Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it;
if you let
go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
BN:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites
it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your
tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the
way.
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
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound.
Make
sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off
or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. See “Malfunction
Indicator Lamp” in the Index.
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 properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
6-7
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps
are on.
Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
LOW OIL
If the LOW OIL light on
the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to
check your engine oil
level right
away. For more
information, see “Low Oil
Light”
in the Index.
You
should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get
fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick is the yellow loop near the back
of the engine
Note: Do not check the 5.7L engine oil level after the
engine has been sitting overnight,
A higher than normal
reading might be obtained. Check oil level with the oil
warm. Shut off the engine, wait a few minutes, and then
check the oil.
Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan.
If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
6-12
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@ coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only
DEX-COOL@ (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core
or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant
will require change sooner -- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused
by the
use
of coolant other than DEX-COOL@ is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled)
and one-half DEX-COOL’ coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts.
If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water,
or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a
50/50 mixture of clean water and
DEX-COOL@ coolant.
6-27
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If this light comes on, it
means you’re low
on
m
engine coolant.
5.7L V8 Engine Only
Adding Coolant to the Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture
ut the coolant recovery tank, but only
when your engine is cool.
If the tank is very low or
empty, also add coolant to the radiator. See “Engine
Overheating” in the Index for information. Add
coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful
not
to spill it.
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the pressure cap
-- even a
little -- when the engine and radiator are hot. You
can be burned
if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn
if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on
a hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap (All Engines)
~
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is an 18 psi (124 kPa)
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line
up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, a GM cap
is recommended.
6-29
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
When you have the front brake pads replaced, have
the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of
this manual under Part
C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.”
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign
of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your
disc brakes adjust
for wear. If you rarely make a
moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not
adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then
-- very
carefully
-- make a few moderate brake stops about
every
1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will
adjust properly. The
park brake system has separate brake linings that
do
not self adjust for wear. If the park brake lever pulls up
more than the normal eighteen clicks, the parking brakes
may need adjustment. See your dealer.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put
in -- be sure
you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts
in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
6-36
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Headlamns
3.
Before replacing a headlamp that does not light, check
to make sure that the wiring connector
is securely
fastened to
it.
See "Replacement Bulbs" in the Index to check type of
headlamp you need to use before you begin to replace
the headlamp.
You must replace a headlamp with one
that is exactly the same.
1. Open the hood.
2. Locate the affected headlamp.
4.
5.
Press and turn the base a quarter-turn to the left
(counterclockwise). (See arrows).
Remove the socket with
the burned lamp.
Replace the bulb and insert the socket into
the headlamp.
Be careful
not to move the aiming screws when you
replace the headlamp. If the headlamp being replaced
was properly aimed, the new one will be also
if it is
properly installed.
6-38
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving.
If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure
to use the same
size and type tires
on all wheels.
It's all right to drive with your compact spare,
though.
It was developed for use on your vehicle.
If you use bic 'ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles
of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing
a crash. Use only radial-ply
tires with the wheels
on your vehicle.
Uniform '--I Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system
developed
by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires
by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The
grades are molded on the sidewalls
of most passenger
car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system
does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks
may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
6-48
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts,
ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade.
Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A
chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush
can chafe the threads
in the top fabric. Don’t use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents. Wet
the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for a
few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use
a mild
foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire vehicle,
then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
0 After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
0 Don’t get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted finish;
completely dry before
you lower it.
it could leave streaks.
0 If you decide to go through an automatic car wash, ask
the manager if the equipment could damage your top.
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome
Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
6-58