2002 GMC SIERRA power steering

2-18
When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0
F or
-18
C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
key to START and hold it there up to 15 seconds.
When the engine starts, let go of the key.
2. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing,
but this time keep the pedal down for five or six
seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather,
0
F (
-18
C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater
can help. You'll get
easier starting and better
fuel economy during
engine warm
-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32
F (0
C), use of the
coolant heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver's side of the engine
compartment, near the power steering fluid reservoir.

2-29
Locking Rear Axle
If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time,
but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and
the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
when extra traction is needed.
This is like four
-wheel drive, but there is no separate
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle.
It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for
road conditions.
QUADRASTEER (4WS)
The QUADRASTEER System has a control and
diagnostic module that monitors and records current
system status and operational information.
If your vehicle is equipped with the 4WS system it has
the ability to steer the vehicle with all four wheels.
Once this mode is selected, it is recommended to leave
the vehicle in this mode at all times.
The 4WS system is equipped with three different
driving modes:

Two wheel steering (2WS)

Four wheel steering (4WS)

Four wheel steering with a trailer mode (4WS TOW)

2-61
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Dome Lamp Override Button
B. Exterior Lamp Control
C. Air Outlets
D. Storage Compartment
E. Multifunction Lever
F. Instrument Panel Cluster
G. Shift Lever
H. Tow/Haul Selector Switch
I. Audio System
J. Comfort Control System
K. Instrument Panel Fuse BlockL. Hood Release
M. Audio Steering Wheel Controls
N. Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
O. Tilt Lever
P. Parking Brake Release
Q. Secondary Information Center (SIC)
R. Rear Window Defogger Button
S. Compact Disc Changer
T. Ashtray
U. Accessory Power Outlet
V. Air Bag Off Switch and 4
-Wheel Steer Button
W. Glovebox

4-9
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may feel the
brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise, but this
is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here's why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.

4-20 Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you
need to take some special steps.

Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the
steering wheel.

Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
your speed. Don't use more power than you need,
because you don't want your wheels to start spinning
or sliding.

Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.
If the path twists and turns, you might want to
find another route.
CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills,
always try to go straight up.

Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of
the hill.

Attach a flag to the vehicle to make you more visible
to approaching traffic on trails or hills.

Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill to
let opposing traffic know you're there.

Use your headlamps even during the day. They make
you more visible to oncoming traffic.
CAUTION:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed can
cause an accident. There could be a drop
-off,
embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You
could be seriously injured or killed. As you near
the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert.

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
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Engine Oil
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-20 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-23 Rear Axle
6
-24 All-Wheel Drive
6
-27 Engine Coolant
6
-30 Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-31 Power Steering Fluid
6
-32 Windshield Washer Fluid6
-33 Brakes
6
-36 Battery
6
-37 Bulb Replacement
6
-46 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-47 Tires
6
-56 Appearance Care
6
-56 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-60 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-64 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-65 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-66 Electrical System
6
-76 Replacement Bulbs
6
-76 Capacities and Specifications
6
-77 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-11
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
B. Coolant Surge Tank
C. Air Cleaner/Filter
Restriction Indicator
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick
G. Fan
H. Remote Negative (
-)
Terminal (GND)
I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
K. Brake Fluid Reservoir
L. Underhood Fuse Block
M. Battery
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
Engine Oil
If the CHECK ENG OIL
LEVEL light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see
ªCHECK ENG OIL
LEVELº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.

6-31
Power Steering Fluid
When 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. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for reservoir 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.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.