1999 GMC SAFARI automatic transmission

ii
Table of Contents
Keys and Door Locks
Keyless Entry System (Option)
Hatch
Automatic Transmission
All-Wheel Drive Operation (Option)
Parking Brake
Windows
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield WipersCruise Control
Interior and Exterior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net/Luggage Carrier (If Equipped)
Accessory Power Outlets
HomeLink® Transmitter (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
Driver Information System (If Equipped) Seats and Seat Controls
Safety BeltsAir Bag System
Child Restraints
Section
1
Section
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
Features and Controls

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Front Doors
2
-4 Rear Doors
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-8 Keyless Entry System (Option)
2
-11 Sliding Door
2
-14 Hatch
2
-15 Theft
2
-16 Passlock

2-16 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-17 Ignition Positions
2
-18 Starting Your Engine
2
-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-21 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-24 Parking Brake
2
-25 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-28 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-28 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-29 Engine Exhaust2
-29 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-30 Locking Rear Axle
2
-30 All-Wheel Drive (Option)
2
-31 Windows
2
-33 Horn
2
-33 Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
2
-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-39 Exterior Lamps
2
-41 Interior Lamps
2
-42 Mirrors
2
-44 Storage Compartments
2
-52 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-53 Sun Visors
2
-53 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-54 HomeLink
Transmitter (Option)
2
-58 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-61 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-9
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

Check to determine if battery replacement or
transmitter resynchronization is necessary.
See the instructions that follow.

If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or
a qualified technician for service.
Operation
UNLOCK: When you press UNLOCK, the driver's
door will unlock automatically, the parking lamps will
flash and the interior lights will go on. If you press
UNLOCK again within five seconds, all doors will
unlock, the parking lamps will flash and the interior
lights will go on.
LOCK: Press LOCK to lock all the doors. Press LOCK
again within five seconds and the horn will chirp.REAR 2X: When you press the REAR button twice
within five seconds to unlock the rear hatch or cargo
doors, the parking lamps will flash and the interior
lights will go on. If the engine is running, the automatic
transmission must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
for the REAR 2X button to operate.
Remote Panic Alarm
When the button with the horn symbol on the key
transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the
headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds.
This can be turned off by pressing the horn button again,
waiting for 30 second, or starting the vehicle.
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only two transmitters
matched to it.

2-21
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.

2-22
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
-- push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear
you wish. See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed)
is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.

2-28
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in RUN. See ªAutomatic Transmissionº
in the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.

2-41
The DRL system will make your headlamps come on at
a reduced brightness when:

the ignition is on,

the headlamp switch is in automatic headlamp mode.

the automatic transmission is not in PARK (P),

the light sensor determines it is daytime and

the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won't be on.
Your instrument panel won't be lit up either.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
system will switch from DRL to the headlamps or the
last chosen headlamp setting that was used.
To idle the vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake. Shifting the transmission into PARK (P) will
also allow you to idle the vehicle with the DRL off.
The DRL will stay off until you release the parking
brake or shift the transmission out of PARK (P).
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
The instrument panel intensity control is located to the
right of the headlamp switch.
Turn the thumbwheel up to adjust the instrument panel
lights. To turn on the dome lamps (with the vehicle
doors closed) turn the thumbwheel all the way up.
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition. The lights will
not come on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is
pressed in.
Illuminated Entry
Your vehicle is equipped with an illuminated entry feature.
When the doors are opened, the dome lamps will come
on if the DOME OVERRIDE button is in the ªoutº
position. When all the doors are closed, the lamps will
stay on for a short period of time and will then go out.
If the DOME OVERRIDE button is pressed in, the
lamps will not come on.

4-32 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you'll be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always
use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more
than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer
about sway controls.

Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.

You should use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a
lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your
vehicle in THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will
minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your
transmission. See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index.Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue

and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
Tow/Haul Mode
The Tow/Haul Mode is a feature that assists when
pulling a heavy trailer. The purpose of the Tow/Haul
Mode is:

Reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a
heavy trailer.

Provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy
trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded.

Reduce the need to change throttle position when
pulling a heavy trailer.
This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on
the floor console. When the feature is on, a light on the
instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that the
Tow/Haul Mode has been selected.
See ªTow/Haul Mode Lightº in the Index. The
Tow/Haul Mode is automatically turned off each time
the vehicle is started.