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2-32 Windshield Wipers
JE±12±0032±X
The lever on the right side of the steering column
controls the windshield wipers and washers.
You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
up or down.
For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk down to
LO. For higher speed wiping, move the stalk down
further to HI. To stop the wiper, move the stalk to OFF.With variable delay wipers, you can set the wiper speed
for a long or short interval between wipes. This can be
very useful.
Move the stalk to INT then rotate the inner band and
choose the delay you want. Rotate the inner band up for
longer intervals between wiper cycles. Rotate the band
down for shorter intervals.
Remember that 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're frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your
blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
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4-30
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
JE±14±0005±X
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.
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4-35
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.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-13 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement (If Equipped)
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-23 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-28 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-28 Thermostat
6
-29 Engine Coolant
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-32 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-33 Brakes
6
-37 Battery6
-37 Bulb Replacement
6
-42 Tires
6
-50 Appearance Care
6
-51 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-53 Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield,
Backglass and Wiper Blades
6
-54 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-55 Special Care for Canvas Top and
Plastic Windows
6
-56 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-56 Cleaning Tires
6
-57 Finish Damage
6
-57 Underbody Maintenance
6
-59 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-60 Electrical System
6
-63 Replacement Bulbs
6
-64 Capacities and Specifications
6
-65 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
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6-53 Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
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, Backglass 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.
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6-54
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.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don't use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM
-approved cleaning products from your dealer.
(See ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Don't use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or
that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or an all
-cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
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7-46 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.
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.)Fluid Level Check
Check the transfer case, axle differential(s) and
automatic or manual transmission fluid levels and add as
needed. See ªTransfer Case,º ªAxle, Rear,º ªAxle,
Frontº and ªAutomatic Transmissionº or ªManual
Transmissionº in the Index. Check for leaks. A fluid loss
in these systems could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, console door and any
folding seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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9-2
Brake (Continued)
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canvas Top
Lowering and Raising 2
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-9, 2-27, 4-41, 4-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Cover 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Front Seat Position 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canvas Top and Plastic Windows 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric/Carpet 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coinholder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control, Loss of 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible Top 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level Check 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Gage 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .