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
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired.Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See
Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-26for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-89.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-27for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do
not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are
any opened or broken airbag covers, have the
airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For
the location of the airbag modules, seeWhat
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-53. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
1-59
Engine Starter Over-Crank
Protection
The vehicle may have an engine starter over-crank
protection system. If the starter motor overheats and
shuts off due to over-cranking, the motor must cool down
before it will reset and allow starter operation. It can take
up to six minutes before the starter will work again.
Starting the Gasoline Engine
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter for the engine. Use this number
to verify the type of engine in the vehicle. SeeVehicle
Identification Number (VIN) on page 5-94. Follow
the proper steps to start the engine.
To start a diesel engine, seeStarting the Diesel Engine
on page 2-14.
Automatic Transmission
Set the parking brake and move the shifter to N (Neutral)
or P (Park), if so equipped. The engine will not start in
any other position.
Manual Transmission
Set the parking brake, shift to N (Neutral) 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.
2-12
Airbag Readiness Light
If your vehicle has airbags, there is an airbag readiness
light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag
symbol. The system checks the airbag’s electrical
system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. The system check includes the
airbag sensors, the airbag modules, the wiring, the
passenger airbag suppression circuit and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on
the airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-48.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will flash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out. This
means the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your airbag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.The airbag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON/RUN or
START. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
3-27
Cassette Tape Messages
ERR (Error):If the player detects a tight or broken
tape, this message displays and the player ejects the
tape. The radio goes back to playing the last station
selected.
CLN (Clean):If this message displays, the cassette
tape player needs to be cleaned. It still plays tapes, but
it should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent
damage to the tapes and player. See “Care of the
Cassette Tape Player” later in this section.
If the cassette is not playing correctly, for any other
reason, try a known good cassette.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your dealer/retailer. If the radio
displays an error message, write it down and provide it
to your dealer/retailer when reporting the problem.
CD Adapter Kits
It is possible to use a portable CD player adapter kit
with the cassette tape player after deactivating the
tight/loose tape sensor feature on the tape player.
To deactivate this feature, use the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TAPE button for two seconds
until one beep is produced. CAS flashes, indicating
that the TIGHT/LOOSE TAPE sensor feature is
no longer active.
4. Insert the adapter into the cassette slot.
The override feature remains active until the
Zbutton
is pressed.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of the
vehicle’s radio by learning a portion of the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). The radio does not operate
if it is stolen or moved to a different vehicle.
3-57
Fuel Filter Replacement
If you want to change the diesel engine fuel filter
yourself, here is how to do it:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is flammable. It could start a fire if
something ignites it, and you could be burned.
Do not let it get on hot engine parts, and keep
matches or other ignition sources away.
First, drain any water from the filter by following the
water draining procedure earlier in this section.
The vehicle’s engine should be off until the end of this
procedure.If the vehicle has the 6.6L engine, the fuel filter is located
in the engine compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. If the vehicle has either the 7.2L or 7.8L engine,
the fuel filters are located in the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle, and on the driver side
frame rail in front of the fuel tank.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Unplug the water
sensor wire connected
to the fuel filter and
unscrew the filter
element.
3. Remove the filter element. If there is any dirt on the
filter sealing surface, clean it off. Remove and reuse
the water sensor float switch located on the bottom of
the fuel filter.
5-18
4. Install the new filter element.
5. Reinstall and tighten the filter container and
reconnect the water sensor wire to the filter.
6. Use the fuel filter priming procedure earlier in this
section to prime the fuel filter.
7. Tighten the air bleed valve by turning it clockwise
until hand-tight.
8. Start the engine and let it idle for five minutes.
Check the fuel filter and air bleed valve for leaks.
How to Reset Fuel Filter Change
Light - DURAMAX 6.6L (LMM) Engine
The engine controller calculates when to change the fuel
filter based on vehicle and fuel use. Whenever the
fuel filter is changed, reset the fuel filter light so
the engine controller can calculate when the next fuel
filter change is required. If the fuel filter is ever changed
prior to a change fuel filter light being turned on,
reset the fuel filter change light.To reset the Fuel Filter Change light:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off
2. Fully press the accelerator and brake pedals at the
same time for 10 seconds. If the Fuel Filter Change
light flashes for 5 seconds, the system is resetting.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the Fuel Filter Change light comes back on when you
start the vehicle, the light has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure. SeeChange Fuel Filter Warning Light on
page 3-45for more information.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-19
(4)= Applies to vehicles sold in the United States and is
recommended for vehicles sold in Canada.
(5)= Check fluidlevel in brake master cylinder, power
steering pump, front and rear axles, transmission, and
hydraulic spring parking brake pump (if equipped). A low
fluid level in the brake master cylinder can indicate worn
brake linings and should be checked accordingly.
(6)= Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect caliper assemblies. Check brake pedal for
excessive free play or travel (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first) and have serviced if needed.
Check brakes more often if driving habits and conditions
result in frequent braking.
(7)= Check for filter ash, sensor adjustment, and
sensor hose restriction. Clean as needed. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service.
(8)= This vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System. This
system will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter — usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come
on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your
gasoline engine vehicle more than 7,500 miles
(12 000 km) or 12 months without an oil and filter
change.Remember to reset the Engine Oil Life System
whenever the oil is changed. For more information, see
Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-35
orEngine Oil Life System (DURAMAX/Isuzu Diesel
Engines) on page 5-36orEngine Oil Life System
(Caterpillar Diesel Engine) on page 5-38.
(9)= This vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System. This
system will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter — usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
15,000 miles (24 000 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come
on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your
diesel engine vehicle more than 15,000 miles
(24 000 km), or 12 months, or 750 engine hours,
without an oil and filter change.
Remember to reset the Engine Oil Life System
whenever the oil is changed. For more information, see
Engine Oil Life System (Gasoline Engine) on page 5-35
orEngine Oil Life System (DURAMAX/Isuzu Diesel
Engines) on page 5-36orEngine Oil Life System
(Caterpillar Diesel Engine) on page 5-38.
(10)= Inspect rear axle air shift motor for fluid leaks.
Remove plug to check fluid level. Inspect air lines
and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, etc.
Inspect at 1,000 miles (1 600 km) and 22,500 miles
(36 000 km) and then every 22,500 miles (36 000 km)
thereafter.
6-21