2003 GMC SAFARI suspension

The Certication/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Tond out the actual loads on
your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you
with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.Notice:Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside of your vehicle–like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else–they will go as
fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
•Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
•Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
•Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
•When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
•Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
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Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-7
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-19
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-27
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-27
At Least Once a Month.................................6-27
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-28At Least Once a Year...................................6-29
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.........6-32
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
............................6-32
Exhaust System Inspection
............................6-32
Fuel System Inspection
..................................6-32
Engine Cooling System Inspection
...................6-32
Throttle System Inspection
.............................6-33
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection
.......................................6-33
Brake System Inspection
................................6-33
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
......6-34
Part E: Maintenance Record
...........................6-36
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
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2003 - Safari OM

Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to
100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated after
100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals for the
life of this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-27
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-32.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and kingpin
bushings, steering linkage, parking brake cable
guides and brake pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-33.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andfilter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursfirst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occursfirst).(See footnote #.)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andfilter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursfirst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occursfirst).(See footnote #.)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andfilter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursfirst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occursfirst).(See footnote #.)
❑Check rear/front axlefluid level and addfluid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
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2003 - Safari OM

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to
100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated after
100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals for the
life of this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-27
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-32.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be record.#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints and kingpin
bushings, steering linkage and transfer case shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides and brake pedal
springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-33.
7,500 Miles (12 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-19
2003 - Safari OM

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-10.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in theoor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-32
2003 - Safari OM

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782),
or write:
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-10
2003 - Safari OM

Horn ............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank............................................5-31
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-33
How to Add Fluid............................................5-25
How to Check........................................5-23, 5-58
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-49
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-22
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-18
Hydroplaning..................................................4-17
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-31
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-31
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-32
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-26
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-30Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-38
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-58
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-33
Engine Cooling System................................6-32
Exhaust System..........................................6-32
Fuel System...............................................6-32
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-32
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-32
Throttle System...........................................6-33
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)......................................6-33
Installing a Garage Door Opener.......................2-40
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-24
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness Control..................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-86
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
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M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-94
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-27
At Least Once a Month................................6-27
At Least Once a Year..................................6-29
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-28
Brake System Inspection..............................6-33
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-32
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-32
Fuel System Inspection................................6-32
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-19
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-27
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-32
PartD-Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
...............................................6-34
PartE-Maintenance Record
........................6-36
Selecting the Right Schedule
.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
............. 6-7
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
..........................6-32
Throttle System Inspection
............................6-33Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-33
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Windows............................................2-17
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands)................................. 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-32
Model Reference................................................ vi
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-94
9
2003 - Safari OM