2002 CHEVROLET S10 Owners Manual

6-35
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake
fluid reservoir. The
fluid level should be
above MIN. If it isn't,
have your brake
system checked to see
if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

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 four-wheel drive, your vehicle has
four
-wheel disc brakes. If not, your vehicle has front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads 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.

6-37
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a
brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they don't have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected immediately.
Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or
changing. When you have the front brake pads replaced,
have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If you don't have four
-wheel drive and your brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakes
may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and
firmly applying the brakes a few times.
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.

6-38
When you replace parts of your braking system -- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need 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 a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
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.

6-39
Bulb Replacement
See ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index for the proper
types of bulbs to use. For any bulb changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact your GM dealer's
service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps
One-Piece Composite Headlamp System
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the black retainer clips by lifting up.
3. Pull the headlamp assembly out.
4. Unplug the electrical connector.

6-40
5. Turn the bulb assembly counterclockwise to
remove it from the headlamp assembly.
6. Put the new bulb into the bulb assembly and
reinstall it in the headlamp assembly by turning it
clockwise until it is tight.
7. Plug in the electrical connector.
8. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle.
9. Install the two retaining clips.
10. Close the hood.Tw o
-Piece Composite Headlamp System
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the black retainer clips by lifting up.
3. Unplug the electrical connector.
4. Pull the headlamp lens assembly out.

6-41
5. Turn the bulb assembly counterclockwise to
remove it from the headlamp assembly.
6. Put the new bulb into the bulb assembly and
reinstall it in the headlamp assembly by turning it
clockwise until it is tight.
7. Plug in the electrical connector.
8. Put the headlamp lens assembly back into the
vehicle.
9. Install the two retaining clips.
10. Close the hood.
One-Piece Front Turn Signal Lamps
1. Remove the headlamp assembly as shown under
ªOne
-Piece Composite Headlamp Systemº earlier in
this section.
2. Twist the bulb socket
counterclockwise to
remove it from the
headlamp assembly.
3. Pull the bulb straight out to remove it from the
socket.
4. Push the new bulb into the socket until it snaps
into place.
5. Put the bulb socket into the lamp assembly and twist
it clockwise until it is tight.
6. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle. I
7. Install the two retaining clips.
8. Close the hood.

6-42 Two-Piece Front Turn Signal Lamps
1. Remove the headlamp assembly as shown under
ªTwo
-Piece Composite Headlamp Systemº earlier in
this section.
2. Locate the locking tabs
on the assembly.
Squeeze the tabs
together and push that
end of the assembly out
while holding the tabs.
The assembly will
swing out.
3. Unplug the electrical connector.
4. Turn the harness bulb socket counterclockwise to
remove it. Pull the bulb straight out to remove it
from the socket.
5. Push the new bulb into the socket until it snaps
into place.
6. Put the socket into the lamp assembly and turn it
clockwise until it is tight.
7. To reinstall the assembly, snap the outboard end of
the lamp assembly back into the vehicle. Then swing
the assembly in and snap it into place.
8. Install the two retaining clips.
9. Close the hood.