002 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner’s Manual Litho in U.S.A.
We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the name TAHOE, and the name SUBURBAN 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.
How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard.
Vehicle Damage Warnings Vehicle Symbols Also, in this book you will find these notices: Your vehicle may be equipped with 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.
These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle: v
Model Reference This manual covers these models: Tahoe vi Suburban
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and fold them up and down. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
Manual Cushion Tilt (If Equipped) Manual Lumbar Control (If Equipped) If your vehicle has a lumbar adjustment, the knob is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. If your vehicle has this feature, you can raise or lower the front of the driver’s or passenger’s seat with this lever located at the inside edge of the seat. To raise or lower the front of the seat, move the lever up or down in a continuous motion until the cushion reaches the desired height.
Power Seat(s) (If Equipped) If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with these controls located on the outboard sides of the seats. D Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the forward edge of the horizontal control. D Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the whole horizontal control forward or rearward. D Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the rear edge of the horizontal control.
Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, the four-way control is located on the outboard side of the seat. To increase or decrease support, press and hold the front or rear of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower seatback for more lateral support. To increase or decrease support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control.
Heated Front Seats (If Equipped) Reclining Seatbacks If your vehicle has this feature, the button used to control the driver’s heated seat is located on the driver’s door panel. The button used to control the passenger’s heated seat is located on the passenger’s door panel. To activate the heated seats, press the button once for the HI heat setting. Press the button again for the LO heat setting. To turn off the heated seats, press the button a third time.
CAUTION: But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 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. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
Head Restraints On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. The rear seat head restraints in your vehicle may be adjustable. They work the same as the front seat head restraints, except they do not tilt forward or rearward. Rear Seats 60/40 Split Bench Seat Tahoe/Yukon: The rear seat may have a 60/40 split seat which may be folded down to give you more cargo space. Suburban/Yukon XL: The second row rear seat of Suburban/Yukon XL models may have a 60/40 split seat.
Folding the Seatbacks CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. On all models with 60/40 split bench seats, you must insert the center occupant lap belt latch plate into the loop provided, on the underside of the folded forward seat cushion, before folding the rear seat back down on the driver’s side.
To fold, pull up on the strap loop at the rear of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up an fold it forward. After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the seat forward and/or bring the front seatback more upright.
Make sure that the buckles on the driver’s side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions. On Tahoe/Yukon models make sure the head restraints are returned to the upright position. Bucket Seats (Suburban/Yukon XL Second Row) If your vehicle has bucket seats, the seatbacks can be reclined and the seats can be folded to give you more cargo room. Folding the Seatbacks CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
To fold the seatbacks on the bucket seats, do the following: CAUTION: If a head restraint is not installed on the seatback or stored in the vehicle properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Remove the head restraints only when you need to fold the seat, and be sure that the head restraints are stored securely in the space provided in the folded up seat cushion.
Once the seatbacks are folded down, the rear seat footwell area will be exposed and will have to be covered by the load floor panel. To create a load floor, do the following: 50/50 Split Bench Seat (Third Row) If your vehicle has a 50/50 split bench, the seatback(s) can be folded and the entire seat(s) tilted or removed from the vehicles. Folding the Seatbacks CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there.
Tilting the 50/50 Split Bench Seat CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. CAUTION: If the support rod isn’t properly engaged, the folded third row seat could come loose in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to people and damage to your vehicle.
To return the seat to the seating position do the following: 1. Push forward on the seat and release the support lock rod. 2. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the underside of the seat. 2. Fold the seatback forward onto the seat cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded. 3. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop into place. 4. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat is locked in place. 5.
4. Squeeze the release lever, located in the lower middle to unlatch the seat from the floor, while pulling the seat out. 5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat out of the vehicle. Replacing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.
Full Bench Seat (Third Row) If your vehicle has a full bench seat, the seatback can be folded and the seat can be tilted or removed from the vehicle. Folding the Seatback To fold the seatback on the bench seat, do the following: 1. Pull up on the release lever, labeled 1, located on the rear of the seatback and push the seatback forward. CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there.
Tilting the Full Bench Seat CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. CAUTION: If the support rod isn’t properly engaged, the folded third row seat could come loose in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to people and damage to your vehicle. Always be sure the support rod is properly engaged when the third row seat is folded forward.
5. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place using the support rod located on the underside of the seat on the passenger’s side. Make sure the rod pin is fully engaged in the lock. 6. Push and pull on the seat. Make sure the support rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in this position only when necessary for additional cargo space. To return the seat to the seating position do the following: 1. Push forward on the seat and release the support lock rod.
3. To unlatch the seat from the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2, located at the rear of the seat, and lift the rear of the seat up off the floor. 4. Squeeze the release lever, located in the lower middle to unlatch the seat from the floor while pulling the seat out. 5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat out of the vehicle. 1-20 Replacing the Full Bench Seat CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash.
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats 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. After installing the seat, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted. To reinstall the full bench seat, do the following: 1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front wheels into the slots on the floor.
Suburban/Yukon XL: The passenger’s side of the second row 60/40 or rear bucket seats has an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the third seat, if your vehicle has one. To operate the easy entry seat turn the release lever, located near the back of the seat rearward. Tilt the seatback toward the front of the vehicle by pulling the top of the seat forward. When you do the seat bottom will release. Pull the seat forward until it stops.
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. You never know if you’ll be in a crash.
Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.
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 ... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers 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.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position.
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” at the end of this section. 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. 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.
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: 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: 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: 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. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems: CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t 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 don’t replace them.
CAUTION: Anyone who is 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 the best protection for adults, 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. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.
How the Air Bag Systems Work Where are the air bags? The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
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. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.
When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h).
How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index. CAUTION: For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service.
Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or sides of the vehicle that could keep the air bags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag sensors. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle.
Center Passenger Position Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions. When you sit in a center seating position, 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.
To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. 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.
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 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. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. 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. 3.
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 shoulder 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.
Third Row Seat 1. For the second row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the trim panel near the side of the seatback. For the third row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of the seatback. 1-52 2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The guide must be on top of the belt.
Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
CAUTION: 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.
Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available.
CAUTION: Restraint Systems for Children The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries.
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.
Q: A: How do child restraints work? 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.
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
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.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Yukon XL models without rear seats: Top strap anchor loops are located at the bottom rear of the front seat cushion for the right front passenger’s position. Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points.
Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon/Yukon XL models with rear seats: A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second or third row. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the front seat because there’s no place to anchor the top strap. An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion for each seating position in the second row, and for the center seating position in the third row. Suburban/Yukon XL Second Row Seat, Bucket Seats Similar.
Tahoe/Yukon models: A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second row. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position or in the third row, because there’s no place to anchor the top strap. An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion for the center seating position in the third row.
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have the LATCH system. If it does, you’ll find anchors (A) in the second row seats, where the seatbacks meets the seat cushions. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a visible metal anchorage point in the seat where the seatback meets the seat cushion.
CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint.
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1. Find the anchors 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. 3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4.
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-70 5. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re 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 Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 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.
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. If you’re 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 the Center Front Seat Position Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Don’t use child restraints in this position. The restraints won’t work properly.
Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this 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. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.
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.
CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in 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.
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.
Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
Windows CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Manual Windows Turn the hand crank on each door to manually raise or lower the manual windows. Power Windows (If Equipped) If you have power windows, the controls are located on each of the side doors. The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger’s windows as well. Your power windows will work when the ignition has been turned to ACCESSORY or RUN or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.
Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
Your vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and all door locks as well as the spare tire hoist lock. If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining replacements. NOTICE: Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your key inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an extra key.
Door Locks There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. You can use the keyless entry system (if equipped). CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. D Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle won’t open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.
Power Door Locks Press the raised side of the switch, marked L on either front door to lock all the doors at once. Press the recessed side of the switch marked U to unlock all the doors at once. If your vehicle has this power door lock switch, press the bottom of the switch on either front door to lock all the doors at once. Press the top of the switch to unlock all the doors at once.
