Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000
pounds (450 kg) loaded, then it needs its
own brakes
- and they must be adequate.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes
so you’ll be able to
install, adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not
try to tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake systems
won’t work well, or at all.
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 would 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 go 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
to the left, just move that 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 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 to
turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
Dn your instrument panel will flash for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you
are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs
are still working.
145. I
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your Driving and the Road
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you
might have to use your brakes
so much
that they would get hot and no longer
work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed to around
45 mph
(70 kmh) to reduce the possibility of
engine and transmission overheating.
If you are towing a trailer and you
have an automatic transmission with
Overdrive, you may prefer to drive
in “D’
instead of Overdrive (or, as you need to,
a lower gear). Or,
if you have a manual
transmission with fifth (or sixth) gear
and you are towing a trailer, it’s better
not to use fifth (or sixth) gear. Just drive
in fourth gear (fifth gear if you have a
six-speed manual transmission) (or, as you
need to, a lower gear).
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle,
with a trailer attached, on a
hill. If
something goes wrong, your rig could
start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged.
But if you
ever have to park your
rig on a
hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t
shift into
“P’ (Park) yet, or into gear
for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the
3. When the wheel chocks are in place,
release the regular brakes until the
chocks absorb the load.
trailer wheels.
4. Reapply the
regular brakes. Then
apply your parking brake, and then
shift to
“P” (Park), or “R” (Reverse)
for a manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave after
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold
the pedal down while you:
Start your engine;
0 Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
4. Stop ahd have someone pick up and
of the
chocks.
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often
when you’re pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule for more on this.
Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid (don’t overfill), engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system,
and brake adjustment. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and
the Index will
help you find them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start your
trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.
. . ,146
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Problems on the Road
NOTICE:
If your engine catches fire because
you keep driving with
no coolant,
your vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming from Your
Engine:
If you get the overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes
the engine can gel
a little too hot when you:
0 Climb a long hill on a hot day.
0 Stop after high speed driving.
0 Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get
the overheat warning with no
sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the
off.
highest fan speed and open
the
window as necessary.
3. Tr!
to keep your engine under load
(in a drive gear where the engine runs
slower).
[f you no longer have the overheat
warning, you can drive. Just to be safe,
drive slower for about ten minutes. If the
warning doesn’t come back on,
you can
drive normally.
[f the warning continues, pull over, stop,
and park your vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, you can
idle the engine for two or three minutes
while you’re parked, to see if the warning
stops. But
then, if you still have the
warning, TURN
OFF THE ENGINE
AND GET EVERYONE
OUT OF THE
VEHICLE until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to
get service help right away.
Cooling System
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood,
here’s what you’ll see on the
V6 engine:
1. Coolant recovery tank
2. Radiator pressure cap
3. Electric engine fan
. . .158
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Change Engine Oil:
See if any one of these is true for you:
0 Most trips are less than 4 miles
(6 km).
It’s below freezing outside and most
trips are less than
10 miles (1 6 km).
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as in door-to-door delivery, or
in
stop-and-go traffic).
0 You tow a trailer often.
@ Most trips are through dusty places.
If any one
of these is true for your
vehiclej
then you need to change your oil
and filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or
3 months - whichever comes first.
If none of them is true, change the oil
every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12
months - whichever comes first. Change
the filter at the first oil change and at
every other oil change after that.
Engine Coolant Heater (Engine Block
Heater):
An engine coolant heater can be a big
help
if you have to park outside in very
cold weather,
0” F (- 18 “C) or colder. If
your vehicle has this option, see “Engine
Coolant Heater”
in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil:
Did you know that used engine oil
contains elements that may be unhealthy
for your skin and could even cause
cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your
skin for very long. Clean your skin and
nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away
clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings
about the use and disposal
of oil
products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the
environment. If
you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from
the filter before disposal. Don’t ever
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash,
pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams
or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local
recycling center for help.
3.4L L32 (Code S
air Cleaner
tefer to the Maintenance Schedule to
letermine when
to replace the air filter.
;ee “Scheduled Maintenance Services” ir
he Index.
191 ...
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Service and Appearance Care
Automatic Transmission FIuid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your automatic
transmission fluid level is when the
engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to change your fluid. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little
difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a Chevrolet dealership Service
Department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all
the instructions here, or
you could get a
false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can dam-
age your transmission.
Too much can
mean that some of the fluid could
come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission fluid.
. . ,194
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking
the transmission fluid level
if you have
been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
0 At high speed for quite a while.
0 In heavy traffic - especially in hot
weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should
be at normal operating temperature,
which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C to 93°C).
To check transmission fluid hot: Get
the vehicle warmed up
by driving
about
15 miles (24 km) when outside
temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). If
it’s colder than
50°F (lO”C), drive the
vehicle
in “D” (Third Gear) until the
engine temperature gage moves and then
remains steady for ten minutes. Then
follow the hot check procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold
check is made after the vehicle has been
sitting for eight hours or more with the
engine off and is used only as a reference.
Let the engine run at idle for five minutes
if outside temperatures are 50°F
( 10°C)
or more. If it’s colder than 50°F (lO”C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid level
be
low during a
cold check, you must perform a hot check
before adding fluid This will give you a
more accurate reading
of the fluid level.
To check the fluid hot or cold:
Park your vehicle on a level place.
