Hydraulic Brake System
Warning Lights
Vehicles with hydraulic brake systems have two brake
system warning lights on the instrument panel.
If the BRAKE system
warning light comes on, it
means that the fluid
level in the master cylinder
reservoir is low or there
is another problem
with your hydraulic brakes.
When it comes on, you will also hear a warning tone.
The BRAKE system warning light may come on, and the
warning tone may sound, when you’re turning and
braking at the same time. This is normal. See “Hydraulic
Brake Systems” underBraking on page 4-5.If the service brakes soon
warning light comes on, it
means there may be
something wrong in the
brake system.
When this light comes on, you will also hear a warning
tone. Have the system repaired immediately.
Both of these lights should come on briefly every time
you start your engine. If they don’t come on then,
have them fixed so they will be ready to warn you if
there’s a problem. If one or both of these warning lights
stay on after you start the engine, there could be a
brake problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
If one or both of these lights come on while you are
driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You
may notice that the pedal is harder to push, or the pedal
may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop.
If the BRAKE light is still on, have the vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-35. See
“Hydraulic Brake Systems” underBraking on page 4-5
for further information.
3-32
Engine Coolant (Gas and
DURAMAX
®Engines)
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended 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, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-38.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 252°F (122°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
5-36
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy
vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or high outside
temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages. So you may hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and should not be mistaken as the
transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is merely
the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will
slow down when additional cooling is not required and
the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-5to determine
when to check your power steering fluid.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine is not warm, you probably will not
get an accurate reading.
If the fluid level is between the MIN (Minimum) and
MAX (Maximum) marks, you have enough. If you need
fluid, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring it
in between the MIN and MAX marks.
If your power steering fluid level is low, this can cause
the brake or service brakes soon warning lights to come
on. In addition, the steering effort and emergency
brake distance could increase.
If either light remains on after you have added power
steering fluid to the proper level, then shut off the engine
for 10 seconds. This should reset the brake warning
lights. If one or both lights stay on, see “Hydraulic Brake
System Warning Lights” underBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-31for more information.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, seePart C:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-32.
Notice:When adding power steering uid or
making a complete uid change, always use the
proper uid. Failure to use the proper uid can
cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-45
Be sure to replace fuses with fuses of the same rating. Do not use fuses of higher amperage than those indicated on
the fuse block.
Circuit Breaker Usage
1 Stoplamps
2 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
3 Parking Lamps
4 Powertrain Control Module
5 Auxiliary Wiring
6 Heater/Air Conditioning
7 Hazard Warning Flashers
8 Power PostCircuit Breaker Usage
9 Courtesy Lamps
10Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
11 Starter
12 Rear Axle/Four-Wheel-Drive
13Trailer Turn Signals/Hazard Warning
Flashers
14 Radio/Chime
15 Daytime Running Lamps
5-90
Engine Cooling System Service
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace as needed. Clean
the outside of the radiator and air conditioning
condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure
test of the cooling system and pressure cap is
recommended at least once a year.
Exhaust System Check
Be alert for any changes in the sound of the exhaust
system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the
system may be leaking. Have it checked and/or repaired
at once. Refer toEngine Exhaust on page 2-43and
Running the Engine While Parked on page 2-44.
Windshield Wipers and Washers Check
Check operation and condition of the wiper blades.
Check the flow of the washer spray.
Defroster Check
Move the control to the defrost symbol and the fan to HI
or the high symbol. Then check the airflow from the
ducts at the inside base of the windshield.
Mirrors and Sun Visors Check
Check that friction joints hold mirrors and sun visors
in place.
Seat Adjuster Check
When adjusting a manual seat, be sure seat adjusters
latch by attempting to move the seat after latching.
Lamps Check
Check panel lighting, warning lights, indicator lights, and
interior lamps. On the outside, check: license plate
lamps, sidemarker lamps, reflectors or lights on outside
mirrors, headlamps, parking lamps, identification and
clearance lamps, taillamps, brake lamps, turn signals,
backup lamps, and hazard warning flashers. Have
headlamp aim checked at once if beams seem
improperly aimed.
Glass, Mirrors, Lamps and/or
Re ectors Condition Check
Look for broken, scratched, dirty, or damaged glass,
mirrors, lamps, or reflectors that could reduce the view
or visibility or cause injury. Replace, clean or repair
promptly.
6-30
W
Wait to Start Indicator......................................3-36
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-24
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-42
Water
Fuel..........................................................5-10
Water in Fuel Warning Light.............................3-43
What Fuel to Use............................................. 5-8
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-73
Front Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs................5-69
Loading......................................................5-71
Replacement...............................................5-77
Tightening the Wheel Nuts............................5-73Where to Put the Restraint.......................1-36, 1-38
Windows......................................................... 2-8
Manual........................................................ 2-8
Power......................................................... 2-9
Sliding Rear................................................2-10
Windshield
Wiper Blades, Cleaning................................5-84
Windshield Washer.........................................3-10
Fluid..........................................................5-46
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-65
Fuses........................................................5-88
Windshield Wipers......................................... 3-9
Winter Driving................................................4-26
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14