playing speed. Press and hold it for more than two seconds to advance at 17 times the normal playing speed. Release the pushbutton to play the passage. ET and the elapsed time of the track will appear on the display. DISP (Display): Press this knob to see how long the current track has been playing.
CD Messages Radio with Six-Disc CD If the CD comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons: • It is very hot. When the temperature returns to normal, the CD should play. • You are driving on a very rough road. When the road becomes smooth, the CD should play. • The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down. • The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again. • There may have been a problem while burning the CD. • The label may be caught in the CD player.
AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): Your system has a feature called automatic volume. With this feature, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Finding a Station Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to select MIN, MED, or MAX. Each higher setting will allow for more volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds. Then, as you drive, automatic volume increases the volume, as necessary, to overcome noise at any speed.
Setting Preset Stations Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM), by performing the following steps: AUDIO: Push and release the AUDIO knob until BASS, MID, or TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease. The display will show the bass, midrange, or treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. 1. Turn the radio on. 2.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) Radio Data System (RDS) AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and the left speakers, push and release the AUDIO knob until BAL appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the right or the left speakers. Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS features are available for use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information.
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station To select and find a desired PTY perform the following: 1. Press the P-TYPE button to activate program type select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display. 2. Turn the P-TYPE knob to select a PTY. 3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press either SEEK arrow to select the PTY and take you to the PTY’s first station. 4. If you want to go to another station within that PTY and the PTY is displayed, press either SEEK arrow once.
Setting Preset PTYs RDS Messages The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite PTYs. These buttons have factory PTY presets. You can set up to 12 PTYs (six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the following steps: ALERT!: Alert warns of local or national emergencies. When an alert announcement comes on the current radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will hear the announcement, even if the volume is muted or a CD is playing.
TRAF (Traffic): If TRAF appears on the display, the tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements. To receive the traffic announcement from the tuned station, press this button. Brackets will be displayed around TRAF and when a traffic announcement comes on the tuned radio station you will hear it. If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, press this button and the radio will seek to a station that does.
LOAD CD Z: Press the LOAD side of this button to load CDs into the CD player. This CD player will hold up to six CDs. To insert one CD, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Press and release the LOAD side of the LOAD CD button. 3. Wait for the light, located to the right of the slot, to turn green. 4. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull the CD in. When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on the display.
Playing a Specific Loaded CD of eject, which will cause the receiver to not eject the CD until the 25-second time period has elapsed. For every CD loaded, a number will appear on the display. To play a specific CD, first press the CD AUX button, then press the numbered pushbutton that corresponds to the CD you want to play. A small bar will appear under the CD number that is playing, and the track number will appear on the display. Once the player stops and the CD is ejected, remove the CD.
RDM (Random): With random, you can listen to the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order, on one CD or on all of the CDs. To use random, do one of the following: • To play the tracks on the CD you are listening to in random order, press and release the RDM button. RANDOM ONE will appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off random play. • To play the tracks on all of the CDs that are loaded in random order, press and hold RDM for more than two seconds.
Using Song List Mode The six-disc CD changer has a feature called song list. This feature is capable of saving 20 track selections. To save tracks into the song list feature, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the CD player on and load it with at least one CD. See “LOAD CD” listed previously in this section for more information. To play the song list, press the SONG LIST button. One beep will be heard and S-LIST will appear on the display.
To delete the entire song list, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the CD player on. 2. Press the SONG LIST button to turn song list on. S-LIST will appear on the display. 3. Press and hold the SONG LIST button for more than four seconds. A beep will be heard, followed by two beeps after two seconds and a final beep will be heard after four seconds. S-LIST EMPTY will appear on the display indicating that the song list has been deleted.
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non-RDS Radios) Radio Reception AM THEFTLOCK® is designed to discourage theft of your radio. The feature works automatically by learning a portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the radio is moved to a different vehicle, it will not operate and LOC will appear on the display. The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other.
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they are not, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use.
Care of Your CDs Fixed Mast Antenna Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a CD is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand.
