1997 Chevrolet Express Owners Manual

For prompt assistance, please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative:

Your name, address, home and business telephone numbers Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at the top left of the instrument panel and visible through the windshield.) Dealership name and location Vehicle delivery date and present mileage Nature of concern

We encourage you to call us so we can give your inquiry prompt attention. However, if you wish to write Chevrolet, address your inquiry to:

Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, MI 48007-7047

In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario LlH 8P7

Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Program

To enhance Chevrolet's strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Chevrolet is excited to announce the establishment of the Chevrolet/Geo Roadside Assistance Center. As the owner of a 1997 Chevrolet/Geo, membership in Roadside Assistance is free.

Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-243-8872). This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. Roadside membership is free, however some services may incur costs. Roadside offers two levels of service to the customer, Basic Care and Courtesy" Care:

Toll-free number, 1-800-CHEV-USA Free towing for warranty repairs Basic over-the-phone technical advice Available dealer services at reasonable costs (ie., wrecker services, locksmithkey service, glass repair, etc.)

ROADSIDE Courtesy Care PROVIDES: 0 Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined above)

Plus:

0 FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer

from a legal roadway)

@ FREE LocksmithKey Service (when keys are lost

on the road or locked inside)

0 FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road)

FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road)

0 FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on

the road)

ChevroletlGeo offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers of 1997 ChevroletlGeo passenger car and light duty trucks. (Please see your selling dealer for details.) Note: Courtesy Care is available to Retail and Retail Lease Customers operating 1997 and newer ChevroletlGeo vehicles for a period of 3 years/36,000 miles (60 0o0 km), whichever occurs first. All Courtesy Care services must be pre-arranged by Chevrolet Roadside or dealer Service Management. Basic Care and Courtesy Care are not part of or included in the coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Chevrolet reserves the right to modify or discontinue Basic Care and Courtesy Care at any time.

For complete program details, see your Chevrolet/Geo dealer to obtain a Roadside Assistance Center brochure. The Roadside Assistance Center uses companies that will provide you with quality and priority service. When roadside services are required, our advisors will explain any payment obligations that may be incurred for utilizing outside services. For prompt assistance when calling, please have the following available to give to the advisor:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Please refer to the Roadside Assistance brochure inside your owner information portfolio for full program details. Canadian Roadside Assistance Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive Roadside Assistance program accessible from anywnere in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the separate brochure provided by the dealer or call 1-800-268-6800 for emergency services.

0 License plate number 0 Vehicle color 0 Vehicle location

Telephone number wnere you can be reached

0 Vehicle mileage 0 Description of problem

0 Chevrolet/Geo Courtesy Transportation is not part

of the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Chevrolet/Geo reserves the right to make any changes or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time without notification. For additional program details, contact your Chevrolet/Geo dealer.

Some state insurance regulations make it impractical to rent vehicles to people under 21 years of age. If you are under 21 and have difficulty renting a vehicle, Chevrolet will reimburse up to $30/day for documented transportation you receive. For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, interim transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. The Roadside Assistance program is available only in the United States and Canada. In Canada, please consult your GM dealer for information on Courtesy Transportation.

Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet/Geo offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the Bumper to Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty to retail purchasers of 1997 Chevrolet/Geo passenger cars and light duty trucks (please see your selling dealer for details). Courtesy Transportation includes:

One way shuttle ride for any warranty repair completed during the same day. Up to $30 maximum daily vehicle rental allowance for any overnight warranty repair up to five days, OR Up to $30 maximum daily cab, bus or other transportation allowance in lieu of rental for any overnight warranty repair up to five days, OR Up to $10 daily fuel allowance for rides provided by another person (Le., friend, neighbor, etc.) in lieu of rental for any overnight wmanty repair up to five days. Note: All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by your Chevrolet/Geo dealer service management. Claim amounts should reflect all actual costs.

8-8

GM Participation in an Alternative Dispute Resolution Program This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or to discontinue its participation in this program. Both Chevrolet and your Chevrolet dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. Our experience has shown that, if a situation arises where you feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, the Customer Satisfaction Procedure described earlier in this section is very successful. There may be instances where an impartial third party can assist in arriving at a solution to a disagreement regarding vehicle repairs or interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. To assist in resolving these disagreements, Chevrolet voluntarily participates in BBB AUTO LINE.

