
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
Starting the Diesel Engine
Your diesel engine starts differently than a gasoline
engine.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position — that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
(Pickup Models Only)
Move your shift lever to neutral and hold the clutch pedal
to the floor while starting the engine. Your vehicle won’t
start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down — that’s
a safety feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. Turn your ignition key to RUN.
Observe the wait to start light. SeeWait to Start
Light on page 3-7. This light may not come on if
the engine is hot.
2. As soon as the wait to start light goes off,
immediately turn the ignition key to START.
When the engine starts, let go of the key.
Your engine has a fast warm-up glow plug system.
The wait to start light will illuminate for a much
shorter time than most diesel engines, due to the
rapid heating of the glow plug system.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
Notice:If the wait to start light stays on after
starting your vehicle, your vehicle may not run
properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of
cranking, turn the ignition key to LOCK. Wait
one minute for the starter to cool, then try the
same steps again.
If you’re trying to start your engine after you’ve run
out of fuel, follow the steps inRunning Out of Fuel
on page 5-11.
2-2
ProCarManuals.com

When your engine is cold, let it run for a few minutes
before you move your vehicle. This lets oil pressure
build up. Your engine will sound louder when it’s cold.
Notice:If you are not in an idling vehicle and the
engine overheats, you would not be there to see the
overheated engine indication. This could damage
your vehicle. Do not let your engine run when you are
not in your vehicle.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel Engine)
The following tips will help you get good starting in
cold weather.
Use the recommended engine oil when the outside
temperature drops below freezing. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-21. When the outside temperature drops below
0° F (–18°C), use of the engine coolant heater is
recommended.
If you experience longer cranking times, notice an
unusual amount of exhaust smoke or are at higher
altitudes (over 7,000 ft. or 2 135 m), you may use your
engine coolant heater. SeeEngine Coolant Heater
on page 2-8.
SeeDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System on
page 5-2for information on what fuel to use in cold
weather.
If Your Diesel Engine Won’t Start
If you’ve run out of fuel, look atRunning Out of Fuel
on page 5-11. SeeDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel
System on page 5-2.
If you’re not out of fuel, and your engine won’t start,
do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. Immediately after the wait
to start light goes off, turn the ignition key to START.
If the light doesn’t go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting your engine again. See your dealer as soon
as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know your
batteries are charged, but your engine still won’t start,
your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
your vehicle needs service.
If your batteries don’t have enough charge to start your
engine, see “Battery” in the owner’s manual Index.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that
you’ve changed the oil at the proper times. If you use
the wrong oil, your engine may be harder to start.
2-3
ProCarManuals.com

FUEL FILTER LIFE ###%
This feature is available on vehicles with steering wheel
controls. When the fuel button is pressed and FUEL
FILTER LIFE appears on the display, this information
will give the percentage of fuel filter life remaining.
FUEL FILTER LIFE RESET
This message will appear when a reset is performed
either by using the steering wheel controls or the
following manual procedure.
For vehicles with steering wheel controls, press and
hold the select button for five seconds while the
FUEL FILTER LIFE message is displayed. This
message will appear on the DIC for ten seconds.For vehicles without steering wheel controls, do the
following:
1. Without pressing the pedals, turn the ignition key to
the on position without starting the engine.
2. Wait five seconds.
3. Completely press the brake and the accelerator
pedals simultaneously and hold for ten seconds.
The system is now reset.
4. Turn the ignition key off.
The next time the engine is started, the message will
no longer be displayed. Always reset the FUEL FILTER
LIFE system after a fuel filter change.
CHANGE FUEL FILTER
This message will appear on the DIC for ten seconds
when a fuel filter change is required. SeeFuel Filter
Replacement on page 5-12for more information.
3-10
ProCarManuals.com

5. Open the fuel filter vent
valve by turning the
screw counterclockwise
several full turns. The
vent valve is located
on top of the fuel filter
housing.
6. Repeatedly push down
on the fuel filter priming
pump with the palm of
your hand. The pump
is located on top of the
fuel filter housing. Let
the pump return upward
between pushes.7. Operate the priming pump until a small amount of
fuel seeps from the vent valve. When you see the
fuel, the filter is now full of fuel and the system
should be primed.
8. Close the vent valve. Clean any fuel which
accumulated on the fuel filter. Start the engine and
let idle for a few minutes. Check the filter for leaks.
Q:How do I prime the vehicle? (Van Models)
A:Your vehicle is equipped with an electric priming
pump which is located in front of the fuel tank
under your vehicle. The priming pump is operated
electrically and is designed to bring fuel to the engine
to eliminate any air that may be in the fuel lines.
To prime the engine, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition key on for two minutes. The fuel
pump will be operating and starting the priming
process. Do not start the engine during the first
two minutes.
2. After completing the initial prime in Step 1, turn the
ignition off, then back to start and crank the engine
for 15 seconds.
3. If the engine does not start, repeat Steps 1 and 2
until the engine starts.
5-10
ProCarManuals.com

