Starting the Gasoline Engine
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter for your engine. Use this number to
verify the type of engine in your vehicle. SeeVehicle
Identi cation Number (VIN) on page 5-91. Follow the
proper steps to start the engine.
To start a diesel engine, seeStarting the Diesel Engine
on page 2-15.
Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move your shift lever to
NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P), if so equipped. Your engine
will not start in any other position — that is a safety
feature.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to neutral NEUTRAL (N)
and hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the
engine.
Starter Motor Operation
•The starter motor will disengage if you release the
key or the engine reaches a predetermined engine
speed.
•To prevent overheating, the starter motor will
disengage after continuously operating for
15 seconds. You must release the key from the
start position to re-engage the starter.
•The starter motor will not engage if the engine is
already running.
•The starter motor will disengage if, after
two seconds, the starter pinion gear does not
engage the flywheel or there is no engine rpm signal
from the engine speed sensor.
2-13
Starting Your Engine
1. Turn your ignition key to RUN.
Observe the wait to start light. SeeWait to Start
Indicator (Diesel Engine) on page 3-37. This
light may not come on if the engine is hot.
If you have a Caterpillar
®diesel engine, see your
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for proper wait to start light operation.
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with a DURAMAX
®6600
engine, it 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 OFF. Wait
one minute for the starter to cool, then try the same
steps again.
If you are trying to start your engine after you have run
out of fuel, seeRunning Out of Fuel on page 5-17.
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 is 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.
2-16
Engine Checks Before Operating
When you have started your engine, let it run for
20 to 30 seconds before you put a load on the engine.
But do not leave the vehicle while the engine is running.
Avoid unnecessary idling of diesel engine equipped
vehicles.
If the engine idles too long, the temperature of the
engine coolant will fall below the normal operating
range. Low engine operating temperature causes
several conditions which affect engine operation and
reduce engine life.
The engine should be permitted to go through a
warm-up period. Operate the vehicle at a minimum
of 600 rpm during the warm-up period. During this period
and during operation, the following observations
should be made.During this warm-up period, check your warning lights
and gages:•If oil pressure does not begin to rise within
15 seconds of starting, stop the engine and find the
cause. SeeOil Pressure Gage on page 3-38for
more information.
•If the engine coolant temperature gage needle goes
into the hot area on the gage, stop the engine and
find the cause of the overheating. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-36for more
information.
•If you have air brakes, the dual-needle air pressure
gage should read at least 115 psi (790 kPa) for
both service systems before you try to move
the vehicle. When air pressure is below 60 psi
(420 kPa), the LOW AIR light will come on and you
will hear a tone alarm. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-33for more information. If the
pressure does not build up or drops during warm-up,
stop the engine and find the cause before you try
to move the vehicle. Recommended air pressure
before driving is 120 psi (830 kPa). SeeAir
Pressure Gage on page 3-47for more information.
2-24
Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Marker Lamps..............................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Instrument Panel Switchbank..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-19
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-20Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-24
Rear Heating System....................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-25
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-26
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-27
Trip Odometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-28
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-28
Safety Belt Reminder Tone............................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Airbag Off Light............................................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-32
Service Transmission Warning Light................3-32
Range Inhibit Warning Indicator......................3-33
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-33
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-35
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light . . .3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have an ashtray and a cigarette lighter
located in the center floor console. To open the
removable ashtray, flip open the top.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way and let
it go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it
is heating will not allow the lighter to back away
from the heating element when it is hot. Damage
from overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With these systems, you can control the heating,
cooling and ventilation for your vehicle.
If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, the
controls will look like this:
Turn the mode knob on the far right clockwise or
counterclockwise to direct the airflow inside of your
vehicle.Vehicles Without Air Conditioning
3-20
Outlet Adjustment
Your vehicle has air outlets on the instrument panel that
allow you to adjust the direction and amount of airflow
inside the vehicle.
Move the lever on the outlet up or down to direct the
airflow. Increase or reduce the amount of airflow
by opening and closing the louvers. The outlets can be
moved side-to-side to direct the airflow.
Operation Tips
•
Keep the hood and front air inlets free of ice, snow,
or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The
heater and defroster will work far better, reducing
the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
•Keep the air path under the front seats clear
of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.
•Adding outside equipment to the front of your
vehicle, such as hood-air deflectors, may affect the
performance of the heating and air conditioning
system. Check with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Rear Heating System
If you have a crew cab
and your vehicle has a
rear heater, the
thumbwheel for this
feature is located on the
headliner.
To increase and decrease the flow of heated air to the
rear floor vents, turn the thumbwheel to the desired
fan speed. To turn the fan off, turn the thumbwheel all
the way down.
3-24
Trailer Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If your vehicle is connected
to a trailer with anti-lock
brakes, this light should
come on briefly, as a
check, when you turn on
the ignition.
When this light comes on and stays on, it means there
is something wrong in the trailer anti-lock brake
system. Have the system repaired immediately.
If an anti-lock brake system equipped trailer is not
connected, this light is not functional.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine
coolant might have overheated and your engine may be
too hot. You should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-40. If you have a
Caterpillar
®diesel engine, also see your Caterpillar®
Operation & Maintenance Manual.
United StatesCanada
3-36
Service............................................................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Engine Fan Breakage.....................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Diesel Engine Fuel.........................................5-7
What Fuel to Use...........................................5-8
Very Cold Weather Operation.........................5-10
Water in Fuel...............................................5-10
Running Out of Fuel.....................................5-17
Fuel Filter Replacement.................................5-18
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................5-19
Filling the Tank............................................5-20
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-21
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-22
Hood Latches...............................................5-22
Engine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine).............5-24
Engine Oil (DURAMAX®Diesel)......................5-24
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)..........................5-28
Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline Engine)........5-31
Engine Oil Life System (DURAMAX
®Diesel).....5-33
Engine Oil Life System
(Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine).........................5-34Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-35
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-36
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-37
Engine Coolant
(Gas and DURAMAX
®Engines)...................5-38
Engine Coolant (Caterpillar®Diesel Engines).....5-40
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-40
Engine Overheating.......................................5-40
Cooling System
(Gas and DURAMAX
®Engines)...................5-42
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-47
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-47
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-48
Brakes........................................................5-49
Battery........................................................5-58
Jump Starting...............................................5-59
Rear Axle.......................................................5-64
Rear Axle Shift Motor....................................5-65
Four-Wheel Drive............................................5-65
Front Axle......................................................5-66
Noise Control System.....................................5-67
Tampering with Noise Control System
Prohibited.................................................5-67
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-68
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-69
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1