BBB AUTO LINE is an out-of-court program administered by the Better Business Bureau system to settle automotive disputes. This program is available free of charge to customers who currently own or lease a GM vehicle. If you are not satisfied after following the Customer Satisfaction Procedure, you may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number, or write them at the following address:

BBB AUTO LINE Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203- 1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100

To file a claim, you will be asked to provide your name and address, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a statement of the nature of your complaint. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age and mileage, and other factors.

We prefer you utilize the Customer Satisfaction Procedure before you resort to AUTO LINE, but you may contact the BBB at any time. The BBB will attempt to resolve the complaint serving as an intermediary. If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator. The arbitrator will make a decision which you may accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be bound by that decision. The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision is made. Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222- 1020. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.

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. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:

NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:

Transport Canada Box 8880 Ottawa, Ontario K1 G 352

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-222- 1020 or write:

Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 7047 Troy, Michigan 48007-7047

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1 H 8P7

Ordering Service and Owner Publications in Canada Service manuals, service bulletins, owner’s manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and past model General Motors vehicles. The toll-free telephone number for ordering information in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.

1997 CHEVROLET/GEO SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION

The following publications covering the operation and servicing

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.)

of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out $88 '.;s;',:$g2 , ,,cg;j;:

~ ~ z y y , & ' ; Y

E-'"k"l.7&$

b-,-* e

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 CHEVROLET/GEO

Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00

SERVICE BULLETINS Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.

OWNER'S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 5.00 Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00 CURRENT 8t PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.

ORDER TOLL FREE

(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST) FAX Orders Onlv 1-31 3-865-5927

1-800-782-4356

service. If further information is needed, write to the address s R own below or call

Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow ade uate time for postal 1-800-782-4356. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied against the original order.

name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.

.. .i : _. .? -;:: ;;. $: . . ' NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the :,. .~ P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 ,, ., .zj., , .~ . . . . . . : For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.

HELM, INCORPORATED

I.

is : Mail completed order form to: ::: '1 "j p:

(CUSTOMER'S NAME)

.. : . .. , . . , . . . . .. . . .

. . ... . ,

,..

(ATTENTION)

GM-CHE-ORD97

*(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)

Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the US. order processing.

Section 9 Index

Adjustable Mast Antenna ........................ 3-28 AirBag ....................................... 1-25 Adding Equipment ............................ 1-32 How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-30 How it Works ................................ 1-28 Location .................................... 1-28 Readiness Light ......................... 1.27. 2-51 Servicing ................................... 1-31 What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-29 What Will You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30 When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-29 Aircleaner .................................... 6-17 Air Conditioning ................................ 3-7 Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-67 Air Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-47 Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-55 Antenna. Adjustable Mast ........................ 3-28 Antenna. Power ................................ 3-28 Antifreeze ..................................... 6-22 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53. 4-7 Brakes ...................................... 4-7 Appearancecare ............................... 6-49

Appearance Care Materials ....................... Arbitration Program .............................. Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio Systems .................................. Automatic Transmission

6-57 8-9 2-43 3-8

Transmission Check ........................... 7-46 Transmission Fluid ............................ 6-18 Transmission Operation ........................ 2-20 Shifting ..................................... 2-20 Transmission Park Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-48 Axle. Locking Rear ............................. 2-23 Axle. Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32 Jump Starting ................................. 5-3 Replacement. Remote Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Warnings .................................... 5-3 BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .................... 4-21 Better Business Bureau Mediation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Blizzard. Driving In ............................. 4-25

9-1

Brake

Adjustment .................................. 6-31 Fluid ....................................... 6-28 Master Cylinder .............................. 6-28 Parking ..................................... 2-23 Pedal Travel ................................. 6-3 1 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-3 1 System Warning Light ......................... 2-52 Trailer ...................................... 4-34 Transmission Shift Interlock Check ............... 7-47 Wear ....................................... 6-30 Brakes. Anti-Lock ............................... 4-7 Braking ........................................ 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ........................... 4-9 .......................... 2-16 Break-In. New Vehicle Brightness Control .............................. 2-38 BTSICheck ................................... 7-47 Bulb Replacement .............................. 6-32

Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... 8-7 Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-64 Carbon Monoxide .................... 2-28.4-26. 4-34 Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-45 Cassette Tape Player ....................... 3- 11. 3- 13 Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-27 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-61 Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-35 Center Rear Passenger Position .................... 1-35 Certification Label .............................. 4-27 CertificatiodTire Label .......................... 4-27

9-2

...........................

................................. 4-34 Chains. Safety Chains. Tire ................................... 6-49 Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5-23 Checking Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-52 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-56 Child Restraints ................................ 1-40 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-42 Securing in the Center Front Seat Position ......... 1-44 Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . 1-44 Securing in the Center Seat Position .............. 1-44 Securing in the Passenger Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-46 TopStrap ................................... 1-42 Where to Put 1-40. 1-41 Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-45 Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... 6-60 Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-17 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels ..................... . . . . . . . 6-55 Fabric ...................................... 6-50 Glass ....................................... 6-53 InsideofYourGM ............................ 6-50 Instrumentpanel ............................. 6-52 Leather ..................................... 6-52 Outside of Your GM ........................... 6-54 Special Problems ............................. 6-51 Stains ...................................... 6-50 Tires ....................................... 6-55 Vinyl ....................................... 6-52 Wheels ..................................... 6-55 Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-53

Climate Control. Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Climate Control System ........................... 3-2 Clock. Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Compact Disc Care ............................. 3-27 Compact Disc Player ....................... 3-18. 3-22 Console Storage ................................ 2-44 Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-6 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-44 Coolant ....................................... 6-22 RecoveryTank ............................... 5-16 Cooling System ................................ 5- 14 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-8 Cruise Control ................................. 2-36 Cupholders .................................... 2-44 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-56 Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-55 Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-40 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 ................................... Dead Battery 5-3 Defects. Reporting Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 10 Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2 Defogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2. 3-4 Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2. 3.4 Dome Lamps ..................................

2-40

Door

Locks ....................................... 2-4 Sliding ..................................... 2-11 Storage ..................................... 2-45 Storagepocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Swing-Out Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 Drive Position. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Driver Position ................................. 1-15 Driving City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Drunken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Freeway .................................... 4-20 InaBlizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25 In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 In the Rain Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 OnCurves ................................... 4-9 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 On Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22 OnSnowandIce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 Throughwater ............................... 4-18 WetRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24 With a Trailer ................................ 4-34 ................................ 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45

Drunken Driving Dual Tire Operation

Manual

Electrical Equipment. Adding Electrical System ............ Electronic Road Speed Governor Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coolant Level Check . . . . . . . Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling System Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Level Check . . . . . . . . . . . Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running While Parked . . . . . . Starting Your . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pressure Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . Used .................... Whentochange .............................. Exhaust. Engine ................................

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59 (Gasoline Engines) ... 2-60 .................... 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59 Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.58. 6..65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16 6-16 2-28

Fabric Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50 Fan Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-5 Filter. Air ..................................... 6-17 Finish Care .................................... 6-54

Frangais

en

...........................

Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 First Gear. Automatic Transmission ......................... 5-2 Flashers. Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23 Flat Tire. Changing Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-51 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5 .. French 11 Front ParkingKurn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . 6-35 Front Storage Area .............................. 2-44 FrontTowing .................................. 5-10 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Canada ...................................... 6-5 FillingYourTank .............................. 6-5 Gage ....................................... 2-58 ........................... In Foreign Countries 6-5 Tankcapacity ............................... 6-66 ....................... 6-60

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-59 ........................... Engine Oil Pressure 2-57 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60 GAWR ....................................... 4-28 Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-28 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27 .. Guide 11 GVWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27

.................................

9-4

Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-32 .......................... 5-2 Hazard Warning Flashers Head Restraints ................................. 1-5 Headlamps .................................... 2-39 Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-33 High/Low Beam Changer ...................... 2-34 OnReminder ................................ 2-40 Wiring ..................................... 6-59 Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Heating ........................................ 3-7 High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-34 Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-22 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-22 Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-33 Hood Checking Things Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Prop ........................................ 6-8 Release ...................................... 6-7 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32 Hydroplaning .................................. 4- 18

Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-42 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Brakesystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50 Exhaust Systems ............................. 7-49 Radiator and Heater Hose ...................... 7-49 RearAxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50

Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suspension .................................. Throttle Linkage .............................. Brightness Control ............................ Cleaning .................................... Cluster ..................................... FuseBlock .................................. Interior Lamps ................................. J ack. .................................... Jump Starting ...................................