On the passenger side of the rear cargo door or liftgate opening trim there is a power lock switch which can be used to lock or unlock all of the doors. Programmable Automatic Door Locks (If Equipped) If your vehicle has power door locks, it is equipped with a feature that enables you to program your power door locks. Your vehicle left the factory programmed to automatically lock all doors when the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P), and all doors unlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
To enter the program mode you need to do the following: The following is a list of the available programming options: 1. Beginning with the ignition in OFF. Pull back on the turn signal/multifunction lever all the way toward you until flash-to-pass is activated, and hold it while you perform the next step. D All doors lock/Only the driver’s door unlocks: 2. Turn your key to RUN and OFF twice. Then, with the key in OFF, release the turn signal/multifunction lever.
Lockout Prevention 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 a door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the driver’s door will unlock. Child Security Locks (If Equipped) With this feature, you can lock the rear side doors so they cannot be opened from the inside by passengers. Your vehicle may have one of the two child security lock labels shown.
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your 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 Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle UNLOCK: Pressing this button once will unlock the driver’s door. The parking lamps will flash and the interior lights will come on. The ground illumination lamps will come on. Pressing UNLOCK again within three seconds will cause the remaining doors to unlock. The parking lamps will flash and the interior lights will come on. Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
NOTICE: 2. Remove and replace the battery with a three-volt CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up. 3. Align the covers and snap them together. 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. 4. Resynchronize the transmitter. 5. Check the operation of the transmitter.
Liftgate CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate glass, liftgate or rear doors open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the liftgate glass, liftgate or rear doors open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the liftgate glass, liftgate or rear doors: D Make sure all other windows are shut.
Panel Doors Theft To open the rear panel doors, you must open the passenger’s side panel door first. If the door is locked, insert your door key in the lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it. Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with a content theft-deterrent alarm system. Parking Lots With this system, the SECURITY message will flash as you open the door (if your ignition is off).
If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will flash and the horn will sound for about two minutes, then will turn off to save the battery power. Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
PasslockR Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock theft-deterrent system. 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. If the engine stalls and the SECURITY message flashes, wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from START as soon as the engine starts.
Ignition Positions With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key to five different positions. B (LOCK): This position locks your ignition and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t 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.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) (If Equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain features on your vehicle to continue to work up to 20 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF. Your radio, power windows, sunroof (if equipped), and OnStarR System (if equipped) will work when the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from RUN to OFF, these features will continue to work for up to 20 minutes or until a door is opened.
When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0_F or -18_C), do this: 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. 2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the power steering fluid reservoir. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of PARK (P). This means that if your key is in OFF, rather than LOCK, there will be a small current drain on your battery which could discharge your battery over a period of time.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. CAUTION: NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: D Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. D Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road driving.
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button Parking Brake 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. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will flash. A chime will activate when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at least 3 mph (5 km/h) for at least three seconds. Your vehicle is equipped with a tow/haul mode. The selector button is located on the end of the column shift lever.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released, the brake system warning light will go off. NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like this: D Move the lever up as far as it will go. D Pull the shift lever toward you. 3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL (N). 4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running CAUTION: 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. If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL.
Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transmission” in the Index. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then, move the shift lever into the gear you want.
Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. D Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. D Repairs weren’t done correctly.
Level Control (If Equipped) 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. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
t (If Equipped) Automatic Level Control Autoride The automatic level control rear suspension is available on C/K 1500 vehicles and comes as a part of the Autoride suspension. The Autoride feature will provide a superior vehicle ride and handling under a variety of passenger and loading conditions. This type of level control is fully automatic and will provide a better leveled riding position as well as better handling under a variety of passenger and loading conditions.
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction. To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that follows before using four-wheel drive. See the appropriate text for the transfer case in your vehicle.
AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI. 4HI: Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD CAUTION: Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL. See “Parking Brake” in the Index. Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This can be done at any speed (except when shifting from 4LO), and the indicator light will flash while shifting.
Shifting Out of 4LO 2. Set the parking brake. To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL Tilt Wheel To shift out of NEUTRAL: A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter your vehicle. 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal. 2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off. 3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
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 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. Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer If your headlamps are off or on low-beam, your high-beam headlamps will turn on. They’ll stay on as long as you hold the lever toward you and the high-beam indicator on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
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. If you want more wipes, hold the band on MIST longer. You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time. The closer to LO, the shorter the delay. For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the LO position.
To wash the window, press the knob. The rear window washer uses the same fluid bottle as the windshield washer. However, the rear window washer will run out of fluid before the windshield washer. If you can wash your windshield but not your rear windows, check the fluid level. Cruise Control (If Equipped) With 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.
Setting Cruise Control CAUTION: If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use cruise control. United States Canada The CRUISE light on the instrument panel will illuminate when the cruise control is engaged. Resuming a Set Speed 1. Move the cruise control switch to ON. 2. Get up to the speed you want. 3.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed: 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. D Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Press the SET button at the end of the lever, then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.
Exterior Lamps The exterior lamp control has three positions: (Off): Turning the control to this position turns off all lamps, except the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). It also puts the system into automatic headlamp mode. (Parking Lamps): Turning the control to this position turns on the parking lamps, together with the following: D D D D D The control on the driver’s side of your instrument panel operates the exterior lamps. Turn the control clockwise to operate the lamps.
Automatic Headlamp System When it is dark enough outside, your automatic headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the normal brightness along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim. Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor located on the top of the instrument panel in the defroster grille. Be sure it is not covered, or the system will be on whenever the ignition is on.
Daytime Running Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
Fog Lamps (If Equipped) If your vehicle has fog lamps, use them for better vision in foggy or misty conditions. The fog lamp button is located on the left side of the instrument panel. The fog lamps will be cancelled after the ignition is turned off. If you still want to use the fog lamps after you restart the vehicle, you will need to press the fog lamp button again.
Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control This feature controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights. Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped) The reading lamps are located on the overhead console. The thumbwheel for this feature is located next to the headlamp control. Turn the thumbwheel up to adjust the instrument panel lights. Turn the thumbwheel up to return the radio display to full brightness when the headlamps or parking lamps are on.
Dome Lamps The dome lamps will come on when you open a door. You can also turn the dome lamps on by turning the thumbwheel, located next to the exterior lamps control, all the way up. In this position, the dome lamps will remain on whether a door is opened or closed. Your vehicle may also have reading lamps in other locations. To turn the lamps on or off, press the button located next to the lamp. The lamps are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display (If Equipped) When on, an electrochromic mirror automatically dims to the proper level to minimize glare from lights behind you after dark. Pull the tab under the mirror toward you to reduce glare from headlamps behind you after dark. Push the tab away from you for normal daytime operation.
Electrochromic Mirror Operation The right side of the button, labeled TEMP, located at the bottom of the mirror, turns the electrochromic mirror on and off. An indicator light, located to the right of the TEMP button, will come on when the electrochromic mirror is turned on. To turn the mirror on, press and hold the TEMP button for six seconds. To turn the mirror off, press and hold the TEMP button for six seconds.
Compass Calibration Compass Variance The compass may need calibration if one of the following occurs: The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory. It will be necessary to adjust the compass to compensate for compass variance if you live outside zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for compass variance. Compass variance is the difference between earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north.
Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors Adjust your outside mirrors so you can just see the side of your vehicle and have a clear view of objects behind you. The mirrors can be folded in to enter narrow areas. The use of hood-mounted air deflectors and add-on convex mirror attachments may adversely affect mirror performance. 4. Press the COMP button on the bottom of the mirror until the new zone number appears in the display.
Camper-Type Outside Mirrors (If Equipped) Electric Outside Rearview Mirrors (If Equipped) The controls are located on the driver’s door armrest. If your vehicle is equipped with camper-type mirrors, they can be adjusted so you can have a clear view of objects behind you. Pull out the mirror head to extend it for better visibility when towing a trailer.
Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Armrest Storage Compartment (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a center armrest storage compartment in the front bench seat. Center Console Storage Area (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a console compartment between the bucket seats. To open it, fold down the armrest and press the latch handle located at the front of the armrest. Then, let the lid pop up and swing open. The storage compartment has a cassette/compact disc holder.
