286 VEHICLE CARE
description. The letter“T”as the
first character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary
use only.
(7) TPC Spec (Tire Performance
Criteria Specification)
: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.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The example shows a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter “P”as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and
Rim Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is 60, as shown in item (3) of
the illustration, it would mean
that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire. The
letter “R”means radial ply
construction; the letter “D”means
diagonal or bias ply construction. (5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the load
carrying capacity a tire is certified
to carry. The speed rating is the
maximum speed a tire is certified
to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air
inside the tire pressing outward
on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per
square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories.
Some examples of optional
accessories are automatic
transmission, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
VEHICLE CARE 303
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a flat
tire. If it is used for anything else,
you or others could be badly injured
or killed if the vehicle slips off the
jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers 0143.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack and
roll over or fall causing injury or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
death. Find a level place to change
the tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite corner
of the tire being changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jacking
equipment to change a spare tire
safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0310. To use the tire sealant and compressor kit,
see
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
0 304.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a guide
to assist you in the placement of
wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
304 VEHICLE CARE
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area
with poor ventilation is dangerous.
Engine exhaust may enter the
vehicle. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death. Never run the engine in an
enclosed area that has no fresh air
ventilation. For more information,
seeEngine Exhaust 0183.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the
tire to rupture and you or others
could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the tire sealant and
compressor kit instructions and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
inflate the tire to its recommended
pressure. Do not exceed the
recommended pressure.
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of
the vehicle could cause injury. In a
sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone.
Store the tire sealant and
compressor kit in its original
location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire or tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not
be a place to store a tire. The tire sealant and compressor can
be used to temporarily seal punctures
up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in the tread area
of the tire. It can also be used to
inflate an underinflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from the
wheel, has damaged sidewalls, or has
a large puncture, the tire is too
severely damaged for the tire sealant
and compressor kit to be effective. See
Roadside Service
0353.
Read and follow all of the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
318 VEHICLE CARE
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 remote
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery. 6. Connect the other end of the red
positive (+) 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
remote negative (–) ground
terminal on the driver side shock
tower 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
(Continued)
VEHICLE CARE 321
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 is neither designed nor
intended to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be
used. See the following information on
dolly towing.
Dolly Towing
Driving onto a Dolly
1. Park the vehicle on level ground in front of the dolly and turn the
vehicle off.
2. Make sure the parking brake is released.
3. Press and hold ENGINE START/ STOP with your foot off the
brake for five seconds. 4. Hold the brake pedal and press
the parking brake switch for
15 seconds until the service
parking brake light flashes.
5. While the service parking brake light is still flashing, remove
your foot from the brake pedal
and release the parking brake
switch.
6. Immediately press and release the parking brake switch again
while the service park brake light
is still flashing.
7. Start the vehicle and drive onto the dolly.
8. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
9. Turn off the vehicle.
10. Open the hood.
11. Exit the vehicle and secure the vehicle onto the dolly.
12. Disconnect the negative (–) terminal connector from the
12-volt battery.
13. Close the hood of the vehicle.
322 VEHICLE CARE
Removing the Vehicle from a Dolly1. Make sure the vehicle is secured to the dolly.
2. Open the door and open the hood of the vehicle.
3. Connect the negative (–) terminal connector from the
12-volt battery.
4. Press and hold ENGINE START/ STOP with your foot off the
brake for five seconds.
5. Hold the brake pedal and press the parking brake switch for
five seconds until the parking
brake light flashes.
6. Turn the vehicle off.
7. Unsecure the vehicle and remove it from the dolly.
8. Do not drive in Service Mode with the parking brake set.Towing the Vehicle from
the RearCaution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never have the vehicle
towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
332 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy, and
reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more frequent
checks and services. The Additional
Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0170.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel (3.6L V6 Engine)
0230 or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4 Engine)
0 230.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are: .
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause serious
injury. Perform maintenance work
only if the required information,
proper tools, and equipment are
available. If they are not, see your
dealer to have a trained technician
do the work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0249.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
Check the engine oil level. See Engine
Oil 0255.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0289.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0295.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0266.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). If driven
under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate the
need for vehicle service for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and the
oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform
this work. If the engine oil life system
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 333
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System0257.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the
next engine oil change. When the
REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air
filter is replaced. See Engine Air Filter
Life System 0259.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0296.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0255
and
Engine Oil Life System 0257.
. If equipped with the engine air
filter life system, check the air
filter life percentage. If necessary,
replace the engine air filter and
reset the engine air filter life
system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0259. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter
life system, inspect the engine air
cleaner filter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter 0259.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0260.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0266. .
Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0289.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0295.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0323.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0323.
. Inspect power steering for proper
electrical connections, binding,
cracks, chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
driveshafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing
boots, loose or missing boot
clamps, center bearing excessive
looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.