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..........4-2 Defensive Driving ...........................................4-2 Drunken Driving .............................................4-2 Control of a Vehicle ........................................4-5 Braking .........................................................4-6 Locking Rear Axle ..........................................4-8 Stabilitrak® System .........................................4-8 Steering ......................
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Defensive Driving the floor — makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life. The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Drunken Driving Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up.
Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half the adult population — choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological and developmental reasons for these laws. same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of liquors like whiskey, gin or vodka.
There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight will when each has the same number of drinks. The law in an increasing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany.
Control of a Vehicle {CAUTION: Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Please do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink. You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go.
Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration.
The anti-lock system 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. Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Using Anti-Lock Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you.
Stabilitrak® Not Ready Light Stabilitrak® Indicator Light Meaning ® Off Off Stabilitrak is enabled, but not active. Off Flashing Stabilitrak® is enabled and active. On Off Stabilitrak® is disabled. On/Off On Vehicle needs to be serviced. For more information, see Stabilitrak® Not Ready Light on page 3-34 and Stabilitrak® Indicator Light on page 3-34.
Traction Control Operation 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.
Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves 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.
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 can not; 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. The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again.
• Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you are following a larger vehicle. Also, you will not have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. • When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and do not get too close.
Loss of Control A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. 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. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go.
Driving at Night Here are some tips on night driving. • Drive defensively. • Do not drink and drive. • Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. • Since you can not see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. • Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. • In remote areas, watch for animals. • If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who does not lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching headlamps. Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean — inside and out.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road and even people walking. It is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid.
Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road.
City Driving Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: • Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. • Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You will save time and energy. See Freeway Driving on page 4-21. • Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
Freeway Driving At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you are not fresh — such as after a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in.
Highway Hypnosis What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. Then here are some tips: There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Hill and Mountain Roads If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. • Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. • Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down.
• Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down {CAUTION: Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Always have your engine running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill. to a lower gear.
Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: • Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. • You may 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.
Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You will have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be very careful. the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it is about freezing (32°F; 0°C) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there.
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard • Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats — anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow.
{CAUTION: 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 can not 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 your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow does not collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind.
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you are stuck, but you must use caution. {CAUTION: If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. And, the transmission or other parts of the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine compartment fire or other damage.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle 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” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”). It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can carry.
Tire and Loading Information Label The Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the center pillar, near the driver’s door latch. Vehicles without a center pillar will have the Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s door edge. This label lists the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight it can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds. 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs.
Example 2 Example 3 Loading Your Vehicle Loading Your Vehicle Item Description Total Item Description Total A Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg) A Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg) B Subtract Occupant Weight 150 lbs (68 kg) × 5 = 750 lbs (136 kg) B Subtract Occupant Weight 200 lbs (91 kg) × 5 = 1000 lbs (453 kg) C Available Cargo Weight = 250 lbs (113 kg) C Available Cargo Weight = 0 lbs (0 kg) Refer to your vehicle’s tire and load
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.
Payload {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.
Towing a Trailer {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. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
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.
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.
Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle. The following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon vehicle model and options.
Vehicle 5300 V8 Vehicle 4300 V6 Maximum Trailer Weight H1500 Passenger Van AWD GCWR 3.42 3.73 6,200 lbs. (2 812 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight G2500 Cargo Van 2WD 4,700 lbs. (2 132 kg) 6,400 lbs. (2 903 kg) 7,400 lbs. (3 357 kg) 6,600 lbs. (2 994 kg) 8,400 lbs. (3 810 kg) 10,000 lbs. (4 536 kg) GCWR 3.73 3.73 4.10 3.73 3.73 4.10 4800 V8 5300 V8 6000 V8 Vehicle 5300 V8 Axle Ratio Axle Ratio 3.73 Maximum Trailer Weight H2500 Cargo Van AWD 6,400 lbs.
Vehicle 4300 V6 4800 V8 5300 V8 6000 V8 Vehicle 6000 V8 Vehicle 6000 V8 Vehicle 6000 V8 4-42 Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight G2500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 3.73 4,500 lbs. (2 041 kg) 3.73 6,300 lbs. (2 858 kg) 4.10 7,300 lbs. (3 311 kg) 3.73 6,500 lbs. (2 948 kg) 3.73 8,200 lbs. (3 719 kg) 4.10 10,000 lbs. (4 536 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight G2500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 3.73 7,900 lbs. (3 583 kg) 4.10 9,900 lbs.
