Your Driving and the Road
Section
Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in
varying weather conditions . We’ve also included many other useful tips on
driving .
Defensive Driving .......................................... 4-2
DrunkenDriving
........................................... 4-2
Control of
a Vehicle
Braking
................................................ 4-5
Steering
................................................ 4-8
Steering Tips
............................................ 4-8
Passing
............................................... 4-10
Lossofcontrol
......................................... 4-11
Off-Road Driving With Your Four-wheel Drive Vehicle
.......... 4-13
DrivingatNight
........................................... 4-24
Driving
in the Rain ........................................ 4-26
CityDriving
.............................................. 4-28
Freeway Driving
.......................................... 4-29
Hill and Mountain Roads ....................... ......... 4-31
WinterDriving
............................................ 4-33
Power Winches
........................................... 4-36
PowerTake-Off
........................................... 4-37
TowingaTrailer
........................................... 4-38
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So, use a “squeeze” braking technique. This will give you maximum
braking while maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on the
brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. When you do,
it will help
maintain steering control. In many emergencies, steering can help
you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is
not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering lips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen
on curves. Here’s
why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of
physics when driving on curves. The traction
of the tires against the road
surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels.
If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in
the same direction. If you‘ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll
understand this.
The traction you can get
in a curve depends on the condition of your tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve
is banked, and your
speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you’re steering through
a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply
the brakes. Both control systems
- steering and braking - have to do their
work where the tires meet the road. Adding the hard braking can demand
too much at those places.
You can lose control.
The same thing can happen
if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you
suddenly accelerate. Those
two control systems - steering and acceleration
- can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you
lose control.
What should you do
if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want
it to go, and slow
down.
Speed
limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of
course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions.
Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to
go slower.
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Here are some other things to consider as you approach a hill.
Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply steeper in places'!
Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the surface cause tire
slipping?
Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you won't have to make
turning maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the hill that can block your path (boulders,
trees, logs
or ruts)'?
What's beyond the hill? 1s there a cliff, an embankment, a drop-off, a
fence? Get out and walk the
hill if you don't know. It's the smart way
to find out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have ruts, gullies, troughs
and exposed rocks because they are more susceptible
to the effects of
erosion.
Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need to take some
special steps.
Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain your speed. Don't use
more power than
you need, because you don"t want your wheels to start
spinning or sliding.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If the path twists and
turns, you might want to find another route.
A CAUTION:
Tbrning or driving across steep hills can be dangerous, You
could lose traction, slide sideways, and possibly roll over.
You
could be seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills,
always
try to go straight up.
Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of the hill.
Attach a flag to the vehicle to make you more visible to approaching
traffic
on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill to let opposing
traffic know you're there.
Use your headlights even during the day. They make you more visible
to oncoming traffic.
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Service & Appearance Care
Section
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle . This section
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 ................................................... 6-3
Fuel (Gasoline Engines)
...................................... 6-4
Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
...................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
............................. 6-15
HoodRelease
.......................................... 6-15
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
.............................. 6-16
Noise Control System .................................... 6-16
Engine Oil (Except Diesel)
................................ 6-17
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
............................... 6-24
iri
Air Cleaner ............................................ 6-29
Automatic Fluid ........................................ 6-30
ManualFluid
........................................... 6-33
Hydraulic Clutch
........................................ 6-34
RearAxle ............................................. 6-35
mnsfer Case
.......................................... 6-36
FrontAxle
............................................. 6-37
Engine Coolant
......................................... 6-38
Power Steering Fluid
.................................... 6-43
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NOTICE:
Your surge tank pressure cap is a unique 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure-type cap for use with surge tank cooling systems only.
It must be tightly installed to prevent coolant
loss and possible
engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the top tube
of the coolant surge tank.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat in the engine
coolant system. The thermostat stops
the flow of coolant through the
radiator
until the coolant reaches a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an AC" thermostat is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
NOTICE:
Always turn the engine off before checking or adding power
steering fluid. The power steering pump cap is close to the fan
and other moving parts.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick
with
a clean rag. Replace
the cap and completely
tighten it. Then
remove the cap again
and
look at the fluid
level on the dipstick.
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When the engine
compartment is
hot, the level
should be at the
FULL mark.
When the engine
compartment
is
cool, the level
should be at the
FULL COLD
mark.
What to Add
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a complete fluid
change, always use the proper fluid. Failure
to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Hydro-Boost Brake System (Hydraulic Pump)
The power steering pump is also used as the Hyrdo-boost pump. Refer to
“Power Steering System”
in this section when checking fluid level or
adding tluid.
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Steering and Suspension Inspection? - Inspect front and rear suspension
and steering system for damaged, loose
or missing parts, signs of wear or
lack
of lubrication. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Lubricate the steering linkage.
Accelerator Control System - On gasoline engines, lubricate the pivot at
the
TBI throttle lever stud with engine oil. Do not oil any accelerator or
cruise control cables. Replace any cables that have high effort
or excessive
wear.
Exhaust System Inspection - Inspect the complete system including the
three-way catalytic converter. Inspect the body near the exhaust system.
Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts,
as well as,
open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause
a heat buildup in
the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes seep into the
passenger compartments.
Drive Axle Service? - Check readfront axle fluid level and add as needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
I-- ~ lsfer Case (Four-wheel Drive) Inspection? - Every 12 months or at
oil change intervals, check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary. Oil the control lever pivot point and all exposed control
linkage. Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installation.
More frequent lubrication may be required
on heavy-duty or off-road use.
?'A fluid loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them inspected
and repaired at once.
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Recommended Fluids & Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or
specification may be obtained from your GM Dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil - Gasoline
Engines
Engine
Oil - Diesel Engines
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Clutch System
Hydraulic Brake Systems
Parking Brake Cables
Power Steering System
Automatic Transmission
FLUIDLUBRICANT
API service SH or SG Energy
Conserving I1 oils
of the recommended
viscosity. The
“SH” designation may be
shown alone or
in combination with
others, such
as “SH/CD,” “SH, SG,
CD,”“SG/CD,” etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
API service CF4SH. The
“CF4SH”
designation may be shown alone or in
combination
with others, such as
“CF-4/SG,” “CE/SH” or “CE/SG,” etc.
The designation may
also be listed in
reverse order, such
as “SH/CF-4.” To
determine the preferred viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil”
in the Index.
Mixture
of water and a good quality
ethylene glycol base antifreeze
conforming
to “GM Specification
6038-M” (GM Part No. 1052753)’ or
approved recycled coolant conforming to
“GM Specification
603%”’ with a
complete coolant flush and refill.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No.
I2345347 or equivalent).
Delco Supreme
11 @ brake fluid (GM
Part No.
1052535 or equivalent DOT-3
brake fluid).
Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
I2346003 or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI Grade
2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM Part
No. 1050017 or equivalent) conforming
to
“GM Specification 99850 10.”
DEXRON~ 111 or DEXRON~ IIE
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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