2004 GMC ENVOY XL tow

When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0°F or−18°C), do this:
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START and hold it there up
to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go
of the key.
2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briey but then stops again, do the
same thing, but this time keep the pedal down
for ve or six seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
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 do not, your engine
might not perform properly.Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If your vehicle has this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals. This feature is
designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals cannot
move farther away from the standard position, but can
move closer for better pedal reach. This feature can
be programmed to work with the memory function
(if equipped) on your vehicle. SeeMemory Seat
on page 2-53.
The vehicle must be in PARK (P) for this feature to
operate.
The toggle switch used
to adjust the pedals is
located on the steering
column.
Press the switch towards you to move the pedals
closer. Press the switch away from you to move the
pedals away from you.
2-22

Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your gear
shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels. It’s the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle can’t move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55.
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle
will be free to roll — even if your shift lever
is in PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. SeeFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-26. SeeShifting Into Park (P)
on page 2-31.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the
regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, press the
button on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Move the shift lever into the gear you wish. SeeShifting
Out of Park (P) on page 2-33.
2-24

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, seeIf
You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-44.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine doesn’t
connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. If you
need more power for passing, and you’re:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying
a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road driving.
You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3)
or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).
2-25

2HI (Two-Wheel High):This setting is for driving in
most street and highway situations. Your front axle is
not engaged in two-wheel drive. It also provides the best
fuel economy.
A4WD (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive):This setting is
ideal for use when road conditions are variable. When
driving your vehicle in A4WD, the front axle is engaged,
but the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. When
the vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will
automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this
mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI.
4HI (Four-Wheel High):Use 4HI when you need
extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in
most off-road situations. This setting also engages
your front axle to help drive your vehicle.
4LO (Four-Wheel Low):This setting also engages
your front axle and delivers extra torque. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
4LO if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud,
and climbing or descending steep hills.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL
can cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-29.
NEUTRAL:Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-45for more
information.
An indicator light in the knob will show you which position
the transfer case is in. The indicator lights will come on
briey when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on.
If the lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle
to your dealer for service. An indicator light will ash while
shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when
the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case
cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last
chosen setting.
2-27

Shifting into NEUTRAL
Before shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL, rst
make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll.
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
5. Turn the transfer case knob all of the way past
4LO and hold it there for a minimum of 10 seconds.
The neutral indicator light will come on.
6. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second.
7. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
8. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
9. Release the parking brake prior to towing.
Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case out of NEUTRAL, do the
following:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake
pedal.
2. Start the vehicle with the transmission in PARK (P).
3. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired shift
position (2HI, 4HI or A4WD).
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
5. Release the parking brake.
6. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL,
the indicator light will go out. Shift the transmission
lever to the desired position.
A re-engagement sound is normal when shifting out of
NEUTRAL.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your foot and pull up on the parking brake
lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will come on.
2-29

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can
press in the button at the end of the lever. Hold the
button in as you move the parking brake lever all the
way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and you must park on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-55. That section
shows what to do rst to keep the trailer from moving.
2-30

Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. With four-wheel drive,
your vehicle will be free to roll — even if your
shift lever is in PARK (P) — if your transfer
case is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL.
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-26. Always
put the shift lever fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-55.To shift into PARK (P), do the following:
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your foot and set
the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever
into PARK (P) like this:
3. Press the button in on the side of the lever.
4. Push the lever all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
5. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
6. Remove the key and take it with you. You know
your vehicle is in PARK (P) if the key can be
removed from the ignition.
2-31

{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle
will be free to roll — even if your shift lever
is in PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL. So be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. SeeFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-26.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
not move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-31.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-55.
2-35