1997 GMC JIMMY Owner's Manual

When towing a trailer, the ~~rrows on your instrument
panel
will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
itre burned out. Thus. you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when they are not. It's important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs arc
still working.
Driving On Grades
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reducc your
speed
to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility
of engine and transmission ovc.rheating.
If you have an automatic transmission. you should use
DRIVE
(D) when towing a trailer. Operating your
vehicle
in DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will
minimize heat buildup and extend the life
of your
trrmsmission. Or:
if you have ;1 manual transmission. it's
better not to use FIFTH (5) gear. just drive in
FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a I~MW gear). Whcn
towins at high altitude
on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If yo^^ turn
your engine off immediately after towing
at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your \:ellicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this. let the
engine
r~~n while parked (preferably on level grout1d)
with the automatic transmission in PARK (Pj (or the
1manuaI transmission out of
gear and the parking brake
applied) 1'01-
;I few minutes before turning the engine off.
If you do get the overheat warning. see "Engine
Overheating"
in the Index.
Parking on Hills
You really should not park your vehicle. with a trailer
attached.
on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig
could start
to move. People can be injured, and both
yo~~r vehicle and the trailer can
be damaged.
4-52

1.
L. 7
3.
4.
5.
6.
Apply your regultu- brakes, but don‘t shift into
PARK (P) yet. or into gear for a nxmual
transmission. Then
t111-n your wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
Reapply the reglrlar brakes. Then apply your parking
brake,
and then shift into PARK (P). or
REVERSE (R) for a manual transmission.
If yo^^ have ;t I’our-~yheel-dl-ive \:ellick with a
manual transfer case shift lever, be SLIR the transfer
case
is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL (N).
Release the regular brakes. It can
be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can
roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You
01- others could be
injured.
‘li) be sure your vehicle won’t n~ove, even
when you’re
on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
If you have four-wheel drive with
a nlanual
transfer case shift lever and your transfer case
is
in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will he 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).
4-53

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on
a Hill
I, Apply your reg~~lar brakes and lwld the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear: and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service nlore often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on
this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation
are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine
oil. ~~xle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and
brakc adjustment. Each of these is covered in this
manurd.
and the Index will help you find then] quickly.
If you're trailering. it's a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically
to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-54

Trailer Wiring Harness
0 White (Heavy Gage): Ground wire.
4-55

4-56

Section 5 Problems on the Road
5 -2
s -2
5-3
5-7
5-12
5-22 Engine Fan Noise
5-23 Changing a Flat Tire
5-35 Compact Spare ’Tire (If Equipped)
5-36 If YOLI’I-~ Stuck: In Sand. Mud,
5-22 If a Tire Goes Flat
Ice or Snow
5-1

Hazard Warning Flashers
Other Warning Devices
5-2

NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
Do not try to start your vehicle by pushing or
pulling it. This could damage your vehicle, even
if
you have a manual transmission. And if you have
an automatic transmission, it ~on't start that way. Batteries can hurt
you. They can
be dangerous
because:
They contain acid that can burr1 you.
0 They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
0 They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't
follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
I NOTICE:
5-3