1999 GMC SIERRA warning

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6-28
The radiator pressure cap must be tightly installed with
the arrows on the cap lined up with the overflow tube on
the radiator filler neck.
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace your thermostat, an AC
 thermostat
is recommended.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning gages work as they should.

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6-29
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL
is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.

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6-36
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
If you have a C 3500 HD model, it has four-wheel disc
brakes without wear indicators. If you ever hear a brake
rubbing noise, have the brake linings inspected.
If your pickup is not a C 3500 HD model, it has front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads (except C 3500 HD models) have
built
-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound may come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

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6-57
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
-- AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight
-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature
-- A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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6-61
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer's warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or
windows when you're cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:

Gasoline

Benzene

Naphtha

Carbon Tetrachloride

Acetone

Paint Thinner

Turpentine

Lacquer Thinner

Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.Don't use any of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:

Alcohol

Laundry Soap

Bleach

Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.
Cleaning of Fabric and Carpet
Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non
-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil
Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet. They will clean
normal spots and stains very well. You can get
GM
-approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See
ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Here are some cleaning tips:

Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.

Clean up stains as soon as you can
-- before they set.

Carefully scrape off any excess stain.

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6-73
Fuse/Circuit
Breaker Usage
20 PRNDL, Automatic Transmission,
Speedometer, Check Gages
Warning Light
21 Security/Steering
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24 Front Axle, 4WD Indicator Lamp,
TP2 Relay (Gasoline Engine)
A Power Door Lock, Six
-Way Power
Seat, Keyless Entry Module
B Power WindowsUnderhood Fuse/Relay Center
The underhood fuse/relay center is located in the rear of
the engine compartment near the brake fluid reservoir.
Move the retainer clips for the cover to access the
fuse block.
You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor. The fuse
extractor is mounted to the interior fuse block. To
remove fuses if you don't have a fuse extractor, hold the
end of the fuse between your thumb and index finger
and pull straight out.

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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlet 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment 1-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Light 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Switch 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-25, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check 7-42 . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-3, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-28, 6-76, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Materials, GM Vehicle Care/ 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest Storage Compartment 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Front 6-27, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Locking Rear 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Rear 6-25, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Keyless Entry 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .