2001 GMC Denali/Denali XL Owner's Manual Litho in U.S.A.
Table of Contents Seats and Restraint Systems Section 1 Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts Air Bag Systems Restraint Systems for Children Features and Controls Section 2 ii Windows Keys and Door Locks Keyless Entry System Liftgate Automatic Transmission Operation All-Wheel Drive Parking Brake Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control Exterior and Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Convenience Net/Luggage Carrier Accessory Power Outlets OnStar® System (If Eq
Table of Contents (cont'd) Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Section 3 Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature Your Driving and the Road Section 4 Your Driving, the Road and Your Vehicle Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Off-Road Driving Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer Problems on the Road Section 5 Hazard Warning
Table of Contents (cont'd) Service and Appearance Care Section 6 Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter Brakes Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Maintenance Schedule Section 7 iv Scheduled Maintenance Owner Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspections Recomme
Table of Contents (cont'd) Customer Assistance Information Section 8 Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual) Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10 Service Publications Index Section 9 In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.
We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC, the GMC Emblem and the name DENALI / DENALI XL 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. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for GMC whenever it appears in this manual.
How to Use this Manual Safety Warnings and Symbols 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. You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.
You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words.
Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.
Model Reference This manual covers these models: Denali x Denali XL
Service Station Guide Cooling System See Section 5 Engine Oil Dipstick See Section 6 For a More Detailed Look at What's Under the Hood Tire Pressure See Section 6 Spare Tire Pressure See Section 6 See Section 6 Hood Release See Section 6 Windshield Washer Fluid See Section 6 Battery See Section 6 Oil Viscosity Fuel Engine Oil See Section 6 Use unleaded only. See Section 6 for octane ratings.
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. Power Seats Horizontal Control: You can adjust your vehicle’s front seats with the horizontal control located on the outboard edge of each front seat. Raise or lower the front of the seat by raising or lowering the forward edge of the control.
Power Lumbar Control You can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback. Memory Seat The controls for the memory seat are located on the driver’s door trim panel. To increase support, press and hold the front of the control. To decrease support, press and hold the 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.
Heated Front Seats Reclining Front Seatbacks The control for the driver’s side heated seat is located on the driver’s side door panel. The control for the passenger’s side heated seat is located on the passenger’s side door panel. Your vehicles front seatbacks have a recline feature. The ignition must be in RUN for this feature to operate. To activate the heated seats, press the button once for the HI heat setting. Press the button again for the LO heat setting.
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 Rear Seats 60/40 Split Bench Seat (Second Row) If your vehicle has a 60/40 split bench, the seatbacks can be reclined and the seats can be folded to give you more cargo space. Reclining the 60/40 Split Bench Seatbacks To recline the seatback, do the following: 1. Pull the lever located at the base of the seat cushion forward. Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
Folding the 60/40 Split Bench Seatbacks The rear seat may have a 60/40 split seat which may be folded down to create a load floor and give you more cargo space. The rear seatbacks are equipped with rearward folding head restraints. When the seatback is being folded down, the head restraint will automatically fold rearward to allow a flat load floor for cargo or entry to the third row seat. 3. Pull up on the strap loop located at the rear of the seat cushion and pull the seat cushion up.
On the passenger side of Denali XL models, the lever at the base of the seat must be pushed down to release the seatback. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seatback more upright. Once the seatbacks are folded down, on Denali XL models only, the rear seat footwell area will be exposed and will have to be covered by the load floor panel(s). To create a load floor, do the following: 1-8 1.
Returning the Seats to an Upright Position Bucket Seats (Second Row) To return the seat to the upright position, do the following: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward all the way. If your vehicle has bucket seats, the seatbacks can be reclined and and the seats can be folded to give you more cargo room. 2. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into position. Reclining the Bucket Seats 3. On Denali XL models, lift the load floor panels and latch them into the seatback.
Folding the Bucket Seats The seatbacks on the bucket seats may be folded forward to give you more cargo space. The headrests on these seats will have to be manually folded to fold the seats. To do this, push the head restraints all the way down and tilt them forward. To fold the seatbacks on the bucket seats, do the following: 1. Pull up on the strap loop located at the rear of the seat cushion and pull the seat cushion up. Then fold it forward. 1-10 2.
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: Returning the Seats to an Upright Position To return the seat to the upright position, do the following: 1. Lift the seatback up and push it rearward all the way. 2. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into position. 3. Lift the load floor panels and latch them into the seatback. 4.
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 vehicle. Folding the Bench Seats To fold the seatbacks, do the following: 1. Pull up on the release lever, labeled “1”, located on the rear of the seatback, and push the seatback forward. 1-12 2.
Tilting the 50/50 Bench Seat Returning the Seat(s) to an Upright Position 1. Fold the seatbacks forward using the instructions listed previously. To return the seatback to an upright position, do the following: 2. Unlatch the seat from the floor by pulling up on the lever labeled “2”, located on the rear of the seat. 1. Pull the lever labeled “3” toward you. 3. Lift the rear of the seat up off of the floor and push it forward until it locks into place.
5. Pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback or the assist strap located on the outboard side of the seat until the seatback locks into the upright position. 1-14 Removing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat To remove the 50/50 split bench seat, do the following: 1. Open the liftgate. 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. To unlatch the rear of 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 of the floor. 4. Squeeze the release handle while pulling the seat out. 5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat out of the vehicle.
Reinstalling the 50/50 Split Bench Seat Full Bench Seat (Third Row) To reinstall the 50/50 split bench, do the following: If your vehicle has a full bench, the seatback can be folded and the seat can be tilted or removed from the vehicle. 1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front wheels into the slots on the floor. The front latches should lock into place. If latches do not lock, try tilting the rear of the seat upwards.
