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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 are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh Ð such as after
a day's work Ð do not 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 is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will ®nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will 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 reservoir 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 is 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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3. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If
the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper ¯uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn't take much ¯uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L).
Don't over®ll.Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under ªHow to Check².
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs ®rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
žextended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on
page 5-26.
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Power Steering Fluid
The power steering ¯uid
reservoir is located in the
engine compartment. It
is on the passenger's side
of vehicles with the L6
engine and is on the
driver's side of vehicles
with the V8 engine.
See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering ¯uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A ¯uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and look at the ¯uid level on the
dipstick.
For vehicles with the L6 engine, the level should be at
the C (cold) mark. For vehicles with the V8 engine,
the level should be at the FULL mark. If necessary, add
only enough ¯uid to bring the level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of ¯uid to use, seeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Always use the proper ¯uid. Failure to use the proper
¯uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake ¯uid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake ¯uid
reservoir. The ¯uid level
should be above MIN. If it
is not, have your brake
system checked to
see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
When you do need brake ¯uid, use only DOT-3 brake
¯uid. Use new brake ¯uid from a sealed container
only. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.Always clean the brake ¯uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of ¯uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or
they may not even work at all. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper
brake ¯uid.
Notice:
·Using the wrong ¯uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system
parts so badly that they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind
of ¯uid.
·If you spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle's painted
surfaces, the paint ®nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
Appearance
Care on page 5-83.
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Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle ¯uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A ¯uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
The proper level is from 0 to 3/8 inch (0 to 10 mm)
below the bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant to use, seeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check ¯uid unless you
suspect there is a leak or you hear an unusual noise. A
¯uid loss could indicate a problem. Have it inspected
and repaired.
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How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate
reading, the vehicle should
be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ®ller plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
Use care not to overtighten the plug.
What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant to use, seeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle ¯uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A ¯uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ®ller plug hole,
you may need to add some lubricant.
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When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to
raise the level to 1/2 inch (12 mm) below the ®ller
plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ®ller plug hole.
What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant to use, seeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulbs, seeReplacement Bulbs on
page 5-50.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
Headlamps
1. Open the hood.
2. Lift the inner quick release clips.
3. Pull the headlamp assembly away from the vehicle.
4. Remove the cover from the headlamp bulb.
5. Disconnect the wiring harness (C).
6. Remove the headlamp bulb (A) or turn signal
bulb (B) by turning the socket counterclockwise.
7. To install the replacement bulb, reverse
Steps 1 through 6.
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Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every
six months. During very cold, damp weather more
frequent application may be required. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Cleaning the Outside of Your
Vehicle
The paint ®nish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle's ®nish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don't use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle
well, removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.
See
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-90.
Don't use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be ¯ushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the
surface, or they could stain. Dry the ®nish with a soft,
clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
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