Cupholders Your vehicle may have cupholders located in the front and rear floor console or in the second seat fold down armrest and in the quarter trim. Rear Storage Compartment Your vehicle has a storage compartment located in the rear cargo area of the vehicle in the driver’s side trim panel. To open the utility compartment, press in on the release latch and swing the compartment door open. To open the Suburban/Yukon XL compartment, pull the latch to access.
To remove the shade from the vehicle: 1. Let the shade go all the way into the holder. 2. Then, grasping the passenger’s side shade endcap, push the shade endcap toward the driver’s side of the vehicle. The endcap should lock in the compressed position. Cargo Tie Downs There are cargo tie downs in the rear cargo area that allow you to strap cargo in and keep it from moving inside the vehicle. 3. Lift the shade up on the passenger’s side, swing the shade rearward and take it out of the vehicle.
Luggage Carrier (If Equipped) If you have the luggage carrier, you can load things on top of your vehicle. The luggage carrier has slats and siderails attached to the roof and crossrails which can be moved back and forth to help secure cargo. Tie the load to the siderails or siderail supports. NOTICE: Loading cargo that weighs more than 200 lbs. (90.6 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage your vehicle. When you carry large things, never let them hang over the rear or the sides of your vehicle.
Your vehicle has a Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) located above the glass or above the rear load doors. If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, care should be taken not to block or damage the CHMSL unit. Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter Front Ashtray The front ashtray is located near the center of the instrument panel. Pull on the bottom of the ashtray door to open it.
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror (If Equipped) Pull the sun visor down and lift the mirror cover to turn on the lamps. There is a slide switch to adjust the brightness of the lamps. Accessory Power Outlets With accessory power outlets you can plug in auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or CB radio. Two accessory power outlets are located near the cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter is designed to fit only in the receptacle to the right of the accessory power outlets.
OnStarR System (If Equipped) OnStar is a vehicle communications system that offers a variety of services and provides a one-touch hands-free communication link between you and the OnStar Center. To receive OnStar services, a service subscription agreement is required and an additional fee may be required. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, call 1-888-ONSTAR-7 (1-888-667-8277). Emergency Button: In an emergency situation, press the emergency service button.
The light will be red in the event of an OnStar system malfunction. If this occurs press the OnStar button to attempt to contact an advisor. If the connection is made, the advisor will assist you with steps to take to make sure that the system is functioning properly. If you cannot contact the advisor, take your vehicle to your dealership as soon as possible for assistance. Cellular Antenna: The cellular antenna on the outside of your vehicle is critical to effective communications using the OnStar system.
D Vehicle Locator Service: To contact the center, call 1-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide your security information. An advisor will send a command to your vehicle to sound the horn and/or flash the lamps. D Route Support: An advisor can provide directions or guidance to most places you want to go. In addition, they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas, ATMs, hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more.
Sunroof (If Equipped) The sunroof is also equipped with a sunshade which you can pull forward to block sun rays. The sunshade will not close when the sunroof is open. If a hand, arm, or other object is blocking the sunroof glass panel as it is closing, the glass panel will stop at the obstruction. After the obstruction is removed, the glass panel can be closed or opened. Use care not to leave the sunroof open for long periods of time as debris may collect in the tracts.
HomeLinkR Transmitter (If Equipped) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
If you have trouble programming HomeLink, make sure that you have followed the directions exactly as described and that the battery in the hand-held transmitter is not weak. If you still cannot program it, move the hand-held transmitter to the left or right or forward or backward or flip it upside down. HomeLink may not work with older garage door openers that do not meet current Federal Consumer Safety Standards.
2. Press the Learn or Smart button on the garage door opener motor head unit. An indicator light will begin to flash when the motor head unit enters the training mode. Following this step, you have 30 seconds to start Step 3. Operating the HomeLink Transmitter Press and hold the appropriate button on HomeLink for at least half of a second. The indicator light will come on while the signal is being transmitted. Erasing Channels 3.
The Instrument Panel - Your Information System 2-70
The main components of the instrument panel are the following: A. Dome Lamp Override Button J. Comfort Control System B. Lamp Controls K. Instrument Panel Fuse Block C. Air Outlets L. Hood Release D. Automatic Transfer Case/Traction Assist System (TAS) (If Equipped) M. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block E. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever O. Parking Brake Release F. Instrument Panel Cluster P. Lighter and Accessory Power Outlets G. Shift Lever Q. Rear Window Defogger Button (If Equipped) H.
Instrument Panel Cluster United States Heavy Duty Transmission version shown. Canada and Light Duty Transmission Clusters similar. Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.
Speedometer and Odometer Tachometer 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). Your tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Trip Odometer This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly -- and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help. Your vehicle also has a driver information system that works along with the warning lights and gages. See “Message Center” in the Index.
Voltmeter CAUTION: If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle, it means the air bag system may not be working properly. The air bags in your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle serviced right away if the air bag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle. United States The air bag readiness light should flash for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN.
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. As engine speeds are increased, this condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds allow the charging system to create maximum power. You can only drive for a short time with the reading in either warning zone.
This light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Low Traction Light (If Equipped) If you have the Traction Assist System, this light will come on when the system is limiting wheel spin. See “Traction Assist System” in the Index. You may feel or hear the system working or notice a lack of accelerator response, but this is normal. The LOW TRACTION light also comes on briefly when you turn your ignition to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on then, the system may require service; have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the traction system is active.
The TRACTION OFF light may come on for the following reasons: D If you turn the system off by pressing the TAS on/off button located to the left of the steering wheel, the light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again; the light should go off. D If you move the shift lever to FIRST (1), the light will come on and stay on to indicate that the traction system is off. This is normal operation.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage United States Transmission Temperature Gage (If Equipped) Canada United States Canada This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is working. During a majority of the operation, the gage will read 210_F (100_C) or less. If you are pulling a load or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to fluctuate and approach the 250_F (122_C) mark.
At approximately 265_F (130_C), the message center will display a TRANS FLUID HOT message and the transmission will enter a transmission protection mode. When the transmission enters the protection mode, you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns. The transmission will return to normal shifting patterns when the transmission fluid temperature falls below 260_F (127_C).
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada) United States 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 SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
NOTICE: Modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission controls and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
If the Light Is Flashing If the Light Is On Steady The following may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle: You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: D D D D Reducing vehicle speed. Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle? Avoiding hard accelerations. If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel? Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index. Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.
A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil level or some other problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as possible. See “Check Eng Oil Pressure” and “Engine Oil” in the Index. Oil Pressure Gage CAUTION: United States Canada The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Cruise Light (If Equipped) United States Fuel Gage Canada The CRUISE light comes on whenever you set your cruise control. See “Cruise Control” in the Index. Tow/Haul Light This message is displayed when the tow/haul mode has been activated. United States Canada The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about how much fuel you have left in your tank. The gage will first indicate empty before you are out of fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as possible.
Here are some situations you may experience with your fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gage. D At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads full. D 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. D The gage goes back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
Trans Fluid Hot NOTICE: If you have an automatic transmission, you have a transmission temperature warning display contained in the message center. If you keep driving your vehicle with the transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message displayed, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered under your warranty. If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, the message will be displayed.
Trans Hot...Idle Engine NOTICE: Your vehicle has a transmission over-temperature display contained in the message center. If you keep driving your vehicle with the transmission TRANS HOT...IDLE ENGINE message displayed, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered under your warranty. If this warning message is displayed, pull the vehicle off the roadway when it is safe to do so.
Low Coolant Engine Overheated This message is displayed when the cooling system is low on coolant. The engine may overheat. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can. Check Coolant Temp This message is displayed when the cooling system temperature gets hot. Check the coolant temperature gage and the coolant level. See “Engine Coolant” and “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” in the Index. See “Engine Overheating” in the Index for further information.
Check Eng Oil Pressure This message is displayed when the engine oil pressure is low. See “Oil Pressure Gage” in the Index for more information. Check Eng Oil Level This message is displayed when the engine oil level is low. Once oil is added, it may need time to drain and settle in the engine before this message will turn off. It is best to let the engine cool down (if it is hot) or warm up (if it is cold) and cycle the ignition to be sure this message turns off.
