Table of Contents

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The 1999 Chevrolet Silverado Owner's Manual
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Seats and Restraint Systems
This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system.
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Features and Controls
This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
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Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
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Your Driving and the Road
Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
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Problems on the Road
This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
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Service and Appearance Care
Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
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Maintenance Schedule
This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
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Customer Assistance Information
This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on "Reporting Safety Defects" on page 8
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Index
Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Chevrolet 1999 Silverado 1500 Pickup

  • Page 1 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8 Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.
  • Page 2 For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road.
  • Page 3: How To Use This Manual

    How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.
  • Page 4: Vehicle Damage Warnings

    You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.
  • Page 5: Vehicle Symbols

    Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. For example, These symbols these symbols are important are used on an for you and original battery: your passengers whenever your vehicle is CAUTION driven: POSSIBLE INJURY DOOR LOCK PROTECT...
  • Page 6: Model Reference

    Model Reference This manual covers these models: Regular Cab Pickup Extended Cab Pickup yellowblue Chassis Cab...
  • Page 7 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask...
  • Page 8: Seats And Seat Controls

    Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats them, and fold them up and down. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving.
  • Page 9 Cushion Tilt (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can raise or lower the front of the driver’s or passenger’s seat with this lever located at the inside edge of the seat. To raise or lower the front of the seat, move the lever up or down in a continuous motion until the cushion reaches the desired height.
  • Page 10 Power Seat(s) (If Equipped) Horizontal Control: If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with this control located at the outside edge of the seat. Raise the front of the seat cushion by raising the forward edge of the button. Lower the front of the seat cushion by lowering the forward edge of the button.
  • Page 11 Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped) If you have power lumbar adjustment, you can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback. To increase support, press and hold the front of the rocker switch. Let go of the switch when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.
  • Page 12 Memory Seat (If Equipped) The memory function controls the driver’s seat cushion and recliner positions. It does not store the lumbar or back support positions. To set your memory seat: 1. Adjust the driver’s seat to your desired position. 2. Press the SET button and then press the 1 or 2 button of the memory control within five seconds.
  • Page 13: Reclining Seatbacks

    Heated Front Seats (If Equipped) If your vehicle has heated front seats, the ignition must be in RUN for them to operate. The control for the driver’s side heated seat is located on the driver’s side door panel. The control for the passenger’s side heated seat is located on the passenger’s side door panel.
  • Page 14 But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job.
  • Page 15: Head Restraints

    Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.
  • Page 16 Easy Entry Seat (Extended Cab Only) CAUTION: If any easy entry seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. And, even if there is no crash or sudden stop, a driver sitting in an unlocked easy entry seat could be startled by the sudden movement and hit the wrong control or pedal, causing an accident.
  • Page 17 Rear Seat (Extended Cab) Folding the Rear Seat The extended cab’s rear seat can be folded up to provide more cargo space. To fold the seat: 1. Pull forward on the release strap under the rear seat cushion, on the passenger’s side.
  • Page 18 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly.
  • Page 19: Why Safety Belts Work

    You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between.
  • Page 20 yellowblue Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. 1-14...
  • Page 21 yellowblue The person keeps going until stopped by something. or the instrument panel ... In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-15...
  • Page 22 or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. 1-16 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts...
  • Page 23: How To Wear Safety Belts Properly

    If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident even one that isn’t your fault your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.
  • Page 24: Driver Position

    Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index) so you can sit up straight.
  • Page 25 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 26 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way. 1-20 CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury.
  • Page 27 What’s wrong with this? The belt is buckled in the wrong place. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones.
  • Page 28 What’s wrong with this? The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-22 CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury.
  • Page 29 What’s wrong with this? The belt is twisted across the body. CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.
  • Page 30: Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

    To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
  • Page 31: Right Front Passenger Position

    The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
  • Page 32 CAUTION: Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags.
  • Page 33 There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.
  • Page 34 The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-28 CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear.
  • Page 35 In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near frontal impacts.
  • Page 36 CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.
  • Page 37: Air Bag Off Switch

    If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water water up to the carpeting or higher your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if there’s no crash.
  • Page 38 This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG OFF if the person in the right front passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identified by the national government as follows: Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: my vehicle has no rear seat;...
  • Page 39 To turn off the right front passenger’s air bag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to AIR BAG OFF. The AIR BAG OFF light will come on to let you know that the right front passenger’s air bag is off. The right front passenger’s air bag will remain off until you turn it back on again, and the AIR BAG OFF light will stay on to remind you that the air bag is off.
  • Page 40 To turn the right front passenger’s air bag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the ON position. 1-34 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle.
  • Page 41 Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly? As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash.
  • Page 42: Center Passenger Position

    Center Passenger Position Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions. 1-36 When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.
  • Page 43: Rear Seat Passengers

    To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
  • Page 44 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Extended Cab) Shoulder Belt (Extended Cab) The positions next to the windows have lap belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1-38 shoulder 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.
  • Page 45 yellowblue 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again.
  • Page 46 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
  • Page 47: Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides For Children And Small Adults

    To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults If your vehicle has a rear seat, your vehicle has shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults.
  • Page 48 yellowblue 2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The of the belt into the slots of the guide. guide must be on top of the belt. 1-42...
  • Page 49: Smaller Children And Babies

    4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Extended Cab)” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides.
  • Page 50 CAUTION: Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should.
  • Page 51 CAUTION: Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 will suddenly become a 240 your arms.
  • Page 52: Child Restraints

    Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. What are the different types of add child restraints? on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will...
  • Page 53 yellowblue A rear facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash.
  • Page 54 yellowblue A forward facing child restraint (C E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age.
  • Page 55 yellowblue A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
  • Page 56: Where To Put The Restraint

    When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both.
  • Page 57 Where to Put the Restraint (Extended Cab Pickup) Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat. There is limited space in the rear seating area of an extended cab model.
  • Page 58: Top Strap

    Top Strap Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If your vehicle is a regular cab pickup, an anchor bracket is located behind the right front passenger’s seat.
  • Page 59 If you need to have an anchor bracket installed for a rear seat position in an extended cab, your dealer can get a special kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions and then install the anchor for you. This work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.
  • Page 60 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position (Extended Cab) There is limited space in the rear seating area of an extended cab model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear outside seating position, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your seat properly.
  • Page 61 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 5. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the...
  • Page 62: Front Seat Position

    Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position Don’t use child restraints in this position. The restraints won’t work properly. 1-56 Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position (Extended Cab Pickup) If you have an extended cab pickup, you can secure a child restraint in the center rear seat position.
  • Page 63 You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
  • Page 64 yellowblue 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag.
  • Page 65 CAUTION: A child in a rear facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag.
  • Page 66 CAUTION: (Continued) If your vehicle is an extended cab pickup and this ever happens, don’t let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger air bag risk group sit in the right front passenger’s position (for example, don’t secure a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat) until you have your...
  • Page 67 yellowblue 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the the retractor to set the lock. safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1-61...
  • Page 68 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
  • Page 69: Larger Children

    Larger Children Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat.
  • Page 70 1-64 CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
  • Page 71 CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen.
  • Page 72: Safety Belt Extender

    Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you.
  • Page 73 Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly and what to do if you have a problem.
  • Page 74 yellowblue Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
  • Page 75 Your vehicle has one Rear Access Door (Extended Cab) double sided key for the Your vehicle is equipped with a rear access door that ignition and all door locks. allows easier access to the rear area of the extended cab. Your vehicle may also have a key that locks and unlocks the center floor console...
  • Page 76: Door Locks