Vehicle 6000 V8 Vehicle 6000 V8 Vehicle 6000 V8 Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight G3500 Cargo Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 3.73 8,100 lbs. (3 674 kg) 4.10 10,000 lbs. (4 536 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Short Wheelbase 3.73 7,800 lbs. (3 538 kg) 4.10 9,800 lbs. (4 445 kg) Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight G3500 Passenger Van 2WD Long Wheelbase 3.73 7,400 lbs. (3 357 kg) 4.10 9,400 lbs.
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.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight Carrying Hitches If you use a step-bumper hitch, your bumper could be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure you have ample room when turning to avoid contact between the trailer and 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.
Safety Chains Trailer Brakes You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
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 2-30. 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 seven-wire harness assembly at the rear of the vehicle and a four-wire harness assembly under the left hand side of the instrument panel. The seven-wire harness assembly is taped together and located in a frame pocket at the driver side rear left corner of the frame. The seven-wire harness includes a 30-amp feed wire. Both harnesses come without connectors and should be wired by a qualified electrical technician.
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Service ............................................................5-3 Doing Your Own Service Work .........................5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ......................................................5-4 Fuel ................................................................5-4 Gasoline Octane ............................................5-4 Gasoline Specifications ....................................5-5 California Fuel ....................
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care Tires ..............................................................5-59 Inflation - Tire Pressure .................................5-67 Dual Tire Operation .......................................5-68 Tire Inspection and Rotation ...........................5-68 When It Is Time for New Tires .......................5-70 Buying New Tires .........................................5-71 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..........................
Service Doing Your Own Service Work Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you will go to your dealer for all your service needs. You will get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. If you want to do some of your own service work, you will want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can.
CAUTION: (Continued) • Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners. “English” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused. If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt. Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check with your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Gasoline Specifications California Fuel It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications which were developed by automobile manufacturers around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel Charter which is available from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers at www.autoalliance.org. Gasoline meeting these specifications could provide improved driveability and emission control system performance compared to other gasoline.
Additives To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing your emission control system to work properly. You should not have to add anything to your fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Filling Your Tank {CAUTION: The fuel cap is located behind a hinged door on the driver’s side of your vehicle. Fuel vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). While refueling, place the fuel cap in the holder provided.
{CAUTION: If you get fuel on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Be careful not to spill fuel. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-95.
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 gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: • Dispense gasoline 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, do the following: 1. Pull this handle inside the vehicle. 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 underneath the middle of the hood. 3. Lift the hood.
4. Release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood hinge on the driver’s side. If your vehicle has an underhood lamp, it will automatically come on and stay on until the hood is closed. Before closing the hood, be sure all of the filler caps are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer. then let the hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Compartment Overview When you lift the hood, you’ll see these items: 5-12
A. Battery. See Battery on page 5-43. B. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Radiator Pressure Cap on page 5-25. C. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Cooling System on page 5-28. D. Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-19. E. Engine Oil Fill. See Engine Oil on page 5-13. F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil on page 5-13. G. Air Filter Restriction Indicator. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18. H. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18. I.
When to Add Engine Oil What Kind of Engine Oil to Use If the oil is at or below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, then you will need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications on page 5-106. Look for two things: Notice: Do not add too much oil.
• SAE 5W-30 As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, if it is going to be 0°F (–18°C) or above and SAE 5W-30 is not available, you may use SAE 10W-30. 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 also have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty. GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle. 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.
How to Reset the Change Engine Oil Light What to Do with Used Oil The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a Change Engine Oil light being turned on, reset the system. Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for the location of the engine air cleaner/filter and change indicator (if equipped). How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
2. Lift the filter out of the engine air cleaner/filter housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible. 3. Clean the engine air cleaner/filter housing. 4. Install the new engine air cleaner/filter into the engine air cleaner/filter housing. Make sure that it 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.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine part or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check your transmission fluid.