Change Engine Oil Service 4WD (If Equipped) This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to be changed. The message is only displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle. When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the Engine Oil Life System. See “Engine Oil, When to Change” in the Index. Security This message is displayed when the content theft-deterrent system (if equipped) has been activated and also monitors the PasslockR System.
Service Ride Control Low Fuel This message is displayed when a possible problem exists with the Autoride system (if equipped.) t t For more information, see “Autoride ” in the Index. Cargo Door Ajar This message is displayed when the rear liftglass, liftgate or panel doors are ajar when the ignition is in RUN. 2-94 This message is displayed when your vehicle is low on fuel. Refer to the fuel gage for a better indication of the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
Comfort Controls Mode Knob Standard Comfort Controls The right knob on the control panel allows you to choose the direction of air delivery. (Vent): This setting directs the air through the instrument panel outlets. (Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the floor outlets as well as the instrument panel outlets. The air flow can be divided between instrument panel and floor depending upon where the knob is placed between the settings.
Heater and Air Conditioning Comfort Controls (If Equipped) Mode Knob The right knob on the control panel allows you to choose the direction of air delivery. (Vent): This setting directs the air through the instrument panel outlets and the center floor console (if equipped). Fan Knob The knob on the left side of the control panel adjusts the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. To turn the fan off, turn the knob to OFF.
(Blend): Airflow is delivered through the floor outlets, center floor console outlets (if equipped), the windshield defroster outlets and the side window defroster outlets. The air conditioning compressor may run to dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging. (Defrost): This setting directs most of the air through the windshield defroster outlets, side window defroster outlets and some air through the floor and center floor console outlets (if equipped).
The auto recirculation feature will activate when the following are true: D the air conditioning system is activated, D the outside air button is on, and D the vehicle load is high due to city traffic, extended Electronic Climate Control System (If Equipped) idling or hot weather. The system will automatically switch to the recirculation mode to lower the system load and improve interior comfort. The outside air and recirculation button LEDs will not change.
When both the fan control and mode knobs are in the AUTO position, the system will then automatically maintain the desired cabin temperature as selected. Manual control of functions is also available. Temperature Knob The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the desired air temperature in your vehicle. This knob will allow you to adjust the interior air temperature independent of the function knob setting. Move the knob clockwise toward 82_F (28_C) for warmer air.
(Defrost): This setting directs most of the air through the windshield defroster outlets with air flow also delivered from the side window and floor outlets. When in defrost mode, the air conditioning compressor may run to assist in dehumidifying the air and limit window fogging. Mode Buttons (Outside Air): Press this button to force the system to use outside air. Press is again to close off the outside air. Pressing the outside air button will cancel the recirculation button.
If you push a button for a function which is not available, the light next to that button will flash three times to alert you that it’s not available. To find your comfort zone, start with the 74_F (23_C) setting and allow about 20 minutes for the system to adjust the temperature if necessary. With the automatic setting, the air conditioning compressor automatically cycles when needed to cool the air.
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systems (If Equipped) To adjust the airflow speed, turn the fan control knob located on the left side to the desired setting. If your vehicle has one of these systems, you can increase and decrease the airflow at the rear vents. Depending on the system you have and the setting selected, you can send cooled or heated air to the rear of the vehicle. To regulate the airflow location, adjust the right knob on the control.
Rear Air Conditioning (Without Rear Heater) (If Equipped) Front Control To increase and decrease the flow of cooled air to the rear vents, turn the knob to the fan speed you want. The knob has three speed positions. To increase the flow of cooled air, turn the knob toward 3. To decrease the flow of cooled air, turn it toward 1. To turn the fan off, turn the knob to OFF. 3-10 To operate the rear system using the front control, just turn the knob to the fan position you want.
Rear Air Conditioning and Rear Heater (If Equipped) If your vehicle has the rear air conditioning and rear heater system combination, controls are provided to regulate temperature, location and fan speed. To regulate the airflow location, adjust the right knob on the control panel. Turn the knob clockwise for floor vent airflow or counterclockwise for headliner vent airflow. Generally, the instrument panel outlets are used for air conditioning and the floor vents for heating.
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systems with Electronic Climate Control System (If Equipped) With this system the rear passengers can control the temperature of the air flow for the rear seating area. The climate control has three controls. To adjust the airflow speed, turn the fan knob located on the left side of the control panel. The system also has a front AUTO setting that can automatically change the temperature of the rear seating area based on information from the front control.
Air Conditioning On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot air inside escape. This reduces the time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed for the air conditioner to work its best. The A/C button, below the mode knob, allows the air coming into your vehicle to be cooled. This setting is useful for normal cooling on hot days. The recirculation button allows the air inside your vehicle to be recirculated.
Heating Defogging and Defrosting The heater works best if you keep your windows closed while using it. On cold days, use the floor or bi-level setting with the temperature knob in the red area. On cool, humid days, use defrost setting to keep the windshield and side windows clear. Use the defrost setting to remove fog or ice from the windshield in extremely humid or cold conditions. Use the defrost setting with the temperature knob toward the red area and the fan control turned all the way to the right.
The defogger will shut itself off after several minutes. If you need additional warming time, press the button again. You can turn the defogger off at any time by pressing the button. If your vehicle is equipped with heated outside mirrors, the rear window defogger button will also activate the heated outside mirrors. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals across the defogger grid on the rear window.
Your vehicle has air outlets in the center and on the sides of your instrument panel. Ventilation Tips D Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. D When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the fan knob all the way to the right for a few moments before driving.
Audio Systems AM-FM Stereo Your audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your audio system can do and how to operate all of its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP).
SEEK : Press the right or left arrow to seek to the next or previous station and stay there. SCAN : Press both SCAN arrows. SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will scan to the next station, play for a few seconds, then scan to the next station. Press the RECALL knob or both SCAN arrows to stop scanning. Setting Preset Stations The four numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 21 stations (seven AM, seven FM1 and seven FM2) by performing the following steps: 1.
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped) SCV (Speed-Compensated Volume): With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Turn the control ring behind the upper knob clockwise to adjust the SCV. Each notch on the control ring allows for more volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds.
SEEK : Press the right or left arrow to seek to the next station or previous station and stay there. The radio will seek to stations with a strong signal only. The sound will mute while seeking. To scan stations, press and hold either SEEK arrow for two seconds until SCAN appears on the display. The radio will scan to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press either SEEK arrow again to stop scanning. The radio will scan to stations with a strong signal only.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob clockwise to increase bass and counterclockwise to decrease bass. BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob clockwise to adjust sound to the right speakers and counterclockwise to adjust sound to the left speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. TREB (Treble): Press this knob lightly so it extends.
1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to search for the previous track. If you hold this pushbutton or press it more than once, the disc will advance further. Sound is muted in this mode. 2 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to play the tracks on the disc in random order. RANDOM will appear on the display. Press this pushbutton again to return to normal play. 3 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to search for the next track. If you hold this pushbutton or press it more than once, the disc will advance further.
EJECT: Press this button to eject the disc from the player and play the radio. When the same or a new disc is inserted, the disc will start playing on track one. If a compact disc is left sitting in the opening for more than a few seconds, the player will pull the CD back in. The radio will continue playing. When the ignition is off, press this button to load a CD.
PWR (Power): Press this button to turn the rear seat audio system on or off. The rear speakers will be muted when the power is turned on. You may operate the rear seat audio functions even when the primary radio power is off. VOL (Volume): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob clockwise to increase volume and counterclockwise to decrease volume. Push the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it.
P.SET PROG (Preset Program): The front passengers must be listening to something different for each of these functions to work: Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. D Press this button to scan through the preset radio To load a cassette tape with the ignition off, first press EJECT on the remote player. Then, insert the cassette tape.
Primary Radio Controls The following functions are controlled by the main radio: 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton or the left SEEK arrow (in the opposite direction that the lighted tape direction arrow points) to search for the previous selection. A minimum three-second blank gap is needed for the player to stop at the beginning of the selection. The tape direction arrow will blink during the SEEK operation and the sound is muted in this mode.
Remote Cassette Tape Player Controls Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature The following functions are controlled by the remote cassette tape player: The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is recommended that you read through all nine steps before starting the procedure. PROG (Program): Press this button on the remote player to go from one side of the tape to the other. EJECT: Press this button on the remote player to remove the tape.
