
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here
are some things to know.
A CAUTION:
_-i . ..
If you have four-wheel drive with a manual transfer case shift lever and
your transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will be free to roll,
even
if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear
- not in NEUTRAL (N). Always set your parking brake. Follow
the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into
PARK
(P)” in the Index.
If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.
2-27

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
The turn signal has
two upward (for
Right) and two
downward (for Left)
positions. These
positions allow you
to
signal a turn or a lane
change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is
finished, the lever will return automatically.
es
A green arrow on the
instrument panel will
flash in the direction
of the turn or lane
change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the green arrow
starts
to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever
will return by itself when
you release it.
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don’t flash but just stay
on, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn
signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the green
arrows don’t go on at all when
you signal a turn, check the fuse (see “Fuses”
in the Index) and for burned-out bulbs.
If you have a trailer towing option with added wiring for the trailer lights, a
different turn signal flasher is used. With this flasher installed, the signal
indicator will flash even
if a turn signal bulb is burned out. Check the front
and rear turn signal lights regularly
to make sure they are working.
2-35

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine You will see this light flash for a few seconds when you turn your ignition
to RUN or START. Then the light should go out. This means the system is
ready.
If the air bag readiness light doesn’t come
on when you start your vehicle,
or stays on, or comes
on when you are driving, your air bag system may not
work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.
Brake System Warning Light
-1
BRAKE
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part
isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking,
though, you need both parts working well.
Your vehicle also has rear-wheel or four-wheel anti-lock brakes. See
“Anti-Lock Brakes” in the Index. If the warning light comes on, there could
be a brake problem with either your regular or rear-wheel anti-lock brakes,
or both. Have your brake system inspected right away.
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.)
2-58

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Power Winches
If you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle, only use it when your
vehicle
is stationary or anchored.
I NOTICE:
-
Operating a power winch with an automatic transmission in
PARK
(P) or a manual transmission in gear may damage the
transmission. Always put the transmission
in a Neutral position
while operating
a power winch.
Use the regular brakes, set the parking brake or block the wheels to keep
your vehicle from rolling.
If your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, see “Adding Equipment to Your
Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.
Recreational Vehicle Towing (Four- Wheel
Drive Only)
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you may tow it behind another vehicle
providing it does not have the optional electronic shift transfer case.
I NOTICE:
Recreational vehicle towing is not recommended for vehicles
with the optional electronic shift transfer case because the
electronic shift has no neutral position.
Before towing, you should:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Place the automatic transmission in PARK (P) or the manual
transmission in the lowest gear
(FIRST GEAR).
hitch manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Firmly attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle. Refer to the
4. Place the transfer case shift lever in NEUTRAL (N).
NOTICE:
Removal of either propeller shaft is unnecessary.
4-35

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly
attached to the tow vehicle.
6. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and turn it one notch
forward of the
LOCK position. This places the key into the OFF
position, which unlocks the steering column while preventing battery
drain. Unlocking the steering column will allow for proper movement
of the front wheelshires during towing.
NOTICE:
You should exercise extra care whenever towing another vehicle.
Loading Your Vehicle
PAYLOAD =I-1
The Certificatioflire label is found on the driver’s door lock pillar. 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, cargo and trailer tongue weight, if pulling a
trailer.
4-36

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your slide-in camper and its load weigh less than the CWR, the center of
gravity zone for your vehicle may be larger.
Your dealer can help you make a good vehicle-camper match. He’ll also
help you determine your CWR.
After you’ve loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a weigh station and
weigh on the front and rear wheels separately. This will tell you the loads on
your axles. The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn’t be more than
either
of the GAWRs. The total of the axle loads should not be more than
the GVWR.
Open your driver’s door and look at the door lock pillar for the
Certificatiomire label to find out your GAWR and GVWR.
If you’ve gone over your weight ratings, move or take
out some things until
all the weights fall below the ratings. Of course, you should always tie down
any loose items when
you load your vehicle or camper.
When you install and load your slide-in camper, check the manufacturer’s
instructions.
If you want more information
on curb weights, cargo weights, cargo weight
rating and the correct center of gravity zone for your vehicle, your dealer
can help you. Just ask for a copy of “Consumer Information, Truck-Camper
Loading.”
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the CWR for your vehicle. Weigh
your vehicle with your trailer attached,
so that you won’t go over the
GVWR or the GAWR.
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the weight of your load
the right way, and if you choose the correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may consider having the
pickup box removed and a commercial or recreational body installed.
However, we recommend that conversions of this type not be done to
pickups. Owners should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between
a chassis cab and a pickup with the box removed which
may affect vehicle safety. For specific information
on this pickup, contact
the GM Zone Office for your area. (See the “Warranty and Owner
Assistance” booklet for Zone Office.)
4-42

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Towing a Trailer
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result\
in costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this part, and see your
GM dealer
for important information about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.
Most vehicles are ready for some trailer towing. If yours was built with
trailering options, as many are, it’s ready for heavier trailers. But trailering
is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes
in handling, durability, and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has
to be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important
trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety
and that
of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you
pull a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points.
There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions,
having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only
where you live but also where you’ll be driving.
A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 pounds
(900 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer
will weigh more than
2,000 pounds (900 kg). You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
4-43

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles (800 km) your new
vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, don’t
drive over
50 mph (80 km/h) and don’t make starts at full throttle. This
helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier
loads.
If you have an automatic transmission, you should use DRIVE (D) (or,
as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your
vehicle
in DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will minimize heat
build-up and extend the life of your transmission. If you have a manual
transmission and you are towing a trailer, it’s better not to use
FIFTH
(5) gear. Just drive in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a lower
gear)-
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude,
road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment
that you have on your vehicle.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information
or advice, or you can
write us at the address listed in your Warranty and Owner Assistance
Information Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H
8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure
because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The gross vehicle
weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may
carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you will
tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the
Index for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
4-44