2003 CHEVROLET C/K key

2-25
NOTICE:
If the wait to start light stays on, it means that
your vehicle could have one of several problems,
so you should have it serviced right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of
cranking, turn the ignition key to OFF. Wait
one minute for the starter to cool, then try the
same steps again.
If you're trying to start your engine after you've run
out of fuel, follow the steps in ªRunning Out of Fuel.º
See ªDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel Systemº in
the Index.
When your engine is cold, let it run for a few minutes
before you move your vehicle. This lets oil pressure
build up. Your engine will sound louder when it's cold.
NOTICE:
If you're not in an idling vehicle and the engine
overheats, you wouldn't be there to see the
overheated engine condition. This could damage
your vehicle. Don't let your engine run when
you're not in your vehicle.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel Engine)
The following tips will help you get good starting in
cold weather.
Use the recommended engine oil when the outside
temperature drops below freezing. See ªEngine Oilº in
the Index. When the outside temperature drops below
0
F (
-18
C), use of the engine coolant heater is
recommended.
If you experience longer cranking times, notice an
unusual amount of exhaust smoke or are at higher
altitudes (over 7,000 ft. or 2 135 m), you may use your
engine coolant heater. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in
the Index.
See ªDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel Systemº in the
Index for information on what fuel to use in cold weather.

2-26 If Your Diesel Engine Won't Start
If you've run out of fuel, look at ªRunning Out of Fuel.º
See ªDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel Systemº in
the Index.
If you're not out of fuel, and your engine won't start,
do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. IMMEDIATELY
after the wait to start light goes off, turn the ignition
key to START.
If the light doesn't go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting your engine again. And, see your dealer as soon
as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know
your batteries are charged, but your engine still won't
start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
your vehicle needs service.If your batteries don't have enough charge to start your
engine, see ªBatteryº in the owner's manual.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that
you've changed the oil at the proper times. If you use
the wrong oil, your engine may be harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing
weather conditions. See ªDiesel Fuel Requirements and
Fuel Systemº in the Index.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, your
vehicle needs service.
CAUTION:
Do not use gasoline or starting ªaids,º such as
ether, in the air intake. They could damage your
engine. There could also be a fire, which could
cause serious personal injury.

2-27
Engine Checks Before Operating
When you've started your engine, let it run for 20 to
30 seconds before you put a load on the engine. But
don't leave the vehicle while the engine is running.
Avoid unnecessary idling of diesel engine equipped
vehicles.
If the engine idles too long, the temperature of the
engine coolant will fall below the normal operating
range. Low engine operating temperature causes several
conditions which affect engine operation and reduce
engine life.
The engine should be permitted to go through a
warm
-up period. Operate the vehicle at a minimum of
600 rpm during the warm
-up period. During this period
and during operation, the following observations should
be made.
During this warm
-up period, check your warning lights
and gages:

If oil pressure doesn't begin to rise within
15 seconds of starting, stop the engine and
find the cause.
If the engine coolant temperature gage needle goes
into the hot area on the gage, stop the engine and
find the cause of the overheating.

If you have air brakes, the dual
-needle air pressure
gage should read at least 115 psi (790 kPa) for both
service systems before you try to move the vehicle.
When air pressure is below 60 psi (420 kPa), the
LOW AIR light will come on and you will hear a
tone alarm. If the pressure doesn't build up or
drops during warm
-up, stop the engine and find
the cause before you try to move the vehicle.
Recommended air pressure before actually driving
away is 120 psi (830 kPa).

The charging system light should come on when
the ignition key is turned to RUN or START and
should go out when the engine is running above idle.
If the light doesn't go out or comes back on during
normal engine operation, have the charging system
checked right away. (This light tells you if the
generator is not charging; it doesn't reflect the
condition of the battery.)

2-67
The eight-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:

Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal

Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal

Brown: Taillamps

White: Ground

Light Green: Back
-up Lamps

Light Blue: CHMSL

Red: Battery Feed

Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
Trailer Connections (C6/C7/C8
Models Only) (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has these trailer connections, they are
located at the rear of the cab for a tractor and at the rear
of the chassis when towing a trailer. There will be an air
connection and an electrical connection.
Be sure that the couplings to the trailer are
made correctly.
Air Connections
If you are not connecting the trailer air line connections
to another piece of equipment, be sure to replace their
protective caps.
Electrical Connections
This system is a seven-wire cable that will connect to
the trailer, supplying power to the trailer's lighting
system. When not in use, it is stored in the trailer
air
-hose storage bracket.
NOTICE:
Starting in 1998, the center pin (also known as
the auxiliary circuit) of the seven
-pin trailer
electrical connector will be wired to provide
continuous power for the trailer anti
-lock brake
systems when the ignition key is in the on
position. Care should be taken to insure that
continuous power on this circuit will not cause
damage to the trailer electrical system.
Consult with the trailer manufacturer for the
proper operation and checking procedures for
the trailer anti
-lock brake systems.

2-74
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a light will
come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds.
Safety Belt Reminder Tone (Option)
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a tone will
sound for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts.

2-75 Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag
modules, the wiring, the passenger air bag suppression
circuit and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the air bag system, see ªAir Bagº
in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
CAUTION:
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN or
START. If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

2-83 Parking Brake Indicator Light
Your vehicle has a brake
indicator light. When the
ignition is on, this light will
come on when you set your
parking brake. The light
will stay on if your parking
brake doesn't release fully.
This light should also come on when you turn the
ignition key to START. If it doesn't come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to remind you if the parking
brake is applied or hasn't released fully.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you start your
engine and it may stay
on for several seconds.
That's normal.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you're driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the BRAKE or LOW AIR
warning light isn't on, you still have brakes, but you
don't have the anti
-lock brake feature. If the BRAKE
and/or LOW AIR warning light is on, you don't have
anti
-lock brakes and there's a problem with your regular
brakes. See ªBrake System Warning Lightº earlier in
this section.
The anti
-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you start the engine. If the light doesn't
come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.

2-85 Low Coolant Warning Light
You have a low coolant
warning light. If this light
comes on, your system is
low on coolant and the
engine may overheat.
The warning light should come on briefly, as a check,
when you turn on the ignition.
When it comes on, you will also hear a warning tone at
several beats per second for 10 seconds. See ªEngine
Coolantº in the Index and have your vehicle serviced as
soon as you can.
This light may also come on if your vehicle is equipped
with the automatic engine shutdown system and engine
shutdown has begun. See ªEngine Automatic
Shutdownº in the Index.
Wait to Start Indicator (If Equipped)
This light in the center of
the instrument panel will
come on when the intake
heater is on and the ignition
key is in RUN.
Wait until the indicator light turn off before turning the
ignition key to START. See ªEngine Startingº in your
Caterpillar

Operation & Maintenance Manual for more
information.