Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold In ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kiloPascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from
driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-51.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-28.GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
KiloPascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.
Maximum In ation Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
5-49
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or
bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on
the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended In ation Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure and
shown on the tire placard. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-51andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called “wear bars,” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-53.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards):A
tire information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature, and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-55.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-28.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See “Tire and Loading Information
Label” underLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
5-50
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
selection width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the Unites States National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, which grades tires by treadwear,
traction and temperature performance. (This applies
only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system does not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver
or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1
1⁄2) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction — AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-55
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
See your GM dealer for more information on purchasing
the following products.
Description Usage
Polishing Cloth
Wax-TreatedInterior and exterior
polishing cloth.
Tar and Road Oil
RemoverRemoves tar, road oil
and asphalt.
Chrome Cleaner
and PolishUse on chrome or
stainless steel.
White Sidewall
Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black
marks from whitewalls.
Vinyl Cleaner Cleans vinyl.
Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime,
smoke and fingerprints.
Chrome and Wire
Wheel CleanerRemoves dirt and grime
from chrome wheels and
wire wheel covers.
Finish EnhancerRemoves dust,
fingerprints, and surface
contaminants. Spray on
wipe off.
Description Usage
Swirl Remover PolishRemoves swirl marks, fine
scratches and other light
surface contamination.
Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches
and protects finish.
Foaming Tire Shine Low
GlossCleans, shines and
protects in one easy step,
no wiping necessary.
Wash Wax ConcentrateMedium foaming
shampoo. Cleans and
lightly waxes.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Spot LifterQuickly and easily
removes spots and stains
from carpets, vinyl and
cloth upholstery.
Odor EliminatorOdorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather and carpet.
See your General Motors parts department for these
products.
5-74
There are spare fuses provided in the engine
compartment fuse block. If you ever have a problem on
the road and do not have a spare fuse, you can
borrow one that has the same amperage. Just pick
a feature of your vehicle that you can get along
without — like the radio or cigarette lighter — and use
its fuse, if it is the correct amperage. Replace it as soon
as you can.
There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the
instrument panel fuse block and the engine compartment
fuse block.
There is a fuse puller located on the engine
compartment fuse block. It can be used to easily
remove fuses from the fuse block.Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block is located on the end of
the instrument panel, on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. To access the fuses, open the fuse panel door
by pulling out.
To reinstall the door, insert the tabs at the back end
first, then push the door into the instrument panel
to secure it.
5-77
Fuses Usage
TRN SIG
LAMPSTurn Signal Lamps
ABS CRUISEAnti-lock Brake System, Cruise
Control System
LTR Cigarette Lighter
CLSTR BTSICluster, Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock/Automatic Transaxle Shift
Lock (BTSI) Solenoid
RKE Remote Keyless Entry
BCK/UP Back-up
BLANK Not Used
TCM Transmission Control Module
CRUISE Cruise Switch (Contact Coil)
ENG FUSE
BOX DRLEngine Fuse Box, Daytime Running
Lamps
HAZRD LAMPS Hazard Lamps
A/C CLK Air Conditioning Switch, Clock
HVACHeating, Ventilation and Air
Conditioning
RKE Remote Keyless Entry
RADIO Radio
S/ROOF Sunroof
DLC Data Link Connector
SPARE SpareEngine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver’s side of the vehicle, near the battery. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location. To access the fuses, press in
the top flap to release the cover.
To reinstall the cover, push the cover until it is secure.
5-79
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services
which should be performed at the intervals specified to
help ensure the safety, dependability and emission
control performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14for further
details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-29for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire In ation Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-45for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
6-18
A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-62
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-75
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-21
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-30
Readiness Light..........................................3-29
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-48
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-62
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-55
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-58
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-62
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................1-55
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....1-56
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................1-53
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-51
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-54
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-33Appearance Care............................................5-66
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-71
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-73
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-70
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-67
Finish Care.................................................5-70
Finish Damage............................................5-72
Glass Surfaces............................................5-69
Instrument Panel.........................................5-69
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-69
Leather......................................................5-68
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-72
Tires..........................................................5-72
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-73
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-74
Vinyl..........................................................5-68
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-69
Weatherstrips..............................................5-69
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-71
Ashtrays........................................................3-19
Audio System(s).............................................3-42
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-52
Backglass Antenna......................................3-54
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-53
Care of Your CDs........................................3-53
Radio with CD....................................3-42, 3-46
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-53
1