2003 CHEVROLET C/K engine

1-29
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, you'll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don't get them, the air bag system
won't be there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include air bag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the air bag system. The module records information
about the readiness of the system, when the system
commands air bag inflation. The module also records
speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air
bag system won't work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver's or the
right front passenger's air bag, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the air
bag module in the steering wheel or both the air
bag module and the instrument panel for the
right front passenger's air bag. Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.

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
2-8 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2-12 Switchbanks
2-13 Theft
2-14 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2-15 Ignition Positions
2-16 Starting Your Gasoline Engine
2-19 Starting the Diesel Engine
2-24 Starting Your DURAMAX
Diesel Engine
2-27 Engine Checks Before Operating
2-28 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2-30 Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake (If Equipped)
2-31 Two-Speed Rear Axle Electric Shift Control
(If Equipped)
2
-34 Automatic Transmission Operation
2-36 Manual Transmission Operation
2-40 Parking
2-45 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-45 Engine Exhaust2
-46 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-47 Horn
2-48 Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
2-48 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-55 Inter-Axle Differential Lock Control
(If Equipped)
2
-56 Rear Axle Differential Lock Control
(If Equipped)
2
-57 Exterior Lamps
2-60 Interior Lamps
2-61 Mirrors
2-63 Storage Compartments
2-65 Accessory Power Outlets
2-66 Trailer Connections (C4/C5 Models Only)
(If Equipped)
2
-67 Trailer Connections (C6/C7/C8 Models Only)
(If Equipped)
2
-68 The Instrument Panel-Your
Information System
2
-70 Instrument Panel Cluster
2-73 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2-14
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:

Let your engine warm up before you
operate your vehicle under load.

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don't drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Use the lowest gear you can when you start
a loaded vehicle in motion and when going
up hills to avoid overloading the engine.

Check and adjust engine and transmission
fluid levels often and be sure tires are
properly inflated for the load you're
carrying.

If you have a Caterpillar
 diesel engine, see
the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation
& Maintenance Manual.

2-15
Ignition Positions
With your key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
five different positions.
A (ACCESSORY): This position allows you to
use things like the radio, power windows and the
windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get into
ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was
before you inserted the key.
B (LOCK): This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transmission. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
You will only be able to remove your key when the
ignition is turned to LOCK.
C (OFF): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed).
D (RUN): This is the position for driving.
E (START): This position starts your engine.

2-16 Engine Starter Over-Crank Protection
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have an engine starter over-crank
protection system. If the starter motor overheats and
shuts off due to over
-cranking, the motor must cool
down before it will reset and allow starter operation.
It can take up to six minutes before the starter will
work again.
Starting Your Gasoline Engine
Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter for
your engine. See ªVehicle Identification Numberº in
the Index. Follow the proper steps to start the engine.
To start a diesel engine, see ªStarting Your Diesel
Engineº in the Index.
Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move your shift lever to
NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P) if so equipped. Your
engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral and hold the clutch
pedal to the floor while starting the engine.
Starter Motor Operation

The starter motor will disengage if you release
the key or the engine reaches a predetermined
engine speed.

To prevent overheating, the starter motor will
disengage after continuously operating for
15 seconds. You must release the key from the
start position to re
-engage the starter.

The starter motor will not engage if the engine is
already running.

The starter motor will disengage if, after
two seconds, the starter pinion gear does not
engage the flywheel or there is no engine rpm
signal from the engine speed sensor.

2-17 Starting Your Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
2. If the engine doesn't start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down and crank the
engine for five more seconds, unless it starts sooner.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down.
Do Steps 1 through 3 again.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.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.
NOTICE:
If you ever need to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.

2-18 Gasoline Engine Warm-Up
When you've started your engine, let it run for 20 or
30 seconds to warm up before you put a load on
the engine.
Drive at moderate speeds for the first few miles,
especially in cold weather. Running a cold engine at
high speed can damage it. See ªEngine High Idle
Systemº in the Index if your vehicle has this feature.
Restarting the Gasoline Engine While
Moving (Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, you'll first have to shift the automatic
transmission to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature
prevents starting the engine when the transmission is
in a drive gear.
Stopping the Gasoline Engine
Let your engine idle for a few seconds before turning it
off after you have finished driving your vehicle.
If you shift to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P), set the
parking brake.
If your vehicle has a two
-speed axle, put the range
selector in LOW. To be sure the axle has shifted into
LOW, engage the clutch and transmission; the vehicle
may move slightly when you do this.
While your engine is idling before you turn it off, you
can make a list of any operational or handling concerns
to give to responsible maintenance personnel so they can
handle them right away.
Moisture will condense in a fuel tank that is almost
empty if the engine has not run for a while, even just
overnight under some conditions. So, it's always best to
refuel your vehicle at the end of each run.

2-19
Starting the Diesel Engine
If you have a Caterpillar diesel engine, also refer to your
Caterpillar
Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for starting procedure.
For vehicles with the DURAMAX diesel engine, also
see ªStarting Your DURAMAX Diesel Engineº
following.
To make starting easier in cold weather (below 32F or
0C), the proper viscosity engine oil should be used.
See ªEngine Oilº in the Index. It's also best to heat the
engine oil first. You can do this by using an engine
coolant heater.
NOTICE:
If you ever need to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Restarting the Diesel Engine While Moving
(Automatic Transmission)
If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, you'll first have to shift the automatic
transmission to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature
prevents starting the engine when the transmission is
in a drive gear.
Stopping the Diesel Engine
If you have a Caterpillar diesel engine, see your
Caterpillar
Diesel Engine Operation &
Maintenance Manual.
1. Set the parking brake and shift to NEUTRAL (N)
or PARK (P).
2. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
If your vehicle has a two
-speed axle, see ªRear Axle,
Tw o
-Speed Electric Shift Controlº or ªRear Axle,
Tw o
-Speed Airshift Controlº in the Index.