    To open the rear access door from the inside, the passenger’s side front door must be opened first. Then, use the handle located on the inside of the rear access door to open it. Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers especially children open the doors and fall out.
  • Page 77 There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. You can use the keyless entry system (if equipped). You can also use your key. Use only the key or the keyless entry transmitter if your vehicle is equipped with the content theft system and the system is on.
  • Page 78 The power door locks will operate at any time without the ignition being on. The power door locks will also automatically lock when the vehicle reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). To unlock the doors, refer to the instructions listed previously. The automatic locking feature can be disabled, if you prefer.
  • Page 79: Battery Replacement

    Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service. Operation UNLOCK: Pressing this button once will unlock the driver’s door.
  • Page 80 To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter: 1. Insert a dime in the slot between the covers of the transmitter housing near the key ring hole. Remove the bottom by twisting the dime. 2. Remove and replace the battery with a three-volt CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up.
  • Page 81: Tailgate Removal

    Tailgate Removal The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be removed without assistance, you may want someone to assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to the vehicle. To remove the tailgate: 1.
  • Page 82 4. After removing the tailgate, reinstall the theft deterrent bracket bolt. The bracket does not need to be in place to install the bolt. Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the tailgate is secure. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal.
  • Page 83 Content Theft Deterrent (If Equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Content Theft Deterrent alarm system. With this system, the SECURITY message will flash as you open the door (if your ignition is off). This light reminds you to activate the theft system.
  • Page 84: Testing The Alarm

    Testing the Alarm The alarm can be tested by following these steps: 1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window and open the driver’s door. 2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
  • Page 85: Ignition Positions

    New Vehicle “Break In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t drive at any one speed slow for the first 500 miles (805 km).
  • Page 86 ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. Push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the key. 2-14 LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transmission.
  • Page 87 NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard.
  • Page 88: Manual Transmission

    Retained Accessory Power (If Equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain features of your vehicle to continue to work up to 20 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF. Your radio, power windows and overhead console will work when the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY.
  • Page 89 NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
  • Page 90 Starting Your V6 Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner.
  • Page 91: To Use The Engine Coolant Heater

    Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) In very cold weather, 0 _ F ( 18 _ C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
  • Page 92: Automatic Transmission Operation

    Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument cluster. This display must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of PARK (P).
  • Page 93 CAUTION: (Continued) If you have four wheel drive, your vehicle will be free to roll even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, two wheel high (2H) or four wheel high (4H) or four...
  • Page 94 NOTICE: Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
  • Page 95 NOTICE: If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal.
  • Page 96: Manual Transmission Operation

    Manual Transmission Operation 5-Speed (VORTEC 6000 V8 and 6.5L V8 Diesel Engines) Here’s how to operate your transmission. FIRST (1) is intended only for heavy loads or trailer towing and is not recommended for normal driving. During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start your vehicle moving in FIRST (1).
  • Page 97 FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into the higher forward gears the same way you do for THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal.
  • Page 98 NEUTRAL (N): Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, first press down the clutch pedal. Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
  • Page 99: Front Axle Locking Feature

    Shift Light If you have a manual transmission, you may have a SHIFT light. This light will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy. When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions allow.
  • Page 100 Manual Transfer Case (If Equipped) The transfer case shift lever is on the floor to the right of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of four wheel drive. The 4WD indicator will light up when you shift into four wheel drive and the front axle engages.
  • Page 101 CAUTION: Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N) can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P), or if you have a manual transmission, even if you are in gear. You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL (N).
  • Page 102 Automatic Transfer Case (If Equipped) The transfer case switches are located to the left of the instrument panel cluster. Use these switches to shift into and out of four wheel drive. 2-30 You can choose among four driving settings: 2HI: This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations.
  • Page 103 4HI: Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off road situations. This setting also engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow. 4LO: This setting also engages your front axle and delivers extra torque.
  • Page 104 Shifting to 4LO To shift to 4LO, the ignition must be in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
  • Page 105: Parking Brake

    Shifting Out of NEUTRAL To shift out of NEUTRAL: 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal. 2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off. 3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
  • Page 106: Automatic Transmission Only

    NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer”...
  • Page 107 CAUTION: (Continued) With four wheel drive if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear NEUTRAL (N).
  • Page 108 Move the lever up as far as it will go. 3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear in NEUTRAL (N). 4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
  • Page 109 If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
  • Page 110: Parking Over Things That Burn

    If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the key to the OFF ignition position. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N). 4.
  • Page 111: Engine Exhaust

    CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn. Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell.
  • Page 112 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if ever you have to, here are some things to know. CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”).
  • Page 113 Manual Selectable Ride (If Equipped) The main function of this system is to provide superior ride comfort while trailering or fully loaded, as well as for unloaded driving. This system also helps to provide: Improved trailering stability Improved handling response when trailering or fully loaded This button is on the center of the instrument panel near...
  • Page 114: Manual Windows

    Locking Rear Axle If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
  • Page 115 The driver’s window also has an express down feature that allows the window to be lowered without holding the switch. Press and hold the rear of the window switch for one second to activate the express down mode. The express down mode can be canceled at any time by pressing the opposite side of the switch.
  • Page 116 Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) The tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you enter and exit the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever.
  • Page 117 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
  • Page 118: Windshield Wipers

    Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer To change the headlamps from low to high beam or high to low beam, pull the multifunction lever all the way toward you. Then release it. When the high beams are on, this light on the instrument panel also will be on.
  • Page 119: Windshield Washer

    You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay time. The closer to LO, the shorter the delay. For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band away from you to the LO position.
  • Page 120: Cruise Control

    Cruise Control With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
  • Page 121 Setting Cruise Control CAUTION: If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use it.
  • Page 122 Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed: Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Press the SET button at the end of the lever, then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.
  • Page 123: Exterior Lamps

    Exterior Lamps Your parking lamp and headlamp switch is on the driver’s side of your instrument panel. Turn the knob clockwise to the parking lamps symbol to manually turn on: Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps License Plate Lamps Instrument Panel Lights Turn the knob clockwise to the master lamps symbol to turn on all the lamps listed as well as the headlamps.
  • Page 124: Daytime Running Lamps

    The system may also turn on your headlamps when driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a tunnel. This is normal. There is a delay in the transition between the daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
  • Page 125 To idle an automatic transmission equipped vehicle with the DRL off, set the parking brake. Shifting the transmission into PARK (P) will also allow you to idle the vehicle with the DRL off. The DRL will stay off until you release the parking brake or shift the transmission out of PARK (P).
  • Page 126: Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch

    Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch (If Equipped) This switch includes wiring provisions for a dealer or a qualified service center to install an auxiliary roof lamp. This switch is located on the center of the instrument panel near the comfort controls. When the switch wiring is connected to an auxiliary roof mounted lamp, pressing the button will activate the lamp and illuminate an indicator light near the button.
  • Page 127: Dome Lamps

    Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped) If your vehicle has reading lamps, press the button next to the lamp to turn the lamp on. The lamps can be adjusted to point in the direction you want. Press the button again to turn the lamp off. Dome Lamps The dome lamps will come on when you open the doors.
  • Page 128 Battery Run-Down Protection This feature shuts off the dome, reading, glove box, cargo and underhood lamps if they are left on for more than 40 minutes when the ignition is off. This will keep your battery from running down. Mirrors Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror Pull the tab under the mirror toward you to reduce glare from headlamps behind you after dark.
  • Page 129 Mirror Operation The right side of the switch located at the bottom of the mirror turns the electrochromic mirror on and off. The LED, located to the right of the switch, will come on when the electrochromic mirror is turned on. To turn the mirror on, press and hold the MIRROR button for three seconds.
  • Page 130 The compass can be calibrated in one of two ways: Drive the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads a direction, or Drive the vehicle on your everyday routine and after several turns the compass will become calibrated and will display a direction.
  • Page 131 Outside Manual Adjust Mirrors Adjust your outside mirrors so you can just see the side of your vehicle and have a clear view of objects behind you. Some mirrors can be folded in, to enter narrow doorways. The use of hood mounted air deflectors and add convex mirror attachments may adversely affect mirror performance.
  • Page 132: Storage Compartments

    Convex Outside Mirror (Option) Your passenger’s side mirror may be convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right.
  • Page 133 Installing a Garage Door Opener If you have the long overhead console, a garage door opener can be conveniently installed in the front overhead compartment. 1. To install the garage door opener, first open the compartment door by pressing the release button forward.
  • Page 134 5. Now, with the compartment door closed, press the button marked PUSH again to make sure the garage door opener operates properly. With the garage door opener positioned properly and the right number of pegs in place, you should only have to press the PUSH button slightly to operate the opener.
  • Page 135 Instrument Panel Cupholder (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a cupholder in the middle of the instrument panel. To use the cupholder, pull the cupholder out of the instrument panel. To close the cupholder, push it back into the instrument panel. Center Console Storage Area (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a console compartment between the bucket seats.
  • Page 136: Ashtrays And Cigarette Lighter

    Armrest Storage Compartment (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a center armrest storage compartment in the front bench seat. To open it, fold down the armrest and press the latch handle located at the front of the armrest. Then, let the lid pop up and swing open.
  • Page 137: Accessory Power Outlets

    Accessory Power Outlets Two auxiliary power outlets are located near the cigarette lighter. Use these outlets to power mobile telephones or other devices designed to operate with vehicle electrical systems. The cigarette lighter is designed to fit only in the receptacle to the right of the accessory power outlets.
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  • Page 139 A. Dome Lamp Switch B. Lamp Controls C. Air Outlets D. Automatic Transfer Case (If Equipped) E. Multifunction Lever F. Instrument Cluster G. Gearshift Lever (Automatic Transmission) H. Tow/Haul Selector Switch I. Audio System J. Comfort Control System K. Glove Box L.
  • Page 140: Instrument Panel Cluster

    yellowblue Instrument Panel Cluster United States Heavy Duty Automatic Transmission version shown, Canada, Light Duty Automatic and Manual Transmission clusters similar Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely and economically.
  • Page 141: Speedometer And Odometer

    Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada).
  • Page 142: Safety Belt Reminder Light

    Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement.
  • Page 143: Air Bag Readiness Light

    Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring, the passenger air bag suppression circuit and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
  • Page 144 CAUTION: If the right front passenger’s air bag is turned off for a person who isn’t in a risk group identified by the national government, that person won’t have the extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air bag wouldn’t be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there.
  • Page 145 Voltmeter When your engine is not running, but the ignition is in RUN, this gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts. When the engine is running, the gage shows the condition of the charging system. Readings between the low and high warning zones indicate the normal operating range.
  • Page 146: Brake System Warning Light

    Brake System Warning Light With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will flash when you set the parking brake. The light will flash if the parking brake doesn’t release fully. If you try to drive with the parking brake engaged, a chime will sound when the vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
  • Page 147: Transmission Temperature Gage

    The anti lock brake system warning light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
  • Page 148 At approximately 265 _ F (130 _ C), the message center will display a TRANS FLUID HOT message and the transmission will enter a transmission protection mode. When the transmission enters the protection mode, you may notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns.
  • Page 149 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) (Gasoline Engine) Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This system is called OBD II (On Board Diagnostics Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
  • Page 150 This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: Light Flashing A misfire condition has been...
  • Page 151: Oil Pressure Gage

    If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off. Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see “Fuel”...
  • Page 152 CAUTION: Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced. NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by...
  • Page 153: Fuel Gage

    Tow/Haul Light (Automatic Transmissions Only) This message is displayed when the tow/haul mode has been activated. For more information see, “Tow/Haul Mode” in the Index. Fuel Gage The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about how much fuel you have left in your tank.
  • Page 154: Message Center

    Message Center The message center is located above the transmission temperature gage (if equipped) on the instrument panel cluster. It gives you important safety and maintenance facts. When you turn the ignition on, the entire center lights up for just a few seconds. As needed, the message center will display one of the following messages.
  • Page 155 NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with the transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message displayed, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered under your warranty. The following situations can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures: Towing a trailer Hot outside air temperatures...
  • Page 156: Low Coolant

    NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with the transmission TRANS HOT...IDLE ENGINE message displayed, you can damage the transmission. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered under your warranty. The following situations can cause the transmission to operate at higher temperatures: Towing a trailer Hot outside air temperatures...
  • Page 157: Engine Overheated

    ENGINE OVERHEATED This message is displayed when the cooling system temperature gets too hot. This message will be displayed after the air conditioning system has automatically turned off for the engine coolant protection mode. See“Engine Overheating” in the Index for further information. REDUCED ENGINE POWER (V8 Gasoline Engines Only) This message is displayed...
  • Page 158: Change Engine Oil

    CHANGE ENGINE OIL This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to be changed. The message is only displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle. When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the Engine Oil Life Monitor.
  • Page 159: Low Washer Fluid

    LOW WASHER FLUID This message is displayed when the vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid. The message is only displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle. For more information see, “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index. CARGO LAMP ON This message is displayed when the cargo lamp is...
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  • Page 161 Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle. Comfort Controls Standard Comfort Controls Heater and Air Conditioning Comfort Controls (If Equipped)
  • Page 162: Comfort Controls

    Comfort Controls Standard Comfort Controls Fan Knob The knob on the left side of the heating system control panel controls the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. To turn the fan off, turn the knob counterclockwise to OFF.
  • Page 163 Heater and Air Conditioning Comfort Controls (If Equipped) Fan Knob The knob on the left side of the heating and air conditioning control panel adjusts the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. To turn the fan off, turn the knob counterclockwise to OFF.
  • Page 164 BLEND: Airflow is delivered through the heater floor outlets, center floor console outlets (if equipped), the windshield defroster outlets and the side window defroster outlets. The air flow can be divided between HEATER and DEFROST depending upon where the knob is placed between the settings. The air conditioning compressor may run to dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging.
  • Page 165: Air Conditioning

    The system will automatically switch to the recirculation mode to lower the system load and improve interior comfort. The OUTSIDE AIR and RECIRCULATION button LEDs will not change. The system will return to the OUTSIDE AIR function when the system load is reduced.
  • Page 166 Heating The heater works best if you keep your windows closed while using it. On cold days, use the HEATER or VENT/HEAT setting with the temperature knob in the red area. On cold days, approximately 32 _ F ( if your vehicle is equipped with a gasoline engine and automatic transmission, you may experience differences in how the transmission shifts until the engine is warm.
  • Page 167: Ventilation System

    If your vehicle is equipped with heated outside rearview mirrors, the rear window defogger button will activate the rear window defogger and the heated outside rearview mirrors. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape or decals across the defogger grid on the rear window. NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window.
  • Page 168: Audio Systems