2. To return the seat to an upright position, pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback or the assist strap located on the outboard side of the seat until the seatback locks into the upright position. Tilting the Full Bench Seat 1. Fold the seatbacks forward using the instructions listed previously. 2. Unlatch the seat from the floor by pulling up on the lever labeled “2”, located on the rear of the seat. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked into place.
4. While holding the seat forward, pull the prop rod out from the retainer clips. Flip the prop rod (arrow) down until it latches into place. Returning the Seat to an Upright Position To return the seat back to the upright position, do the following: 1. Pull the lever (arrow) on the prop rod bracket until the rod unlatches from the seat bracket. The seat will now remain in the upright position.
5. Pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback or the assist strap located on the outboard side of the seat until the seatback locks into the upright position. Removing the Bench Seat To remove the bench seat, do the following: 1. Open the liftgate. 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. To unlatch the rear of the seat from the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2 at the rear of the seat and lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor. 4. Pull on the release strap located in the lower middle of the seat to unlatch the seat from the floor and pull the seat out. Use one hand to pull the release strap and the other on the handle to pull the seat out. 5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat out of the vehicle.
Reinstalling the Bench Seat Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats To reinstall the bench seat, do the following: Denali: To enter or exit the third row seat you must fold the seat down following the instructions given previously. If you are exiting the third row seat with no assistance do the following: 1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front wheels into the slots on the floor. The front latches should lock into place. If latches do not lock, try tilting the rear of the seat upwards.
Denali XL: The passenger’s side of the second row 60/40 or rear bucket seat has an easy entry/exit feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the third row seat. To operate the easy entry seat, do the following: Heated Rear Seats (Second Row) The controls are located on the back of the center console. 1. Turn the release lever, located near the back of the seat, rearward. The ignition must be in RUN for this feature to operate. 2.
Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ...
Put someone on it. 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 ... 1-26 or the instrument panel ...
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? 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. 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.
Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.
Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. 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. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
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 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.
CAUTION: (Continued) Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past.
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 and 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? What will you see after an air bag inflates? 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.
D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door.
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.
Rear Seat Passengers Lap-Shoulder Belt It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
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.
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. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
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. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts.
Second Row Seat 1. For the second row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the trim panel near the side of the seatback. Third Row Seat For the third row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of the seatback.
2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 1-50 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The guide must be on top of the belt.
Second Row Seat 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. Third Row Seat To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Make sure you remove the comfort guide from the belt before you fold a rear seat down.
Center Passenger Position Lap Belt When you sit in the 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.
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. 1-58 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. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored.
Denali XL models: 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. Denali XL Third Row Seat Denali XL Second Row Seat Bucket Seats Similar 1-62 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 right outside seating position in the third row.
Denali 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. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position 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. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt.
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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 3. 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, 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. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.
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. 1-66 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 Right Front Seat Position 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. Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat.
3. 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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 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.
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. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
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.
Power Windows The power window controls are located on the side of both the front doors and the rear doors. Press the rear of the switch with the power window symbol on it to lower the window or the front of the switch to raise it. The driver’s window also has an express down feature that allows the window to be lowered without holding the switch. Press and hold the rear of the window switch for one second to activate the express down mode.
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. Your vehicle also has a key that locks and unlocks the center floor console only. If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining replacements. In an emergency contact roadside assistance. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.
Door Locks There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. Use the keyless entry system. 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. The power door locks will operate at any time without the ignition being on. If the rear lock switch is pressed with the rear doors open, all of the doors will lock five seconds after the cargo doors are closed. The power door locks can be programmed to automatically lock and unlock depending on the settings you have chosen in the secondary information center (SIC).
Child Security Locks Keyless Entry System With this feature, you can lock the rear doors so they can’t be opened from the inside by passengers. To use the security locks: 1. Open one of the rear doors. 2. You will find a security lock lever on the inside edge of the rear door. Move the lever up to engage the security lock. Move the lever down to disengage the security lock. 3. Close the door. 4. Do the same thing to the other rear door.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: D Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. D Check the location.
Remote Panic Alarm Battery Replacement When the horn symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the horn symbol again, waiting for 30 seconds, or starting the vehicle. Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years.
To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter, do the following: Resynchronization Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by this system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal that has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
Liftgate/Liftgate Glass CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate or liftgate glass 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 or liftgate glass open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the liftgate or liftgate glass: D Make sure all other windows are shut.
Key in the Ignition Parking Lots If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. Even if you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and take your keys.
Content Theft-Deterrent Your vehicle is equipped with a content theft-deterrent alarm system. With this system, the SECURITY message will flash as you open the door (if your ignition is off). This message reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it: 1. Open the door. 2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY message should come on and stay on.
Testing the Alarm The alarm can be tested by following these steps: 1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window and open the driver’s door. 2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. 3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for the SECURITY message to go out. 4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm.
New Vehicle “Break-In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: D Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. D Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in.
LOCK (B): 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. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you hold the ignition key in START. When the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. 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.
Automatic Transmission Operation PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. CAUTION: There are several different positions for your shift lever. Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and features an electronic shift position indicator located within the instrument panel cluster. This display is powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of PARK (P).
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. 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 (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. D Going about 35 mph (55 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 Switch 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 switch 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. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
D Pull the shift lever toward you. D Move the lever up as far as it will go. 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 4. 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. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.
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.
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).
Locking Rear Axle Your locking rear axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle. Tilt Wheel The tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. All-Wheel Drive With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels when extra traction is needed.
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. 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 will come on. Release the lever to turn the high-beam headlamps off.
