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Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery - North
America 0266.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to
use the following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle. See
California Proposition 65 Warning
0 243 and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these things
can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in
costly damage to the vehicle that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Trying to start the vehicle
by pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Good Battery Positive Post
2. Good Battery Negative Post
3. Discharged Battery Positive Post
4. Discharged Battery Negative Grounding Point
The jump start positive post (1) and
negative post (2) are on the battery of
the vehicle providing the jump start.
The jump start positive post (3) and
the negative grounding point (4) for
the discharged battery are on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
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The positive jump start connection for
the discharged battery is under a red
cover. Remove the cover to expose the
terminal.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park)
with an automatic transmission,
or Neutral with a manual
transmission. See Shifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission)
0 190 with an automatic transmission, or
Parking (Manual
Transmission) 0192 with a
manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and
some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts
can injure you badly. Keep your
hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
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6. Connect the other end of the redpositive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the good
battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) grounding point for
the discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash or
hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the
tires to secure the vehicle. Do not
drag a locked wheel/tire while
loading the vehicle. Do not use a
sling type lift to tow the vehicle.
This could damage the vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck
to transport a disabled vehicle. Use
ramps to help reduce approach angles,
if necessary. A towed vehicle should
have its drive wheels off the ground.
Contact Roadside Service or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
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Due to low ramp angles on the
V-Series only, use care when loading
the vehicle onto a flatbed carrier.
Front spring spacers were provided for
lifting the front suspension if more
clearance is necessary when towing.
Front Tow EyeCaution
Improper use of the tow eye can
cause vehicle damage. Use caution
and low speeds to prevent damage
to the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with a tow
eye, only use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from
a flat road surface. Do not use the tow
eye to pull the vehicle from snow,
mud, or sand. The tow eye is
underneath the load floor, near the
spare tire or the compressor kit,
if equipped.
Carefully open the cover in the fascia
by using the small notch that conceals
the tow eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and
turn it until it is fully tightened. When
the tow eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the original
position.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known
as dinghy towing and dolly towing.
Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a
dolly.
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Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that
apply to recreational vehicle
towing. These laws may vary by
region.
. What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the
tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
. What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your dealer
or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
. Is the vehicle ready to be towed?
Just as preparing the vehicle for a
long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed.Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of
the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
If using a shield, only use one that
attaches to the towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do
not tow the vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If a rear-wheel-drive vehicle
must be towed, a dolly or a trailer
should be used. If an all-wheel-drive
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vehicle must be towed, a trailer should
be used. See the information on dolly
towing.
Dolly Towing (Rear-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
To dolly tow a rear-wheel-drive vehicle
from the rear:1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake (Electric) 0201
or Parking Brake (Manual) 0203. 4. Put the vehicle in P (Park).
5. Securely attach the vehicle being
towed to the dolly.
6. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
7. Turn the ignition off.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
Caution
Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground,
or even with only two of its wheels
on the ground, will damage
drivetrain components. Do not tow
an all-wheel-drive vehicle with any
of its wheels on the ground.
All-wheel-drive vehicles can only be
towed with all four wheels on a trailer.
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Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0337.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
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soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See your
dealer for approved cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals,
simulated wood, or flat paint as
damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish may damage
it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish on
the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible. Carbon Fiber Care
Carbon fiber composite parts can be
washed and waxed like any other
parts. Use a clear or black pigmented
wax. See
Composite Materials 0185.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result in
a hazy white finish or pitting. This
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum, chrome or
stainless steel. To prevent damage
always follow these cleaning
instructions:
. Be sure the molding is cool to the
touch before applying any cleaning
solution.
. Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum, chrome or
stainless steel. Some cleaners are highly acidic or contain alkaline
substances and can damage the
moldings.
. Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
. Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
. Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect
and extend the molding finish.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses,
Emblems, Decals, and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps, lenses, emblems,
decals, and stripes. Follow instructions
under "Washing the Vehicle"
previously in this section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic, and
some have a UV protective coating. Do
not clean or wipe them when dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.
Abrasive or caustic agents.