    Ventilation Tips Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the blower fan all the way to the right for a few moments before driving.
  • Page 169 AM-FM Stereo Playing the Radio VOLUME: This knob turns the system on and off and controls the volume. To increase volume and turn the radio on, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume and turn the radio off. RECALL: Display the time with the ignition off by pressing the recall knob.
  • Page 170 PUSHBUTTONS: The four numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 14 stations (seven AM and seven FM). Just: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM FM to select the band. 3. Tune in the desired station. 4.
  • Page 171 AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped) Playing the Radio VOLUME: This knob turns the system on and off and controls the volume. To increase volume and turn the radio on, turn the knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume and turn the radio off.
  • Page 172 In addition to the four stations already set, up to three more stations may be preset on each band by pressing two adjoining buttons at the same time. Just: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. (SET will appear on the display.) 3.
  • Page 173 FWD: Press the SEEK right arrow to advance the cassette tape. Press the SEEK left arrow to stop forwarding the tape. RECALL: Press this knob to switch tape sides. EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape or stop the tape and play the radio. CLN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned.
  • Page 174 SCV: Your system has a feature called Speed Compensated Volume (SCV). With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Turn the control ring behind the upper knob clockwise to adjust the SCV.
  • Page 175 P. SCAN: The preset scan button lets you scan through your favorite stations stored on your pushbuttons. Select either the AM, FM1 or FM2 mode and then press P. SCAN. It will scan through each station stored on your pushbuttons and stop for a few seconds before continuing to scan through all of the pushbuttons.
  • Page 176 Playing a Cassette Tape Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player. To load a cassette tape with the ignition off, press EJECT or RECALL.
  • Page 177 FM: Press this button to switch from a tape to the radio. TAPE AUX: Press this button to return to the tape player when playing the radio. The lighted arrow will appear and show the direction of play when a tape is in the active mode.
  • Page 178 AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped) Playing the Radio VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and off. To increase volume, turn this knob clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. The knob is capable of rotating continuously.
  • Page 179 SCAN: Press and hold SEEK for two seconds until SCAN appears on the display. SCAN allows you to listen to stations for a few seconds. The receiver will continue to scan and momentarily stop at each station until you press the button again. The sound will mute while scanning.
  • Page 180 AUTO TONE: Press this button to select among the six preset equalization settings and tailor the sound to the music or voice being heard. Each time you press the button, the selection will switch to one of the preset settings of CLASSIC, NEWS, ROCK, POP, C/W (Country/Western) or JAZZ.
  • Page 181 PREV (1): Press PREV or the SEEK left arrow to search for the previous selection. If you hold this button or press it more than once, the disc will advance further. Sound is muted in this mode. RDM (2): Press this button to play the tracks on the disc in random order.
  • Page 182 Remote Compact Disc Player (If Equipped) If you have this option, you can play one compact disc (CD) at a time. To load a CD into the player, hold the disc with the label side up and insert it carefully into the player (approximately halfway).
  • Page 183 REV (4): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse within a track. As the CD reverses, elapsed time will be displayed to help you find the correct passage. FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance within a track. As the CD advances, elapsed time will be displayed to help you find the correct passage.
  • Page 184 Activating the Theft Deterrent Feature The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is recommended that you read through all nine steps before starting the procedure. NOTE: If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4.
  • Page 185 Unlocking the Theft Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MN and 000 will appear on the display. 3.
  • Page 186: Understanding Radio Reception

    To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the Theft Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in this section. Understanding Radio Reception The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other.
  • Page 187: Care Of Your Cassette Tape Player

    Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
  • Page 188: Care Of Your Compact Discs

    If your vehicle is equipped with the AM Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACCESSORY. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press and hold the TAPE AUX button for five seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash for two seconds.
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  • Page 191 Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving. Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Road Recovery...
  • Page 192: Defensive Driving

    Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” in the Index.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.”...
  • Page 193: Drunken Driving

    Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision...
  • Page 194 It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
  • Page 195 The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
  • Page 196: Control Of A Vehicle

    Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide.
  • Page 197: Anti-Lock Brakes (Abs)

    Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.
  • Page 198 Here’s how anti lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.
  • Page 199: Steering Tips

    Remember: Anti lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 200: Steering In Emergencies

    Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead.
  • Page 201: Off Road Recovery

    Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
  • Page 202 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.
  • Page 203: Loss Of Control

    Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
  • Page 204 Road Driving with Your Four Wheel Drive Vehicle This off road guide is for vehicles that have four wheel drive. Also, see “Anti Lock Brakes” in the Index. If your vehicle doesn’t have four wheel drive, you shouldn’t drive off road unless you’re on a level, solid surface.
  • Page 205 The following steps must be performed on each of the push pins to remove the air dam: 1. Insert the blade portion of a flat screwdriver into the push slot and pull downward until the push snaps loose. 2. While continuing to pull downward on the push squeeze and rotate...
  • Page 206 To replace the lower air dam: 1. Line up each push-pin with it’s intended retainer and push the washer portion of the push-pin towards the retainer until it locks into place. 4-16 yellowblue 2. Push the flat end of the push-pin towards the retainer until it locks into place, making sure...
  • Page 207 Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all underbody shields (if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read all the information about your four wheel drive vehicle in this manual.
  • Page 208: Environmental Concerns

    Environmental Concerns road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. However, it also raises environmental concerns. GM recognizes these concerns and urges every off roader to follow these basic rules for protecting the environment: Always use established trails, roads and areas that have been specially set aside for public off recreational driving;...
  • Page 209 Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving It’s a good idea to practice in an area that’s safe and close to home before you go into the wilderness. road driving does require some new and different driving skills. Here’s what we mean. Tune your senses to different kinds of signals.
  • Page 210: Scanning The Terrain

    Scanning the Terrain road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Here are some things to consider. Surface Conditions. Off roading can take you over hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice.
  • Page 211: Approaching A Hill

    Driving on Off-Road Hills road driving often takes you up, down or across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your vehicle can and can’t do. There are some hills that simply can’t be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle.
  • Page 212 Driving Uphill Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need to take some special steps. Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the steering wheel. Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain your speed.
  • Page 213 What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about to stall, and I can’t make it up the hill? If this happens, there are some things you should do, and there are some things you must not do. First, here’s what you should do: Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and keep it from rolling backwards.
  • Page 214 Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down the hill and decide I just can’t do it. What should I do? Set the parking brake, put your transmission in PARK (P) (or the manual transmission in FIRST (1)) and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle and go get some help.
  • Page 215: Driving Downhill

    Driving Downhill When off roading takes you downhill, you’ll want to consider a number of things: How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain vehicle control? What’s the surface like? Smooth? Rough? Slippery? Hard packed dirt? Gravel? Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs? Boulders? What’s at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden...
  • Page 216: Driving Across An Incline

    Am I likely to stall when going downhill? It’s much more likely to happen going uphill. But if it happens going downhill, here’s what to do. Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes. Apply the parking brake. Shift to PARK (P) (or to NEUTRAL (N) with the manual transmission) and, while still braking, restart the engine.
  • Page 217 Hidden obstacles can make the steepness of the incline even worse. If you drive across a rock with the uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into a rut or depression, your vehicle can tilt even more. For reasons like these, you need to decide carefully whether to try to drive across an incline.
  • Page 218: Stalling On An Incline

    Stalling on an Incline If your vehicle stalls when you’re crossing an incline, be sure you (and your passengers) get out on the uphill side, even if the door there is harder to open. If you get out on the downhill side and the vehicle starts to roll over, you’ll be right in its path.
  • Page 219: Driving In Water

    Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction. On these surfaces, it’s very easy to lose control. On wet ice, for example, the traction is so poor that you will have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get moving, poor steering and difficult braking can cause you to slide out of control.
  • Page 220: Driving At Night

    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.
  • Page 221: Night Vision

    Here are some tips on night driving. Drive defensively. Don’t drink and drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles.
  • Page 222 yellowblue Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction.
  • Page 223 Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them. CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents.
  • Page 224: Driving Through Deep Standing Water

    Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
  • Page 225: City Driving

    City Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Know the best way to get to where you are going.
  • Page 226: Freeway Driving

    Freeway Driving Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
  • Page 227: Before Leaving On A Long Trip

    The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you’re ready.
  • Page 228: Highway Hypnosis

    Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
  • Page 229 Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transmission. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down.
  • Page 230: Driving On Snow Or Ice

    Winter Driving 4-40 Here are some tips for winter driving: Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your vehicle. Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and reflective warning triangles.
  • Page 231 What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32 F;...
  • Page 232 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe: Turn on your hazard flashers.
  • Page 233 CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe.
  • Page 234: Recreational Vehicle Towing

    Recreational Vehicle Towing There may be times when you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing equipment designed for recreational vehicle towing. Follow the instructions for the towing equipment. When towing your vehicle, turn the ignition to OFF.
  • Page 235 Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles CAUTION: Shifting the transfer case into NEUTRAL (N) can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P), for an automatic transmission, or if your vehicle is in gear, for a manual transmission. You or others could be injured. Make sure the parking brake is firmly set before you shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL (N).
  • Page 236: Loading Your Vehicle

    Loading Your Vehicle The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. The label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).
  • Page 237 NOTICE: Some vehicles may be equipped with RPO VYU (snow plow prep package). With this option, the payload your vehicle can carry is reduced when a snow plow is installed. Your vehicle can be damaged if either the front or rear axle ratings, or the GVW are exceeded.
  • Page 238 Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading. This will help you decide how much cargo and installed equipment your truck can carry. Using heavier suspension components to get added durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
  • Page 239 Front Axle Reserve Capacity This is the difference between your front GAWR and the front axle weight of your truck with full fuel and passengers. It is the amount of weight you can add to your front axle before reaching your front GAWR. The front axle reserve capacity for your vehicle can be found in the lower...
  • Page 240 For example, adding a 700 lb. ( 318 kg) snow plow adds more than 700 lb. ( 318 kg) to the front axle. Using the formula, if the snow plow is 4 ft. (122 cm) in front of the front axle and the wheel base is 10 ft.
  • Page 241 The Cargo Weight Rating (CWR) is the maximum weight of the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn’t include the weight of the people inside. But, you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat. The total cargo load must not be more than your vehicle’s CWR.
  • Page 242: Trailer Recommendations

    Your dealer can help you make a good vehicle match. He’ll also help you determine your CWR. After you’ve loaded your vehicle and camper, drive to a weigh station and weigh the front and rear wheels separately. This will tell you the loads on your axles. The loads on the front and rear axles shouldn’t be more than either of the GAWRs.
  • Page 243: Towing A Trailer

    Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab General Motors is aware that some vehicle owners may consider having the pickup box removed and a commercial or recreational body installed. Before you do so, first contact the GM Customer Assistance Office for your area for information on such conversions specific to this vehicle.
  • Page 244: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

    Your vehicle can tow a trailer. If yours was built with trailering options, as many are, it’s ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
  • Page 245 Tow/Haul Mode (If Equipped) Tow/haul is a feature on automatic transmission equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the tow/haul mode is to: Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
  • Page 246: Weight Of The Trailer

    Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important.
  • Page 247 1500 (4WD)* Engine (Trans.) Axle Max. Trailer Wt. Ratio 4300 V6 (Auto) 3.42 4,000 lbs. (1 814 kg) 3.73 4,500 lbs. (2 041 kg) 4300 V6 (Manual) 3.42 3,500 lbs. (1 588 kg) 3.73 4,000 lbs. (1 814 kg) 4800 V8 (Auto) 3.73 6,500 lbs.
  • Page 248 2500 HD (2WD)* Engine Axle Max. Trailer Wt. Ratio 6000 V8 3.42 7,500 lbs. (3 402 kg) 3.73 8,500 lbs. (3 856 kg) 4.10 10,500 lbs. (4 763 kg) 6.5 L Diesel 3.42 11,000 lbs. (4 990 kg) 4.10 11,000 lbs. (4 990 kg) * Weight distributing hitch tongue weight 10% to 15% of hitch weight 1,200 lb.
  • Page 249: Weight Of The Trailer Tongue

    Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.
  • Page 250: Trailer Brakes

    Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: If you use a step bumper hitch, your bumper could be damaged in sharp turns.
  • Page 251: Driving With A Trailer

    Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
  • Page 252: Making Turns

    Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal.
  • Page 253: Parking On Hills

    When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your engine off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs similar to engine overheating.
  • Page 254: Maintenance When Trailer Towing

    CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
  • Page 255: Trailer Wiring Harness

    Trailer Wiring Harness Your vehicle is equipped with one of the following wiring harnesses for towing a trailer or hauling a slide in camper. Basic Trailer Wiring Package All regular and extended cab gasoline engine pickups have a six wire trailer towing harness. The six wire harness is located at the rear of the vehicle and is tied to the vehicle’s frame.
  • Page 256 Basic Trailer Wiring Package (Diesel Engine) Regular and extended cab pickups equipped with a 6.5L Turbo Diesel engine have an eight towing harness. The trailer wiring harness with a seven and separate Center High Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) connector are located at the rear of the vehicle and are tied to the vehicle’s frame.* The harness connector can be plugged into a seven pin universal heavy-duty trailer...
  • Page 257 Heavy Duty Trailer Wiring Package (If Equipped) Your pickup may be equipped with the eight towing harness. This harness with a seven heavy duty trailer connector is attached to a bracket on the platform hitch.* * The Center High Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) wire is tied next to the trailer wiring harness for use with a trailer, slide in camper or cap.
  • Page 258 Camper/Fifth Wheel Trailer Wiring Package (If Equipped) The eight wire camper harness is located under the front edge of the pickup box on the driver’s side of the vehicle, attached to the frame bracket. A connector will have to be added to the wiring harness which connects to the camper.
  • Page 259 Instrument Panel Jumper Wiring Harness This harness is included with the heavy-duty and camper/fifth-wheel trailer wiring packages. The harness is for an electric trailer brake controller and includes a trailer battery feed fuse. This harness and fuse should be installed by your dealer or a qualified service center. Auxiliary Battery (If Equipped) The auxiliary battery provision can be used to supply electrical power to additional equipment that you may...
  • Page 260 NOTICE: When using the auxiliary battery provision, the electrical load must not exceed 30 amps. Always turn off any electrical equipment when not in use. Leaving electrical equipment on for extended periods will drain your battery. Power Winches If you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle, only use it when your vehicle is stationary or anchored.
  • Page 261 Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine) Cooling System (Gasoline Engine) Engine Fan Noise If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire...
  • Page 262: Hazard Warning Flashers

    Hazard Warning Flashers Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. But they won’t flash if you’re braking. Press the button at the top of the steering column all the way down to make your front and rear turn signal...
  • Page 263: Jump Starting