Windshield Washer There is a paddle marked with the windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and then either stop or return to your preset speed. Rear Window Washer/Wiper This knob is located on the instrument panel. CAUTION: In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
Cruise Control 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. Cruise control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will disengage. 2-34 CAUTION: D Cruise control can be dangerous where you D can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
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 Turn the knob clockwise to the master lamps symbol to turn on all the lamps listed as well as the headlamps. Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to turn off your lamps and put the system into automatic headlamp mode. You can switch your headlamps from high to low beam by pulling on the turn signal/high-beam lever.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system. The DRL and automatic headlamp system will only be affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting longer than the delay. To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp system off, set the parking brake while the ignition is off.
When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on. The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either. When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp system will switch from DRL to the headlamps or the last chosen headlamp setting that was used. When you turn the headlamp knob to off, the headlamps will go off, and your DRL lamps will illuminate, provided it is not dark outside. To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking brake.
Fog Lamps Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty conditions. Your parking lamps and/or low-beam headlamps must be on for your fog lamps to work. The fog lamp button is located on the left side of the instrument panel. The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam headlamps come on. When the high beams go off, the fog lamps will come on again. The fog lamps will be cancelled after the ignition is turned off.
Illuminated Entry Your vehicle is equipped with an illuminated entry feature. When a door is opened, the dome lamps and puddle lamps will come on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is in the “out” position. If the DOME OVERRIDE button is pressed in, the lamps will not come on. Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped) If your vehicle has reading lamps, press the button located next to the lamp to turn them on. The lamps can be adjusted to point in the direction you want.
Dome Lamps Mirrors The dome lamps will come on when you open a door and will slowly dim to off when all doors are closed. Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display You can also turn the dome lamps on by turning the thumbwheel, located next to the parking/headlamps knob, all the way up. In this position, the dome lamps will remain on whether a door is opened or closed.
Electrochromic Mirror Operation The right side of the button, labeled TEMP and 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 15 seconds. To turn the mirror off, press and hold the TEMP button for 15 seconds. The indicator light will turn off.
Compass Calibration Compass Variance The compass may need calibration if: 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.
Power Outside Rearview Mirrors 3. Press the COMP button on the bottom of the mirror until the new zone number appears in the display. After you stop pressing the button in, the display will show a compass direction within a few seconds. The control is located on the driver’s door armrest. Move the upper selector switch to the left or right to choose the mirror you want to adjust, then press the arrows located on the lower control pad to adjust the mirror.
Driver’s Outside Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror Heated Outside Rearview Mirrors The driver’s outside mirror will adjust for the glare of headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled by the on and off settings on the electrochromic mirror. See “Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display” earlier in this section. To turn on the defrost feature, press the rear window defogger button. See “Rear Window Defogger” in the Index for further information.
Center Console Storage Area Your vehicle has a console compartment between the bucket seats. To open it, insert the console key into the lock and unlock the console. Press the button on the side and swing the console lid open. The console has a place to store compact discs and loose change. The console is also equipped with an accessory power outlet. See “Accessory Power Outlets” later in this section for more information.
Center Console Storage Area Access Door 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 Denali compartment, press in on the release latch and swing the compartment door open. To open the Denali XL compartment, pull the latch to access the compartment. Cupholders If you ever drop something between the cupholder door and the center console area you can easily remove it by following these steps: 1.
Cargo Security Shade To remove the shade from the vehicle, do the following: 1. Let the shade go all the way into the holder. CAUTION: An improperly stored cargo cover could be thrown about the vehicle during a collision or sudden maneuver. You or others could be injured. If you remove the cover, always store it outside of the vehicle. When you put it back, always be sure that it is securely reattached. 2.
Cargo Tie Downs Luggage Carrier 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. You can load things on top of your vehicle with this feature. 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: When not using the tie downs, flip them down out of the way.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re leaving, check now and then to make sure the luggage and cargo are still securely fastened. Be sure the cargo is properly loaded. D If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, place the load in the area over the rear wheels (behind the rear side door on Denali XL models). If you need to, cut a piece of 3/8 inch plywood to fit inside the crossrails and siderails to spread the load. If plywood is used, tie it to the siderail supports.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter The front ashtray is located in the center console. Press the raised area on the access door to use the ashtray. NOTICE: If you store paper or other things that burn in your ashtrays, they could be set on fire by cigarettes or other smoking materials. That could cause a fire and possibly damage your vehicle. Do not store papers and other things that burn in your ashtrays. To remove the ashtray first locate the indent on the right side of the ashtray.
Accessory Power Outlets Your vehicle is equipped with many accessory power outlets. The front outlet is located next to the Secondary Information Center (SIC) on the floor console. Lift up on the door to access the outlet. Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty. OnStarR System (If Equipped) There is also an outlet located in the center console.
OnStar Services Button: Press this button once to contact an advisor who will be able to assist you with these services. If you are not quickly connected, the system will automatically reset and redial. This ensures connection to the center; there is no additional action required. Press the Call Answer/End button to cancel the automatic redial. Emergency Button: In an emergency situation, press the emergency service button.
Safety and Security Services D Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment -- If an air bag deploys, a priority emergency signal is sent automatically to the center. An advisor will locate your vehicle’s position, try to contact you and assist you in the situation. If the center is unable to contact you, an emergency service provider will be contacted. D Stolen Vehicle Tracking -- Call the center at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) to report your vehicle stolen.
Premium Services (Includes Safety and Security Services) D Route Support -- An advisor can provide directions or guidance to anywhere you want to go. In addition, they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas, ATMs, hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more. D Concierge Services -- The concierge advisor can obtain tickets, reservations or help with vacation/trip planning and other unique items and services.
