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2-65 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the air bag system, see
ªAir Bagº in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
AIR BAG OFF Light (Extended Cab Pickup)
When you turn the right front passenger's air bag off, this
light will come on and stay on to remind you that the air
bag has been turned off. This light will go off when you
turn the air bag back on again. See ªAIR BAG OFF
Switchº in the Index for more on this, including
important safety information.
4-
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4-1
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you'll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We've also
included many other useful tips on driving.
4
-2 Defensive Driving
4
-3 Drunken Driving
4
-5 Control of a Vehicle
4
-6 Braking
4
-9 Steering
4
-11 Off-Road Recovery
4
-11 Passing
4
-13 Loss of Control
4
-14 Off-Road Driving with Your
Four
-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
4
-27 Driving at Night
4
-28 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads4
-31 City Driving
4
-32 Freeway Driving
4
-33 Before Leaving on a Long Trip
4
-33 Highway Hypnosis
4
-34 Hill and Mountain Roads
4
-36 Winter Driving
4
-41 Recreational Vehicle Towing
4
-43 Loading Your Vehicle
4
-48 Camper Wiring Harness (If Equipped)
4
-48 Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
4
-49 Towing a Trailer
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4-48
Camper Wiring Harness
(If Equipped)
A five-wire harness may be stored under your vehicle.
The harness is located inside the frame rail and is even
with the front of the pickup box. This harness has a
30 amp battery feed wire and no connector, and should be
wired by a qualified electrical technician. After choosing
an aftermarket mating connector pair, have the technician
attach one connector to the five
-wire camper harness and
the other connector to the wiring harness for the camper.
The technician can use the following color code chart
when connecting the wiring harness to your camper.Brown: Rear Lamps
Yellow: Left Stoplamp and Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stoplamp and Turn Signal
White (Heavy Gage): Ground
Light Green: Back
-up Lamps
When the harness is not being used, store it in its
original place. Wrap the harness together and tie it
neatly so it won't be damaged.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may
consider having the pickup box removed and a
commercial or recreational body installed. Before you
do so, first contact the GM Customer Assistance Office
for your area for information on such conversions
specific to this vehicle. (See the ªWarranty and Owner
Assistanceº booklet for Customer Assistance Office.)
Owners should be aware that, as manufactured, there are
differences between a chassis cab and a pickup with the
box removed which may affect vehicle safety. The
components necessary to adapt a pickup to permit its
safe use with a specialized body should be installed by a
body builder in accordance with the information
available from the Customer Assistance Office.
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4-60 Trailer Wiring Harness
A. Light-Duty Wiring Harness
B. Additional Heavy
-Duty Wiring
C. Tie Straps
An eight
-wire harness is stored under the rear end of
your vehicle. Five wires (A) are located between the rear
bumper and the spare tire, near the center. This wiring
harness is tie
-strapped to the taillamp and stoplamp
harness. Three wires (B) (light gauge white, blue and
orange) are located at the rear left hand frame rail.This harness has a 30
-amp battery feed wire and no
connector, and should be wired by a qualified electrical
technician. After choosing an aftermarket mating
connector pair, have the technician attach one connector
to the eight
-wire trailer harness and the other connector
to the wiring harness on the trailer. Be sure that the
wiring harness on the trailer is strapped to the trailer's
frame and leave it loose enough so that the wiring
doesn't bend or break, but not so loose that it drags on
the ground. The technician can use the following color
code chart when connecting the wiring harness to
your trailer.
Brown: Rear Lamps
Yellow: Left Stoplamp and Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stoplamp and Turn Signal
White (Heavy Gauge): Ground
Light Green: Back
-up Lamps
White (Light Gauge): Center High
-Mounted
Stop Lamp
Blue: Auxiliary/Electric Trailer Brake Circuit
Orange: Fused Auxiliary Circuit
Store the harness in its original place. Wrap the harness
together and tie it neatly so it won't be damaged.
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6-70 Headlamps
The headlamp wiring is protected by an internal circuit
breaker. An electrical overload will cause the lamps
to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off.
If this happens, have your headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy
snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If
the overload is caused by some electrical problem and
not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other
power accessories. When the current load is too heavy,
the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver
-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size
and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle that
you can get along without
-- like the radio or cigarette
lighter
-- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper Wiring Harness 4-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper-Type Mirror 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-31, 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Lamp 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-10, 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Overhead Console 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certification/Tire Label 4
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-54, 1-56 . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-62, 1-64 . . . . .
Top Strap 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-52, 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner/Filter, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-5
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission 2-19, 2-20 . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-5 . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39, 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hill and Mountain Roads 4
-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid 6-24, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Clutch System Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Axle 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle Linkage 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intensity Control 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-11
Traction 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-28, 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a Trailer 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing, Recreational Vehicle 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Your Vehicle 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Brakes 4
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals 4-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Harness 4-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer Case, Electronic 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case Lubricant 6-25, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case, Manual 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Fluid
Automatic 6
-20, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual 6-23, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals 2-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underhood Fuse/Relay Center 6-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Care/Appearance Materials 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6
-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilation System 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visors, Sun 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .