Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your
vehicle.
If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the fuel injection system operates. Before adding
electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your
engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this
manual that tells how to do it without damaging
your vehicle.
See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
1 NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water,
water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly
damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you can’t avoid
deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly.
Engine Coo/ant Heater (Option)
2.2 Liter
1. Engine coolant heater cord cap
2. Engine coolant heater cord clip
2- 15
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 4.3 Liter
A. Engine coolant heater cord strap
B. Engine coolant heater cord cap
In very cold weather,
0°F (-1 8 "C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can
help. You'll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum
of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To use the coolant heater:
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt outlet.
A CAUTION:
.,.. ~ , . .. , ...;_ .. ,
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind
of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt outlet.
If the cord won't reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least
15 amps.
2- 16
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON Light)
Your vehicle is equipped with an onboard computer which monitors
operation of the emission control system. This system is called OBD I1
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that
emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to
produce a cleaner environment. The “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON’ light
comes on to indicate when service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by
the system before any problem is apparent, which may prevent
more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist
your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
The “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON, light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. This
light will also come during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
0
0
Light on steady - indicates a system malfunction has been detected.
Drive the vehicle to the dealer for service at your first opportunity.
Light flashing
- indicates a misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. The damage may be reduced by
lowering the vehicle speed, reducing the amount of cargo being hauled
or trailered, avoiding hard acceleration, or by avoiding steep uphill
grades.
If these actions are effective, the light will stop flashing and
remain on steady. Drive the vehicle to a dealer for service. If the light
continues to flash, stop the vehicle. Wait for a steady light to come on,
then drive the vehicle to a dealer for service.
These following conditions also may cause the “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” light to come on:
Low FueVOut of Fuel
- As the vehicle starts to run out of fuel the
“SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” light may come on as a result of an engine
misfire. Filling your gasoline tank should correct this condition. Make sure
to install the gas cap fully. It will require a few driving trips to turn the light
off.
Poor Quality Fuel
- Be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. Your
engine may not run efficiently on poor fuel. Poor fuel may cause stalling,
hesitation or misfire. These conditions may go away when the engine is
warned-up. However, poor quality fuel may cause the “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON, light to come on.
Have a dealer check the vehicle. If no problems are found, you may want to
change to another brand
of fuel.
Driving Through Standing Water
- Driving your vehicle through puddles
of deep standing water may result in a temporary misfire condition. This
condition will usually correct itself shortly after the electrical system dries
out. It will require a few driving trips to turn the light off.
2-61
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage tells
you about how much
fuel you have
remaining when the
ignition
is on. When
the gage first indicates
empty, you still have a
little fuel left, but you
should get more fuel
soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a
problem with your fuel gage:
At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
0 It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gage indicated. For
example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half full, but it
actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the
tank.
0 The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up.
The gage doesn’t go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
For your fuel tank capacity, see the Index under “Fluid Capacities.”
2-66
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 Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales (NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8P7
Filling Your Tank
/”
.
The fuel cap is behind
a hinged door on the
left side
of your
vehicle.
6-4
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine While refueling, hang
the cap inside the fuel
door.
To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
I
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as
soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
When you put the cap back
on, turn it to the right until you hear a clicking
noise.
I NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your \
dealer
can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit or
have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emissions system
might
be damaged.
6-5
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
~~
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is
all right. It’s not. If your tires don’t have enough air
(underinflation) you can get:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflati
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards. can
get
‘e re
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the tire pressure of the
spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. Simply looking
at the tires will not tell you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires
- which may look properly inflated even if they’re underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back on. They help prevent
leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km)
for any signs of unusual wear. If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as
soon
as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires
or wheels. See “When it’s Time for New Tires” and “Wheel Replacement”
later in
this section for more information.
6-41