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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This light should come on briefly 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.)
b
A CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake
system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is st\
ill on
after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have\
the
vehicle towed for service.
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
With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come 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.
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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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(SERVICE ENGINE
SOON)
The amber
Malfunction Indicator
(SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON) Lamp is
located on the
passenger side of your
standard cluster. If
you have the digital
cluster, it is
on the
driver’s 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.
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights go on when you use your turn signals, change from low
beam headlamps 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.
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Page 113 of 342

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Oil Pressure Gage
Standard Cluster Digital Cluster
The
oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per
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 dangerously 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.
A CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your
engine can become
so hot that it catches fire. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil
as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be
costly and
is not covered by your warranty.
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Page 115 of 342

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Voltmeter
Standard Cluster Digital
Cluster
VOLTS
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 normal
operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a large number of
electrical accessories are operating
in the vehicle and the engine is left at an
idle for an extended period. This condition
is normal since the charging
system is
not able to provide full power at engine idle. As engine speeds are
increased, this condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds allow
the charging system to create maximum power.
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.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible problem in the electrical
system. Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
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Page 117 of 342
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trailer Wiring Harness
If you have the optional trailering package, your vehicle will have an 8-wire
harness, consisting of a 7-wire harness and one
CHMSL battery feed wire.
The harness is stored
on the passenger 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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine You may prefer to use a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner. This type
of cleaner uses a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaner
cassette will not
cause an error, but it may not clean the tape player as
thoroughly
as the scrubbing type cleaner.
A scrubbing action cleaner cassette is available through your retailer (SPO
12344600).
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
Always verify that the cassette tape
is in good condition and the tape player
is clean before obtaining service on your tape player.
NOTICE:
Cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work
in your cassette player. These adapters will cause the radio t\
o
display an error and the adapter cassette
will be ejected.
Care of Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective
cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If
the surface of a disc is
soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth
in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from
the center to the edge.
Be sure never
to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs
by grasping the outer edges
or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Antenna Care
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being
damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent,
you can straighten it
out by hand. If the mast
is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should
replace it.
Check every once in a while
to be sure the mast is still tightened to the
fender.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
0 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?
Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
High way 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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area
interior.
your mirrors
and your instruments frequently.
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.
0 Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this:
let your engine
do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear
when you go down
a steep or long hill.
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