Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain
you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect
to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up.
Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are
going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you’re not fresh—such as after a day’s
work—don’t plan to make too many miles that rst
part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
you can easily drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll nd experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservior full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all in ated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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2003 - Sonoma OM
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-82.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in ated to
the correct tire in ation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench to tighten the cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 5-68.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-33.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission uid level; add if needed.
SeeManual Transmission Fluid on page 5-23. Check
for leaks. A uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission uid level; add if needed.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-20.A uid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the uid level in the clutch reservoir. See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 5-24.
A uid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Four Times a Year
Tailgate Lubrication Service
Lubricate tailgate latch bolt, handle assembly pivot
points, and hinges with lubricant recommended
in Part D.
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2003 - Sonoma OM
Flat Tire........................................................5-67
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-68
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-20
Manual Transmission....................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM ...............................................................3-67
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-13
Following Distance..........................................4-57
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-29, 5-48
Front Axle......................................................5-49
Front Map Lamps...........................................3-14
Front Storage Area.........................................2-49
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-8
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-35
System Inspection
.......................................6-31
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
...........................5-89
Windshield Wiper
.........................................5-88G
Gage
Check Gages Warning Light..........................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Oil Pressure...............................................3-32
Speedometer..............................................3-23
Tachometer.................................................3-23
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-26
Garment Hooks..............................................2-50
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-16
Glass Surfaces...............................................5-81
Glove Box.....................................................2-41
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-3
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-6
Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Electrical System.........................................5-88
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2003 - Sonoma OM
Vinyl.............................................................5-80
Visors...........................................................2-16
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-26
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-20
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-3
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-82
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-27
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-53
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-55
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Add ..................................................5-40
What to Do with Used Oil ................................5-17
What to Use ..........................5-26, 5-38, 5-47, 5-49
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-64
Replacement...............................................5-65
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-13
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-16
When to Check......................................5-23, 5-59
When to Check and Change............................5-20
When to Check and Change Lubricant.......5-47, 5-49When to Check and What to Use.....................5-24
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-37
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-19
When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on a Hill..................................4-60
Where to Put the Restraint.......................1-39, 1-40
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-12
Window Lockout.............................................2-15
Windows.......................................................2-14
Manual......................................................2-15
Power ........................................................2-15
Sliding Rear................................................2-16
Swing-Out Windows.....................................2-16
Windshield and Wiper Blades...........................5-84
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-7
Fluid..........................................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-26
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-56
Fuses........................................................5-88
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-7
Winter Driving................................................4-36
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-27
Wood Panels.................................................5-81
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
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2003 - Sonoma OM