2-78 Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system
indicator light may be
located in the instrument
panel cluster, or with the
auxiliary warning lights
in the center of the
instrument panel.
It should come on briefly when you turn on the ignition,
before the engine is running, as a check to show that it
is working.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, have it
checked right away. You could have a loose generator
drive belt or some other problem.
Driving while this light is on will drain your battery. If
you must drive a short distance with the light on, turn
off your radio and other accessories.
Sustained driving with a generator failure could result in
a lack of back
-up braking if the engine quits or the
power steering pump should fail.
Voltmeter
When your engine is
running, the voltmeter
gage, at the right side of
the instrument panel cluster,
shows the charging
system voltage.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in the
vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an extended
period. This condition is normal since the charging
system may not be able to provide full power at engine
idle. As engine speeds are increased, this condition
should correct itself because higher engine speeds allow
the charging system to create maximum power.
You can only drive a short time on the battery. Be sure
to shut off the radio, the fan or any unnecessary
accessories and have the system serviced.
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.
2-86 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
If this light comes on
or flashes while you
are driving, two things
may happen.
First, you won't notice any difference in engine
performance, but your tail pipe emissions may increase.
Second, your engine may not run properly or may stall
without warning. If either of these things happen, drive
or tow your vehicle to your dealer for service.This light should come on when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is
working. If it does not come on at all, have it repaired.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
3-24
After you clean the player, press and hold the eject
button for three seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The
radio will display
--- to show the indicator was reset.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality
may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette
tape is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with
lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most vehicle
washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever
become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand.
If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you
should replace it.
Check occasionally to be sure the mast is still tightened
to the fender. If tightening is required, tighten by hand,
then with a wrench one quarter turn.
Chime Level Adjustment
The radio is the vehicle chime producer. The chime is
produced from the driver's side front door speakers. To
change the volume level, press and hold pushbutton 6
with the ignition on and the radio power off. The chime
volume level will change from the normal level to loud,
and HI will be displayed on the radio. To change back
to the default or normal setting, press and hold
pushbutton 6 again. The chime level will change from
the loud level to normal, and LO will be displayed.
Each time the chime volume is changed, three chimes
will sound as an example of the new volume selected.
Removing the radio and not replacing it with a factory
radio or chime module will disable vehicle chimes.
6-4
Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see ªDiesel Engine
Fuelº in this section. For vehicles with gasoline engines,
please read this.
Gasoline Octane
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of
87 or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you may get
a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it is bad
enough, it can damage your engine. A little pinging
noise when you accelerate or drive uphill is considered
normal. This does not indicate a problem exists or that a
higher
-octane fuel is necessary.
Gasoline Specifications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting these specifications could provide improved
driveability and emission control system performance
compared to other gasolines.
In Canada, look for
the ªAuto Makers'
Choiceº label on
the pump.
Canada Only
Additives
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does
not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels
containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and
the performance of the emission control system may be
affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer
for service.
6-8 Water in Fuel
CAUTION:
Diesel fuel containing water is still flammable.
You could be burned. If you ever try to drain
water from your fuel, keep sparks, flames and
smoking materials away from the mixture.
NOTICE:
If there is water in your diesel fuel and the
weather is warm or humid, fungus and bacteria
can grow in the fuel. They can damage your fuel
system. You'll need a diesel fuel biocide to
sterilize your fuel system. Your dealer can advise
you if you ever need this.
If your fuel tank needs to be purged to remove
water, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
Improper purging can damage your fuel system.
Sometimes, water can be pumped into your fuel tank
along with your diesel fuel. This can happen if a service
station doesn't regularly inspect and clean its fuel tanks,
or if it gets contaminated fuel from its suppliers.
If this happens, a
water
-in-fuel indicator
will come on. If it does,
the water must be drained.
Your dealer can show you
how to do this.
6-30 Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the API service symbol are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Change engine oil and filter every 10,000 miles
(16 000 km) or every 12 months, whichever occurs first.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don't let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See ªScheduled
Maintenanceº in the Index.
The engine air cleaner/filter
is located in the center of
the engine compartment.
Your gasoline or diesel engine has a restriction indicator
that lets you know when the engine air cleaner/filter
needs to be serviced.