8. Press AM FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show REP to let you know that you need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your secret code. If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour with the ignition on before you can try again. When you try again, you will only have three chances to enter the correct code before INOP appears. 9.
If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will appear on the display. To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in this section. Understanding Radio Reception AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night.
NOTICE: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delphi Electronics radio or other systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly.
The recommended cleaning method for your remote cassette tape player is the use of a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads, which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is available through your dealer (GM Part No. 12344789).
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving.
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving.
Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: D D D D Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving.
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 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. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know.
Control of a Vehicle Braking You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.
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’s say the road is wet and you’re driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here’s what happens with ABS: A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t 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 won’t 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 Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you.
The Traction Assist System may operate on dry roads under some conditions. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on rough roads. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TAS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage.
The Traction Assist System, as delivered from the factory, will automatically come on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the TAS off if you ever need to. You should turn the TAS off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Steering Steering Tips Power Steering Driving on Curves 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. It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Speed-Sensitive Steering (If Equipped) Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to “Traction Assist System” in the Index. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.
Off-Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.
Passing 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. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds.
D Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that if your right outside mirror is convex, the vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) D Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the “Traction Assist System,” remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not have this system, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle If you think you will need some more ground clearance at the front of your vehicle, you can easily remove the front bumper lower air dam. This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive. Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes” in the Index. If your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel drive, you shouldn’t drive off-road unless you’re on a level, solid surface. Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards.
The following steps must be performed on each of the push-pins to remove the air dam: 1. Insert a tool into the push-pin slot and pull downward until the push-pin snaps loose. 2. While continuing to pull downward on the push-pin, squeeze and turn the expandable end of the push-pin with a tool until it releases from the retainer.
3. Pull the push-pins and lower air dam assembly away from the retainers until the lower air dam is free. When you’re back on roads, though, be sure to replace the air dam. NOTICE: Operating your vehicle for extended periods without the front bumper lower air dam installed can cause improper air flow to the engine and may allow things like fog lamps or tow hooks on the front of your vehicle to be damaged. Always be sure to replace the front bumper air dam when you’re finished off-road driving.
Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all underbody shields (if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read all the information about your four-wheel-drive vehicle in this manual.
Environmental Concerns Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. However, it also raises environmental concerns. GM recognizes these concerns and urges every off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting the environment: D Always use established trails, roads and areas that have been specially set aside for public off-road recreational driving; obey all posted regulations.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving It’s a good idea to practice in an area that’s safe and close to home before you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and different driving skills. Here’s what we mean. Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen for unusual tire or engine sounds.
Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Here are some things to consider. Surface Conditions. Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different ways.
Driving on Off-Road Hills Off-road driving often takes you up, down or across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your vehicle can and can’t do. There are some hills that simply can’t be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle. can easily see all the way to the top. On a large hill, the incline may get steeper as you near the top, but you may not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass or shrubs.
Driving Uphill Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need to take some special steps. D Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel. D Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain your speed. Don’t use more power than you need, because you don’t want your wheels to start spinning or sliding. D Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If the path twists and turns, you might want to find another route.
Q: A: What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about to stall, and I can’t make it up the hill? If this happens, there are some things you should do, and there are some things you must not do. First, here’s what you should do: D Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and keep it from rolling backwards. Also, apply the parking brake. D If your engine is still running, shift the transmission to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and slowly back down the hill in REVERSE (R).
Q: A: Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down the hill and decide I just can’t do it. What should I do? Set the parking brake, put your transmission in PARK (P) and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill side and stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it rolled downhill. Do not shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL when you leave the vehicle. Leave it in some gear.
Driving Downhill When off-roading takes you downhill, you’ll want to CAUTION: consider a number of things: D How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain vehicle control? D What’s the surface like? Smooth? Rough? Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel? D Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs? Boulders? Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause loss of control and a serious accident.
Q: Are there some things I should not do when driving down a hill? A: Q: A: Yes! These are important because if you ignore them you could lose control and have a serious accident. D Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes. D When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you across the incline of the hill. A hill that’s not too steep to drive down may be too steep to drive across. You could roll over if you don’t drive straight down. D Never go downhill with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
Driving Across an Incline Sooner or later, an off-road trail will probably go across the incline of a hill. If this happens, you have to decide whether to try to drive across the incline. Here are some things to consider: D A hill that can be driven straight up or down may be too steep to drive across. When you go straight up or down a hill, the length of the wheel base (the distance from the front wheels to the rear wheels) reduces the likelihood the vehicle will tumble end over end.
Q: What if I’m driving across an incline that’s not too steep, but I hit some loose gravel and start to slide downhill. What should I do? A: If you feel your vehicle starting to slide sideways, turn downhill. This should help straighten out the vehicle and prevent the side slipping. However, a much better way to prevent this is to get out and “walk the course” so you know what the surface is like before you drive it.
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice When you drive in mud, snow or sand, your wheels won’t get good traction. You can’t accelerate as quickly, turning is more difficult, and you’ll need longer braking distances. It’s best to use a low gear when you’re in mud -- the deeper the mud, the lower the gear. In really deep mud, the idea is to keep your vehicle moving so you don’t get stuck. When you drive on sand, you’ll sense a change in wheel traction. But it will depend upon how loosely packed the sand is.
Driving in Water Light rain causes no special off-road driving problems. But heavy rain can mean flash flooding, and flood waters demand extreme caution. Find out how deep the water is before you drive through it. If it’s deep enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe, don’t try it -- you probably won’t get through. Also, water that deep can damage your axle and other vehicle parts. If the water isn’t too deep, then drive through it slowly.
After Off-Road Driving Driving at Night Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody, chassis or under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard. After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked. These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.
Here are some tips on night driving. D Drive defensively. D Don’t drink and drive. D Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the D D D D glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t 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’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement. The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see.
CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally. Hydroplaning Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water Driving Through Flowing Water NOTICE: CAUTION: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
City Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: D 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. D Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy.
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.
The exit speed is usually posted. Here are some things you can check before a trip: 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.
Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads 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. 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.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. See “Off-Road Driving” in the Index for information about driving off-road. D 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. D Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down.
Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: D Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. D 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’ll have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be very careful. What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all.
If you don’t have a traction system, accelerate gently. Try not to break the gentle traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. If You’re Caught in a Blizzard Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have an anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index.
D Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. D 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. 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.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until help comes.
Dinghy Towing When towing your vehicle, turn the ignition off. To prevent your battery from draining while towing, remove the IGN 0 fuse from the instrument panel fuse block. Be sure to reinstall the fuse when you reach your destination. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Two-wheel-drive vehicles, should not be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed.
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles 3. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle. 4. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See “Four-Wheel Drive” in the Index for the proper procedure to select the NEUTRAL position for your vehicle. 5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle. 6. Turn the ignition off. CAUTION: Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle: 1. Firmly set the parking brake. 2.
Dolly Towing (Two-Wheel Drive Vehicles) Four–Wheel–Drive Vehicles Two–Wheel–Drive Vehicles Four–wheel drive vehicles are not designed to be dolly towed. Two–wheel–drive, vehicles,should not be towed with the rear wheels on the ground. Two–wheel–drive transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication while being towed. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off the ground.
Loading Your Vehicle 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.
CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. NOTICE: Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading. The label will help you decide how much cargo and installed equipment your truck can carry.
There’s also important loading information for off-road driving in this manual. See “Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving” in the Index. Trailer Recommendations You must subtract your hitch loads from the Cargo Weight Rating (CWR) for your vehicle. CWR is the maximum weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn’t included the weight of the people inside. But you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat. The total cargo load must not be more than your vehicle’s CWR.
NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this part, and see your dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance is required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
D You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). If you have a manual transmission and you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to use the highest gear. See “Tow/Haul Mode” in the Index. Three important considerations have to do with weight: D the weight of the trailer, D the weight of the trailer tongue D and the weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However, there is no benefit to the selection of tow/haul when the vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It depends on how you plan to use your rig.
