
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block Heater)
(Option) -
1. Engine Coolant Heater Strap
2. Engine Coolant
Heater Cap
In very cold weather,
0°F (-1 8 "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 coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt outlet.
A CAUTION:
NOTICE:
After you've used the coolant heater, be sure to store the co\
rd as
it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you
don't,
it could be damaged.
2- 16

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Here are things some owners ask about. None of these indicate a problem
with your fuel gage:
0 At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage r\
eads full.
The fuel tank will take either a little more or a little less fuel to fill up
than the gage shows.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up.
The gage doesn’t go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
For your fuel tank capacity, see the Index under “Fluid Capacities.”
Oil Pressure Gage
Standard Cluster Digital Cluster
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds pe\
r
square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in
kPa (kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the low pressure
zone indicate the normal operating range.
A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused by a dangerous\
ly low oil
level or other problems causing low oil pressure.
On the digital cluster, a box around the oil pressure symbol \
will begin to
flash when the oil pressure
is low.
2-62

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 8. Then replace the
pressure cap. At
any time during
this procedure
if
coolant begins to
flow out of the
filler neck,
reinstall the
pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on
the pressure cap
line up like this.
Engine Fan Noise
This 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 every day
driving conditions the clutch is not engaged. This improves fuel economy
and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or
high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should not be
mistaken as the transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely the
cooling system functioning properly. The fan will slow down when
additional cooling is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the engine. It will go away
as the
fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you
maintain your tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a
few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control
by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and
noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if
possible.
If a tire goes flat,
the next section shows how to use your jacking equipment
to change a flat tire safely.
5-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service & Appearance Care
...
Section
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle . This part
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 section devoted to its appearance care
.
Service ................................................... 6-2
Fuel
..................................................... 6-3
Checking Things Under the Hood
.............................. 6-7
Hood Release
........................................... 6-7
Engineoil
.............................................. 6-9
Enginecover
.......................................... 6-15
Air Cleaner
............................................ 6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid ............................. 6-20
RearAxle
............................................. 6-24
All-WheelDrive
........................................ 6-24
Transfercase
.......................................... 6-24
FrontAxle
............................................. 6-25
Engine Coolant
....................................... 6-26
Windshield Washer Fluid
................................. 6-31
Brake Master Cylinder
................................... 6-32
Replacing Brake System Parts
.................... ........ 6-35
Battery
.................................................. 6-35
Vehiclestorage
......................................... 6-35
FluidLeakCheck
.......................................... 6-36
Bulb Replacement
......................................... 6-36
Other Maintenance Items
.................................... 6-41
Tires
.................................................... 6-47
Appearancecare
.......................................... 6-54
Vehicle Identification Number
................................ 6-63
Service Parts Identification Label
..................... .... 6-65
Capacities and Specification Charts
................ . . 6-68
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........... 6-72
Power Steering Fluid .................................. 6-30
Loading Your Vehicle
.... .............................. 6-44
6-1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard
to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or
at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
Filling Your Tank
The cap is behind a
hinged door on the left
side of your vehicle.
.. .
.. .
6-5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine While refueling, hang
the cap inside the fuel
door.
To take off the cap,
turn
it slowly to the
left (counter-
clockwise). The
fuel filler door
release button
is in the
upper corner of the
driver's side stepwell.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as
soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside
of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until you hear a clicking
noise.
I 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 or
have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emissions system
might be damaged.
Checking Things Under the Hood
Hood Release
To open the hood, first
pull the handle inside
the vehicle
on the
right side
of the
steering column.
Then go to the front
of
the vehicle and release
the secondary hood
release.
6-7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON )
This light on your instrument cluster lets you know when your emission
system needs service. The light will come on briefly when you start your
engine 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.
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certificationire
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 of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The CertificatiodTire 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.
6-44