OFF:Turn the band to OFF to turn off the wipers.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If the blades do
become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Your vehicle is equipped with wiper-activated
headlamps. After the windshield wipers have been on
for approximately six seconds, the headlamps will
automatically turn on. SeeWiper Activated Headlamps
on page 3-16for more information.Rainsense™ II Wipers
If your vehicle has this feature, the moisture sensor is
mounted on the interior side of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror. It is used to automatically operate the
wipers by monitoring the amount of moisture build-up on
the windshield. Wipes occur as needed to clear the
windshield depending on driving conditions and
the sensitivity setting. In light rain or snow, fewer wipes
will occur. In heavy rain or snow, wipes will occur
more frequently. The Rainsense™ II wipers operate in a
delay mode as well as a continuous low or high speed
as needed. If the system is left on for long periods
of time, occasional wipes may occur without any
moisture on the windshield. This is normal and indicates
that the Rainsense™ II system is activated.
The Rainsense™ II system can be activated by turning
the wiper band to one of the ve sensitivity levels
indicated on the wiper stalk. The position closest to OFF
is the lowest sensitivity setting, level one. This allows
more rain or snow to collect on the windshield between
wipes. Turning the wiper band away from you to
higher sensitivity levels increases the sensitivity of the
system and frequency of wipes. The highest sensitivity
setting, level ve is closest to LO. A single wipe will
occur each time you turn the wiper stalk to a higher
sensitivity level to indicate that the sensitivity level has
been increased.
3-10
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road,
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank lled
with washer uid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before you
hit them.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
4-18
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
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-76
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-77
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-78
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-80
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools.................................................5-85
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-86
Appearance Care............................................5-87
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-87
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-89
Leather.......................................................5-89
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-90
Wood Panels...............................................5-90
Speaker Covers............................................5-90
Glass Surfaces.............................................5-90
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-91
Weatherstrips...............................................5-91
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-91
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-91
Finish Care..................................................5-92Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-92
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-93
Tires...........................................................5-94
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-94
Finish Damage.............................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance................................5-94
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-94
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-95
Vehicle Identi cation......................................5-96
Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN).................5-96
Service Parts Identi cation Label.....................5-96
Electrical System............................................5-97
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-97
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-97
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-97
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-98
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-98
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..........................5-101
Capacities and Speci cations........................5-106
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Cornering Lamps 3157
Front Turn Signal 3157
Headlamps
Lower High-Beam 9005
Upper Low-Beam 9006
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
and cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information on wiper blade inspection.
It is a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-13.To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY and turn the
wipers on. Position the wipers on the windshield
in the mid-wipe position. Then with a door
open, turn the ignition to OFF.
2. Tip the blade up almost to a T position and push
down on the tab to release the wiper blade
assembly.
3. To install, align the wiper blade with the loop on the
wiper blade assembly, and push up to snap it
into place.
5-56