C-1500 (2WD)* Engine Axle Ratio 4800 V8 3.42 5,800 lbs. (2 633 kg) 11,000 lbs. (4 994 kg) 3.73 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) 3.42 6,800 lbs. (3 087 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) 3.73 7,800 lbs. (3 541 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg) 3.73 7,700 lbs. (3 495 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg) 4.10 8,700 lbs. (3 949 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 5300 V8 5300 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL) Max. Trailer Wt.
K-1500 (4WD)* Engine Axle Ratio 4800 V8 3.73 6,600 lbs. (2 996 kg) 12,000 lbs. (5 448 kg) 4.10 7,600 lbs. (3 450 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg) 3.73 7,600 lbs. (3 450 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg) 4.10 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 3.73 7,500 lbs. (3 405 kg) 13,000 lbs. (5 902 kg) 4.10 8,500 lbs. (3 859 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 3.73 7,300 lbs. (3 314 kg) 13 000 lbs. (5 902 kg) 4.10 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 3.73 7,000 lbs. (3 178 kg) 13 000 lbs.
C-2500 (2WD)* Engine Max. Trailer Wt. GCWR** 3.73 8,200 lbs. (3 722 kg) 14,000 lbs. (6 356 kg) 4.10 10,200 lbs. (4 630 kg) 16,000 lbs. (7 264 kg)** 8100 V8 3.73 10,500 lbs. (4 767 kg) 17,000 lbs. (7 718 kg) (Suburban/Yukon XL)[ 4.10 12,000 lbs. (5 443 kg) 14,000 lbs. (8 626 kg) 6000 V8 (Suburban/Yukon XL)[ Axle Ratio * Weight-distributing hitch tongue weight 10 percent to 15 percent of trailer weight 1,500 lbs. (681 kg) maximum. **GCWR limited to 14,000 lbs.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet. In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 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.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or see “Tire Loading” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Trailer Brakes If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system only if: D The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure. D The trailer’s brake system will use less than 0.02 cubic inches (0.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Making 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. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode” in the Index. When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating.
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear and not in NEUTRAL. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 6. Release the regular brakes. 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: 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.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing Basic Trailer Wiring Package Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly.
The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer circuits: D D D D D D D Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Package (If Equipped) Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal Brown: Taillamps White: Ground Light Green: Back-up Lamps Red: Battery Feed Dark Blue: Trailer Brake If you need to upgrade your vehicle to heavy-duty trailering, a brake controller harness is available from your dealer. Your vehicle is equipped with the seven-wire trailer towing harness.
The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer circuits: D D D D D D D Instrument Panel Jumper Wiring Harness Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal Brown: Taillamps White: Ground Light Green: Back-up Lamps Red: Battery Feed Dark Blue: Trailer Brake A jumper harness for an electric trailer brake controller and a trailer battery feed fuse are included with this trailering package. (See “Instrument Panel Jumper Wiring Harness” later in this section.
Four Wire Trailer Harness Adapter If you need to tow a light-duty trailer with a standard four-way round pin connector, an adapter connector is included with your vehicle. Connect the adapter with the tab (arrow) pointing toward the top. The cap on the wiring harness will lock onto the tab (arrow) and help hold the adapter in place. NOTICE: Using a power winch with the transmission in gear may damage the transmission. When operating a power winch, always leave the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
Hazard Warning Flashers The hazard warning flasher 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.
Jump Starting If your battery (or batteries) 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: D They contain acid that can burn you. D They contain gas that can explode or ignite. D They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure.
CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the batteries have enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelcoR battery (or batteries) installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use 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. 5-6 8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the good battery’s negative (-) cable. Use a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the dead battery or to a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one. NOTICE: Damage to your vehicle may result from electrical shorting if jumper cables are removed incorrectly. To prevent electrical shorting take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while. 11.
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the vehicle that had the bad battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from 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 positive (+) remote terminal cover to its original position. Jumper Cable Removal A.
Towing Your Vehicle Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index. If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” in the Index. Engine Overheating You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: (Continued) Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine An overheat warning, along with a low coolant message, can indicate a serious problem. See “Low Coolant Message” in the Index. If you get an engine overheat warning with no low coolant message, but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: D D D D Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high-speed driving. Idle for long periods in traffic. Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” in the Index.
Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: All Other Engines A. Coolant Surge Tank B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap 8100 V8 Engines C. Engine Fan If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at or above the FILL COLD 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. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t 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.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank If you haven’t found a problem yet, check to see if coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible but the coolant level isn’t at or above the FILL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index 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. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning. Your engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR coolant.
Your vehicle may be equipped with one of the two caps shown. 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left) about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left. 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it. 5-16 3.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan. 5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated. By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the FILL COLD mark.
Engine Fan Noise If a Tire Goes Flat 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.
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: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Tahoe/Yukon Models (Rear Access Panel) Tahoe/Yukon Models (Under Driver’s Side Rear Seat) A. Speaker B. Bottle Jack A. Tool Kit with Jack Tools and Gloves C. Wing Nut B. Bracket and Wing Nut D. Retaining Hook E. Tire Blocks F.
The equipment you’ll need is under the storage tray in the left trim panel for Suburban/Yukon XL models. For Tahoe/Yukon models, the equipment is located under the rear seat behind the driver’s seat and behind the left trim panel in the rear of the vehicle. Skip the first step and follow the last three. 1. Remove the tray to access the tools. 2. There is a wing nut used to retain the tool kit. To remove it, turn the wing nut counterclockwise. 3.
A. Hoist Assembly B. Wheel Wrench C. Jack Handle Extensions D. Hoist Shaft E. Valve Stem, Pointed Up F. Spare Tire G. Tire Retainer H. Hoist Cable I. Hoist Lock J. Hoist Shaft Access Hole K.
Follow these instructions to lower the spare tire: 1. If the vehicle is equipped with a hoist lock, open the spare tire lock cover on the bumper and use the ignition key to remove the lock. 2. Assemble the wheel wrench and the two jack handle extensions as shown. Insert the hoist end (open end) of the extension through the hole in the rear bumper. Be sure the hoist end of the extension connects into the hoist shaft (the ribbed square end of the extension is used to lower the spare tire). 3.
Attach the wheel wrench to the jack handle extensions (as needed). Attach the jack handle to the jack. 5-24 Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the jack lift head to the lifting point.
If your vehicle has wheel nut caps, loosen them by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. If you have a center cap with wheel nut caps, the wheel nut caps are designed to remain with the center cap. Remove the center cap. Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen the wheel nuts. Don’t remove the wheel nuts yet.
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. 2. Position the jack under the vehicle. If the flat tire is on the front of the vehicle, position the jack on the frame behind the flat tire where the frame sections overlap. On all 1500 series vehicles, use the jacking pad provided on the rear axle.
Front Position Rear Position 1500 Series Rear Position 2500 Series 3. Make sure the jack head is positioned so that the rear axle is resting securely between the grooves that are on the jack head. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit back underneath the rear of the vehicle.
4. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. 5. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. 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. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
6. After mounting the spare, put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each wheel nut by hand using the wheel wrench until the wheel is held against the hub.
Rear Position 1500 Series Rear Position 2500 Series 7. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Lower the jack completely. 5-30 8. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown by turning the wheel wrench clockwise.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque. See “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
Store the flat tire where the spare tire was stored. To store the tire: 1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle with the valve stem pointed upward. 2. Tilt the retainer downward and through the wheel opening. Make sure the retainer is fully seated across the underside of the wheel. 3. Attach the wheel wrench and extensions together. Insert the hoist end through the hole in the rear bumper and into the hoist shaft. 4. Raise the tire part way upward.
To store the tools, follow these procedures: For Tahoe/Yukon models do the following: 1. Put the tool kit, with the jack tools and gloves, in the tool bag and place in the retaining clip under the driver’s side second seat. 2. Tighten down with the wing nut. 3. Then, assemble wheel chocks and bottle jack together with the wing nut and retaining hook. 4.
For Suburban/Yukon XL models do the following: 1. Return the tool kit (jack tools and gloves) to the tool bag. 2. Assemble wheel chocks and bottle jack together with the wing nut and retaining hook. 3. Position under the jack storage tray in the left rear side panel below the wheelbase and tighten, adjusting clockwise until the jack is secured tight in the mounting bracket. Be sure to position the holes in the base of the jack onto the pin in the mounting bracket. 4.