    Other Warning Devices If you carry reflective triangles, you can use them to warn others. Set one up at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle. Jump Starting If your battery (or batteries) have run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle.
  • Page 264 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.
  • Page 265 CAUTION: 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. Be sure the batteries have enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom battery (or batteries) installed in...
  • Page 266 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
  • Page 267 V8 Engine V6 Engine 9. When connecting the cable, be sure it is not near any engine parts that will move. Diesel Engine 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for awhile. 11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
  • Page 268: Towing Your Vehicle

    Towing Your Vehicle CAUTION: To help avoid serious personal injury to you or others: Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds. Never tow with damaged parts not fully secured. Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by the tow truck.
  • Page 269: Engine Overheating

    Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine) You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” in the Index. In addition, you will find a LOW COOLANT, CHECK COOLANT TEMP, ENGINE OVERHEATED and a REDUCED ENGINE POWER message in the message center on the instrument panel.
  • Page 270 yellowblue If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
  • Page 271: If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

    NOTICE: If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
  • Page 272 Cooling System (Gasoline Engine) When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: A. Coolant Surge Tank B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap C. Engine Fan If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down.
  • Page 273 CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
  • Page 274 How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank -- Gasoline Engines If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at or above the FILL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
  • Page 275 CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat warning.
  • Page 276 1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left) about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
  • Page 277 yellowblue 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the 5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure engine and let it run until you can feel the upper cap is hand tight. radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fan.
  • Page 278: Changing A Flat Tire

    Engine Fan Noise Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is not fully engaged.
  • Page 279 CAUTION: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1.
  • Page 280: Removing The Spare Tire And Tools

    Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Regular Cab 5-20 Extended Cab The equipment you’ll need is behind the passenger’s seat. 1. If there is a cover, move the seats forward and turn the wing nut on the cover counterclockwise to remove it. 2.
  • Page 281 You’ll use the jack handle and the wheel wrench to remove the underbody mounted spare tire. A. Hoist Assembly G. Tire Retainer B. Wheel Wrench H. Hoist Cable C. Extensions I. Hoist Lock D. Hoist Shaft J. Hoist Shaft E. Valve Stem, Pointed Down K.
  • Page 282 The tools you’ll be using include the bottle jack (A), the wheel blocks (B), the jack handle (C), the jack handle extensions (D), and the wheel wrench (E). If the flat tire is on the rear of the vehicle, you’ll need to use both jack handle extensions.
  • Page 283 Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the jack lift head a little. If your vehicle has wheel nut caps, loosen them by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. If you have a center cap with wheel nut caps, the wheel nut caps are designed to remain with the center cap.
  • Page 284 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen the wheel nuts. Don’t remove the wheel nuts yet. 5-24 2. Position the jack under the vehicle. If the flat tire is on the front of the vehicle (2 Wheel Drive 1500 Series vehicles), position the jack under the...
  • Page 285 CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
  • Page 286 yellowblue Rear Position Front Position All Other Models 3. Make sure the jack head is positioned so that the rear axle is resting securely between the grooves that are on the jack head. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit.
  • Page 287 4. Remove all the wheel nuts and take off the flat tire. Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
  • Page 288 yellowblue 6. After mounting the spare, replace the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each wheel nut by hand using the wheel wrench until the wheel is held against the hub. Front Position 2WD 1500 Series 5-28...
  • Page 289 yellowblue Front Position All Other Models Rear Position 7. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the vehicle. Lower the jack completely. 5-29...
  • Page 290 yellowblue CAUTION: Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts.
  • Page 291: Storing A Flat Or Spare Tire And Tools

    Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire 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 all these in the proper place.
  • Page 292 A. Hoist Assembly B. Wheel Wrench C. Extensions D. Hoist Shaft E. Valve Stem, Pointed Down F. Flat or Spare Tire G. Retainer H. Hoist Cable Return the bottle jack, wheel blocks, wheel wrench and jack extensions to their location behind the passenger’s seat.
  • Page 293: Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out

    If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
  • Page 294: Using The Recovery Hooks

    yellowblue Using the Recovery Hooks Your vehicle may be equipped with recovery hooks. The recovery hooks are provided at the front of your vehicle. You may need to use them if you’re stuck off road and need to be pulled to some place where you can continue driving.
  • Page 295 CAUTION: The recovery hooks, when used, are under a lot of force. Always pull the vehicle straight out. Never pull on the hooks at a sideways angle. The hooks could break off and you or others could be injured from the chain or cable snapping back. NOTICE: Never use the recovery hooks to tow the vehicle.
  • Page 296 yellowblue NOTES 5-36...
  • Page 297 yellowblue NOTES 5-37...
  • Page 298 yellowblue NOTES 5-38...
  • Page 299 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
  • Page 300: Doing Your Own Service Work

    Service Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and trained and supported service people. We hope you’ll want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: Doing Your Own Service Work If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll...
  • Page 301 CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task.
  • Page 302 If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging.
  • Page 303: Gasoline Engines

    NOTICE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines) If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to...
  • Page 304 Filling Your Tank (Gasoline Engine) If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Filling Your Tank (Diesel Engine)” in the Diesel Engine Supplement. The fuel cap is located on the left side of your vehicle. CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
  • Page 305 To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
  • Page 306: Checking Things Under The Hood

    Filling a Portable Fuel Container CAUTION: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs.
  • Page 307: Hood Release

    Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle inside the vehicle. Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on the secondary hood release, located just to the passenger’s side of the center of the grill. Lift the hood.
  • Page 308 VORTEC 4300 V6 Engine When you lift up the hood you’ll see: A. Air Cleaner B. Coolant Surge Tank C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator D. Engine Oil Dipstick E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped) 6-10 F. Fan G. Engine Oil Fill H.
  • Page 309 VORTEC 4800, 5300 and 6000 V8 Engine VORTEC 5300 V8 engine shown, locations for other engines similar. A. Air Cleaner B. Coolant Surge Tank C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator D. Engine Oil Dipstick E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped) F. Engine Oil Fill G.
  • Page 310 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine Oil (Diesel Engine)” in the Diesel Engine Supplement. If the CHECK ENG OIL LEVEL light on the instrument panel comes on, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away.
  • Page 311: Checking Engine Oil

    Checking Engine Oil Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil.
  • Page 312: What Kind Of Engine Oil To Use

    What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol.
  • Page 313: Engine Oil Additives

    As shown in the chart, SAE 5W 30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W to be 0 C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W NOTICE: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines...
  • Page 314: What To Do With Used Oil

    How to Reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL Message To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message, turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message flashes for five seconds, the system is reset.
  • Page 315 Your air cleaner is located in the passenger’s side front corner of the engine compartment. 1. To remove the air filter, loosen the screws on the cover. Lift the cover upward. Lift the filter out of the air cleaner housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as little dirt as possible.
  • Page 316 CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
  • Page 317: How To Check

    3. Remove the air filter by pulling downward on the element. Remove the second portion of the air filter by sliding it towards the rear of the vehicle and then pulling downward. 4. Install the new filter by reversing the steps listed previously.
  • Page 318 Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transmission fluid level if you have been driving: When outside temperatures are above 90 At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180 C to 93...
  • Page 319 Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 1. The red transmission dipstick handle is located at the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s side. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 2.
  • Page 320: How To Add Fluid

    How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
  • Page 321 How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at your GM dealership Service Department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission.
  • Page 322: When To Check And What To Use

    How to Add Fluid Here’s how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. 1. Remove the filler plug. 2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
  • Page 323: Rear Axle

    Rear Axle When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. How to Check Lubricant 1500 Series shown, 2500 Series similar The proper level for the 1500 Series is from 5/8 inch to 1 5/8 inch (15 mm to 40 mm) below the filler plug.
  • Page 324: Transfer Case

