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2-28
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (): This position is
for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you're:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE () can be used when
towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep
hills or for off
-road driving. You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts too often.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ().
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.If you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission will
drive in second gear. You may use this feature for reducing
torque to the rear wheels when you are trying to start your
vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission won't shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your
vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This
could overheat and damage the transmission. Use
your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your
vehicle in position on a hill.
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2-30
The transfer case switches are below and to the left of
the climate controls. Use these switches to shift into and
out of four
-wheel drive. You can choose among four
driving settings:
2HI: This setting is used for driving in most situations.
Your front axle is not engaged in two
-wheel drive. This
setting also provides the best fuel economy.AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in
AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's
power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the vehicle
senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically
engage four
-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in
lower fuel economy than 2HI.
4HI: Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such as on
snowy or icy roads or in most off
-road situations. This setting
also engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle.
4LO: This setting also engages your front axle and
delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
4LO if you are driving off
-road in deep sand, deep mud,
deep snow and climbing or descending steep hills.
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking
brake before placing the transfer case in
NEUTRAL. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index.
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2-36
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it
toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever
wasn't fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called ªtorque lock.º
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver's seat. To find out how, see ªShifting Into
PARK (P)º in the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could
be injured.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.
Your vehicle has a Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock
(BTSI) system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transmissionº in
the Index.
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5-29
CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose
and even come off. This could lead to an accident.
Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have
to replace them, be sure to get new GM original
equipment wheel nuts.
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
NOTICE:
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
Store the flat tire where the spare tire is stored.
Put the tools into the storage box and close it tightly. Fit
the storage box on the bracket with the bolt through the
box. Put the jack onto the box. Be sure the jack is stored
as shown in the following illustrations. The jack handle
attachment point is circled in the following illustrations
to show the direction the jack should face when it is
stored properly. Secure the emergency gloves, if your
vehicle has them, to the jack using the provided strap.
Slide the retainer over the bolt onto the jack and put the
wing nut on it. Turn the nut clockwise until it is tight
against the retainer.
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6-31
NOTICE:
Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
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.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
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6-41
When rotating your tires, always use one of the correct
rotation patterns shown here.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear
inflation pressures as shown on the Certification/Tire
label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
(See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.)
yellowblue
6-64 Wheels and Tires
MODEL DESCRIPTION TORQUE
K 1500 6 bolts (14 mm) 140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
Tire Pressure See the Certification/Tire label on
the rear edge of the driver's door.
Cooling System Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªCooling Systemº in the Index.
ENGINE VIN QTY
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 17.5 Quarts (16.5 L)
Crankcase Capacity (Approximate)
After refill, the level must be rechecked. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
ENGINE VIN QUANTITY WITH FILTER
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 5.0 Quarts (4.8 L)
Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
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8-11
Inspection and Rotation 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used Wheel Replacement 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-29, 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
From the Front 5
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Rear 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling When Towing 4-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hitches 4
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Harness 4-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case, Automatic 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid, Automatic 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitter, Universal 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn and Lane Change Signals 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Fuse/Relay Center 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal Transmitter 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .