
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving
out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. (Remember that
your right outside mirror
is convex. The vehicle you
just passed may seem
to be farther away from you
than it really is.)
0 Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on
two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
0 Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not flashing, it may
be slowing down or starting to turn.
following driver to get ahead
of you. Perhaps you
can ease a little to the right.
0 If you’re being passed, make it easy for the
Loss of Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the
tires meet the road
to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and
constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types
of skids correspond to your Catera’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid
is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid.
4-14 -

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your traction control system is off, then an
acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your
foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go.
If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best
to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn
to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a “mirrored surface”
-- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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.
4-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep
up with traffic and keep to
the right. Drive at the same
speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the
left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway.
If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to
check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to
blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to
the prevailing speed. Switch on your
turn signal, check
your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay
in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your
mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder
to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your
“blind” spot. Once
you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
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.
4-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
Catera 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:
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lumps: 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?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway 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.
Then here
are some tips:
0 Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
4-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t try to
tap into the hydraulic brake system. If you do, both
brake systems won’t work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your
rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight
of the trailer. And
always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check
the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes
are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load
is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal
longer, you’ll need to
go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
4-36

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER I SIZE I DESCRIPTION I USAGE I
994954 I 23 in. x 25 in. 1 Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated I Exterior Polish
1050004
I ~~~ 2.75 sq. 6. I Chamois I Shines vehicle without scratching
1050172
1050 173
1050174 16
oz. (0.473 L)
Removes soil and black marks
White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Removes rust and corrosion Chrome Cleaner and Polish 16 oz. (0.473 L)
Also removes old waxes and polishes
Tar and Road Oil Remover
I 10502OO
1050214
1050427
1052870
1052918** 1052925
1052929
1052930
I-
I 12377964
1 gal. (3.785 L) I Magic Mirror Cleaner Polish I Exterior cleaner and polish
32
oz. (0.946 L)
Exterior wash
Wash and Wax Concentrate 16 oz. (0.473 L) Cleans grease, grime and smoke film
Glass Cleaner
23
oz. (0.680 L) Spot and stain removal Vinyl Cleaner
~ 8 oz-(0.237 L)
Protects finish and removes
fine scratches Cleaning
Wax 16
oz. (0.473 L) Shines tires
Silicone Tire Shine 12 oz. (0.354
L)
Cleans vinyl, leather and rubber
Armor All TM Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L)
Attracts and absorbs soils Capture Dry Spot Remover 8 oz. (0.237 L)
Spray on wheel cleaner Wheel Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473 L) Cleans vinyl, cloth, tires and mats Multi-Purpose Powdered Clean\
er
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Protects vinyl, leather and rubber
Armor All” Protector
12377966
I 16 oz. 0.473 L) 1 Finish Enhancer I Spot cleans paint and gives high luster
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products.
** Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See “Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
6-54

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 33 HEATER BLOWER I 34 RR WDO DEFOG I 35PWRSEAT I
WIPER 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 HIDSEAT ABS FUEL
HORN CLAMP15 CLAMP 15 CIG HZD HTD CLAMP 15a MIRROR CRUISE FRONT PUMP AfT
PWF RADIO PWR AUDIO CLAMP30 HTDSEAT FLASHER CUMPIS 1 8 234567
PESL BAH GUARD All RE4R
Fuse
1
2
3
4
5
6
Usage
RH
and LH Front Side Door Window
Regulator Motor,
LH Front Side Door Window
Switch
Stoplamp Switch
Automatic Transmission Switch and Control
Indicator, Power Steering Control Module,
Hazard Warning Switch
RH and LH Rear Seat Cushion Heater Relay
Transmission Control Module
Sound Processor Amplifier
Fuse
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Usage
RH and LH Rear Side Door Window
Regulator Motor
Headlamp Switch, Turn Signal Switch, Horn
Relay, CD Changer, Multifunction Relay
Module
Windshield Wiper Motor and Relay, Windshield
Wiper and Windshield Washer Switch
Body Control Module (BCM), Auxiliary
Water Pump, Heater and A/C Control, Fan
Control Relays
Heater and A/C Control, RH and
LH Outside
Rearview Mirrors, Outside Remote Control
Rearview Mirror Switch
Hazard Warning Switch, Instrument Cluster,
Data Link Connector (DLC), Stoplamp
Switch, Gage Cluster, Heater and A/C Control
Remote Control Outside Rearview Mirror
Switch, A/C Compressor Relay, Test
Connector, A/C Control Switch
Cellular Telephone, Cigarette Lighter, RH and
LH Windshield Washer Nozzle, Driver and Passenger Heated Seat Switch, Heater and A/C
Control, Heated Outside Rearview Mirror and
Rear Window Defogger Relay
6-58

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuse
15
-
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Usage
Rear Suspension Leveling Air Compressor
Relay, Instrument Cluster, Gage Cluster,
Cruise Control Switch and Module, Headlamp
Switch, Multifunction Relay Module,
Passenger and Driver Heated Seat Relay,
BCM, Sunroof Actuator, Automatic Level
Control Sensor, RH and LH Heated Rear Seat
Switch and Cushion Relay, Driver Seat
Adjuster Memory Module, LH Front Side
Door Window Switch, Inside Rearview Mirror
Transmission Control Module
Horn #I and
#2
Fuel Pump
Electronic Brakemraction Control Module Passenger and Driver Heated Seat Relay
Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) Relay, LH
High-Beam Headlamp Relay
Headlamp Switch and LH Low-Beam
Headlamp
Multifunction Relay Module, LH Park/T.urn
Signal Lamp, LH StopRaillamp, LH Rear Side
Marker Lamp
Fuse
24
25
26
27
28
29 30
31 32
33
34
35
Usage
Lifting Magnet, BCM, Gage Cluster
Sunroof Actuator
Headlamp Switch, RH and LH Front Side
Marker Lamp, Middle Taillamp, RH and LH
Rear License Plate Lamp, Radio, Automatic
Transmission Control Indicator, Heater and
A/C Control
Automatic Level Control Sensor, Rear
Suspension Leveling Air Compressor and Relay
Remote Control Door Lock Receiver, Door
Lock Relay, Rear Compartment Lid Release
Connector (Not Used)
Multifunction Relay Module
RH Park/Turn Signal Lamp and RH
StopRaillamp, RH Rear Side Marker Lamp
Turn Signal Switch and RH Low-Beam
Headlamp
RH High-Beam Headlamp Relay
Blower, A/C Compressor Relay
Heated Outside Rearview Mirror and Rear
Window Defogger Relay Passenger and Driver Seat Adjuster Switches,
Driver Seat Adjuster Memory Module
6-59