    Transfer Case When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the Index. How to Check Lubricant Manual Transfer Case 6-26 Automatic Transfer Case If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant.
  • Page 325: Front Axle

    Front Axle When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. How to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you may need to add some lubricant.
  • Page 326: Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap

    Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap (Gasoline Engine) The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully installed on the coolant surge tank. 6-28 NOTICE: Your coolant surge tank pressure cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating.
  • Page 327: Engine Coolant

    Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only COOL extended life coolant.
  • Page 328 What to Use Use a mixture of one half clean, drinkable water and half DEX COOL coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add anything else. CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous.
  • Page 329 Checking Coolant (Gasoline Engine) The coolant surge tank is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Checking Coolant” in the Diesel Engine Supplement. CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
  • Page 330: Power Steering Fluid

    Power Steering Fluid When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
  • Page 331: Windshield Washer Fluid

    Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
  • Page 332 Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is here. It is filled with DOT There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear.
  • Page 333 Checking Brake Fluid You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level should be above MIN. If it isn’t, have your brake system checked to see if there is a leak. After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the MAX mark.
  • Page 334: Brake Wear

    NOTICE: Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced.
  • Page 335: Brake Adjustment

    Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM specifications.
  • Page 336: Bulb Replacement

    Vehicle Storage If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative ( the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode.
  • Page 337 Headlamps 1. Remove the two pins on the top of the headlamp assembly. To remove the pins, turn the outer pin outward and pull it straight up. To remove the inner pin, turn it inward and pull it straight up. A.
  • Page 338 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime Running Lamps A. Sidemarker Lamp B. Retainer Clip C. Front Turn Signal Lamp D. Daytime Running Lamp 6-40 1. Remove the headlamp lens assembly as mentioned previously. 2. Press the retainer clip, located behind the turn signal housing, towards the outside of the vehicle.
  • Page 339 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp 1. Remove the screws and lift off the lamp assembly. A. Cargo Lamp B. Center High Mounted Stoplamp 2. Remove the CHMSL bulb holder back plate from the housing by pressing the release tabs. 3.
  • Page 340 4. If a CHMSL bulb is replaced, put the bulb into the socket and press it in until it is tight. 5. If a cargo lamp is replaced, put a new cargo lamp bulb into the socket and press it in until it is tight. before turning the socket counterclockwise.
  • Page 341 A. Stoplamp B. Turn Signal Lamp C. Back up Lamp 3. Press the release tab and turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the taillamp housing. 4. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket. 5. Press a new bulb into the socket and turn the socket clockwise into the taillamp housing until it clicks.
  • Page 342: Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

    Taillamps (Chassis Cab Models) A. Turn Signal Lamp B. Stoplamp C. Back up Lamp 1. Using your hands, peel the rubber seal away from the lens. 2. Lift the lens off the lamp assembly. 3. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket. 4.
  • Page 343 To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly: 1. Lift the wiper arm and rotate the blade until it is facing away from the windshield. 2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly toward the driver’s side of the vehicle. 3.
  • Page 344 Inflation -- Tire Pressure The Certification/Tire label, which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
  • Page 345: Tire Inspection And Rotation

    Tire Inspection and Rotation Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
  • Page 346 When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. 6-48 You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: You can see the indicators at three or more places...
  • Page 347: Buying New Tires

    Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Certification/Tire label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number.
  • Page 348: Uniform Tire Quality Grading

    Uniform Tire Quality Grading The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car tires.
  • Page 349: Wheel Replacement

    Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
  • Page 350 Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces. If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts.
  • Page 351: Tire Chains

    Tire Chains NOTICE: If your vehicle has P265/75R16 or LT265/75R16 size tires, don’t use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle because there’s not enough clearance. Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on your vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions.
  • Page 352: Appearance Care

    Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
  • Page 353: Special Fabric Cleaning Problems

    Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric 1.
  • Page 354: Cleaning Leather

    Fabric Protection Your vehicle has upholstery and carpet fabric that has been treated with Scotchgard Fabric Protector, a 3M product. It protects fabrics by repelling oil and water, which are the carriers of most stains. Even with this protection, you still need to clean your upholstery and carpet often to keep it looking new.
  • Page 355: Care Of Safety Belts

    Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. CAUTION: Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
  • Page 356: Cleaning The Outside Of Your Vehicle

    Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability. Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
  • Page 357 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 your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
  • Page 358: Cleaning Tires

    Cleaning Tires To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner. NOTICE: When applying a tire dressing always take care to wipe off any overspray or splash from all painted surfaces on the body or wheels of the vehicle. Petroleum based products may damage the paint finish and tires.
  • Page 359: Underbody Maintenance

    Underbody Maintenance Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust system even though they have corrosion protection.
  • Page 360 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials PART NUMBER SIZE 994954 23 in. x 25 in. 1050172 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050173 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050174 16 oz. (0.473 L) 1050214 32 oz. (0.946 L) 1050427 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) 1052925 16 oz.
  • Page 361: Engine Identification

    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.
  • Page 362: Electrical System

    Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add on electrical equipment can keep other components from working as they should.
  • Page 363: Fuses And Circuit Breakers

    Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver colored band inside the fuse.
  • Page 364 NAME Usage L BODY Retained Accessory Power Relay LOCK Power Door Locks DRV UNLOCK Power Door Lock Relay 6-66 NAME Usage LOCK Power Door Lock Relay HVAC 1 Climate Control System CRUISE Cruise Control, Instrument Cluster IGN 3 Ignition, Power Seats Four Wheel Drive System, Auxiliary Battery...
  • Page 365 NAME Usage TURN Exterior Lamps, Turn Signals, Hazard Lamps UNLOCK Power Door Locks HTR A/C Climate Control System WS WPR Windshield Wipers IGN 1 Ignition, Instrument Panel AIR BAG Air Bag MIR/LOCK Power Mirrors, Power Door Locks DR LOCK Power Door Locks PWR WDO Power Window Circuit Breaker NAME...
  • Page 366 Center Instrument Panel Utility Block The center instrument panel utility block is located underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. 6-68 Relay Name Usage Special Equipment Option HTD ST Heated Seats SPARE 4 Not Used VANITY Headliner Wiring TRAILER Trailer Brake Wiring...
  • Page 367 yellowblue Underhood Electrical Center The underhood electrical center is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment near the battery. Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block. You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor. The fuse extractor is located in the underhood electrical center.
  • Page 368 yellowblue 6-70...
  • Page 369 Name Usage STUD #1 Accessory Power/Trailer Wiring Feed Anti Lock Brakes IGN A Ignition Switch A.I.R. System RAP #1 Retained Accessory Power, Power Mirrors, Power Door Locks, Power Seat(s) IGN B Ignition Switch RAP #2 Not Used STUD #2 Accessory Power/Trailer Wiring Brake Feed TRL R TRN Right Turn Signal Trailer Wiring...
  • Page 370 Name Usage TRL PRK Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring RT HDLP Right Headlamps Daytime Running Lamps (Relay) HTD MIR Heated Mirrors LT HDLP Left Headlamps Air Conditioning AUX PWR Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary Power Outlets SEO 2 Special Equipment Option Power, Power Seats, Aux Roof Mnt Lamp SEO 1 Special Equipment Option Power, Aux Roof Mnt Lamp, Cell Phone...
  • Page 371: Replacement Bulbs