Sunroof (If Equipped) The sunroof is also equipped with a sunshade which you can pull forward to block sun rays. 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 tracks. Your vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding sunroof.
HomeLinkR Transmitter Programming the Transmitter Do not use the HomeLinkR Transmitter with any garage door opener that does not have the “stop and reverse” feature. This includes any garage door opener model manufactured before April 1, 1982. Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage door you are programming. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
3. Using both hands, press the hand-held transmitter button and the desired button on the HomeLink Transmitter. Continue to press both buttons through Step 4. 4. Hold down both buttons until you see the light on the HomeLink Transmitter flash rapidly. The rapid flashing indicates that the HomeLink Transmitter has been programmed. Release both buttons once the light starts to flash rapidly.
Operating the Transmitter Press and hold the appropriate button on the HomeLinkR Transmitter. The indicator light comes on while the signal is being transmitted. If the hand-held transmitter appears to program the HomeLink Transmitter but does not open your garage door, and if the garage door opener was manufactured after 1996, the garage door opener may have a “rolling code” system. A rolling code system changes the code of the garage door opener every time you open or close the garage door.
3. Return to the HomeLink Transmitter in your vehicle and firmly press and release the HomeLink Transmitter button you have already programmed for two to three seconds. Press and release the button again (you may need to do this step up to three times) to make sure that the HomeLink Transmitter has been trained to the garage door opener motor head unit. Check that the training was successful. The motor head unit indicator light should no longer be flashing.
The Instrument Panel - Your Information System 2-62
The main components of your instrument panel are the following: A. Dome Lamp Override Switch L. Hood Release B. Lamp Controls M. Audio Steering Wheel Controls C. Air Outlets N. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block D. Storage Compartment O. Tilt Lever E. Multifunction Lever P. Parking Brake Release F. Instrument Panel Cluster Q. Secondary Information Center (SIC) G. Shift Lever R. Rear Window Defogger Switch H. Tow/Haul Switch S. Compact Disc Changer I. Audio System T. Ashtray J.
Instrument Panel Cluster United States version shown, Canada 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 message center 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. 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. Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts.
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. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when you start your engine and may stay on for several seconds. That’s normal.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage 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. If the gage reaches the 260_F (125_C) mark, it indicates that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
If the transmission fluid reaches temperatures of approximately 275_F (135_C) or greater, the message center will display a TRANS HOT...IDLE ENG warning message. Pull the vehicle off the roadway when it is safe to do so. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in PARK (P) and allow the engine to idle until the transmission temperature falls below 260_F (127_C). If the transmission continues to operate above 265_F (130_C), please contact your nearest dealer or the GM Roadside Assistance Center.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada) United States If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by your warranty.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: D Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off. Some state/provincial and local governments have or may begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration.
Oil Pressure Gage CAUTION: Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. 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 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 light is displayed when the tow/haul mode has been activated. For more information, see “Tow/Haul Mode” in the Index. 2-76 United States Canada The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about how much fuel you have left in your tank.
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 Your vehicle has a transmission temperature warning display contained in the message center. If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, the message center will display this message. When the transmission enters the protection mode, you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns. When the transmission fluid temperature returns to normal, the display will turn off and the transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
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,” “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “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 Low Washer Fluid 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 has been activated and also monitors the PasslockR system.
Cargo Door Ajar Secondary Information Center (SIC) This message is displayed when the rear liftglass or liftgate is ajar when the ignition is in RUN. This section explains the features of your SIC. The SIC provides instant information about fuel, mileage and vehicle history in addition to allowing you to personalize certain features of your vehicle. If you would like to skip to the section on personalizing your vehicle, see the section under MENU.
Fuel D Each press of the FUEL button will change the display between the fuel remaining range, average fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy and a blank display. D The average fuel economy can be reset using the RESET button. Trip Each press of the TRIP button will change the display between personal trip computer, business trip computer, timer, vehicle history, annual mileage and a blank display.
Vehicle History Last 15 Days D The first press of the arrow button will display the maximum speed and accumulated mileage for the current day. D Every press of the arrow button after will display the maximum speed and accumulated mileage for the previous day. D This feature requires the date and time to be set correctly. Refer to the setting of day/date/time under the MENU button explained later in this section.
D You can just let the SIC exit the personalization mode on its own by waiting approximately 15 seconds without touching any buttons. The SIC will then display the day/date. D Or you can press the MENU key to move on to the next programmable feature. The following is a list of the personal settings that can be changed: Automatic Door Lock D Enabled: Doors automatically lock when vehicle speed is above 15 mph for two seconds. D Disabled: Doors do not lock automatically.
Headlamp Delay Alarm Warning D None: Headlamps do not stay on after the ignition is D Horn: Horn will sound when alarm is active. D Lamps: Headlamps and park lamps will cycle on turned to OFF. D 10/20/30/60/120/180 Seconds: Amount of time headlamps stay on after the ignition is turned to OFF when it is dark (switch must be in auto headlamp position). Perimeter Lamps D Enabled: Parking lamps, headlamps and puddle lamps turn on for 40 seconds with the UNLOCK button on the keyless entry transmitter.
Day/Date/Time Language and Personalization Reset D The RESET button will enable the operator to reset 1. Press and hold the MENU button. After two seconds, the display will begin cycling through the languages at one second intervals. Release the MENU button when the desired language is displayed. D Whichever is currently selected (i.e. year, month, 2. The previous action will also reset the personalization values to their factory default settings which are as follows: the day/date/time.
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 Electronic Climate Control System When both the fan knob and mode knobs are in the AUTO position, the system will then automatically maintain the desired cabin temperature as selected by the temperature knob. Manual operation 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.
Mode Knob - Automatic Operation The right knob on the control panel allows you to choose the direction of air delivery. When the system is set in AUTO mode, sensors will control the air delivery mode. Air will come primarily from the floor or instrument panel outlets, with some air directed to the windshield to prevent fogging. When the system is in AUTO mode, the air conditioning light will turn on, and the recirculation and outside air lights turn off.
Mode Knob - Manual Operation The right knob on the control panel allows you to choose the direction of air delivery. You can choose to set the climate control system operations yourself, or let the system work for you by placing the system in AUTO mode. See “Mode Knob - Automatic Operation” earlier in this section. VENT: This setting directs most of the air through the instrument panel outlets and a small amount through the floor outlets.
Pressing the recirculation button will cancel outside air operation. To return to normal system operation and to prevent stale passenger compartment air, be sure to return to the outside air position. Recirculation will not be available in heater, blend or defrost modes to help reduce window fogging. If the recirculation button is pressed in theses modes, the indicator light for recirculation will flash three times indicating that forced outside air is activated and recirculation is not available.
Rear Air Conditioning and Rear Heater (With Sunroof) To adjust the airflow speed, turn the fan knob located on the left side to the desired setting. Your vehicle has the rear air conditioning and rear heater system combination. Controls are provided to regulate temperature, location and speed of the airflow. 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.
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systems with Electronic Climate Control System With this system the rear passengers can control the air temperature and airflow. The climate control has three knobs. To adjust the airflow speed, turn the fan knob located on the left side of the control panel to the desired setting. 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.
Defogging and Defrosting On cool, humid days, use defrost to keep the windshield and side windows clear. Use defrost to remove fog or ice from the windshield in extremely humid or cold conditions. Use defrost with the temperature knob toward the red area and the fan control turned all the way to the right. Rear Window Defogger The lines running across the rear window are the window defogger grids. The lines warm the glass. To turn on the rear window defogger, press this button located next to the fan knob.
Ventilation System For mild outside temperatures when little heating or cooling is needed, use outside air to direct outside air through your vehicle. Air will flow through the instrument panel outlets. Your vehicle has air outlets in the center and on the sides of the instrument panel and also may be equipped on the headliner. Your vehicle’s ventilation system supplies outside air to the inside of your vehicle when it is moving.
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. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player Included with the AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player are ten BoseR high performance speakers, an AcoustimassR bass module and a seven channel Bose amplifier. Please see your dealer for details. Playing the Radio PWR VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. The knob is capable of being turned continuously.
SCAN: Press and hold SEEK for two seconds until SCAN appears on the display. SCAN allows you to listen to stations for a few seconds. The receiver will continue to scan and momentarily stop at each station until you press the button again. The sound will mute while scanning. PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2), by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM FM to select the band.
FADE: Press lightly on this knob to release it from its stored position. Turn the control clockwise to adjust the sound to the front speakers and counterclockwise for the rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. PREV (1): Press the PREV button or the SEEK left arrow to search for the previous selection. A minimum three second blank gap is required for the player to stop at the beginning of the selection. The tape direction arrow will blink during the SEEK operation.
FWD (6): Press this button to rapidly forward the tape to the end of the cassette or until you press FWD again. The radio will play the last selected station while forwarding the tape. The tape direction arrow will blink during the forward operation. AM FM: Press this button to switch from a tape or CD to the radio. CD TAPE: Press this button if you have a tape loaded in the cassette tape player and the radio is turned on, to play a tape. Press AM FM to return to the radio when a tape is playing.
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) The rear seat passengers have control of the volume for each set of headphones. Be aware that the front seat audio controls always have priority over the RSA controls. If the front seat passengers switch the source for the main radio to a remote source, the RSA will play the same remote source. The rear speakers will be muted when the RSA power is turned on. You may operate the RSA functions even when the main radio is off.
AM FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. If the front passengers are already listening to AM FM, the RSA controller will not switch between the bands and cannot change the frequency. SEEK: While listening to AM FM, press the up arrow to tune to the next higher station and stay there. Press the down arrow to tune to the next lower station and stay there. The sound will mute while seeking. The SEEK button is inactive if the AM FM mode on the front radio is in use.
Compact Disc Changer You must load CDs with the label side up. If you do not, the player will automatically eject the CDs. NOTICE: Loading CDs with adhesive labels will damage the player. The compact disc changer plays up to six standard size CDs continuously. Individual CDs may be loaded or ejected into or from any position. To load a CD perform the following steps: A green light on each numbered button indicates a CD is loaded in the respective position.
To load two or more CDs perform the following steps: To eject all CDs perform the following step: 1. Press and hold the LOAD button. The first CD will be loaded into the lowest numbered empty position. There are two ways to play a CD. Perform one of the following steps: 2. Load a single CD when the loading slot indicators turn amber. After about ten seconds the changer will cycle to the next available position. 1. Press the desired numbered button with a green indicator light. 3.
REV (4): Press and hold this button to reverse quickly through a track selection. Release it to resume playing. FWD (6): Press and hold this button to advance quickly through a track selection. Release it to resume playing. SEEK: Press the right arrow to seek to the next selection on the CD. Press the left arrow to search for the previous selection on the CD. The sound will mute while seeking. P.SCAN: Press this button to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order.
Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped) THEFTLOCKR is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is removed. 1. Write down any three or four-digit number from 000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle. 2. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY or RUN. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature.
