1995 GMC SIERRA fuel

Listed are four situations you may experience with your f~~el gage:
At the gas station. the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
It lakes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel 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.
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.
None of these indicate
a problem with the fuel gage.
For information on how to fill your fuel tank, see "Fuel - Filling Your
Tank"
in the Index.
For your fuel tank capacity, see "Fuel -Tank Capacity" in the Index.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. Most of the time. the gage
pointer
will show your coolant temperature at 2 10°F (99"C), or less. But, if
you are pulling a heavy load or driving LIP hills, your coolant temperature
may rise and
fall near the red 260°F ( 128°C) mark. This is normal. If the
gage pointer moves to the red 260°F
(128°C) mark, your engine is too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. You should pull off the
road,
stop your vehicle. and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Hot Coolant Can Burn You Badly!
In "Problems on the Road," this manual shows what to do. See "Engine
Overheating"
in thc Index.
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Before using your vehicle's air conditioning. open the windows to clear the.
vehicle of hot air.
Using the recirculation function can also help. See "Recirculation Buttor:"
in this section for more information.
The knob on the left side of the heating system control panel controls the
fan speed. The knob has four speed positions. To increase the air
flow. move
the knob toward
HI. To decrease the air flow. move it toward LO. To turn
the fan off. move the knob
to OFF. If you have the air conditioner on.
moving the fan knob
to OFF also turns off' the A/C compressor.
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the relative
temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
area of your vehicle. This
knob
will allow you to adjust the relative air temperature independently of'
the function knob setting. Move the knob right toward the red area for
warmer air. Move the knob left toward the blue area for cooler air. With
A/C
on, move the knob to MAX for maximum cooling.
This setting puts the system
in the recirculation mode and helps to maximize
your air conditioner's performance and your vehicle's fuel economy. This
setting also cools the air the fastest. After the vehicle's interior reaches
a
comfortable temperature, move the knob clockwise to place the air
conditioning system
in the normal mode.
The right knob
on the control panel changes the heatedair conditioning
setting.
VENT - This setting, with the arrow pointing at the figure's head. directs
air through the instrument panel vents.
VENT/HEAT
- Use this setting, with the arrows pointing at the figure's
feet and head, to divide airflow between the heater floor vents and
instrument panel vents.
HEAT
- This setting. with the arrow pointing at the figure's feet. directs air
through the heater floor vents. This setting is useful for cold weather.
HEAT/DEFROST
- Use this setting, with the arrow pointing at the figure's
feet and the defroster symbol near the figure's head. to divide airflow
between the heater floor vents and windshield.
DEFROST
- This setting with the defrost symbol directs air through the
windshield defroster vents. This setting is useful when you have fog
or ice
on the windshield.
The control knob can be placed
in any position between two heatedair
conditioning settings to blend the flow
of air. The closer the knob is to a
setting symbol, the more the air flow will represent that symbol's air flow
arrows.
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON - This button, between the left and middle
knobs, allows the air inside your vehicle
to be recirculated. This setting
helps to maximize your air conditioner's performance and your vehicle's
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fuel economy. This setting also cools the air the fastest and can be used to
keep “unwanted odors” and/or dust from entering the vehicle. When using
the air conditioner, turn off recirculation after the vehicle reaches
a
comfortable interior temperature.
When
the right knob on the control panel is between HEAT and DEFROST,
the recirculation feature will not function.
A/C - This button, between the middle and right knobs. allows the air
coming into your vehicle
to be cooled and directed through the instrument
panel vents. This setting is useful for normal cooling
on hot days. When you
first use
A/C with the recirculation button pushed in, turn off recirculation
as soon as the vehicle reaches a comfortable interior temperature.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, it is equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
An engine coolant heater is optional on gas engine vehicles. If you
use the engine coolant heater before starting your engine
(in cold weather
(20” F, (-8” C), or lower) your heating system will produce warmer air
faster, to heat the passenger compartment
in cold weather.
The use
of an engine coolant heater also reduces the time it takes for the
engine to reach normal operating temperature. and shortens the time it takes
the heater
to reach full output. For more information, See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in the Index.
Diesel Engine Heater Output
If you idle your diesel engine for a long time when it’s cold outside, your
heater may blow out cool air. This is normal. When you increase the engine
speed, your heater should blow out warmer air.
If it doesn’t, your coolant
level may be too low. See “Engine Coolant”
in the Index to see how to
check your coolant level.
Rear Window Defogger (Option)
You can tell if your vehicle has this option by looking at the rear window. If
you see lines running across the glass, you have it. These are the wire-like
elements which heat your window.
I NOTICE:
Scraping the inside of your rear window could cut and damage
the defogger.
Your warranty would not cover this damage. And,
don’t put decals there, you might have to scrape them off.
For best results, clear the window of as much snow or ice as possible first.
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Driving Guidelines
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-wheel Drive
Vehicle
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive.
Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes”
in the Index.
If your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel drive, you shouldn’t drive off-road
unless you’re
on a level, solid surface.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards.
The greatest of these
is the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you’ve left the great North American road system
behind. Traffic lanes aren’t marked. Curves aren’t banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can
be slippery. rough, uphill or downhill. In short,
you’ve gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s why it’s very
important that
you read this guide. You’ll find many driving tips and
suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have
all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all
underbody shields
(if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read
all the information about your four-wheel drive vehicle in this manual.
Is
there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up
where they should be? What are
the local laws that apply to off-roading
where you’ll be driving?
If you don’t know, you should check with law
enforcement people in the area. Will you be
on someone’s private land? If
so, be sure to get the necessary permission.
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
There are some important things to remember about how to load your
vehicle.
The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of your
rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward
as you can.
doesn’t toss things around.
Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain
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After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody, chassis or
under the hood. These accumulations can be
a fire hazard.
After operation
in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body
structure, steering, suspension. wheels, tires, and exhaust system for
damage.
Also, check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle
will require more frequent service due to off-road use. Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some
drivers are likely
to be impaired - by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems,
or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
0 Drive defensively.
Don’t drink and drive.
Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps
Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more
behind
you.
space
between you and other vehicles.
a Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light
up only
so much road ahead.
0 In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.
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c
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves fuel. When you run
the engine, make
it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that
you get and it keeps
the battery (or batteries) charged. You will need a well-charged battery (or
batteries) to restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with your
headlights. Let the heater run for awhile.
If you have a diesel engine, you may have to run it at a higher speed to get
enough heat. Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the
way
to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when
you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible.
Preserve the fuel as long
as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until
help comes.
Power Winches
If you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle, only use it when your
vehicle
is stationary or anchored.
NOTICE:
Using a power winch with the transmission in gear may damage
the transmission. When operating a power winch, always leave
the transmission in NEUTRAL
(N).
Use the regular brakes, set the parking brake, or block the wheels to keep
your vehicle
from rolling.
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Loading Your Vehicle
-
DSI/KPA (COL3)
The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of the driver’s door or
in the Incomplete Vehicle Document in the cab.
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 and cargo.
The CertificatiodTire label also tells you the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out
the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help
you with this. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR for either the front
or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
A CAUTION-:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision, things carried in the bed
of your truck could shift forward and come into the passenger \
area, injuring you and
others. If you put things in the bed of
your truck, you
should make sure they are properly secured.
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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.
e
e
a
0
a
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 4,000 pounds
(I 800 kg) or less. You should always use a sway control if your trailer
will weigh more than
4,000 pounds (1 800 kg). You can ask a hitch
dealer about sway controls.
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 kdh) 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 (3) (or,
as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your
vehicle in DRIVE
(3) 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.
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