Page 116 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on
then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop
carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push.
Or, the pedal may
go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have
the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.)
The brake system warning light will also come on when
YOU set your
parking brake, and it will stay on
if your parking brake doesn’t release fully.
If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means YOU have a
brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
Standard Cluster Digital Cluster
I
With anti-lock, this light will go on when you start your engine and may
stay on for several seconds. That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on,
have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
2-56
Page 117 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light isn’t
on, you still have
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on,
you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a
problem with your regular brakes. See “Brake System Warning Light”
earlier in this part.
Air Bag System Light
There is an air bag
readiness light
on the
instrument panel,
which shows
AIR
BAG. The system
checks for electrical
malfunctions, and the
light tells
you if there
is a problem.
You will
see this light flash for a few seconds when you turn your ignition
to
RUN or START. Then the light should go out, which means the system is
ready.
Remember, if the air bag readiness light doesn’t come
on when you start
your vehicle, or stays
on, or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right \
away.
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights go on when you use your turn signals, change from low
beam headlights to high beams, or when
you use your hazard flashers. The
next few pages will also tell you about the indicator lights on your vehicle
and help
you locate them.
2-57
Page 118 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON)
This light is on the
right-hand side of
your standard cluster.
If you have the digital
cluster, it is on the
left-hand side.
A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission \
control
systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is
not running, as a check to show you it is working. If it does not come
on at
all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or it comes on while you
are
driving, the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should
take your vehicle in for service soon.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a whi\
le
the emission controls won’t work
as well, your fuel economy
won’t be as good and your engine may not run
as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
2-58
Page 124 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY!
In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows what to do. See “Engine
Overheating” in the Index.
Voltmeter
Standard Cluster Digital Cluster
When your engine is not running, but the ignition is on (in the RUN
position), the gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts. When
the ignition is running, the gage shows the condition of the charging system.
Readings between the low and high warning zones indicate the n\
ormal
operating range.
Readings
in either warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical
system.
On the digital cluster, a box around the voltmeter symbol will begin the
flash when the charging system needs service.
You can only drive for a short time with the readings in either warning zone.
If you must drive, turn off all unnecessary accessories.
2-64
Page 126 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer Wiring Harness
If you have the optional trailering package, your vehicle will have a 7-wire
harness.
The 7-wire harness is stored on the right side
of the van near the rear wheel
well. This harness has a
30 amp battery feed wire and no connector, and
should be wired
by a qualified service person, Attach the harness to the
trailer, then tape or strap it to your vehicle's frame rail. Be sure you leave it
loose enough
so the wiring doesn't bend or break, but not so loose that it
drags
on the ground.
The harness must be routed out
of your vehicle between the rear door and
the floor, with enough of the harness
left on both sides so that the trailer or
the body won't pull it.
Store the harness
in its original place. Wrap the harness together and tie it
neatly
so it won't be damaged.
2-66
Page 147 of 340
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 cause failure of the tape
player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every
15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good
cassette to see if the tape or the player is at fault. If this other cassette has no
improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.
Clean your tape player with a wiping-action, non-abrasive cleaning
cassette, and follow the directions provided with it.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you
have your tape player serviced.
Page 171 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make
sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot.
Once you are moving on
the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable
following distance. Expect to move slightly slower
at night.
When you want
to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in
advance. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
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.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many
miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep
it serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to go. If
it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across
North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
4- 17
Page 172 of 340

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Highway Hypnosis
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. Don’t let
it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second,
and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that
it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check
your mirrors and your instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area
and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or
rolling terrain.
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.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work
hard on mountain roads.
4- 18