With the parking brake applied, place
With your foot on the brake pedal,
the shift lever
in
“P’ (Park).
move the shift lever through each gear
range, pausing for about three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in
“F’” (Park).
minutes or more.
Let the engine run at idle for three
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine “Section C: Periodic Maintenance
: Inspections” explains important
inspections that your Chevrolet dealer’s
service department or another qualified
service center should perform.
“Section
D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” lists some products GM
recommends to help keep your vehicle
properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether
you do the work yourself or have it done.
“Section
E: Maintenance Record”
provides a place for you to record the
maintenance performed on your vehicle.
Whenever any maintenance is performed,
be sure to write it down in this section.
This will help you determine when your
next maintenance should be done. In
addition, it is a good idea
to keep your
maintenance receipts. They may be
needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
Using Your Maintenance
Schedules
This section tells you the maintenance
services you should have done and
when you should schedule them. Your
Chevrolet 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 people will perform
the work using genuine GM parts.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits.
You will find
these limits on your vehicle’s
Tire-Loading Information label. See
“Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
are driven on reasonable road pprfaces
within legal driving limits.
use
the recommended unleaded fuel.
See “Fuel” in the Index.
Selecting the Right Schedule
First you’ll need to decide which of the
two schedules is right for your vehicle.
Here’s how to decide which schedule to
follow:
Schedule
I
Is any one of these true for your vehicle?
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
Most trips are less than 10 miles (16
km) when outside temperatures are
below freezing.
The engine is at low speed most of the
time (as in door-to-door delivery, or in
stop-and-go traffic).
You operate your vehicle in dusty
You tow a trailer.
If any one (or more) of these is true for
your driving, follow Schedule
I.
Schedule 11
Follow Schedule I1 on& if none of the
above conditions is true.
areas.
239.. .
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Maintenance Schedule
Section A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Schedule 1
MAINLY driven under one or more of
the following conditions:
When most trips are less than 4 miles
(6 km).
When most trips are less than 10 miles
(16 km) and outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
When most trips include extended
idling and/or frequent low-speed
operation, as
in stop-and-go traffic.
When towing a trailer.
0 When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule
I should also be followed if the
vehicle is used for deliverv service, police,
taxi or other commercial applications.
* An Emission Control Service.
=t The U.S. En\sironmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pellform this
maintemnce item will not
nullifi. the emission
warranty
or limit recall liability prior to the
cvmpletion
cf vehicle usejul life. General
Motors, however, urges rhat all rec.*ornmended
maintenance services
he performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded in “Section
E: Maintenance Record.”
ITEM NO.
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 -
9
10
11
WHAT TO SERVICE
See “E,rplanation of Scheduled
Maintenunce Servicae.s”
jullowing
Schedules I and 11.
Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change*
Chassis Lubrication
Tire and Wheel Rotation
& Inspection
Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection*
Cooling System Service”
Transmission Service Spark Plug Replacement
(3.4L L32 (Code
S) Engine)*
Spark Plug Replacement
(5.7L LTI (Code P) Engine)*
Spark Plug Wire Inspection*+
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*
Fuel Tank, Cap & Lines Inspection*?
Rear Axle Fluid Change
(For Vehicles
Towing Trailers
or for Vehicles with
Limited-Slip Differentials)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or Months
(whichever occursfirst).
Every 3.000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months.
Every other oil chenge.
At 6,000 miles (10 000 km) and every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) or as necessary.
Every 30,000 miles (50
000 km) or 24 months.
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
Every 100,000 miles ( 166 000 km).
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and II.
Every 30,000 miles (50 000 km).
See “Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services” following Schedules
I and 11.
. . .240
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ITEM
NO. SERVICE
6 Transmission Service - For
manual transmissions, fluid
doesn’t require changing. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
For automatic transmissions, change both
the fluid and filter
every 15,000 miles (25
000 km)
if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the
outside temperature regularly
reaches
90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous
terrain.
When doing frequent trailer
towing.
Uses such as found in taxi,
police car or delivery service.
If
you do not use your vehicle
under any
of these conditions,
change both
the fluid and
filter every
100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
ITEM
NO.
7
8
9
10
SERVICE
Spark Plug Replacement* -
Replace spark plugs with the
proper type. See “Replacement
Parts” in the Index.
Spark Plug Wire Inspection*?
-
Inspect for burns, cracks or other
damage. Check the boot
fit at the
distributor and at the spark plugs.
Replace wires as needed.
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement*
- Replace every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or more often under
dusty conditions. Ask your
dealer for the proper replacement
intervals for your driving
conditions.
Fuel Tank. Cap and Lines
Inspection”?
- Inspect fuel tank,
cap and lines (including fuel rails
and injection assembly) for
damage or leaks. Inspect fuel cap
gasket for an even filler neck
imprint or any damage. Replace
parts as needed. Periodic
replacement of the fuel filter is
not required.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
11 Rear Axle Fluid Change - If your
vehicle is used to pull
a trailer,
have the rear axle gear lubricant
changed every
7,500 miles
(12
500 km).
If your vehicle is not used
to pull
a trailer, but has a limited-slip
differential, have the rear axle
gear lubricant changed once after
the first
7,500 miles (12 500 km).
* An Emission Control Service.
t The US. Environmental Protection Agency
or the California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to pegorm this
maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of vehicle useful life. General
Motors, however, urges that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded in “Section
E: Maintenance Record.”
245.. .