Checking the Fluid Level Prepare your vehicle as follows: • Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. • With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location. • Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. • Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again.
How to Add Fluid Engine Coolant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14. The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL® extended life coolant.
What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOL® coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add anything else. {CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.
Adding Coolant Checking Coolant The coolant recovery tank is located near the center of the engine compartment. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at COLD FILL, or a little higher. 5-24 If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
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 5-28. The radiator pressure cap is located near the center of the engine compartment.
Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. 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.
Notice: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” under Engine Overheating on page 5-26 for information on driving to a safe place in an emergency. If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Radiator Pressure Cap B. Coolant Recovery Tank C. Engine Cooling Fan(s) 5-28 If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the COLD FILL mark. If it isn’t, 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 and 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. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. If there seems to be no leak, start the engine again. See if the engine cooling fan speed increases when idle speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal down.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the COLD FILL mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. See Engine Coolant on page 5-22 for more information. {CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will.
{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. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the COLD FILL mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there’s 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. Wait for the cooling system and radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. See Engine Coolant on page 5-22 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.
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan. 7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOL® coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. 5-36 8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap.
Engine Fan Noise Power Steering Fluid 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.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid What to Use It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. To determine what kind of fluid to use, see Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Adding Washer Fluid Notice: • When using concentrated washer fluid, follow Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more information on location. the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. • Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water does not clean as well as washer fluid.
Brakes Brake Fluid If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will not work at all. So, it is not a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you will have too much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add (or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Checking Brake Fluid Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it. This will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir. {CAUTION: With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake system, your brakes may not work well, or they may not even work at all. This could cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid. You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above MIN.
Brake Wear Your vehicle has four-wheel 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 may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly). Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
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 GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking system — for example, when your brake linings wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may no longer work properly.
Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below 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.
Notice: If you leave your radio or other accessories on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and other accessories when jump starting your vehicle. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
{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 don’t 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. Don’t 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. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery. 9.
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 positve (+) remote terminal 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 To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface. When 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. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant.
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. When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to 3/8 inch (10 mm) below the filler plug hole.
Noise Control System Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are the acts listed below. Tampering with Noise Control System Prohibited Insulation: • Removal of the noise shields or any underhood insulation. The following information relates to compliance with federal noise emission standards for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 lbs (4 536 kg).
Bulb Replacement For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer. For the type of bulbs, see Replacement Bulbs on page 5-57. Halogen Bulbs {CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package. Headlamps 1. Remove the two bolts from the headlamp assembly. 2. Remove the two pins on the top of the headlamp assembly.
8. Without removing the headlamp assembly itself, remove the bulb socket from the back of the headlamp on the driver’s side. 9. Turn the bulb counterclockwise one quarter turn to remove it from the socket. 10. On the passenger’s side, turn the bulb clockwise one turn. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb. 5-54 11. Install the new bulb into the socket and return it to the headlamp assembly. 12. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle and reinstall the two pins.
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking Lamps 1. Use a small tool to unlatch the outboard clip on this lamp. Taillamps 1. Remove the two inboard nuts on the side assembly. 2. Pull the lamp forward to completely unlatch the clip. Move the lamp outboard to loosen the tabs. 3. Remove the lamp from the grille. 4. Squeeze the tab on the side of the bulb assembly while turning it counterclockwise. 5. Remove the bulb assembly from the back of the lens and replace the bulb. 6.
8. To remove, squeeze the tab on the side of the sockets while turning them counterclockwise. 9. Turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it. Install the new bulb. 10. Reverse the above steps to reinstall the lamp.
Center High Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) Replacement Bulbs Exterior Lamp It is recommended that this component be replaced as a unit by your dealer. Bulb Number Back-up Lamp 3157 CHMSL 912 Composite High-Beam Headlamps 9005 Composite Low-Beam Headlamps 9006GS Front Parking and Turn Lamp 3157KX Front Sidemarker Lamp 194 Sealed Beam Headlamps H6054 Rear Parking, Stop, and Turn Lamp 3157 For any bulb not listed here, contact your dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear and cracking. See ″Wiper Blade Check” in Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4. 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. 2. Press down on the blade assembly pivot locking tab. Pull down on the blade assembly to release it from the wiper arm hook.
