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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the
chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 471for more information.
Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid (don’t
over ll), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive belt,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these
is covered in this manual, and the Index will
help you nd them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review this information before
you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 372.
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Page 349 of 522

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To
help keep your engine clean and maintain optimum
vehicle performance, GM recommends the use
of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identi cation Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that
identi es your engine. You will nd the VIN at the
top left of the instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identi cation Number (VIN) on page 453.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code 7), use regular unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. For best
performance or trailer towing, you may choose to
use middle grade 89 octane unleaded gasoline.If the octane rating is less than 87, you may notice
an audible knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon
as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking,
your engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 4.6L V8 engine (VIN Code
A), use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. You may also use
regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may be
slightly reduced, and you may notice a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you may
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If
this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.
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Page 373 of 522

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning, can indicate a serious
problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem might not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too
hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in
NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe to
do so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
2. Set the climate controls to the highest heat
setting and fan speed and open the windows,
as necessary.If the coolant warning light is not on or the coolant
temperature gage does not indicate the engine
is overheating, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive
slower for about 10 minutes. If the warnings do
not come back on, drive normally.
If the warnings continue and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warnings are
still indicated, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
You might decide not to lift the hood but to get
service help right away.
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Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be
driven to a safe place in an emergency. Should an
hot engine condition exist, an overheat protection
mode which alternates ring groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, there is
a loss in power and engine performance. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil will be
severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant
loss and change the oil. SeeEngine Oil on
page 360.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is
what you will see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
Some vehicles may be equipped with an
engine driven fan, as well as the electric
pusher fans (A) which are located behind the
vehicle’s grille.
3.6L V6 shown, 4.6L V8 similar
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Page 461 of 522
Mini Fuses Usage
RSM Rear Seat Module, Flip/Fold Motors
DRIVER DR
MODDriver Door Module (Locks, Outside
Rearview Mirror, Window Switches)
STOP LAMPS Not Used
MARKER
LAMPLicense Lamps
LH PRK POS
LAMPSLeft Side Taillamp, Left Side Front
Park Lamps, Sidemarker Lamps
RH PRK
LAMPSRight Side Taillamp, Right Side
Front Park Lamps, Sidemarker
Lamps
TRLR PRK
LAMPSTrailer Park Lamps
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
MEMORY RPAMemory Seat Module, Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) Module
APO Rear Auxiliary Power Outlet
PRK LAMP LH
POSPark Lamp Relay
REAR FOG
LAMPNot Used
RH POS LAMP Right Side TaillampJ Case Fuses Usage
SPARE Spare
ELCElectronic Level Control (ELC)
Compressor
Circuit
BreakersUsage
PWR WNDWS Power Window Motors
Misc. Usage
FUSE PULLER Fuse Puller
JOINT
CONNECTORJoint Connector
461
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