2-20
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission
and features an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument panel cluster. This display must be powered
anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of
PARK (P). This means that if your key is in OFF, rather
than LOCK, there will be a small current drain on your
battery which could discharge your battery over a period
of time. If you have to leave your key in the ignition in
OFF for an extended period, it is recommended that you
remove the IGN 0 fuse from the instrument panel fuse
block. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.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).
CAUTION: (Continued)
2-59 Accessory Power Outlets
Two accessory power outlets are located near the
cigarette lighter. Use these outlets to power mobile
telephones or other devices designed to operate with
vehicle electrical systems.
The cigarette lighter is designed to fit only in the
receptacle to the right of the accessory power outlets.
Power outlets are also located in the rear cargo area on
the passenger side and in the rear of the center floor
compartment (if equipped with rear seat audio). To use
the outlets, remove the cover by lifting the pull tab.When not in use, always cover the rear outlet with the
protective cap.
Certain accessory power plugs may not be compatible to
the accessory power outlets and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer for additional information on the
accessory power outlets.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the top and bottom
visors (if equipped). You can also swing the bottom visor
from side
-to-side. Your visors may have an extension that
can be pulled out for additional glare protection.
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror
(If Equipped)
Pull the sun visor down and lift the mirror cover to turn
on the lamps. There is a slide switch to adjust the
intensity of the lamps.
2-67
The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Override Switch
B. Lamp Controls
C. Air Outlets
D. Automatic Transfer Case/Traction Assist
System (If Equipped)
E. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
F. Instrument Panel Cluster
G. Gearshift Lever
H. Tow/Haul Selector Switch
I. Audio System
J. Comfort Control SystemK. Instrument Panel Fuse Block
L. Hood Release
M. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block
N. Tilt Lever (If Equipped)
O. Parking Brake Release
P. Lighter and Accessory Power Outlets
Q. Rear Window Defogger Switch (If Equipped)
R. Storage Area or Compact Disc Player (If Equipped)
S. Ashtray
T. Glove Box
4-20 Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying
recreation. However, it also raises environmental
concerns. GM recognizes these concerns and urges
every off
-roader to follow these basic rules for
protecting the environment:
Always use established trails, roads and areas that
have been specially set aside for public off
-road
recreational driving; obey all posted regulations.
Avoid any driving practice that could damage
the environment
-- shrubs, flowers, trees,
grasses
-- or disturb wildlife (this includes
wheel
-spinning, breaking down trees or
unnecessary driving through streams or over
soft ground).
Always carry a litter bag . . . make sure all refuse
is removed from any campsite before leaving.
Take extreme care with open fires (where permitted),
camp stoves and lanterns.
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials that could catch fire from
the heat of the vehicle's exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when
going to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your
route. You are much less likely to get bad surprises.
Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn
of any blocked or closed roads.
It's also a good idea to travel with at least one other
vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the
other can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure to read
the winch instructions. In a remote area, a winch can be
handy if you get stuck. But you'll want to know how to
use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It's a good idea to practice in an area that's safe and
close to home before you go into the wilderness.
Off
-road driving does require some new and different
driving skills. Here's what we mean.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your
eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain
for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen for
unusual tire or engine sounds. With your arms, hands,
feet and body, you'll need to respond to vibrations and
vehicle bounce.
4-44
Recreational Vehicle Towing
There may be times when you want to tow your vehicle
behind another vehicle for use at your destination. Be
sure to use the proper towing equipment designed for
recreational vehicle towing. Follow the instructions for
the towing equipment.
When towing your vehicle, turn the ignition to OFF.
To prevent your battery from draining while towing,
remove the IGN 0 fuse from the instrument panel fuse
block. Be sure to reinstall the fuse when you reach
your destination. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº
in the Index.
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Tw o-wheel-drive vehicles, should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground. Two
-wheel-drive
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
while being towed. To properly tow these vehicles,
they should be placed on a platform trailer with all
four wheels off the ground.
In rare cases when it's unavoidable that a two
-wheel-drive
vehicle is to be towed with all four wheels on the ground,
the propeller shaft to axle yoke orientation should be
marked and the propeller shaft removed following the
applicable service manual removal/installation procedure.
Dust or dirt can enter the back of the transmission
through the opening created by removing the propeller
shaft if proper protection is not provided. Also, check
the transmission fluid level before driving the truck.
4-64
Instrument Panel Jumper Wiring Harness
This harness is included with the heavy-duty trailer
wiring package. The harness is for an electric trailer
brake controller and includes a trailer battery feed fuse.
This harness and fuse should be installed by your dealer
or a qualified service center.
Power Winches
If you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle, only
use it when your vehicle is stationary or anchored.
NOTICE:
Using a power winch with the transmission in
gear may damage the transmission. When
operating a power winch, always leave the
transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
Use the regular brakes, set the parking brake, or block
the wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling.
Step-Bumper Pad
If your vehicle has a rear step bumper, it may be
equipped with a rear step pad at the center of the bumper.
If you will be using the
bumper to tow a trailer, you
must remove the center
cutout circle to install the
trailer ball.
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Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse block access door
is on the driver's side edge
of the instrument panel.
Pull off the cover to access
the fuse block.
You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor which is
mounted to the fuse block access door. 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.
You may have spare fuses located behind the fuse block
access door. These can be used to replace a bad fuse.
However, make sure it is of the correct amperage.
NAME Usage
L BODY Retained Accessory Power Relay
LOCK Power Door Locks
DRV UNLOCK Power Door Lock Relay
LOCK Power Door Lock Relay
HVAC 1 Climate Control System
6-67
Underhood Electrical Center
The underhood electrical center is located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment near the battery.
Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block.You will see fuses to the top right of the fuse/relay
center block once you remove the cover. These are
spare fuses and can be used accordingly.
You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor. The fuse
extractor is located in the underhood electrical center.
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.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information.