To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when
you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so
the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the
battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to
save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-20.If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to
free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off
and use the rocking method.
{WARNING:
If the vehicle’s tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
55 km/h (35 mph) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 6-64.
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Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the vehicle’s center
pillar (B-pillar). With the driver door open, you will
find the label attached below the door lock post
(striker). The Tire and Loading Information label
lists the number of occupant seating positions (A),
and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in
kilograms and pounds.The Tire and Loading Information label also lists the
tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and the
recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D).
For more information on tires and inflation, see
Tires on page 6-43andIn ation - Tire Pressure
on page 6-49.
There is also important loading information on the
Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle, see
“Certification Label” later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
Label Example
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Service............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements.............................................6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of the Vehicle.............................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-6
Gasoline Octane............................................6-6
Gasoline Specifications....................................6-7
California Fuel...............................................6-7
Additives.......................................................6-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-8
Filling the Tank..............................................6-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-12
Hood Release..............................................6-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-14
Engine Oil...................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-22
Cooling System............................................6-22
Engine Coolant.............................................6-23
Engine Overheating.......................................6-28Windshield Washer Fluid................................6-30
Brakes........................................................6-31
Battery........................................................6-34
Jump Starting...............................................6-35
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-39
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-39
Halogen Bulbs..............................................6-39
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................6-40
License Plate Lamp.....................................
.6-41
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-42
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-42
Tires..............................................................6-43
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................6-44
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................6-46
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................6-49
High-Speed Operation...................................6-50
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-51
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................6-52
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-55
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-57
Buying New Tires.........................................6-58
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-59
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-60
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-61
Wheel Replacement......................................6-62
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
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Tire Chains..................................................6-64
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-65
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit....................6-66
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage.........6-73
Appearance Care............................................6-73
Interior Cleaning...........................................6-73
Fabric/Carpet...............................................6-75
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................6-76
Care of Safety Belts......................................6-76
Weatherstrips...............................................6-76
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................6-77
Finish Care..................................................6-78
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................6-78
Aluminum Wheels.........................................6-79
Tires...........................................................6-79Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-80
Finish Damage.............................................6-80
Underbody Maintenance................................6-80
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................6-80
Vehicle Identi cation......................................6-81
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................6-81
Service Parts Identification Label.....................6-81
Electrical System............................................6-82
Intermediate Voltage Devices and Wiring..........6-82
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................6-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................6-82
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......6-83
Fuses.........................................................6-83
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................6-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................6-86
Rear Compartment Fuse Block.......................6-89
Capacities and Speci cations..........................6-92
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
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Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque specifications inCapacities
and Speci cations on page 6-92.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake
linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change in
many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
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Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty booklet
for details. For additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{WARNING:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
•Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much flexing. You could have an air-out
and a serious accident. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 5-20.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•
Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when your vehicle’s tires are
cold. SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-49.
•Overinflated tires are more likely to
be cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
•Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if your
vehicle’s tires have been damaged,
replace them.
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Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The example below shows a typical
passenger (p-metric) tire sidewall.
(A) Tire Size
:The tire size is a combination of
letters and numbers used to define a particular tire’s
width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and
service description. See the “Tire Size” illustration
later in this section for more detail.(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Speci cation)
:Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a
TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal
safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation)
:The Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identi cation Number (TIN)
:The letters
and numbers following DOT code are the Tire
Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both
sides of the tire, although only one side may have
the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord and number
of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based on
three performance factors: treadwear, traction and
temperature resistance. For more information see
Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 6-60.Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
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Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid
at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between the tread
and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code assigned to
a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire and the
road surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of a
tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 6-57.UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system that
provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings
are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform
Tire Quality Grading on page 6-60.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number of
designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 5-20.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:Load on
an individual tire due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently attached to
a vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underLoading the Vehicle
on page 5-20.
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