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MN and 000 will appear on the display. 3. Press MN again to make the last two digits agree with your code. 4. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree with your code. 5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. PROG: Press this button to play a station you have programmed on the radio preset buttons on the selected band. If a cassette tape is playing, press this button to play the other side of the tape. SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio station and the down arrow to tune to the previous radio station.
Understanding Radio Reception To help avoid hearing loss or damage: AM D Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. D Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust.
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 many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In a growing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, the limit is 0.08 percent. In some other countries, it’s even lower. 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. Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. 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. Speed-Sensitive Steering Using Anti-Lock Steering Tips Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you.
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. 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. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed.
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.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s why it’s very important that you read this guide. You’ll find many driving tips and suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable. 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.
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.
Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to keep in mind. At higher speeds: D you approach things faster and you have less time to scan the terrain for obstacles. D you have less time to react. D you have more vehicle bounce when you drive over obstacles. D you’ll need more distance for braking, especially since you’re on an unpaved surface.
When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs or other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands if you’re not prepared. When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground. If this happens, even with one or two wheels, you can’t control the vehicle as well or at all. Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it’s especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns or sudden braking.
Approaching a Hill When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one of those hills that’s just too steep to climb, descend or cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant incline with only a small change in elevation where you 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.
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 D Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking, restart 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.
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: For reasons like these, you need to decide carefully whether to try to drive across an incline. Just because the trail goes across the incline doesn’t mean you have to drive it. The last vehicle to try it might have rolled over.
Stalling on an Incline If your vehicle stalls when you’re crossing an incline, be sure you (and your passengers) get out on the uphill side, even if the door there is harder to open. If you get out on the downhill side and the vehicle starts to roll over, you’ll be right in its path. If you have to walk down the slope, stay out of the path the vehicle will take if it does roll over. CAUTION: Getting out on the downhill (low) side of a vehicle stopped across an incline is dangerous.
This has an effect on steering, accelerating and braking. You may want to reduce the air pressure in your tires slightly when driving on sand. This will improve traction. Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction. On these surfaces, it’s very easy to lose control. On wet ice, for example, the traction is so poor that you will have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get moving, poor steering and difficult braking can cause you to slide out of control.
CAUTION: Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could drown. If it’s only shallow water, it can still wash away the ground from under your tires, and you could lose traction and roll the vehicle over. Don’t drive through rushing water. Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for additional information.
Here are some tips on night driving. D Drive defensively. D Don’t drink and drive. D Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. D Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. D In remote areas, watch for animals. D If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest. No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase.
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.
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
City Driving 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. See the next part, “Freeway Driving.” D Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
Freeway Driving At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
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. CAUTION: Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash.
Winter Driving 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. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.
Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow -- drive with caution. Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. 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.
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: D Turn on your hazard flashers. 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.
CAUTION: (Continued) CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind. This will help keep CO out. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four wheels on the ground, nor was it designed to be towed with only two wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed, see “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. NOTICE: Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground will damage drivetrain components. And, since your vehicle has all-wheel drive, towing with only two wheels on the ground will also damage drivetrain components.
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. And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR.
There’s also important loading information for off-road driving in this manual. See “Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving” in the Index. Towing a Trailer CAUTION: If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well -- or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: D There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. D Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh less than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg).
Tow/haul may be turned off by pressing the button again, at which time the indicator light on the instrument panel will turn off. The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul every time it is started. Tow/haul is designed to be most effective when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). Tow/haul is most useful under the following driving conditions: D When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load through rolling terrain.
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 inch (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.
Parking on Hills CAUTION: You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: D Start your engine; D Shift into a gear; and D Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing Trailer Wiring Harness 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 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.
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 Press the button located on the top of the steering column all the way down to make your front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in. To turn off the flashers, press the button until the first click and release. 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 has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. But please use the following steps 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. Put an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission in NEUTRAL. 3.
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 battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelcoR battery 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 (-) terminal. Use a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.
9. When connecting the cable, be sure it is not near any engine parts that will move. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for awhile. 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service. 12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch each other or any other metal. Jumper Cable Removal A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or part marked “GND.” B.
2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the negative (-) terminal on the vehicle with the good battery. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle. Towing Your Vehicle Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if you need to have your vehicle towed. See “Roadside Assistance” and “Recreational Vehicle Towing” 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 If you get an engine overheat warning 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. If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can drive normally.
Cooling System When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the FILL COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: CAUTION: A. Coolant Surge Tank B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap C. Engine Fan If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.
NOTICE: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOLR (silicate-free) coolant. If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner -- at 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first.
CAUTION: Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system can blow out and burn you badly. They are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge tank pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like 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.
1. 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. 3. Then fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, to the FILL COLD mark. 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
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. 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 FILL COLD mark. 5-16 5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight.
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. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. Turn off the engine. 4.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Denali Models (Rear Access Panel) Denali Models (Under Driver’s Side Rear Seat) A. Speaker A. Tool Kit with Jack Tools and Gloves B. Bottle Jack B. Bracket and Wing Nut C. Wing Nut D. Retaining Hook E. Tire Blocks F.
Denali: The equipment you’ll need is located under the second row passenger’s seat on the driver’s side of the vehicle, and behind the left trim panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Skip the first step and follow the last three. Denali XL: The equipment you’ll need is located under the storage tray in the rear trim panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle. 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.
Follow these instructions to lower the spare tire: 1. If the vehicle is equipped with a hoist lock (I), open the spare tire lock cover on the bumper and use the ignition key to remove the lock. 2. Assemble the wheel wrench (B) and the two jack handle extensions (C) as shown. Insert the hoist end (K) (open end) of the extension through the hole (J) in the rear bumper.
