Page 54 of 376
{CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to, any
airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or
killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer
protection for adults and older children, but not for
young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s
safety belt system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young children and infants
need the protection that a child restraint system
can provide. Always secure children properly in
your vehicle. To read how, seeOlder Children on
page 1-28orInfants and Young Children on
page 1-32.
There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
symbol.The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-27
for more information.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the steering
wheel.
1-50
Page 62 of 376

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 7-10.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, front sensors, or airbag wiring can affect
the operation of the airbag system.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
1-58
Page 69 of 376

1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object
inserted into the slot near the key ring hole.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Insert the new battery, positive (+) side down.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.4. Align the transmitter back together.
5. Check the operation of the transmitter. If the
transmitter does not work after battery replacement,
it may need to be resynchronized to the vehicle.
SeeResynchronizationfollowing.
Resynchronization
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the
security method used by this system. The transmitter
does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The
receiver will not respond to a signal it has been sent
previously. This prevents anyone from recording
and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
To resynchronize the transmitter, stand close to the
vehicle and simultaneously press and hold the LOCK
and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for at least
five seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm
resynchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see
your dealer/retailer for service.
2-5
Page 176 of 376

Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory
power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause station
frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations boost the power levels
during the day, and then reduce these levels during the
night. Static can also occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio reception. When this
happens, try reducing the treble on your radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals reach
only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or
hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound
to fade in and out.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged as long as it is securely attached
to the base. If the mast becomes slightly bent, straighten
it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure the antenna is
tightened to its base. If tightening is required, tighten by
hand until fully seated plus one quarter turn.
Chime Level Adjustment
The radio is used to adjust the vehicle’s chime level.
To change the volume level of the chime, press and hold
pushbutton 6 with the ignition on and the radio power
off. The volume level will change from the normal
level to loud, and HI will appear on the radio display.
To change back to the default or normal setting, press
and hold pushbutton 6 again. The volume level will
change from the loud level to normal, and LO will appear
on the radio display. Each time the chime volume is
changed, three chimes will sound as an example of the
new volume selected. Removing the radio and not
replacing it with a factory radio or chime module will
disable vehicle chimes.
3-58
Page 197 of 376

The Certification label also tells you the maximum
weight for the front and rear axles, called the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads
on your front and rear axles, go to a weigh station and
weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with
this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, spread it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of the vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else — they go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
•Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
•Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some
of them are above the tops of the seats.
•Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
•When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
•Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
4-21
Page 218 of 376

Priming the 7.8L Duramax®Diesel Engine
If the vehicle is equipped with the 7.8L Duramax®diesel
engine, use the following procedure to prime the engine:
1. Make sure there is fuel in the fuel tank.
2. Make sure the specified fuel filter is properly
installed.
3. Make sure the fuel lines are securely connected.4. Make sure the fuel filter is cool to the touch.
5. Use a clean cloth to remove dirt and oil from the
fuel filter head and breather valve.
6. Use the palm of your hand to repeatedly press
and release the plunger at the top of the fuel filter
priming pump. Continue until the plunger resistance
becomes firm. This may take from 20 to 100 times,
depending upon fuel tank location.
7. Turn the fuel filter breather valve screw
counterclockwise several turns to open the
breather valve.
8. Use the palm of your hand to repeatedly press and
release the plunger at the top of the fuel filter
priming pump until fuel begins to seep from the
breather valve.
9. Tighten the fuel filter breather screw to the specified
torque, 4.9Y(43 lbs. in.).
10. Use the palm of your hand to press and release the
plunger at the top of the fuel filter priming pump
about 20 more times. This sends fuel to the engine.
11. Use a clean cloth to remove any fuel from the fuel
filter and surrounding area.
12. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few
minutes.
13. Check the fuel filter for leakage.
5-16
Page 225 of 376
Hood Latches
To tilt the hood forward, pull back and up on each of the
hood latches, located above the wheel wells on both
sides of the vehicle.Then take the hand hold and pull the hood forward.
When you tilt the hood far enough, there are cables that
will support it. When you close the hood, make sure
both latches are secured.
5-23
Page 242 of 376

How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filters (Gas V8 8.1L, Caterpillar 7.2L and
Isuzu 7.8L Diesel Engines)
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and
the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into the engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/filter in place when you are driving.
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the center of
the engine compartment.To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter:
1. Disconnect the air
compressor hose by
pinching the connector
ring to release the
connector lock.
2. Unclip the four clips that hold the upper housing to
the lower housing and remove the upper housing.
3. Remove the filter from the vehicle and lightly shake
the filter to release loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.
4. Reinstall the upper housing and make sure that the
air compressor hose is reconnected by pushing the
connector back onto the port. Listen for the
connector to click to be sure that the air compressor
hose is securely locked and connected. Isuzu 7.8L Diesel Only
5-40