    Replacement Bulbs* Quantity Beam Headlamps High Beam Headlamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Front Marker Lamp Front Parking and Turn Lamp Rear Marker Lamp, Taillamp and Stop Lamp Taillamp and Stop Lamp** Number 9006 Rear Turn Lamp Rear Turn Lamp ** 9005 Back up Lamp...
  • Page 372: Capacities And Specifications

    Capacities and Specifications Please refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for more information. Engine VORTEC 4300 VORTEC 4800 VORTEC 5300 VORTEC 6000 Wheels and Tires Model C/K 1500 C/K 2500 Tire Pressure 6-74 Type VIN Code Description 6 bolts (14mm) 8 bolts (14mm) See the Certification/Tire label on the rear edge of the driver’s door...
  • Page 373 Cooling System Capacity (Approximate) After refill, the level must be rechecked. See “Cooling System” in the Index. Engine Transmission VORTEC Automatic 4300 V6 VORTEC Manual 4300 V6 VORTEC Automatic 4800 V8 VORTEC Manual 4800 V8 VORTEC Automatic 5300 V8 Engine VORTEC 5300 V8** VORTEC...
  • Page 374 Crankcase Capacity (Approximate) After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating range. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. Engine Quantity with Filter VORTEC 4300 V6 VORTEC 4800 V8 VORTEC 5300 V8 VORTEC...
  • Page 375: Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

    Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement part numbers listed in this section are based on the latest information available at the time of printing, and are subject to change. If a part listed in this manual is not the same as the part used in your vehicle when it was built, or if you have any questions, please contact your GM dealer.
  • Page 376 yellowblue NOTES 6-78...
  • Page 377 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance. Introduction Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Scheduled Maintenance Part B: Owner Checks and Services Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Gasoline Engines...
  • Page 378: Your Vehicle And The Environment

    Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your dealer for details. Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment.
  • Page 379: How This Section Is Organized

    How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.
  • Page 380: Using Your Maintenance Schedule

    Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather.
  • Page 381 Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) and 200,000 miles (332 000 km) should be performed at the same intervals after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) and 200,000 miles (332 000 km).
  • Page 382 Scheduled Maintenance * Your vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This monitor will show you when to change the engine oil and filter usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
  • Page 383 Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or at each engine oil and filter change). (See footnote #.) Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
  • Page 384 Scheduled Maintenance 22,500 Miles (37 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or at each engine oil and filter change). (See footnote #.) Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
  • Page 385 Scheduled Maintenance Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil”...
  • Page 386 Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) (Continued) Lubricate chassis components (or at each engine oil and filter change). (See footnote #.) If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
  • Page 387 Scheduled Maintenance 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or at each engine oil and filter change). (See footnote #.) Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
  • Page 388 Scheduled Maintenance 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued) Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission Control Service. Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service.
  • Page 389 Scheduled Maintenance Lubricate chassis components (or at each engine oil and filter change). (See footnote #.) Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking. Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information.
  • Page 390 Scheduled Maintenance 82,500 Miles (137 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil” in the Index. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote *.) Lubricate chassis components (or at each engine oil and filter change). (See footnote #.) Check rear/front axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
  • Page 391 Scheduled Maintenance Replace fuel filter. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) 97,500 Miles (162 500 km) Check Oil Life Monitor. If engine oil and filter are changed, reset monitor. See “Engine Oil”...
  • Page 392 Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) (Continued) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90 _ F (32 _ C) or higher.
  • Page 393 Scheduled Maintenance 150,000 Miles (240 000 km) Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last service, whichever occurs first). See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
  • Page 394: At Each Fuel Fill

    Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
  • Page 395: At Least Twice A Year

    At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
  • Page 396 Manual Transmission Check Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See “Manual Transmission Fluid” in the Index. Check for leaks. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed. Automatic Transmission Check Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See “Automatic Transmission Fluid”...
  • Page 397 Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2.
  • Page 398 Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
  • Page 399: Exhaust System Inspection

    Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs.
  • Page 400: Throttle System Inspection

    Throttle System Inspection Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables. Drive Axle Service Check rear/front axle fluid level and add as needed.
  • Page 401 Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine Oil with the American (Gasoline Petroleum Institute Certified For Engine) Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity.
  • Page 402 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Key Lock Multi Purpose Lubricant, Cylinders Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Floor Shift Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol Linkage (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2 Category LB or GC Chassis Chassis Lubricant (GM Part Lubrication No.
  • Page 403 USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Rear Driveline Chassis Lubricant (GM Part Center Splines No. 12377985 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or Hood Latch Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol Assembly, (GM Part No. 12346293 or Secondary Latch, equivalent) or lubricant meeting Pivots, Spring requirements of NLGI # 2, Anchor and...
  • Page 404: Maintenance Record

    Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY READING 7-28 Services”...
  • Page 405 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-29...
  • Page 406 yellowblue Maintenance Record ODOMETER DATE SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED READING 7-30...
  • Page 407 Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Chevrolet if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects. Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text Telephone...
  • Page 408 Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
  • Page 409 Dealership name and location Vehicle delivery date and present mileage When contacting Chevrolet, please remember that your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility. That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have a concern.
  • Page 410: Customer Assistance Offices

    Customer Assistance Offices free telephone Chevrolet encourages customers to call the toll-free number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to write to Chevrolet, the letter should be addressed to Chevrolet’s Customer Assistance Center. United States Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O.
  • Page 411 Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations GMODC Customer Communication Centre 169-007 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Telephone: 905-644-4112 Fax:...
  • Page 412 To enhance Chevrolet’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Chevrolet is excited to announce the establishment of the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Center. As the owner of a 1999 Chevrolet, membership in Roadside Assistance is free. Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day,...
  • Page 413: Canadian Roadside Assistance

    Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers of 1999 Chevrolet passenger cars and light duty trucks. (Please see your selling dealer for details.)
  • Page 414: Courtesy Transportation

    Transportation Options Warranty service can generally be completed while you wait. However, if you are unable to wait Chevrolet helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,...
  • Page 415: Warranty Information

    Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts.
  • Page 416 REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors.
  • Page 417: Reporting Safety Defects To General Motors

    Please call us at 1 1020, or write: Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007 7047 In Canada, please call us at 1 or 1 7854 (French).
  • Page 418 1999 CHEVROLET SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
  • Page 419 ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 PUBLICATION FORM PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER NUMBER Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner’s Manual In Portfolio Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
  • Page 420 yellowblue NOTES 8-14...
  • Page 421 Section 9 Index ccessory Power Outlet ......Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Air Bag .
  • Page 422 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ........Better Business Bureau Mediation Blizzard, Driving In .
  • Page 423 Inside of Your Vehicle ............Instrument Panel Interior Plastic Components .
  • Page 424 Driving (Continued) ....... Through Water Wet Roads ........Winter .
  • Page 425 Fuel ......... . .
  • Page 426 Inspections (Continued) ........Steering Suspension .
  • Page 427: Table Of Contents

    aintenance, Normal Replacement Parts ......Maintenance Record Maintenance Schedule ......Owner Checks and Services .
  • Page 428 Overheated Engine Protection ........... . Overheating Engine Owner Checks and Services .
  • Page 429 Reserve Capacity, Front Axle ......... Reserve Capacity, Total Vehicle Restraints Checking...
  • Page 430 Servicing Your Air Bag Equipped Vehicle ......Sheet Metal Damage Shift Lever ......Shift Light .
  • Page 431 Treadwear ............Uniform Quality Grading Wear Indicators .
  • Page 432 arning Devices ..........Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Warranty Information .

This manual is also suitable for:

Silverado 1999

Table of Contents