2003 CHEVROLET C/K manual

2-37 Eaton Fuller Five and Six-Speed
Transmissions and TTC Spicer
Seven-Speed Transmissions
These transmissions have gears that automatically
synchronize when you shift up or down (except
FIRST (1) gear on the five
-speed and seven-speed
transmission which is unsynchronized). Choose the gear
that will maintain the road speed you want while
keeping the engine above two
-thirds of the governed
speed. When the engine speed drops below two
-thirds of
the governed speed, shift into the next lower gear before
your engine begins to lug. When you shift down, be sure
to double
-clutch if required.
ZF Six-Speed Transmission
Here's how to operate
your transmission.
This six
-speed pattern is unique to GM manual
transmissions. The transmission always repositions
the shift lever to neutral, which is located between
FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) gear.
To prevent unintentional gear selections, additional
force is required to move the shift lever into
REVERSE (R) or FIRST (1). Use FIRST (1) when
trailer towing, driving with payload in the pickup box or
launching on a grade. Otherwise, start in SECOND (2)
gear. Only shift into FIRST (1) when the vehicle has
stopped moving.

2-39 Eaton Fuller Nine and Ten-Speed
Non-Synchronized Manual Transmissions
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has one of these unsynchronized
transmissions, it's naturally somewhat complicated.
The label above the windshield will tell you the
operating basics you need to know.
The following are driving tips.

Always choose an initial starting gear suitable for
the load and terrain.

Always use double
-clutching procedures
when shifting.

Never move the range shift lever to the LO speed
gear position after HI range preselection, or anytime
the transmission is in the HI range.

Never move the range knob or lever with the shift
lever in NEUTRAL while the vehicle is moving.

Never make a range shift while moving
in REVERSE (R).
Clutch Brake (Vehicles with
Non-Synchronized Transmission)
A clutch brake is used to stop transmission input shaft
rotation so that FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) gear
selection can be initiated when the vehicle is at a
standstill and the engine is idling.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down to the
floorboard to apply the clutch brake.
When using the clutch brake, disengage the clutch pedal
and shift the transmission into either the initial starting
gear or REVERSE (R). If the tooth
-butting occurs
between the clutching teeth, re
-engage the clutch while
applying light pressure to the shift lever. This will
provide for a smooth shift into either FIRST (1) or
REVERSE (R) gear.
NOTICE:
After engaging FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R) gear,
do not use the clutch brake for upshifting and
downshifting. To do so will shorten the service life
of the clutch brake and gear selection shift efforts
may be increased.

2-52
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
30 mph (48 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 30 mph (48 km/h).
If you have an automatic transmission and you apply
your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
If you have a manual transmission and you apply your
brakes or push the clutch pedal, the cruise control will
shut off.
CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can't drive safely at a steady speed. So,
don't use your cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.

Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes
in tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Don't
use cruise control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control switch on when
you're not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you don't want to. You
could be startled and even lose control. Keep the
cruise control switch off until you want to use
cruise control.
1. Move the cruise control switch to on.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press in the set button at the end of the lever and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The accelerator pedal will not go down.

2-54
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Press in the button at the end of the lever until you reach
the lower speed you want, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, tap the
button briefly. Each time you do this, you'll go
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will slow
down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may want to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going
downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake
or clutch takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers
find this to be too much trouble and don't use cruise
control on steep hills.Ending Cruise Control
There are four different ways to turn off the cruise
control:

Step lightly on the brake pedal (manual and
automatic transmissions).

Press the clutch pedal to the floor (manual
transmissions).

Move the cruise switch to off, or

Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the ignition, your cruise control set
speed memory is erased.

2-59
When it begins to get dark,
your DRL indicator light is
a reminder to turn the
headlamps on. The other
lamps that come on with
your headlamps, will also
come on.
When you turn the headlamps off, the regular lamps will
go off, and your low
-beam headlamps will change to the
reduced brightness of DRL.
To idle your vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking
brake. The DRL will stay off until you release the
parking brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Marker Lamp Defeat Switch
If your vehicle has this feature, you can manually blink
the marker and clearance lamps.
The marker lamp
defeat switch is located
in the instrument panel
switchbank.
Press and hold the bottom of the switch to turn off
the marker and clearance lamps. When you release
the switch, the marker and clearance lamps will come
back on.

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.

2-80 Range Inhibited Warning Indicator
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with an Allison
1000/2000/2400 series automatic transmission, a lighted
bar under the current gear selected will flash.
If your vehicle is equipped with an Allison MD
automatic transmission, the current gear selected on
the pushbutton display will flash.
The flashing bar or gear selection indicates that
transmission range shifts may not occur.
For detailed information on shift inhibit limitations, see
the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator's Manual
in your vehicle for further information.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle has either hydraulic or air brakes.
Each system has different warning lights.
Hydraulic Brake System Warning Lights
Vehicles with hydraulic systems have two brake system
warning lights on the instrument panel.
If the BRAKE warning light
comes on, it means that the
fluid level in the master
cylinder reservoir is low or
there is another problem
with your hydraulic brakes.
When it comes on, you will also hear a warning tone.
The BRAKE warning light may come on, and the
warning tone may sound, when you're turning and
braking at the same time. This is normal. See ªHydraulic
Brake Systemsº in the Index.

2-84 Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If your vehicle is connected
to an anti
-lock brake system
equipped trailer, this light
should come on briefly, as
a check, when you turn on
the ignition.
When this light comes on and stays on, it means there is
something wrong in the trailer anti
-lock brake system.
Have the system repaired immediately.
If an anti
-lock brake system equipped trailer is not
connected, this light is not functional.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
United States Canada
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine
coolant might have overheated and your engine may be
too hot. You should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index. If you have a
Caterpillar

diesel engine, also see your Caterpillar

Operation & Maintenance Manual.