CAUTION I
If Driving on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers can be dangerous.
-L Underwater springs, currents under the ice, or sudden thaws can
weaken the ice. Your vehicle could fall through the ice and you and
your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces
only.
I
t
Driving In Water
Light rain causes no special off-road driving problems. But hea\
vy rain can
mean flash flooding, and flood waters demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before you drive through it. If it’s deep
enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe, don’t try it\
-you
probably won’t get through. Also, water that deep can damage\
your axle and
other vehicle parts.
If the water isn’t too deep, then drive through it slowly. At fast speeds, water
splashes on your ignition system and your vehicle can stall. S\
talling can also
occur
if you get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your tailpipe is
under water, you’ll never be able to start your engine. When you go through
water, remember that when your brakes get wet,
it may take you longer to
stop.
CAUTION
C
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 inches deep, it can still wash away the ground
from under your tires, and you could lose traction and roll t\
he vehiclc
over. Don’t drive through rushing water.
I
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody\
, chassis, or
under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check th\
e body
structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust syste\
m for damage.
Also, check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due
to off-road use, Refer to
Section
7 for additional information.
4-34
ProCarManuals.com
Service & Appearance Care
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage
Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate the fittings. See
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the \
proper lubricant to
use.
Front Wheel Bearings
Your vehicle has front wheel bearings that must be cleaned and repa\
cked.
Your maintenance schedule will
tell you how often this must be done.
Front Shock Absorbers
The front shock absorbers of your vehicle do many things. They help the
vehicle ride smoothly and also control the travel of the suspension system.
When the shock absorbers are serviced, any replacement shock ab\
sorbers must be the same as the original equipment shock absorbers in \
both
extended length and strength.
Wheel Nut Torque
For vehicles with dual wheels, when the vehicle, wheel or fast\
eners are new,
have the torque set at the first
100, 1,000 and 6,000 miles (160, 1600 and
9600 km). Use the torque specified in the appropriate Specification \
Chart later
in this section.
Single Belt Accessory Drive
If your new vehicle uses a serpentine belt, it is lighter, and more durable
than systems with several belts.
The belt runs over or around the pulleys on the engine.
A tensioner is used
to keep the belt tight at all times. The tensioner also makes replacing the
belt easier. If you need
to replace the belt, be sure to get the correct
replacement belt. Your dealership or parts supplier can help you with this.
The Accessory Drive Belt Routing label on your vehicle will sh\
ow you how to route the belt your vehicle uses.
6-34
ProCarManuals.com
Loading Your Vehicle
MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP L-4
I
. , .. .-. .. ,. . ,FFECT
CROWN ABOVE.
1
TIRE SIZE
-EL XISPEED RIM PSVKPA (COLD)
SPA
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
K2134
The Certificationflire label is found on the rear edge of the driver's door. The
label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation \
pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight o\
f the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The Certificationnire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front
and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to\
a weigh station
and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to
spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline. \
Never exceed the GVWR
for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
A
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the I
maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on your vehicl\
e
can break, or
it can change the way your vehicle handles. These
could cause you
to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your vehicle the
right way.
6-46
ProCarManuals.com
Scheduled Maintenance Services
Explanation Of Scheduled Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in the maintenance charts.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in this section. Make sure
whoever services your vehicle uses these.
All parts should be replaced and
all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the ve\
hicle.
1. ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER CHANGE* -ALWAYS USE SG OR
SG/CE QUALITY, ENERGY CONSERVING II OILS OF THE PROPER
VISCOSITY. To determine the preferred viscosity oil for your vehicle’s
engine (e.g. SAE 5W-30 or
10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
2. CHASSIS LUBRICATION -Lubricate the front suspension, king pin
bushings, steering linkage, transmission, and transfer case shift\
linkage,
parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines
(2 wheel drive), brake
pedal springs, and clutch pedal springs at the intervals specif\
ied.
If you have a 3500 HD, lubricate the king pins and king pin bushings
every
1,500 miles (2500 km) for Maintenance Schedule 1, or every 3,000
(5000 km) for Maintenance Schedule 2.
Ball joints and king pin bushings should not be lubricated unl\
ess their
temperature is
10°F (-12”C), or higher. When the weather is cold, let
them warm up before lubrication
or they could be damaged.
Also, be sure to check all the vehicle fluid levels at this time.
3.
CLUTCH FORK BALL STUD LUBRICATION -Lubricate the clutch fork
ball stud through the fitting on the clutch housing. Lubricant \
must be
added “sparingly” to the fitting, as only.
0066 Ib. (.003 kg) is required to
lubricate the ball stud surface. Do not add lubricant more often than the
intervals in the Maintenance Charts.
Too much lubricant will damage
the clutch
assembly.
4. ENGINE IDLE SPEED ADJUSTMENT (DIESEL ENGINES)* -Adjust to
the specifications shown on the underhood label. You must use
calibrated test equipment.
5. COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE* -Drain, flush and refill system with new
coolant. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for the proper\
coolant and
mixture
to use in your vehicle.
Also inspect the hoses and replace them if they i cracked, swollen, or
deteriorated. Tighten all hose clamps (except consrant tension clamps).
Remove debris and clean the outside of the radiator and air c\
onditioning
condenser. Wash the radiator neck.
To ensure proper operation, pressure
test the radiator and cap.
* An Emission Control Service
7-1 8
ProCarManuals.com
Scheduled Maintenance Services
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least
twice a year (for instance each spring or fall). You should let your GM
dealer’s service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs.
Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Steering and Suspension lnspectiont -Inspect front and rear suspension
and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or
lack of lubrication. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for\
proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. (On vehicles equipped wit\
h manual
steering gear, check for seal leakage.) Lubricate the steering linkage.
Accelerator Control System -Lubricate all pivot points with engine oil,
except the
TBI throttle shaft. Remove all external deposits from the injector
pump face cam on 6.2L and 6.5L engines.
Do this when the engine is cold
and not running.
Do not oil any accelerator or cruise control cables. Replace
any cables that have high effort
or excessive wear.
Exhaust System Inspection -Inspect the complete system including the
three-way catalytic converter. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look
for broken, damaged, missing
or out-of-position parts, as well as, open
seams, holes, loose connections
or other conditions which could cause a heat
buildup in the
floor pan or could let exhaust fumes seep into the passenger
compartments.
Drive Axle Service -Check readfront axle fluid level and add as needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case (four-wheel drive) lnspectiont -Every 12 months or at oil
change intervals, check front axle and transfer case and add l\
ubricant when
necessary. Oil the control lever pivot point and all exposed control linkage. \
Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installa\
tion. More
frequent lubrication may be required on heavy-duty
or off-road use.
tA fluid loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them inspected
and repaired at once.
7-24
ProCarManuals.com
INDEX
H
Halogen Bulbs .............................. 6.38
Hazard Warning Flashers
.............. 5-2
Head Restraints
.............................. 1-5
Headlights
............... 2-46, 6-38, 6-43
Composite
.................................. 6-39
High Beam Indicator Light
...... 2-74
High-Low Beam
............. 2-38, 4-36
Reminder
................................... 2-47
Replacement
................... 6-37, 6-72
Sealed Beam
............................. 6-38
Heating System (with AIC)
........... 3-5
Rear (Wagon Models)
................ 3-8
Rear Window Defogger
........... 3-11
System Controls
......................... 3-6
Heating System (without AIC)
..... 3-4
Fan Knob ..................................... 3-4
Function Lever
............................ 3-4
Rear Window Defogger
........... 3-1 1
Temperature Lever ...................... 3-4
Highway Hypnosis
........................ 4-46
Hitches
........................................... 4-59
Hood
Latches and Hinge ................... 6-36
Release
........................................ 6-8
Horn
............................................... 2-35
Hydraulic Clutch
........................... 6-21
Grease Fitting
............................ 6-23
Hydroplaning
................................. 4-38
1
If You’re Stuck In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
.............................. 5-31
Ignition Switch
.............................. 2-1 1
Inflation-Tire Pressure ................. 6-49
Instrument Panel
.......................... 2-62
Standard Cluster
....................... 2-64
J
Jack and Tools ............................. 5-18
Removal ..................................... 5-1 8
Storage
............................ 5-29, 5-30
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
K
Key Release Lever ....................... 2-13
Keys
................................................. 2-3
L
Lights ............................................. 2-46
Brake System Warning
............ 4-17
Bulb Replacement .................... 6-37
Charging System Light
........... 2-71
Check Gages Light
.................. 2-73
Dome
......................................... 2-48
Front Parkingnurn Signal
........ 6-40
Headlights (See “Headlights”)
Indicator
..................................... 2-68
Operation
................................... 2-37
Reading
..................................... 2-49
Roof Marker
.............................. 6-42
Service Engine
Soon ..... 2-72, 6-45
Rear
........................................... 6-42
Replacement Chart
.................. 6-72
Side Marker
.............................. 6-41
Underhood Reel
....................... 2-50
Loading Your Vehicle
........ 4-25, 6-46
Add-on Equipment
................... 6-48
Lubrication
..................................... 6-35
Accelerator Control System
.... 6-35
Constant Velocity Joints
......... 6-36
Front Axle
................................. 6-24
Front Shock Absorbers
........... 6-34
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage
................... 6-34
Front Wheel Bearings
.............. 6-34
Tailgate Handle
......................... 6-37
Hydraulic Clutch Grease Fitting
....................... 6-23
Hood Latches and Hinge
........ 6-36
Lock Cylinders
.......................... 6-36
Propeller Shaft Slip Splines
... 6-36
Rear Axle
.................................. 6-24
Recommended Lubricants
...... 7-25
Transfer Case
............................ 6-23
Luggage Carrier
........................... 2-80
Body
........................................... 6-36
9-4
ProCarManuals.com