Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between thetires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet icecan occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rainbegins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoiddriving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can betreated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerategently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quicklycauses the wheels to spin and makes the surface underthe tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate toofast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surfaceunder the tires even more.
TheTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6improves the ability to accelerate on slippery roads, butslow down and adjust your driving to the roadconditions. When driving through deep snow, turn offthe traction control system to help maintain vehiclemotion at lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-4improvesvehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,but apply the brakes sooner than when on drypavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery roadand watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur onotherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surfaceof a curve or an overpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
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Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation.Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.If possible, use theRoadside Service on page 8-7.To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
•Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3.
•Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{WARNING:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
•Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blockingthe exhaust pipe.
•Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•Open a window about 5 cm (two inches) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from thewind to bring in fresh air.
•Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
•Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle andset the fan speed to the highest setting.See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, seeEngine Exhaust on page 3-34.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gasto get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.You cannot see it or smell it, so you might notknow it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow fromaround the base of your vehicle, especially anythat is blocking the exhaust.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods asneeded to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine offand close the window most of the way to save heat.
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Loading the Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight yourvehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehiclecapacity weight and includes the weight of alloccupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installedoptions. Two labels on your vehicle show how muchweight it may properly carry, the Tire and LoadingInformation label and the Certification label.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), oreither the maximum front or rear Gross AxleWeight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on thevehicle can break, and it can change the wayyour vehicle handles. These could cause youto lose control and crash. Also, overloadingcan shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Informationlabel is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar(B-pillar). With the driver’s door open, you will findthe label attached below the door lock post(striker). The Tire and Loading Information labelshows the number of occupant seating positions(A), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight(B) in kilograms and pounds.
Label Example
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Notice:Overloading the vehicle may causedamage. Repairs would not be covered by thevehicle warranty. Do not overload the vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle, likesuitcases, tools, packages, or anything else, theywill go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you haveto stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, theywill keep going.
{WARNING:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strikeand injure people in a sudden stop or turn, orin a crash.
•Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In
a trunk, put them as far forward as youcan. Try to spread the weight evenly.
•Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that someof 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.
Automatic Level Control
This feature keeps the rear of your vehicle levelas the load changes. It is automatic, you donot need to adjust anything.
This type of level control is fully automatic and willprovide a better leveled riding position as well asbetter handling under a variety of passenger andloading conditions. An air compressor connected tothe rear shocks will raise or lower the rear of thevehicle to maintain proper vehicle height. Thesystem is activated when the ignition key is turnedto ON/RUN and will automatically adjust vehicleheight thereafter. The system may exhaust(lower vehicle height) for up to ten minutes afterthe ignition key has been turned to LOCK/OFF.You may hear the air compressor operating whenthe height is being adjusted.
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Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-70If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-70Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-71Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage . . . . . . . . .6-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-83Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . .6-88Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-90
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-91Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-91Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-92Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-93Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-96
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-96Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-97Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-97Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100
Electrical System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6-100Headlamp Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Windshield Wiper Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Power Windows and Other Power Options . . . . . .6-101Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101Underhood Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101Rear Underseat Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Capacities and Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
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Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained andsupported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modifications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added tothe vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance andsafety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,traction control, and stability control. Some of theseaccessories could even cause malfunction or damage notcovered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from theinstallation or use of non-GM certified parts, includingcontrol module modifications, are not covered under theterms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remainingwarranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement andfunction with other systems on the vehicle. Your GMdealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuineGM Accessories. When you go to your GMdealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you willknow that GM-trained and supported service technicianswill perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle on page 2-73.
6-3
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is releasedtoo soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from thehook on the fuel door.
{WARNING:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill thetank and wait a few seconds after you have finishedpumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuelfrom painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeWashing Your Vehicle on page 6-95.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until itclicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. Thediagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would allowfuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunctionIndicator Lamp on page 4-57.
The TIGHTEN GAS CAP message displays on theDriver Information Center (DIC) if the fuel cap isnot properly installed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4-67for more information.
{WARNING:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to getthe right type. Your dealer/retailer can get onefor you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fitproperly. This may cause the malfunction indicatorlamp to light and may damage the fuel tank andemissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lampon page 4-57.
6-9
A.Underhood Fuse Block on page 6-101.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting onpage 6-36.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “AddingWasher Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluidon page 6-31.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-23.
E. Remote Negative (!) Terminal. SeeJump Startingon page 6-36.
F.Power Steering Fluid on page 6-30.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 6-13.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 6-13.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”underBrakes on page 6-32.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick(Out of View). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid onpage 6-19.
K.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-17.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at eachfuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil mustbe warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12forthe location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutesto drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, theoil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towelor cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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