
Driving with a Trailer
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
so responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform, safety \
chains, electrical
connector, lights, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has electric brakes,
start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller
by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you w\
ould when
driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations \
that
require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer.
And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to g\
o much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the
trailer left, just move your hand to the left.
To move the trailer to the right,
move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making Turns
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so
your trailer wheels won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs\
, trees, or
other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have a different turn signal
flasher and extra wiring. The green arrows on your instrument \
panel will flash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer
lights will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about t\
o turn, change lanes,
or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows on your instrument pan\
el will flash for
turns even
if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
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If your vehicle has the four-wheel-drive option and the transfer c\
ase is
engaged, a dolly must be used under the rear wheels when towi\
ng from the
front.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle instrument\
panel. If
you have a diesel engine, you will also find a low coolant light on your
instrument panel.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine:
K2509
I CAUTION
A
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn
it off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until
it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam
or coolant before opening 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.
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Fuse Block
K2644
The fuse block is in the instrument panel on the driver’s side.
You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor,
if you have one. To remove
fuses
if you don’t have one, hold the end of the fuse between your thumb
and index finger and pull straight out.
Be sure
to use the correct fuse. If you ever have a problem on the road and
don’t have a spare fuse, you can “borrow’’ one of the correct value. Just pick
some feature
of your vehicle that you can get along without-like the radio or
cigarette lighter-and use its fuse,
if it is of the value you need. Replace it
as soon as you can. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index for more
information.
Exhaust System
To help prevent damage to your exhaust system, do not continue to drive
your vehicle
if you notice:
Engine misfiring
Loss of performance
Other unusual operating conditions
Have your engine and exhaust system serviced regularly.
Three- Way Cataiytic Converter
Your vehicle’s three-way catalytic converter is designed to reduce the
pollutants in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use only unleaded fuel in your vehicle.
If
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you use leaded fuel, you could damage your three-way catalytic converter,
and other engine components.
Computer Command Control System (All TBI equipped
vehicles and diesel engine vehicles below
8,500 lbs. GVWR)
Gasoline Engines
This system has an oxygen (OS) sensor that helps keep your engine’s air-fuel
mixture at a proper level. Use only unleaded fuel in your veh\
icle.
If you use
leaded fuel, you could damage your oxygen
(OS) sensor and three-way
catalytic converter.
Diesel Vehicles Below 8,500 LBS. GVWR
This system monitors engine speed and throttle position. It adj\
usts exhaust gas recirculation to limit emissions.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON) on your
instrument panel lets you know when your emission control syste\
m needs
service. The light will come on briefly when you start your e\
ngine to let you
know that the system is working. If
it does not come on when you start your
engine, or
if it comes on and stays on while you’re driving your system may \
need service. Your vehicle should still be driveable, but you should have your
system serviced right away.
Secondary Air Injection (AIR) System
You may have this system. It lets you know if your engine control module,
wiring harness or solenoid need service.
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon) comes on, you need service.
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Non-Greasy Stains: Like catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk,
soft drinks, wine, vomit, urine and blood.
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the place with \
cool water.
If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions above.
If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a
watedbaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup
(250 ml) of lukewarm water.
Finally, if needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.
Combination Stains: Like candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and
unknown stains.
to dry.
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with cool water \
and allow
If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner,
Cleaning Vinyl or Leather
Just use warm water and a clean cloth.
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it
more than once.
Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them
off quickly. Use a clean cloth and solvent-type vinylheather cl\
eaner.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
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.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
A
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken
them. In a crash they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm\
water.
I
Glass
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427) or
a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust
films.
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Service & Appearance Care
Vehicle identification Number (VIN)
KO641
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. You c\
an see it if you
look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also \
appears
on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the \
certificates of
title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code for your \
GM engine.
This code will help you identify your engine, specifications, a\
nd replacement parts in this section.
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Scheduled Maintenance Services
Scheduled Maintenance Services
This part tells you the maintenance services that you should h\
ave done and
the times you should schedule them. Your GM dealer knows your vehicle best
and wants you
to be happy with it. If you go to your dealer for your service
needs, you’ll know that GM-trained and supported service peop\
le will perform
the work using genuine GM parts.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within the recommended limits. You will find
these limits on your vehicle’s Certification Label. See “L\
oading Your
Vehicle” in the Index.
are driven on regular road surfaces, and within legal driving \
limits.
are driven off-road in the recommended manner. See the Index U\
nder
use the recommended fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index.
“Off Road Driving With Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle.”
selecting The Proper Maintenance Services
To find the proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle, you must\
know two
things. What engine your vehicle has, and how you use your ve\
hicle. Your
engine type will tell you which chart to use, and your drivin\
g conditions will
tell you which schedule to use. The charts are found later in\
this section.
Selecting the Proper Maintenance Chart
Your engine type (Gasoline or Diesel) and its emissions classificat\
ion (Light
Duty 3r Heavy Duty Emissions) will tell you which maintenance \
chart
to use.
Find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and look at th\
e eighth character
to see what your engine code is. Then use the following Engine E\
missions
Classifications table
to find your emissions classification.
Your VIN is on the plate on the top left corner of your instrument panel,
the Certification Label and on the Service Parts Identification \
Label. See “Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.
If your engine has more than one emissions classification, look at\
your
Certification Label to see what your Gross Vehicle Weight Ratin\
g
(GVWR)
is. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
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Customer Assistance Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and GMC Truck.
Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operat\
ion 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. If your concern has not been resolved
to your
satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE -Discuss your concern with a member of dealership
management. Complaints can often be quickly resolved at that le\
vel. If the
matter has already been reviewed with the Sales, Sewice, or Pa\
rts Manager,
contact the owner of the dealership or the General Manager.
STEP TWO -If after contacting a member of Dealership Management, it
appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership witho\
ut further
help, contact the GMC Truck Consumer Relations Manager by calli\
ng 1-800-GMC-TRUCK
(1 -800-462-8782). In Canada, contact the GM of Canada
Customer Assistance Center in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (\
English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French).
In Mexico, call (525) 254-3777. In Puerto Rico or
US. Virgin Islands, call
1-809-763-1315.
In all other overseas locations, contact GM International
Export Sales in Canada by calling 1-41 6-644-4112.
For prompt assistance, please have the following information ava\
ilable
to give
the Customer Assistance Representative:
Your name, address, telephone number
Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehic\
le registration or title, or the plate attached
to the left top of the instrument
panel and visible through the windshield).
Dealership name and location
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
Nature of concern
We encourage you
to call the toll-free number listed previously in order to
give your inquiry prompt attention. Information on offices outsi\
de the U. S.
which can assist you can also be found in the Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information booklet.
If you need to contact us in writing, please contact Consumer Relations by
writing: GMC Truck,
31 E. Judson Street 1607-07, Pontiac, Michigan
48342-2230.
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