Page 81 of 497

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 Windows
2-5 Keys
2-7 Door Locks
2-12 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2-15 Rear Doors
2-16 Tailgate
2-17 Theft
2-19 Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2-20 Passlock
2-21 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2-21 Ignition Positions
2-24 Starting Your Engine
2-25 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2-27 Automatic Transmission Operation
2-32 Manual Transmission Operation
2-37 Parking Brake
2-38 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-41 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)2
-41 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
2
-42 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-42 Engine Exhaust
2-43 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-44 Manual Selectable Ride (If Equipped)
2-45 Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)
2-45 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2-56 QUADRASTEER(4WS) (If Equipped)
2-59 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-66 Exterior Lamps
2-71 Interior Lamps
2-73 Mirrors
2-90 OnStar System (If Equipped)
2-94 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-96 Instrument Panel Cluster
2-98 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-115 Message Center
Page 96 of 497
2-16
To open a rear access door
from the inside, the front
door must be opened first.
Then, use the handle located
on the inside of the rear
access door to open it.
If your vehicle is a Crew Cab, you can open your doors
from the inside or outside. Your vehicle may also have a
feature which prevents children from opening the rear
doors. See ªChild Security Locksº in the Index for
more information.Tailgate
You can open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle
while pulling the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward until
it latches.
After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards
you to be sure it latches securely.
Page 97 of 497
2-17
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for
different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be
removed without assistance, you may want someone to
assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to
the vehicle.
To remove the tailgate, do the following:
1. Raise the tailgate
slightly and release both
retaining cable clips.
To release the retaining
cable clips, lift the cable
so it points straight out
and push the cable
clip forward.
2. With the tailgate at a
slight upward angle,
pull back on the tailgate
at the right edge and
then move the tailgate to
the right to release the
left edge.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Page 416 of 497
6-51 Taillamps (Pickup Models)
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two rear
lamp assembly screws
near the tailgate latch
and pull out the
lamp assembly.
A. Stoplamp
B. Turn Signal Lamp
C. Back
-up Lamp
Page 417 of 497
6-52
3. Press the release tab and turn the bulb
socket counterclockwise to remove it from
the taillamp housing.
4. Pull the old bulb straight out from the socket.
5. Press a new bulb into the socket and turn the socket
clockwise into the taillamp housing until it clicks.
6. Reinstall the rear lamp assembly.
7. Close the tailgate.
Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models)
A. Turn Signal Lamp
B. Stoplamp
C. Back
-up Lamp
1. Using your hands, peel the rubber seal away from
the lens.
2. Lift the lens off the lamp assembly.
3. Pull the old bulb straight out from the socket.
4. Put a new bulb into the socket and press it in until it
is tight.
5. Reinstall the lens and the lens seal.
Page 475 of 497

7-20
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªManual Transmission Fluidº in the Index. Check for
leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Have
the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
ªHydraulic Clutch Fluidº in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
tailgate hinge, tailgate linkage, tailgate handle pivot
points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, locks and folding
seat hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to
a corrosive environment.
Page 483 of 497

7-28
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Automatic
Transfer CaseAUTO-TRAK II Fluid
(GM Part No. 12378508).
Front Axle
Propshaft Spline
or One
-Piece
Propshaft Spline
(Two
-Wheel
Drive with
Auto. Trans.)
Spline Lubricant,
Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12345879) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of GM 9985830.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12377985 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Tailgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seat and
Fuel Door HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Tailgate Handle
Pivot Points,
Hinges, Latch
Bolt and LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with
Teflon, Superlube (GM Part
No. 12371287 or equivalent).