yellowblue
4-7
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts
-- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking
-- rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary
braking. That means better braking and longer
brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.
Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet.
You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
5-
yellowblue
5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-7 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-19 Engine Fan Noise
5
-19 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-20 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
yellowblue
5-3
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please use the following steps to do
it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered
by your warranty.
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built
-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
yellowblue
5-4
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can
reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching each
other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection
you don't want. You wouldn't be able to start your
vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on each vehicle. Put an
automatic transmission vehicle in PARK (P) or a
manual transmission vehicle in NEUTRAL (N). If
you have a four
-wheel-drive vehicle with the
Automatic Transfer Case, be sure the transfer case is
not in the NEUTRAL position.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter, or accessory power outlets, if you have this
option. Turn off all lamps that aren't needed as well
as radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. In addition, it could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged.
The repair wouldn't be covered by your warranty.
4. Open both hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (
-) terminals on each battery.
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't
need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom
battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that first. If you don't, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
yellowblue
6-33 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a 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.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom
battery. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
yellowblue
8-6
Roadside Assistance
GMC's Roadside Assistance provides stranded owners
with over
-the-phone roadside repairs, location of the
nearest GMC dealer or the following special services:
Flat Tire Change: Installation of spare tire will be
covered at no charge (customer is responsible for repair
or replacement of tire).Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the customer
to get to the nearest service station (up to $4.00) will
be covered.
Jump Start: No
-start situations which require a battery
jump start will be covered at no charge.
Lock Out: Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain entry
into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement key will
be covered at no charge within 10 miles (16 km).
Emergency Towing Service: Towing to the nearest
GMC dealer for warranty related disablements will
be covered.
Deluxe Trip Routing: Custom
-made, computerized
highlighted maps using the most direct or scenic route
are provided free of charge. Maps include points of
interest and a list of GMC dealers along the route. Also
included is a list of hotels along the route that are
discounted through affiliation with ªQuest
International.º Trip Routing is available through
Roadside Assistance by calling 1
-800-GMC-8782.
Please be prepared to provide your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). Allow five working days
for fulfillment.
9-yellowblue
9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlets 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Adding Sound Equipment 3-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add-On Equipment 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag
Adding Equipment 1
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-25, 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What You See After it Inflates 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner Filter 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light 2-80, 4-7 . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care and Materials 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arbitration Program 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Storage 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Steering Wheel Controls 3-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Headlamp System 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle
Front 6
-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backglass Wiper, Blade Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge Light 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Keyless Entry 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Run-Down Protection 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
yellowblue
9-6
Inspections
Brake System 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot Seal 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-73, 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacking Equipment 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Release Button 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse 6-60, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt 1-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamps 2
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Map 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Reading 2-51, 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-36 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-25, 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-80, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gate Ajar 2-85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-11, 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Warning 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service 4WD 2-84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift 2-26, 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving 4-15 . . . . . . . . . .
Locking Rear Axle 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Prevention 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Switch 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .