Page 287 of 394

5-33
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on
the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear.
By slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and
reverse directions, you will cause a rocking motion that
may free your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a
few tries, you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use
your recovery hooks if your vehicle has them. If you do
need to be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
Using the Recovery Hooks
Your vehicle is equipped with recovery hooks.
The recovery hooks are provided at the front of your
vehicle. You may need to use them if you're stuck
off
-road and need to be pulled to some place where
you can continue driving.
Page 289 of 394

6-
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
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-10 Engine Oil
6
-15 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-17 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-17 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-21 Rear Axle
6
-21 All-Wheel Drive
6
-24 Engine Coolant
6
-27 Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-30 Brakes
6
-34 Battery
6
-35 Bulb Replacement
6
-39 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-40 Tires
6
-48 Appearance Care
6
-49 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-52 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-56 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-57 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-58 Electrical System
6
-66 Replacement Bulbs
6
-66 Capacities and Specifications
6
-67 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Page 296 of 394
6-8
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, first pull
the handle inside the vehicle
located under and to the left
of the steering wheel.Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on
the secondary hood release located near the center of
the grill.
Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on
properly. Pull down the hood and close it firmly.
Page 297 of 394
6-9 Engine Compartment Overview
When you lift the hood on the VORTEC 6000 engine, you'll see:
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill
F. Automatic Transmission DipstickG. Fan
H. Remote Negative (
-)
Terminal (GND)
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
J. Power Steering Fluid ReservoirK. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Underhood Electrical Center
M. Battery
N. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
Page 316 of 394
6-28
Power Steering FluidWhen to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
The power steering fluid reservoir is located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment toward the
front. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for more information on location.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
Page 349 of 394
6-61
Center Instrument Panel Utility Block
The center instrument panel utility block is located
underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering column.Relay Name Usage
SEO Special Equipment Option
HTD ST Heated Seats
HDLNR Headliner
VANITY Headliner Wiring
TRAILER Trailer Brake Wiring
PWR ST Power Seats
YE9 Not Used
UPF Upfitter
PARK LAMP Parking Lamps
FRT PRK EXPT Not Used
SPARE 2 Not Used
PUDDLE LP Puddle Lamps
SL RIDE Not Used
SPARE 3 Not Used
INADV PWR Interior Lights Feed
CTSY LP Courtesy Lamps
CEL PHONE Cellular Telephone Wiring
Page 361 of 394

Scheduled Maintenance
7-6Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication
Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the
GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). Reset the system. The system
will show you when to change the oil
-- usually between
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km)
since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the
indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Never drive your vehicle more than 10,000 miles
(16 000 km) or 12 months without an oil and
filter change.The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you
drive in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and
filter every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL message appears. Remember
to reset the Oil Life System when the oil and filter have
been changed. See ªOil Life Systemº in the Index for
information on resetting.
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components with each engine oil and
filter change. Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints,
steering linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, and brake
front axle. Ball joints should not be lubricated unless
their temperature is 10F (
-12C) or higher, or they
could be damaged.
Page 376 of 394

7-21
Part C: Periodic
Maintenance Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering and Suspension Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº
in the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.