Tires 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 GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet included with your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. {CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. • Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction.
Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is molded into the sidewall. The following illustrations are examples of a typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall.
(A) Tire Size Code: 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 Code” illustration later in this section for more detail. (B) Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec): Original equipment tires designed to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
(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) Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec): 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.
(F) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. (G) Single Tire Maximum Load: Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load when used as a single. For information on recommended tire pressure see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-67 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31. Tire Size The following examples show the different parts of a tire size.
(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. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire (A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: The United States version of a metric tire sizing system.
Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim. GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle, see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31. Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Occupant Distribution: Designated seating positions. Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of a asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand and or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the other sidewall of the tire. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Inflation - Tire Pressure When to Check The tire and loading information label, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31, for the location of your vehicle’s tire and loading information label. Check your tires once a month or more. Notice: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not.
Dual Tire Operation Tire Inspection and Rotation When the vehicle is new, or whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is replaced, check the wheel nut torque after 100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1 600 and 10 000 km) of driving. For proper wheel nut tightening information, see “Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire” later in this section, under Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-77. Also see “Wheel Nut Torque” under Capacities and Specifications on page 5-106.
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 Certification/Tire label of the Tire and Loading Information label. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under Capacities and Specifications on page 5-106.
When It Is Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will 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. 5-70 You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: • You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. • You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber.
Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Certification/Tire label or the Tire and Loading Information label. For examples of these labels and their location on your vehicle, see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, General Motors recommends that you get tires with that same TPC Spec number.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Treadwear Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
Temperature – A, B, C Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your dealer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Used Replacement Wheels Tire Chains {CAUTION: {CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel. If your vehicle has dual wheels or P235/75R16 or LT245/75R16 size tires, do not use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there’s not enough clearance.
Notice: If your vehicle does not have dual wheels and is equipped with a tire size other than P235/75R16 or LT245/75R16 use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Use chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the tires of the rear axle. Do not use chains on the tires of the front axle. Tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
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 hazard warning flashers. {CAUTION: CAUTION: (Continued) To be even more certain the vehicle won’t move, you should put blocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire, on the other side, at the opposite end of the vehicle. 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’ll need is located in the rear passenger side of corner of the vehicle. Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it off the mounting bracket. If you have a van with the 15–passenger seating arrangement, the equipment you’ll need is secured on the rear passenger side floor of the vehicle. Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it out of the mounting bracket.
Attach the wheel wrench and ratchet, with the DOWN side facing you. The wheel wrench has a socket end and a flat chisel end. 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. The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A), jack handle extension (B), jack handle (C), wheel wrench (D) and the ratchet (E). Your spare tire is stored underneath the rear of your vehicle.
Turn the ratchet counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground. If the spare tire does not lower to the ground, the secondary latch is engaged causing the tire not to lower. See “Secondary Latch System” later in this section. When the tire has been lowered, pull the tire toward you so you can reach the tire retainer and pull it up through the wheel opening. If you have a vehicle which was completed from a cab and chassis, refer to the information from the body supplier/installer.
Notice: If you drive away before the spare tire or secondary latch system cable has been reinstalled, you could damage your vehicle. Always reinstall this cable before driving your vehicle. Secondary Latch System Your vehicle has an underbody mounted tire hoist assembly equipped with a secondary latch system. It’s designed to stop the spare tire from suddenly falling off your vehicle if the cable holding the spare tire is damaged.
4. Connect the jack handle (C) and jack handle extension (B) together and press the retention clip (arrow) so it engages. 1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable end is visible. 2. If the cable is not visible, start this procedure at Step 6. 3. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed. 5.
8. 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. 6. 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. 7.
Removing the Wheel Covers 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. Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire Front Position Front Flat: Assemble the jack (A) together with the jack handle (B) and ratchet (C) as shown.
Connect the jack handle (B) and jack handle extension (C) together and press the retention clip (arrow) so it engages.
3. 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. Rear Position {CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
5. Remove all the wheel nuts, and take off the flat tire. 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the ratchet clockwise. Make sure the UP mark faces you. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit.
6. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. {CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. {CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
CAUTION: (Continued) Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification. See “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index for wheel nut torque specification. 9. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise. {CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident.
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. Attach the ratchet, with the UP side facing you, 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.
Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flames if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you are cleaning the inside.
Here are some cleaning tips: • Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. • Clean up stains as soon as you can — before they set. • Carefully scrape off any excess stain. • Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. • If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Cleaner on Fabric 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt. 2.
Cleaning Vinyl Use warm water and a clean cloth. • Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do this more than once. • Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you do not get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth and vinyl cleaner. See your dealer for this product. Cleaning Leather Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
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. Weatherstrips Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.” Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-99. Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
Cleaning the Windshield and Wiper Blades If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades and affect their performance.
Sheet Metal Damage If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection. At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do this for you.
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials See your GM dealer for more information on purchasing the following products. Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials Description Polishing Cloth Wax-Treated Tar and Road Oil Remover Chrome Cleaner and Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Vinyl Cleaner Glass Cleaner Chrome and Wire 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.
Vehicle Identification Engine Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications and replacement parts. Service Parts Identification Label You’ll find this label on the front passenger door frame. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: This is the legal identifier for your vehicle.
Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment Notice: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should. Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to add anything electrical to your vehicle, see Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-75.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers Floor Console Fuse Block The floor console fuse block is located under the driver’s seat.
Fuse 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 32 33 Usage Door Locks Upfitter Park Not Available Left Rear Park Lamp Pass Turn Mirror Right Rear Park Lamp Trailer Park Lamp Front Park Lamp Auxilary1 Auxilary2 Relays 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Circuit Breaker 34 Usage Window Residual Accessory Power Auxiliary Right Rear Defogger Courtesy Lamp Cargo Unlock Driver Unlock Park Lamp Door Locks Pass Unlock Usage Power Window 5-103
Engine Compartment Fuse Block The fuse block is in the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Fuse 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Usage Spare RPA/Inside Rearview Mirror Crankcase Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System Auxiliary Power Outlets Cigarette Lighter Instrument Panel Cluster Air Conditioning Spare Vent Spare Vehicle Back Up Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Powertrain Control Module Ignition 1 Oxygen Sensor B Oxygen Sensor A Windshield Wipers Right Headlamp - Low Beam Left Headlamp - Low Beam Left Headlamp - High Beam Right Headlamp - High Beam Fu
Capacities and Specifications Please refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14. All capacities are approximate. 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.
Application Capacities English Metric Engine Oil With Filter After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating range. See Engine Oil on page 5-13 VORTEC™ 4300 V6 (Vin W) 4.5 quarts 4.3 L VORTEC™ 4800 V8 (Vin V) 6.0 quarts 5.7 L VORTEC™ 5300 V8 (Vin T) 6.0 quarts 5.7 L VORTEC™ 6000 V8 (Vin U) 6.0 quarts 5.7 L Fuel Tank Standard Tank (Passenger and Cargo) 31.0 gallons 117.3 L Standard Tank (Cab and Chassis) 33.0 gallons 124.
✍ NOTES 5-108
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule ......................................6-2 Introduction ...................................................6-2 Maintenance Requirements ..............................6-2 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................6-2 Using Your Maintenance Schedule ....................6-2 Scheduled Maintenance ...................................6-4 Additional Required Services ............................6-6 Maintenance Footnotes ................................
Maintenance Schedule Introduction Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and change as recommended. Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance is important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle.
This schedule is for vehicles that: • carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits. You will find these limits on the tire and loading information label. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31. • are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. • use the recommended fuel. See Gasoline Octane on page 5-4. The services in Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4 should be performed when indicated.
Scheduled Maintenance When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes on, it means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset.