4. If the engine does not run after repeating Steps 1
and 2 three times, turn the ignition key off for
60 seconds, allowing the Electronic Control
Module (ECM) to reset.
5. Repeat the above steps until the engine starts.
6. If the engine runs, but does not run smoothly,
increase the engine speed slightly by pressing
the accelerator pedal. This will help to force
out air through the system.
7. If the engine starts and runs but stalls again, turn the
ignition key off for 60 seconds to reset the ECM and
repeat the steps above.
8. When the engine starts, let it idle for a few minutes
and check the filters for any leaks.Running Out of Fuel
Pickup Models
If the engine stalls and you think that you have run out
of fuel, do this to restart your engine:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is ammable. It could start a re if it
gets on hot engine parts. You could be burned.
Do not let too much fuel ow from the air bleed
valve, and wipe up any spilled fuel with a cloth.
1. If you are parked on a level surface, add at least
two gallons of fuel. However, if you are parked on a
slope, you may need to add up to five gallons of fuel.
2. Follow the fuel priming procedure earlier in this
section to prime the fuel filter.
3. Close the air bleed valve.
4. Turn the ignition key to START for 10 to 15 seconds
at a time until your engine starts. If the engine tries to
run, but does not run smoothly, increase the rpm a
little using the accelerator pedal. This will help force
air through the system.
5-11
ProCarManuals.com

Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the API service symbol are all you will need for
good performance and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine timing, engine load, and engine temperature, and
not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an engine oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message in pickup models
or a change engine oil light in van models will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving
under the best conditions, the oil life system may not
indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year.
However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who
will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset
the system. It is also important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL message (pickup models) or a change engine oil light
(van models) being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the Engine Oil Life System, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal
three times within five seconds.
Pickup Models: If the OIL LIFE RESET message
flashes for 10 seconds, the system is resetting.
Van Models: If the change engine oil light flashes
for five seconds, the system is reset.
3. Turn the key to LOCK.
If the message or light comes back on when you start
your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset.
Repeat the procedure. If it still does not reset, see your
dealer for service.
5-24
ProCarManuals.com

(g)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.
(h)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, fuel door hinge, locks, latches,
and any folding or moving seat hardware. Pickup
models: Lubricate tailgate hinges, tailgate linkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, and latch bolt. Van models:
Lubricate hood hinges and rear compartment hinges.
More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make
them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(i)Van Models: If the two chassis mounted fuel
lters have not been replaced, or if the vehicle has
been driven 20,000 miles (32 000 km) or more since the
fuel lters were last replaced, replace both fuel lters.(j)Pickup Models: This vehicle has a CHANGE FUEL
FILTER message in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
to tell you when to replace the fuel lter. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Pickup Models Only) on
page 3-9 for more information and how to reset the
message after the fuel lter is replaced. If the fuel lter
has not been replaced, or if the vehicle has been driven
15,000 miles (25 000 km) or more since the fuel lter was
last replaced, replace the lter and reset the message.
(k)Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage
or looseness. Adjust or replace as required. This is a
Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable to vehicles
sold in the United States and recommended for
vehicles sold in Canada.
(l)Check the air intake system installation to assure
that gaskets are properly sealed and that all hose
connections, fasteners, and other components are tight.
Also check to be sure that the air cleaner housing is
properly seated and the cover ts tightly. Tighten
connections and fasteners or replace damaged parts as
necessary. This is a Noise Emission Control Service.
Applicable to vehicles sold in the United States and
recommended for vehicles sold in Canada.
(m)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
6-10
ProCarManuals.com

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See “Parking Brake”
in your owner manual.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench
®
dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
•The ignition should turn to LOCK only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
•The key should come out only in LOCK.
Contact your GM Goodwrench
®dealer if service is
required.
6-13
ProCarManuals.com