Tahoe/Yukon Models (Rear Access Panel) A. Speaker Suburban/Yukon XL Models B. Bottle Jack C. Wing Nut D. Retaining Hook E. Tire Blocks F. Cover Panel A. B. C. D. E. Bottle Jack Wheel Blocks Wing Nut Mounting Bracket Removable Tray F. Retaining Hook G. Retaining Bracket and Wing Nut H.
Spare Tire Your vehicle, when new, had a fully inflated spare tire. A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its inflation pressure regularly. See “Inflation-Tire Pressure” and “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index for information regarding proper tire inflation and loading your vehicle. For instruction on how to remove, install or store a spare tire, see “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.
NOTICE: Using the Recovery Hooks Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transmission back and forth, you can destroy your transmission. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in the Index. Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels.
CAUTION: These hooks, when used, are under a lot of force. Always pull the vehicle straight out. Never pull on the hooks at a sideways angle. The hooks could break off and you or others could be injured from the chain or cable snapping back. NOTICE: Never use the recovery hooks to tow the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged and it would not be covered by warranty.
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
Service Doing Your Own Service Work Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. D Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task. D 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.
Gasoline Specifications California Fuel It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications which were developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting these specifications could provide improved driveability and emission control system performance compared to other gasolines.
Additives Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
Only vehicles that have the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code Z) may use 85% ethanol fuel (E-85). Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol fuel (E-85) pump available. The U. S. Department of Energy has an alternative fuels website (http://afdcmap.nrel.gov/nrel/) that can help you find E-85 fuel. Those stations that do have E-85 should have a label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content is greater than 85%.
Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.
CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline 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. While refueling, hang the fuel cap by the tether using the hook located on the inside of the filler door.
When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right (clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in the Index. NOTICE: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
Checking Things Under the Hood Hood Release To open the hood do the following: CAUTION: Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine. 6-10 1. Pull the handle inside the vehicle located under and to the left of the steering wheel.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on the secondary hood release located near the center of the grill. 3. Lift the hood. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Pull down the hood and close it firmly.
Engine Compartment Overview When you open the hood on the VORTEC 5300 V8 engine (VORTEC 4800 and 6000 V8 engines similar), you’ll see the following: 6-12
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND) B. Coolant Surge Tank I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal D. Engine Oil Dipstick K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped) L. Underhood Fuse Block F. Engine Oil Fill M. Battery G. Fan N.
When you open the hood on the VORTEC 8100 V8 engine you’ll see the following: A. B. C. D. E. F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Coolant Surge Tank Air Filter Restriction Indicator Engine Oil Dipstick Automatic Transmission Dipstick Engine Oil Fill 6-14 G. Fan H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND) I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir K. Brake Master Fluid Reservoir L. Underhood Fuse Block M. Battery N.
Checking Engine Oil Engine Oil If the CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL message appears on the instrument cluster, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. For more information, see “CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
The engine oil fill cap for the VORTEC 4800, 5300, 6000 and 8100 V8 engines is located on the engine valve cover, on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Your vehicle may have a cap with text and a graphic, or just a graphic as shown. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. 8100 Engines All Other Engines Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the starburst symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this starburst symbol. If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.
As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it’s going to be 0_F (-18_C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. NOTICE: Use only engine oil with 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.
How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message 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 message 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 The engine air cleaner/filter assembly has an indicator that lets you know when the air filter is dirty and needs to be serviced. The indicator is located on the air cleaner cover. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. See “Owner Checks and Services” in the Index to determine when to check the indicator. The service window A with the percentage scale shows the amount of engine air cleaner/filter life used.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the air filter. See “Owner Checks and Services” in the Index. CAUTION: 1. To remove the engine/air cleaner filter, loosen the screws on the housing cover. 2. Then lift the cover upward and remove the filter from the housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible. 3. Clean the filter sealing surface and the filter housing. 4. Install the new filter. 5. Reinstall the housing cover.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with a passenger compartment air filter. The filter is located under the instrument panel, below the glove compartment. Your vehicle may or may not be equipped with an access panel. 3. Remove the air filter by pulling downward on the element. Remove the second portion of the air filter by sliding it towards the rear of the vehicle and then pulling downward. 4. Install the new filter by reversing the steps listed previously.
Automatic Transmission Fluid How to Check When to Check and Change Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving: Checking the Fluid Level D D D D D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the When outside temperatures are above 90_F (32_C). At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180_F to 200_F (82_C to 93_C).
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. The red transmission dipstick handle with the TRANS/LOCK text or graphic is located at the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s side. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. 6-26 3.
How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill.
How to Check Lubricant What to Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Four-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 1500 Series shown, 2500 and 3500 Series similar To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface.
How to Check Lubricant What to Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Front Axle When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. Automatic Transfer Case To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface.
How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you may need to add some lubricant. When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the filler plug hole. When the differential is at operating temperature (warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole. What to Use Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to use.
Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with DEX-COOLR 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-COOLR extended life coolant. The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOLR 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.
If the LOW COOLANT light comes on and stays on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. Checking Coolant The coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. See “Low Coolant” in the Index. Adding Coolant If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the engine is cool.
Your vehicle may be equipped with one of the two caps shown. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully installed on the coolant surge tank. NOTICE: Your coolant surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating.
Power Steering Fluid All Other Engines 8100 Engines 6-35
When to Check Power Steering Fluid Windshield Washer Fluid 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. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for reservoir location.
NOTICE: D When using concentrated washer fluid, D D D follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t 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 doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid. Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid when your linings are worn, then you’ll 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 CAUTION: If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough.
What to Add When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only. NOTICE: D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage 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.
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). Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
Replacing Brake System Parts Battery 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 don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly.
Vehicle Storage Bulb Replacement If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.
Headlamps A. Low-Beam Headlamp B. High-Beam Headlamp 2. Pull the headlamp assembly out. 1. Remove the two pins on the top of the headlamp assembly. To remove the pins, turn the outer pin outward and pull it straight up. To remove the inner pin, turn it in and pull it straight up. 3. Unplug the electrical connector. 4. Turn the old bulb counterclockwise and remove it from the headlamp assembly. 5. Put the new bulb into the assembly and turn it clockwise until it is tight.
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime Running Lamps 1. Remove the headlamp assembly as mentioned previously. 2. Press the retainer clip, located behind the turn signal housing, towards the outside of the vehicle. 3. Pull the turn signal housing out from the vehicle. 4. Press the locking release lever, turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove it from the turn signal housing. 5. Remove the old bulb from the bulb socket. 6. Put the new bulb into the bulb socket.
2. Remove the lamp assembly. Taillamps A. Turn Signal Lamp B. Back-up Lamp C. Stoplamp 3. Press the release tab and turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the taillamp housing. 4. Pull the old bulb straight out from the socket. 1. Use a tool to remove the two screws from the lamp assembly. 5. Press a new bulb into the socket, insert the socket into the taillamp housing and turn the socket clockwise into the taillamp housing until it clicks. 6. Reinstall the rear lamp assembly.
Roof Marker Lamps 1. Remove the two screws and lift off the lens. 2. The center roof marker lamps has six screws to remove. 3. Turn the old bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the socket.
4. Put a new bulb into the socket and turn clockwise until it locks in place. 5. Reinstall the lens and tighten the screws.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear and cracking. See “Wiper Blade Check” in the Index for more information. Replacement blades come in different types and are removed in different ways. For proper type and length, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index. To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly do the following: 1. Lift the wiper arm and turn the blade until it is facing away from the windshield. 2.
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. CAUTION: (Continued) D Underinflated tires pose the same danger as CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. D Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have an air-out and a serious accident.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure The Certification/Tire label, which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, 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). NOTICE: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not.
Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See “When It’s Time for New Tires” and “Wheel Replacement” later in this section for more information. Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
When It’s 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. D The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric. D The tire has a bump, bulge or split. D The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that can’t be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage.
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating and construction type (bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires. CAUTION: Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
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 1/2) 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 NOTICE: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis. See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for more information. 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.