Scheduled Maintenance Service Maintenance I Maintenance II Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system. See Engine Oil on page 5-13. An Emission Control Service. • • Lubricate chassis components. See footnote #. • • Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j). • • Inspect engine air cleaner filter change indicator. If necessary, replace filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18. An Emission Control Service. See footnote †.
Additional Required Services The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (I or II) after the indicated miles (kilometers) shown for each item. Additional Required Services 25,000 (41 500) 50,000 (83 000) 75,000 (125 000) 100,000 (166 000) 125,000 (207 500) 150,000 (240 000) Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks. • • • • • • Inspect exhaust system for loose or damaged components. • • • • • • Repack front wheel bearings. See footnote (k).
Additional Required Services (cont’d) Service 25,000 (41 500) 50,000 (83 000) 75,000 (125 000) 100,000 (166 000) 125,000 (207 500) 150,000 (240 000) Engine cooling system service (or every 5 years, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service. See footnote (i). • Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission Control Service. • Inspect evaporative control system. An Emission Control Service. See footnotes † and (l).
Maintenance Footnotes † 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. We, however, urge that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, hood prop rod pivot, hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear compartment hinges, latches, locks, fuel door hinge and any moving seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak. (g) Vehicles with GVWR above 10,000 lbs.
Owner Checks and Services At Each Fuel Fill These owner checks and services should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you with these checks and services. It is important to perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check At Least Once a Year Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. Starter Switch Check At Least Once a Month {CAUTION: Tire Inflation Check Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check your spare tire. See Tires on page 5-59 for further details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored securely.
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. It should be parked on a level surface. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-26 if necessary. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move. 3.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. • To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With {CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll.
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. Usage Engine Oil Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. To determine the proper viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see Engine Oil on page 5-13. Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or System equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Usage Front Wheel Bearings Front and Rear Axle Transfer Case Fluid/Lubricant Wheel bearing lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category GC or GC-LB (GM Part No. U.S. 1051344, in Canada 993037). SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 12378261, in Canada 10953455) or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. DEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained by your dealer. Part Engine (VIN Code) Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 4.3L (W) V6 4.8L (V), 5.3L (T), 6.0L (U) V8 Engine Oil Filter 4.3L (W) V6 4.8L (V), 5.3L (T), 6.0L (U) V8 Fuel Filter 4.3L (W) V6 4.8L (V), 5.3L (T), 6.0L (U) V8 Passenger Compartment Air Filter Kit 4.3L (W) V6 4.8L (V), 5.3L (T), 6.0L (U) V8 PCV Valve 4.3L (W) V6 Spark Plugs 4.3L (W) V6 4.8L (V), 5.3L (T), 6.
Engine Drive Belt Routing V6 Engine V8 Engine 6-17
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 in this section. Any additional information from Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10 can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
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 and Information Customer Assistance and Information ...............7-2 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ......................7-2 Online Owner Center ......................................7-3 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ................................7-4 Customer Assistance Offices ............................7-4 GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities ..................................................7-5 Roadside Assistance Program ..........
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.
STEP THREE: Both General Motors and your dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you continue to remain unsatisfied after following the procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you should file with the BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
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 can communicate with Chevrolet by dialing: 1-800-833-CHEV (2438). (TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities This program, available to qualified applicants, can reimburse you up to $1,000 toward eligible aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may require for your vehicle (hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.). This program can also provide you with free resource information, such as area driver assessment centers and mobility equipment installers. The offer is available for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle purchase/lease.
• Emergency Tow: Tow to the nearest dealership for warranty service or in the event of a vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance when the vehicle is mired in sand, mud or snow. • Flat Tire Change: Installation of a spare tire will be covered at no charge. (The customer is responsible for the repair or replacement of the tire if not covered by a warrantable failure.) • Jump Start: No-start occurrences which require a battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle Additional Program Information Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained if your vehicle is kept for a warranty repair. Reimbursement will be limited to a maximum of $30.00 a day and must be supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements.
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Records Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, has a number of sophisticated computer systems that monitor and control several aspects of the vehicle’s performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle computers to monitor emission control components to optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for airbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and to help the driver control the vehicle in difficult driving situations.
Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give 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.
Owner’s Information Owner publications are written specifically for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.
A Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-18 Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ....................................................... 1-76 Adding Washer Fluid ....................................... 5-39 Additional Program Information ........................... 7-8 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6 Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................... 5-101 Add-On Equipment ..........................................
Audio System(s) ............................................. AM-FM Radio ............................................. Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ Care of Your CD Player ............................... Care of Your CDs ........................................ Chime Level Adjustment ............................... Fixed Mast Antenna ..................................... Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... Radio with CD ............................................
Care of Safety Belts ................................................ 5-95 Your Cassette Tape Player ............................ 3-77 Your CD Player ........................................... 3-78 Your CDs ................................................... 3-78 Cargo Door Relocking ....................................... 2-8 Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models with an Air Bag Off Switch .................................. 1-46 Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models without an Air Bag Off Switch .........
Cleaning Inside of Your Vehicle .................................. 5-92 Outside of Your Vehicle ................................ 5-95 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-98 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-95 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels .............................. 5-97 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................... 5-96 Cleaning Fabric/Carpet .................................... 5-92 Cleaning Glass Surfaces ..................................
D Daytime Running Lamps .................................. 3-15 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light ............. 3-41 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2 Defogging and Defrosting ................................. 3-20 Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-3 Dome Lamp Override ...................................... 3-16 Dome Lamps ................................................. 3-17 Door 60/40 Swing-Out Side Door ...........................
Engine (cont.) Fan Noise .................................................. 5-37 Oil ............................................................. 5-13 Overheating ................................................ 5-26 Reduced Power Light ................................... 3-41 Starting ...................................................... 2-22 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ..................... 5-104 Engine Oil Additives ........................................ 5-16 Entry Lighting ........................
G Gage Check Gages Warning Light .......................... 3-42 Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... 3-35 Fuel .......................................................... 3-42 Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-38 Speedometer .............................................. 3-27 Voltmeter Gage ........................................... 3-32 Gasoline Octane ........................................................ 5-4 Specifications ..................................
I K If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-27 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-26 If the Light Is Flashing ..................................... 3-37 If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-37 If You Are Caught in a Blizzard ......................... 4-28 If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ....... 4-30 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer ..................... 4-38 Ignition Positions .............................................
Light Air Bag Off ................................................. 3-30 Air Bag Readiness ....................................... 3-29 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-34 Brake System Warning ................................. 3-33 Change Engine Oil ...................................... 3-39 Charging System ......................................... 3-31 Check Gages Warning ................................. 3-42 Cruise Control .............................................
Maintenance When Trailer Towing ..................... 4-51 Making Turns ................................................. 4-49 Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-36 Manual Seats ................................................... 1-3 Manual Windows ............................................ 2-17 Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle ............... 2-5 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) – Customer Assistance .
P Q Park (P) Shifting Into ................................................ 2-27 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-29 Parking Brake ........................................................ 2-26 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-30 Parking on Hills .............................................. 4-50 Passenger Vans with an Air Bag Off Switch ........ 1-44 Passenger Vans without an Air Bag Off Switch .......................................................
Rear Door Security Locks .................................. 2-9 Rear Doors .................................................... 2-14 Rear Heating System ...................................... 3-22 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-29 Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-6 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............. 1-26 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-26 Rear Window Defogger ....................................
S Safety Belt Reminder Light ............................................ 3-28 Safety Belts Care of ...................................................... 5-95 Center Passenger Position .................... 1-24, 1-25 Driver Position ............................................ 1-16 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-15 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-14 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults ......................................
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ........................... 1-17 Single Stage Air Bags ..................................... 1-69 Skidding ........................................................ 4-15 Sliding Side Door ............................................ 2-11 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips ....................... 4-19 Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... 5-93 Specifications, Capacities ............................... 5-106 Speedometer .................................................
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-23 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-47 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-48 Torque Lock ................................................... 2-29 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires .................. 4-45 Tow/Haul Mode ............................................... 4-39 Tow/Haul Mode Light ....................................... 3-41 Towing Recreational Vehicle ..............................
W Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-25 Warnings Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-6 Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-7 Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... 5-95 Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. 4-44 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................
