1994 GMC SIERRA tailgate

Features and Controls
Section
.
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features 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. refer to “Vehicle Symbols” in the
Introduction
.
Keys ..................................................... 2-3
DoorLocks
................................................ 2-5
Your Doors and How They Work .............................. 2-7
Tailgate
................................................... 2-8
Theft
............................................. ...... 2-9
New Vehicle “Break-In’’ .................................... 2-10
Ignitionswitch
............................................ 2-11
Starting Your Gasoline Engine
............................... 2-12
Starting Your Diesel Engine
................................. 2-16
Automatic Transmission
.................................... 2-21
Five-Speed Manual Transmission (With
Low Gear) ............ 2-24
Five-Speed Manual Transmission (Without Low Gear)
............ 2-25
LockingRearAxle
......................................... 2-28
ParkingBrake
............................................ 2-28
Parking Over Things That Burn
............................... 2-32
2-1
ProCarManuals.com

Tailgate
You can open the
tailgate by lifting up
on its handle while
pulling 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 that
it latches securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for different loading
situations. Although the tailgate can be removed without assistance, you
may want someone to assist you with the removal to avoid possible finish
damage.
To remove the tailgate:
0 Raise the tailgate
slightly and
release both
retaining cable
clips. To release
the cable clips,
lift the cable
so it
points straight out
and push the
cable clips
forward.
ProCarManuals.com

With the tailgate at a slight upward
angle, pull back
on the tailgate at
the right edge and
then move the
tailgate to the
right,
to release
the
left edge.
Reverse the above procedure to re-install. Make sure the tailgate is secure.
Theft
Vehicle theft is 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.
2-9
ProCarManuals.com

Never use too much of any lubricant and be sure to wipe up any extra
lubricant when
you are finished.
Your maintenance schedule
will tell you how often to lubricant these items.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for the proper
lubricant
to use.
Lock Cylinders
To be sure your locks operate properly, they must be lubricated. Your
vehicle’s maintenance schedule will
tell you how often to lubricate them.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index for the proper
lubricant
to use.
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 lubricated to keep
the handle working smoothly.
Your maintenance schedule
will tell you how often to lubricant the handle.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the proper
lubricant to use.
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 recommend
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.
6-52
ProCarManuals.com

Tailgate Marker Lights
1. Use a screwdriver
to gently pry the
lenshulb assembly from
the lens holder.
2. Unplug the
lenshulb
assembly at the
connector wire.
3. Plug in a new
lensbulb
assembly and
push the
connector wire
into the hole in
the tailgate.
4. Snap the
lenshulb
assembly into the
lens holder.
Roof Marker Lights
1. Remove the
screws and lift off
the lens.
2. Pull the bulb
straight out of the
socket.
3. Put a new bulb
into the socket
and push it in
until it is tight.
4. Replace the lens and tighten the screws.
6-59
ProCarManuals.com

Cargo LighKenter High Mount Stoplamp (CHMSL)
1. Remove the
screws and lift off
the lens.
2. Pull the old bulb straight out
of the
socket.
Rear Lights - Pickup Models
3. Put a new bulb
into
the socket
and push it in
until it is tight.
4. Replace the lens
and tighten the
screws.
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two
rear light assembly screws
near the tailgate
latch and pull out
the light assembly.
E
6-60
ProCarManuals.com

3. Remove the
screws
from the
bulb retainer and
take
it off the
light assembly.
4. Pull the old bulb
straight
out of the
socket.
5. Put in a new bulb
6. Replace the bulb
retainer.
7. Replace the rear light assembly and tighten the screws.
8. Close the tailgate.
Rear Lights - Chassis Cab Models
..
:F
1. Using your
hands. peel the
rubber seal away
from the lens.
2. Lift the lens off I,. . the light
assembly.
3. Slide the socket
out
of the light
assernbly.
6-61
ProCarManuals.com

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 -
I
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.
0 To check the “P’ (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 loops 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 tailgate
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.
Periodic Maintenance Inspections - Listed below are inspections and
services which should be performed at least twice
a year (for instance each
spring or fall). You should
let your GM dealer’s service department or other
qualified service center do these
jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
7-24
ProCarManuals.com