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Featums & Controls
Section
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional featur\
es 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 .
For explanation of vehicle symbols in this section. refer to “Vehicle
Symbols” in Section 0 .
Keys ........................................................................\
............................................... 2-3
Your Doors and How They Work
........................................................................\
2-5
Side Doors ........................................................................\
................................. 2-5
Door Locks
........................................................................\
................................. 2-6
Tailgate
........................................................................\
........................................... 2-8
Theft ........................................................................\
............................................... 2-9
New Vehicle Break-In
........................................................................\
................. 2-10
Ignition Switch
........................................................................\
............................. 2-10
Sterting Your Gasoline Engine
........................................................................\
... 2-12
Starting Your Diesel Engine
........................................................................\
....... 2-15
Automatic Transmission
........................................................................\
.............. 2-21
Five-Speed Manual Transmission (Without Low Gear)
.................................... 2-24
Five-Speed Manual Transmission (With Low Gear)
......................................... 2-25
Locking Rear Axle
........................................................................\
....................... 2-28
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Features & Controls
Tailgate
I.
K2232
You can open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulli\
ng the tailgate
toward you.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it away from you into the latch.
When you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards you,
to be sure it
latches securely.
Quick-Release Tailgate
A
K2346
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If you have a quick-release tailgate it can be removed by:
1. Raising the tailgate slightly and removing both retaining cables.
2. Lift the tailgate at the right side and pull it out at the left side.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the tailgate is secure.
Then
Vehicle theft is a big business, especially in some cities. Although your
vehicle has a number of theft deterrent features, we know that nothing we
put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can
help.
Key in the Ignition: If you walk away from your vehicle with the keys inside,
it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves-so don’t do it. When
you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a tone reminding
you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do
this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your ignition. If you have
an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your \
transmission.
And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night: Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage
area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots: If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle\
,
it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. But what
if you have to leave your
ignition key? What
if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area or console.
Lock the console.
Lock all doors except the driver’s,
Then take the door key with you.
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Service & Appearance Care
You should not use penetrating oils because they could wash out the factory
installed lubricant and cause the lock to bind. De-icers which contain alcohol
could also wash away the lubricant,
so be sure to lubricate the lock after
using a de-icer of this type.
Tailgate Handle
The tailgate handle pivot points on your vehicle should be lub\
ricated to keep
it working smoothly.
Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate the handle.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the proper
lubricant to use.
Electrical System
Battery
Every new GM vehicle has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You never have to
add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recomme\
nd
a Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the catalog number \
shown on
the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, take off the
black, negative
(-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery
from running down.
I - Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explod\
e. You I
1 can be badly hurt if you aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the
Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hur\
t.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer periods.
Bulb Replacement
Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all the lights are off and the
engine isn’t running.
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Service & Appearance Cam
Tailgate Marker Lights
PO249
1. Use a screwdriver to gently pry the lenslbulb assembly from the lens
2. Unplug the the lenslbulb assembly at the connecter wire.
3. Plug in a new lendbulb assembly and push the connecter wire i\
nto the
4. Snap the lenslbulb assembly into the lens holder.
holder.
hole in the tailgate.
Roof Marker Lights
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Service & Appearance Care
Rear Lights, Pickup Models
I
i
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two rear light assembly screws near the tailgate la\
tch and
pull out the light assembly.
u PO496
3. Remove the screws from the bulb retainer and take it off the light
4. Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket
assembly.
5. Put
in a new bulb and push it in until it is tight.
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6. Replace the bulb retainer.
7. Replace the rear light assembly and tighten the screws.
8. Close the tailgate.
Sear Lights, Chassis Cab Models
U
1. Using your hands, peel the rubber seal away from the lens.
I
PO497
2. Lift the lens off the light assembly.
3. Slide the socket out of the light assembly
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On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in N (Neutral), push the
clutch down halfway, and try to start the engine. The starter should work only
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor.
Steering column lock operation -While parked, try to turn the key to Lock
in each gear shift position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to
Lock only when the
gear shift is in
P (Park).
On vehicles with a key release lever, try to turn the key to
Lock without
pressing the lever. The key should turn to
Lock only with the key lever
depressed.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in
Lock.
Parking brake and transmission
P (PARK) mechanism operation -
CAUTION I
4 When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move.
You
or others could be injured and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is
room in front of your vehicle in case you begin
to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the
vehicle begin to move.
IW
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.\
Keeping your foot
on the regular brake, set the manual parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running and the
transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only.
To check the “Park” mechanism’s holding ability: Apply the \
regular brake
and shift to
P (Park). Release the manual parking brake, then slowly
release the regular brake.
Lap and shoulder belts condition and operation -Inspect belt system,
including: webbing, buckles, latch plates, retractors, guide loop\
s and anchors.
Have a belt assembly replaced
if the webbing has been cut or otherwise
damaged.
Body
Lubrication Service -Lubricate all body door hinges with engine oil.
Also lubricate the tailgate, tailgate handle pivot points, and tailga\
te mounted
spare tire carrier
(if equipped). Lubricate the body hood, fuel door and rear
compartment hinges, latches and locks including interior glove
box and
console
doors, and any folding seat hardware. Lubricate the hood safety lever
pivot and prop
rod pivot. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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