The tools you’ll be using include the bottle jack (A), the wheel blocks (B), the jack handle (C), the jack handle extensions (D), and the wheel wrench (E). If the flat tire is on a rear tire of the vehicle, you’ll need to use both jack handle extensions. 5-22 Attach the wheel wrench to the jack handle extensions (as needed). Attach the jack handle to the jack.
To remove the center cap place the chisel end of the wheel wrench in the slot on the wheel and gently pry out. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the jack lift head to the lifting point.
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. CAUTION: Position the jack under the vehicle.
Rear Position Front Position 2. For the front position, make sure that the jack is positioned where the sections of frame overlap. For the rear, 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.
3. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. 4. 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. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Lower the jack completely. 5. 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. Then use the wheel wrench to tighten the nuts until the wheel is held against the hub.
7. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown by turning the wheel wrench clockwise. 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 140 lb-ft (190 N·m).
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: 5. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle. Continue turning the wheel wrench until the tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened. Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.
For Denali Models: Denali Models (Under Driver’s Side Rear Seat) A. Hoist Assembly B. Wheel Wrench C. Jack Handle Extensions D. Hoist Shaft E. Valve Stem, Pointed Up F. Flat or Spare Tire G. Tire Retainer H. Hoist Cable To store the tools, follow these procedures: 5-30 A. Tool Kit with Jack Tools and Gloves B.
1. Put the tool kit, with the jack tools and gloves, in the tool bag and place in the retaining bracket under the second row passenger’s seat on the driver’s side of the vehicle. 2. Tighten down with the wing nut. 3. Then, assemble tire blocks (E) and bottle jack (B) together with the wing nut and retaining hook (D). 4.
For Denali XL Models: 1. Return the tool kit to the tool bag (H) and place them back in the side storage box. 2. Assemble wheel blocks and bottle jack (A) together with the wing nut (C). If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution. CAUTION: Denali XL Models A. B. C. D. E.
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: The recovery 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.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging.
NOTICE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline.
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 filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. While refueling, hang the filler cap by the tether using the hook located on the inside of the filler door.
When you put the 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 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 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. Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle located under and to the left of the steering wheel.
Engine Compartment Overview When you lift the hood on the VORTEC 6000 engine, you’ll see: A. B. C. D. E. F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Coolant Surge Tank Air Filter Restriction Indicator Engine Oil Dipstick Engine Oil Fill Automatic Transmission Dipstick G. Fan H. Remote Negative (-) Terminal (GND) I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir K. Brake Fluid Reservoir L. Underhood Electrical Center M. Battery N.
Checking Engine Oil Engine Oil If the CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL appears on the instrument panel, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder. 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.
NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged. 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. For crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the Index.
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. _ _ Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection.
How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message What to Do with Used Oil To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message do the following: Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing used engine oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter The air cleaner assembly has an indicator that lets you know when the engine air cleaner/filter is dirty and needs to be serviced. The indicator is located on the air cleaner cover. See “Owner Checks and Services” in the Index to determine when to check the indicator. If the area inside the clear section of the indicator is not completely yellow, no engine air cleaner/filter service is required.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See “Owner Checks and Services” in the Index. CAUTION: 1. To remove the engine air cleaner/filter, loosen the screws on the cover. 2. Lift the cover upward and remove the engine air cleaner/filter out of the air cleaner housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible. 3. Clean filter sealing surface and the housing. 4. Install the new engine air cleaner/filter. 5.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter The filter is located under the instrument panel below the glove compartment. To replace the passenger compartment air filter do the following: 1. Remove the bolts on the access panel and set the panel aside. Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have it done at your dealer’s service department. 2. Reach under the instrument panel towards the front of the vehicle and pull down on the filter retaining bracket. 3.
How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
Checking the Fluid Level Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: Prepare your vehicle as follows: D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running. D With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in PARK (P). D With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P). D Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
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. NOTICE: 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level.
When to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. The proper level is from 5/8 inch to 1 5/8 inch (15 mm to 40 mm) below the filler plug. Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level.
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 and Change Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check 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. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
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 like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.
Checking Coolant The coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator are hot. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FILL COLD mark.
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. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is hand-tight. The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully installed on the coolant surge tank.
Power Steering Fluid When to Check Power Steering 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. The power steering fluid reservoir is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment toward the front. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
What to Use Adding Washer Fluid To determine what kind of fluid to use, see “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals. Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
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 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 have to have new ones put in -- be sure you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly.
Bulb Replacement Headlamps For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your GM dealership service department. Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all the lamps are off and the engine isn’t running. See “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index for the proper types of bulbs to use. Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured.
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime Running Lamps A. Low-Beam Headlamp B. High-Beam Headlamp 1. Pull the headlamp assembly out. 2. Unplug the electrical connector. 3. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and remove it from the headlamp assembly. 4. Put the new bulb into the headlamp assembly and turn it clockwise until it is tight. Use care not to touch the bulb with your fingers or hands. 5. Plug in the electrical connector. 6. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle. 7.
1. Remove the headlamp assembly as mentioned previously. 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 bulb from the bulb socket. 6. Put the new bulb into the bulb socket. 7. Put the bulb socket into the turn signal housing and turn it clockwise until it locks. 8.
2. Remove the rear lamp assembly. Taillamps A. Turn Signal Lamp B. Back-Up Lamp C. Stoplamp 1. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws from the rear lamp assembly. 3. Press the release tab and turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the taillamp housing. 4. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket. 5. Press a new bulb into the socket, insert it into the taillamp housing and turn the socket clockwise into the taillamp housing until it clicks. 6.
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. Here’s how to remove the Shephard’s Hook type. To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly do the following: 1.
