yellowblue
2-37 Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield
wipers by turning the knob
with the wiper symbol on it.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the knob to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
knob on MIST longer.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or
snow. Turn the knob to choose the delay time. The
closer to LOW, the shorter the delay.For steady wiping at low speed, turn the knob to the
LOW position. For high
-speed wiping, turn the knob
further, to HIGH. To stop the wipers, turn the knob
to OFF.
Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing
well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to
clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using
them. If they are frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy ice or snow can overload your wipers. The
windshield wiper motor is protected from overload by a
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to
heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor
cools. Although protected from electrical overload,
overload due to heavy snow, etc. may cause wiper
linkage damage. Always clear ice and heavy snow from
the windshield before using your windshield wipers.
yellowblue
4-29
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because
your tire
-to-road traction isn't as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don't have much tread left, you'll get
even less traction. It's always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape
and keep your windshield washer tank filled with
washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts
when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on
the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate
from the inserts.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.
yellowblue
4-33
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.
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 GM
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:
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?
Lamps: 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 ªhighway hypnosisº?
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.
yellowblue
6-49
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the
Index. Here's how to remove the Shephard's Hook type.
To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly:
1. Lift the wiper arm and rotate the blade until it is
facing away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
yellowblue
6-64
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
(See ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax,
sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield
Cleaner, Bon Ami
Powder (non-scratching glass
cleaning powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it
with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full
-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.)
yellowblue
6-78
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs refrigerant, be
sure the proper refrigerant is used. If you're not sure, ask your dealer.
See the refrigerant charge label under the hood for information regarding refrigerant capacity.
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing,
and are subject to change. If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was
built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM truck dealer.
These specifications are for information only. If you have any questions, see the service manual for the chassis or
refer to the body manufacturer's publications.
VIN Code M R J
Oil Filter* PF1218PF1218PF1218
Air Cleaner Filter* A1300CA1300CA1300C
PCV Valve* CV769C CV769C CV774C
Spark Plugs* 41
-932 41-932 41-932
Fuel Filter* GF626 GF626 GF626
Wiper Blades** 22154886 22154886 22154886
Wiper Blade Type Trico Trico Trico
Wiper Blade Length 18 inches (45.0 cm) 18 inches (45.0 cm) 18 inches (45.0 cm)
*AC part number
**GM part numberUse a PF52 oil filter if your vehicle has
four
-wheel drive.
A1301C high
-capacity air cleaner filter.
yellowblue
7-42 At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check
Your vehicle has an indicator located on the air cleaner in
the engine compartment that lets you know when the air
cleaner filter is dirty and needs to be changed. Check
indicator at least twice a year or when your oil is changed,
whichever occurs first. See ªAir Cleanerº in the Index for more information.
Inspect your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more
often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off
road conditions.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.)
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªManual Transmission Fluidº in the Index. Check for
leaks. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.
yellowblue
9-3
Wheels 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2, 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch Fluid, Hydraulic 6-24, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch, System Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Guides, Rear 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-17, 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player Care 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass, Rearview Mirror with 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28, 6-76, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-53, 2-54, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defects, Reporting Safety 8
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging and Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby Noise Reduction 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Pocket 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downshifting 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Tire Operation 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .