This can happen if you have recently replaced your
battery or if your battery has run down. The diagnostic
system is designed to evaluate critical emission
control systems during normal driving. This may take
several days of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack
of OBD system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare
the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.This light tells you if there
could be a problem with
your engine oil pressure.
The light goes on when you turn your key to ON or
START. It goes off once you start your engine. That is a
check to be sure the light works. If it does not come
on, be sure to have it xed so it will be there to warn you
if something goes wrong.
When the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil
is not owing through your engine properly. You could
be low on oil and you might have some other system
problem.
Security Light
For information
regarding this light,
seeTheft-Deterrent
Systems on page 2-19.
3-53
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW – 6:This message will
appear when the electrical system is charging less than
10 volts or if the battery has been drained. If this
message appears immediately after starting, it is
possible that the generator can still recharge the battery.
The battery should recharge while driving but may
take a few hours to do so. Consider using an auxiliary
charger (be sure to follow the manufacturer’s
instructions) to boost the battery after returning home or
to a nal destination. If this message appears while
driving or after starting your vehicle and stays on, have
it checked immediately by your GM dealer to determine
the cause of this problem. To help the generator
recharge the battery quickly, you can reduce the load
on the electrical system by turning off the accessories.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by
pressing the INFO button. The normal range is
11.5 to 15.5 volts.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL – 82:This means that the life
of the engine oil has expired. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4. After an oil change, the oil
life indicator must be reset. SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 5-17. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14andOil
Life Indicator on page 3-79for more information.CHANGE TRANS FLUID – 47:This message will
appear when it is time to change the transaxle uid.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for the proper
uid and change intervals.
After the transaxle uid has been changed, the transaxle
uid change indicator must be reset. See “How to
Reset the Transaxle Fluid Indicator” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-21.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID – 37:This message will
display if the ignition is in ON to inform the driver that
the brake uid level is low. Have the brake system
serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See
Brake System Warning and Parking Brake Indicator
Light on page 3-47.
CHECK COOLANT LEVEL – 2:This message will
appear when there is a low level of engine coolant.
Have the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24.
CHECK FUEL GAGE – 50:(Analog Cluster) This
message will appear when the fuel supply is less than
5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is turned off. A single
chime will also sound when this message is displayed.
3-61
CHECK GAS CAP – 61:This message will appear if
the gas cap has not been fully tightened. You should
recheck your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.
CHECK OIL LEVEL – 36:For correct operation of the
low oil sensing system, your vehicle should be on a
level surface. A false CHECK OIL LEVEL message may
appear if the vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil
level sensing system does not check for actual oil level
if the engine has been off for a short period of time,
and the oil level is never checked while the engine is
running. If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears,
and your vehicle has been parked on level ground
with the engine off for at least 30 minutes, the oil level
should be checked by observing the oil dipstick. Prior to
checking the oil level, be sure the engine has been
off for a few minutes and your vehicle is on a level
surface. Then check the dipstick and add oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE – 144:This message is
displayed when the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system
detects a low or high tire pressure condition in one or
more of the road tires.By pressing the INFO button up or down, the DIC
display will show which tire or tires do not have the
correct in ation pressure. The system will display the air
pressure, the tire location (LF, RF, RR or LR), and
LOW TIRE if the air pressure is low or HIGH TIRE if the
air pressure is high. The tire pressure information is
available in English or metric measurements. For
example, a driver’s side front tire that is low may be
shown as: 22 PSI LF TIRE LOW.
The correct tire in ation pressure should be set to those
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-30for the location
of this label. For more information regarding proper tire
in ation, seeIn ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-65.
If a tire is low, you should stop as soon as possible
and inspect your tire(s) for damage. If a tire is at,
seeIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-76.
Once the TPM system detects the low or high tire
pressure condition, the message CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE will be displayed whenever you start the
engine. To remove or clear the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE message, you will need to set the tire(s) to
the proper tire pressure. SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-65. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-68for more information.
3-62
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 — such as after
a day’s work — 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?
4-22
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P).
2. Have someone place chocks behind the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then shift into
PARK (P) rmly and apply your parking brake.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine,
Shift into a gear, and
Make sure the parking brake has released.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transaxle uid (do
not over ll), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and
brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly. If you
are trailering, it is a good idea to review this information
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
4-43
Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Speci cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-14
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-17
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-49
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-50
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-51
Headlamps..................................................5-51
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Parking and
Cornering Lamps.......................................5-55
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and De nitions.....................5-62
In ation - Tire Pressure.................................5-65
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-68
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-69
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-70
Buying New Tires.........................................5-71
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-73
Wheel Replacement......................................5-73
Tire Chains..................................................5-75
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work properly.
In most cases, you should not have to add anything to
your fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency regulations. General
Motors recommends that you buy gasolines that are
advertised to help keep fuel injectors and intake valves
clean. If your vehicle experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, try a different brand of gasoline.
Also, your GM dealer has additives that will help correct
and prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if
they comply with the speci cations described earlier.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
system and also damage the plastic and rubber
parts. That damage would not be covered under
your warranty.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.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-6