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 GMC 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 located 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 wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
When It’s Time for New Tires CAUTION: Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make 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 places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.
Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Certification/Tire label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other things during normal service on 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 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.
Used Replacement Wheels CAUTION: Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement. CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven.
Tire Chains NOTICE: Don’t use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there’s not enough clearance. Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on your vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions. To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t spin your wheels.
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 two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet.
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 Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner instructions described earlier.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Care of Safety Belts 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. Keep belts clean and dry. Cleaning Interior Plastic Components Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the surface finish.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be required. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. 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.
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 may have 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 PART NUMBER 994954 1050172 1050173 1050174 1050214 1050427 SIZE 23 in. x 25 in. 16 oz. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) 32 oz. (0.946 L) 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) DESCRIPTION Polishing Cloth – Wax Treated Tar and Road Oil Remover Chrome Cleaner and Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Vinyl Cleaner Glass Cleaner t Protectant Armor All Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner 1052929 16 oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner 1052930 8 oz. (0.
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.
NAME Usage NAME Usage HVAC 1 Climate Control System WS WPR Windshield Wipers CRUISE Cruise Control, Instrument Cluster IGN 1 Ignition, Instrument Panel IGN 3 Ignition, Power Seats AIR BAG Air Bag 4WD Not Used MIR/LOCK Power Mirrors, Power Door Locks CRANK Starting System DR LOCK Power Door Locks INT PRK Parking Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps, Interior Lamps PWR WDO Power Window Circuit Breaker UNLOCK Power Door Lock Relay L DOOR Power Door Lock Relay IGN 0 BRAKE Anti-Lock Brake Sy
Center Instrument Panel Utility Block Relay Name Usage The center instrument panel utility block is located underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.
Underhood Electrical Center The underhood electrical center is located in the engine compartment near the battery on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. You will see fuses to the top right of the fuse/relay center block once you remove the cover. These are spare fuses and can be used accordingly. You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor.
6-63
Name STUD #1 ABS IGN A AIR RAP #1 IGN B RAP #2 STUD #2 TRL R TRN TRL L TRN IGN 1 INJ-B STARTER PARK LP FRT HVAC STOP LP ECM 1 6-64 Usage Accessory Power/Trailer Wiring Feed/Load Leveling Anti-Lock Brakes Ignition Switch A.I.R.
Name O2 A O2 B LR PRK RR DEFOG HDLP TRL PRK PRIME RT HDLP DRL HTD MIR LT HDLP A/C AUX PWR SEO 2 SEO 1 DRL A/C FOG LP Usage Oxygen Sensors Oxygen Sensors Left Rear Parking Lamps Rear Window Defogger, Heated Mirrors Headlamps (Relay) Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring Not Used Right Headlamps Daytime Running Lamps (Relay) Heated Mirrors Left Headlamps Air Conditioning Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary Power Outlets Special Equipment Option Power, Power Seats, Aux Roof Mnt Lamp Special Equipment Option Power, Aux Roof M
Replacement Bulbs Bulb Number Low-Beam Headlamps . . . . 9005 or 9005 (long life) High-Beam Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9005 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 3157KX Front Marker Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Front Parking and Turn Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 3157 or 3157K (long life) Rear Marker Lamp, Taillamp and Stop Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3157 Rear Turn Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities *Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.8 quarts (14.0 L) *Cooling System with Engine Oil Cooler . . . . . . . . . 15.4 quarts (14.6 L) Crankcase with Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) Fuel Tank Denali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.0 U.S. gallons (98.4 L) Denali XL . . . . . . . . . . 32.5 U.S. gallons (123.0 L) *Add 1.05 quarts (1 L) if equipped with rear heating. All capacities are approximate. After refill, the levels must be rechecked.
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” shows 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 performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km). 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. The system will show you when to change the oil -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km) since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
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 Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) j 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 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) j Change automatic transmission fluid and filter 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. – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) j 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 Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission Control Service.
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 Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) j 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: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.) j Rotate tires.
Scheduled Maintenance j Change automatic transmission fluid and filter 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. – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
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. Engine Coolant Level Check Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOLR coolant mixture if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for further details. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
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. NOTE: 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.
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel Drive) Inspection Every 12 months or at engine oil change intervals, check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant when necessary. A fluid loss could indicate a problem; check and have it repaired, if needed. Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installation. 7-22 Brake System Inspection Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: 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 FLUID/LUBRICANT USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Front and Rear Axle SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. 12378261) or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115. Hood Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Body Door Hinge Pins, Tailgate Hinge and Linkage, Folding Seat and Fuel Door Hinge Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Outer Tailgate Handle Pivot Points Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No.
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 7-26 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact GMC 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 GMC. 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 GMC Consumer Relations Manager by calling 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782, Customer Assistance prompt). 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.
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days.
From: Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 Fax Number: 313-381-0022 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 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S.
Roadside Assistance Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the customer to get to the nearest service station (up to $5.00) will be covered. Jump Start: No-start situations which require a battery jump start will be covered at no charge. Lock Out: Replacement keys or locksmith service will be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement key will be covered at no charge within 10 miles (16 km).
Trip Interruption Assistance: GMC will reimburse any reasonable trip interruption expenses (up to $500.00) when directly associated with warranty disablement. Trip Interruption service covers expenses such as meals and overnight lodging if vehicle disablement occurs at least 150 miles (240 km) from your home or rental property. You will be required to obtain prior approval from GMC Roadside Assistance and pay for expenses at the time of disablement.
Courtesy Transportation GMC has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements. Requirements vary and may include minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782), or write: In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center P.O.
2001 GMC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.
ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 2 0 0 1 PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call 1-800-551-4123. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery.
