
Driving in Water
{WARNING:
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous.
Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers could drown. If it is
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean flash flooding, and flood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before driving through it.
Do not try it if it is deep enough to cover the wheel
hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe — you probably will not get
through. Deep water can damage the axle and other
vehicle parts.If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.
At faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition system
and the vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if
you get the tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is under
water, you will never be able to start the engine.
When going through water, remember that when the
brakes get wet, it might take longer to stop. SeeDriving
in Rain and on Wet Roads on page 5-26.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system
for damage and check the fuel lines and cooling system
for any leakage.
The vehicle requires more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.
5-24

{WARNING:
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 your weight
ratings. Ask your dealer/retailer to help you load
your vehicle the right way.
Notice
:Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not overload the vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle — like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything
else — they will go as fast as the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{WARNING:
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.
There is also important loading information for
off-road driving in this manual.
See“Loading Your
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving”underOff-Road
Driving on page 5-13.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle Weight
rating (GAWR) of the front or rear axle.
5-39

Use the following chart to determine how much the vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and options.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
2WD Regular Cab
2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.73 3,400 lbs (1 542 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73 2,400 lbs (1 089 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.73 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg)
2WD Extended Cab
2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.73 3,200 lbs (1 452 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission3.42
3.736,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension3.42 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg)
2WD Crew Cab
2.9L L4 Automatic Transmission 3.73 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg) 7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)
2.9L L4 Manual Transmission 3.73 2,100 lbs (953 kg) 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg)
3.7L L5 Automatic Transmission 3.73 5,500 lbs (2 495 kg) 9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission3.42
3.736,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 10,400 lbs (4 717 kg)
5.3L V8 Automatic Transmission,
ZQ8 Sport Suspension3.42 3,800 lbs (1 724 kg) 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg)
5-50

Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING:
Putting a used wheel on the vehicle is dangerous.
You cannot know how it has been used or how
far it has been driven. It could fail suddenly and
cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel,
use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{WARNING:
If your vehicle has P215/70R16, P235/75R16,
P265/70R17, or P235/50R18 size tires, do not use
tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because
there is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes, suspension, or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive
slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle. Do not spin the vehicle’s
wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires.
6-78

•Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
•Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven
in dusty conditions only). SeeEngine Air Cleaner/
Filter on page 6-20.
•Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
MaintenanceII
•Perform all services described in MaintenanceI.
•Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear.
•Engine cooling system inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
•Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield and wiper blade
cleaning, if contaminated. SeeWindshield and Wiper
Blades on page 6-107. Worn or damaged wiper
blade replacement. SeeWindshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 6-55.
•Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, and
folding seat hardware lubrication. Lubricate hood
safety lever pivot and prop rod pivot and tailgate
latch bolt, handle assembly pivot points, and hinges.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-10. More frequent lubrication may be required
when vehicle is exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak.
•Restraint system component check. SeeChecking
the Restraint Systems on page 2-81.
•Automatic transmission fluid level check and adding
fluid, if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
on page 6-21.
•Four-wheel drive vehicles: Transfer case fluid level
check and adding fluid, if needed.
•Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
7-4

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.••
Engine coolant level check.••
Windshield washer fluid level check.••
Tire inflation pressures check.••
Tire wear inspection.••
Rotate tires.••
Fluids visual leak check.••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only).••
Brake system inspection.••
Steering and suspension inspection.•
Engine cooling system inspection.•
Windshield wiper blades inspection.•
Body components lubrication.•
Restraint system components check.•
Automatic transmission fluid level check.•
Four-wheel drive only: Transfer case fluid level check.•
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles not driven in dusty conditions).•
7-7

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your
vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-GMC-8782 (1-800-462-8782), or write:
GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin
contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis
and service of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
8-15