Tire Chains CAUTION: If your vehicle has P265/75R16, LT265/75R16 or P265/70R16 size tires, don’t use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there’s not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash.
NOTICE: If you have a tire size other than P265/75R16, LT265/75R16 or P265/70R16, 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. Don’t 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. If you can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten them.
Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle: D D D D Alcohol Laundry Soap Bleach Reducing Agents Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric and carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains very well.
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems Cleaning Vinyl Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and blood can be removed as follows: Use warm water and a clean cloth. 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the soiled area with cool water. D Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain 2. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions described earlier. D Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Cleaning Glass Surfaces Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle 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. Washing Your Vehicle 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.
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 “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index. Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually needed. However, you may use chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts.
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to the 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 other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do this for you.
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-67
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Engine Identification 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 located in the glove box. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side.
Electrical System Power Windows and Other Power Options Add-On Electrical Equipment Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other power accessories. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away. 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.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block The fuse block access door is on the driver’s side edge of the instrument panel. Pull off the cover to access the fuse block. You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor which is mounted to the fuse block access door. To remove fuses if you don’t have a fuse extractor, hold the end of the fuse between your thumb and index finger and pull straight out. You may have spare fuses located behind the fuse block access door. These can be used to replace a bad fuse.
Fuse Usage Fuse Usage HTR A/C Climate Control System AIR BAG Air Bag IGN 0 PRND321 Display, Odometer, PCM MIR/LOCK Power Mirrors, Power Door Locks SEAT Power Seat Circuit Breaker CRUISE Cruise Control, Instrument Cluster DR LOCK Power Door Locks 4WD Four-Wheel Drive System, Auxiliary Battery RAP #1 Retained Accessory Power Relay TURN Exterior Lamps, Turn Signals, Hazard Lamps LOCK Power Door Locks INT PRK Interior Lamps RR WIPER Rear Window Wiper UNLOCK Power Door Locks WS WP
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block Relay Name Usage The center instrument panel fuse block is located underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.
Underhood Fuse Block The underhood fuse block is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle near the battery. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block. You will see fuses to the top right of the fuse center block once you remove the cover. These are spare fuses and can be used accordingly. You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor. The fuse extractor is located in the underhood fuse block.
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Fuse Usage Fuse Usage STUD #1 Accessory Power/Trailer Wiring Feed/Load Leveling PARK LP Parking Lamps FRT HVAC Climate Control System ABS Anti-Lock Brakes STOP LP Exterior Lamps, Stoplamps IGN A Ignition Switch ECM I PCM AIR A.I.R.
Fuse Usage Fuse Usage ATC Automatic Transfer Case LT HDLP Left Headlamps RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger, Heated Mirrors (Relay) A/C Air Conditioning AUX PWR RTD Autoride Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary Power Outlets RR PRK Right Rear Parking Lamps SEO 2 ECM B PCM Special Equipment Option Power, Power Seats, Aux Roof Mnt Lamp F/PMP Fuel Pump (Relay) SEO 1 O2 A Oxygen Sensors Special Equipment Option Power, Aux Roof Mnt Lamp, Cell Phone, OnStarR O2 B Oxygen Sensors DRL Daytime Runni
Replacement Bulbs Fuse Usage LT TURN Left Turn Signals Low-Beam Headlamps 2 9006 FR PRK Front Parking Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps High-Beam Headlamps 2 9005 W/W PMP Windshield Washer Pump Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) 2 4157K HORN Horn (Relay) Front Roof Marker Lamp 5 194 IGN C Ignition Switch, Fuel Pump, PRND321 Display, Crank 2 3157A RDO AMP Radio Amplifier Front Parking and Turn Lamp HAZ LP Exterior Lamps, Hazard Lamps Rear Marker Lamp, Taillamp and Stop Lamp 2 3157 EXP LPS
Capacities and Specifications Please refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information. All capacities are approximate. Engine Type VIN Code Spark Plug Gap VORTEC 4800 V8 V 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) VORTEC 5300 V8 T 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) VORTEC 6000 V8 U 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) VORTEC 8100 V8 G 0.060 inches (1.
Cooling System Capacity After refill, the level must be rechecked. See “Cooling System” in the Index. Engine Transmission Quantity VORTEC 4800 V8 Automatic with front A/C 14.4 quarts (13.6 L) VORTEC 4800 V8 Automatic with front and rear A/C 15.8 quarts (15.0 L) VORTEC 5300 V8 Automatic with front A/C 14.4 quarts (13.6 L) VORTEC 5300 V8* Automatic with front and rear A/C 15.8 quarts (15.0 L) VORTEC 6000 V8 Automatic 15.8 quarts (15.
Engine Oil with Filter Capacity After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating range. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. Engine VIN Quantity with Filter[ VORTEC 4800 V8 V 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) VORTEC 5300 V8 T 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) VORTEC 6000 V8 U 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) VORTEC 8100 V8 G 6.5 quarts (6.1 L) [Oil filter should be changed at every oil change. Fuel Tank Capacity Type Quantity Tahoe/Yukon 26.0 U.S. gallons (98.
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing, and are subject to change. If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM dealer. These specifications are for information only. If you have any questions, see the service manual for the chassis or refer to the body manufacturer’s publications.
VIN Code Wiper Blades (Rear) ** Wiper Blade Type (Rear) Wiper Blade Length (Rear) *ACDelcoR part number **GM part number ***Denso part number 6-82 V 22154396 ITTA 18 inches (45.0 cm) T U G 22154396 22154396 22154396 ITTA ITTA ITTA 18 inches 18 inches 18 inches (45.0 cm) (45.0 cm) (45.0 cm) A1518C high-capacity air cleaner filter may be substituted. Spark Plug Gap is 0.
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance.
Introduction 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 procedures are 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.
How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” explains what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs. CAUTION: Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured.
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.
Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this vehicle. See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” following. Footnotes [ The U.S.
Scheduled Maintenance Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled Maintenance Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM Oil Life Systemt (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Reset the system. Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably.
Scheduled Maintenance 7-7
Scheduled Maintenance 7-8
Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) j Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) j Replace fuel filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: rotation pattern and additional information.
Scheduled Maintenance 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) j Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) j Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. j Replace fuel filter. DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.) j Rotate tires.
Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) j Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service. j Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. j Change automatic transmission fluid and filter filter if the vehicle’s GVWR DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: is over 8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Scheduled Maintenance 150,000 Miles (240 000 km) j Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, j whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap. An Emission Control Service. Change five-speed manual transmission fluid (with 4300 V6 or 4800 V8 engines only).
Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
Weatherstrip Lubrication Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Automatic Transmission Check Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair if needed.
Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. See “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each gear.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. D The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). D The key should come out only in LOCK. Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check CAUTION: Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Proper procedures to perform these services may be found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
Fuel System Inspection Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks. Engine Cooling System Inspection Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol of the proper viscosity. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
USAGE Floor Shift Linkage Chassis Lubrication FLUID/LUBRICANT LubriplateR Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2 Category LB or GC-LB. Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 1052271 or equivalent). Rear Axle SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No.
USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Hood Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Outer Tailgate Handle Pivot Points Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Body Door Hinge Pins, Liftgate Hinge and Linkage, Folding Seats and Fuel Door Hinge Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Weatherstrip Conditioning Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record DATE 7-28 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Chevrolet if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects.
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 TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-222-1020. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to give your inquiry prompt attention.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number or write them at the following address: BBB Auto Line Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203-1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100 This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age, mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its participation in this program.
Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit. Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA (243-8872). This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. Roadside membership is free; however some services may incur costs.
Roadside Courtesy Care provides: D Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined previously) Plus: D FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer from a legal roadway) D FREE Locksmith/Key Service (when keys are lost on the road or locked inside) D FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road) D FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road) D FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on the road) Chevrolet offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service.
For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to give to the advisor: D D D D D D D Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) License plate number Vehicle color Vehicle location Telephone number where you can be reached Vehicle mileage Description of problem Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywhere in Canada or the United States.
If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle off for service, you are urged to do so as early in the work day as possible to allow for same day repair. Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Chevrolet helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options.
Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating dealers and all program options, such as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer for specific information about availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION Service Manuals Owner’s Information Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 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.