Tire

7-49 7-49 7-49 2-38 6-52 2-48 6-60 2-40

5-25 5-3

Keyless Entry System ........................... 2-6 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Labels

4-27 Certification ................................. 4-27 Certification/Tire ............................. 4-27 Service Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Tire-Loading Information ...................... 4-27 Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 Lalnps ..... . .. . . . .. . .. . . .. .. . . . .. .. . . . .. .. . . . . 2-38 Dome ...................................... 2-40 Interior ..................................... 2-40 OnReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Panel ....................................... 2-40 Underhood .................................. 2-42 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running ....... 2-26 Lighter ....................................... 2-45

Lights

Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1.27. 2.5 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.53. 4.7 Brake System Warning ......................... 2-52 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator ............... 2-54 Interior ..................................... 2-40 Safety Belt Reminder ..................... 1 . I 1. 2.50 Service Engine Soon .......................... 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27 Loading Your Vehicle Locks ......................................... 2-4 Door ........................................ 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 Ignition Transmission Lock Check PowerDoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Rear Door Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Sliding Door Child Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 4-13 7-5 1 7-46

LossofControl ................................ Lubricants and Fluids ............................ Lubrication Service. Body ........................

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67 Maintenance Record ............................ 7-53 Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7- 1 Long Tripmighway Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 Long Tripmighway Intervals ..................... 7-7 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-45 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 1 Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Short Trip/City Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Short Trip/City Intervals ........................ 7-5 Maintenance. Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-56 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-37 ...................... 2-54 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ManualFrontSeat ............................... 1-2 Mirrors ....................................... 2-43 Convex Outside .............................. 2-44 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-43 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-43 ................................. Visor Vanity 2-46 MMT ......................................... 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Model Reference Mountain Roads ................................ 4-22 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 Neutral. Automatic Transmission New Vehicle Break-In ........................... 2-16 NightVision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 ........................... 6-11 Noise Control System

Odometer .................................... 2-49 Odometer. Trip ................................. 2-49 Off-Road Recovery ............................. 4-11 Oil. Engine .................................... 6-12 Overheating Engine ............................. 5-12 Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-45 Owner Publications. Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11

6-56

Parking

2-24 2-24 2-27

P a i n t Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park Automatic Transmission ....................... Shifting Into ................................. Shifting Out of ............................... AtNight .................................... 2-15 Brake ...................................... 2-23 Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-48 Lots ....................................... 2-15 OverThingsThatBurn ........................ 2-27 With a Trailer ................................ 4-37 Passenger Position .............................. 1-25 Passenger Temperature Control ..................... 3-5 Passing ....................................... 4-12 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49 Power

Antenna Mast Care ............................ 3-28 DoorLocks ................................... 2-5 Option Fuses ................................ 6-60 Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-43 Seat ......................................... 1-3 Steering ..................................... 4-9 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-26 Windows ................................... 2-29 Power Seat Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-24 Problems on the Road ............................ 5-1 Publications. Service and Owner ................... 8-1 1

4-16 2-41

5-19 6-25 3-26

Radiator ..................................... Radiator Pressure Cap ............................ Radio Reception ................................ Radios ......................... 3.9.3.11.3.13. 3.18 Rain. Driving In ................................ Reading Lamps ................................ Rear Axle ....................................... 6-22 Door Security Locks ........................... 2-5 Outside Seat Position .......................... 1-32 Seatpassengers .............................. 1-32 Towing ..................................... 5-11 Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-43 Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-3 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51 Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5-16 Refrigerants. Air Conditioning .................... 6-67 Remote Compact Disc Player ..................... 3-22 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... Parts ....................................... Wheel ...................................... Replacing Safety Belts ........................... Reporting Safety Defects ......................... Restraints Checking ................................... 1-52 Child ....................................... 1-40 Head ........................................ 1-5 Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-52 System Check ................................ 7-46 Reverse. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21 9-7

6-68 6-67 6-47 1-52 8-10

.................... Right Front Passenger Position 1-25 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-7 ........................... Rocking Your Vehicle 5-38 Rotation. Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43

Safety Belt Extender ............................ 1-52 1 - 10 Safety Belts ................................... Adults ...................................... 1-15 Care ....................................... 6-53 ...................... Center Passenger Position 1-35 Center Rear Passenger Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-35 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37 Driver Position ............................... 1 - 15 Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-52 1 - 15 How to Wear Properly ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-50 Incorrect Usage Incorrect Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 19 LapBelt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36 Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-36 Lap-Shoulder ................................ 1-15 Lap-Shoulder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33 Lap-Shoulder ................................ 1-33 .............................. 1-49 Larger Children Passenger Position ............................ 1-25 Questions and Answers ........................ 1 - 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-32 Reminder Light ......................... 1-1 1. 2-50 Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 Right Front Passenger Position

1-3

Seats

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.37. 1-39 Smaller Children and Babies Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1-24 WhyThey Work .............................. 1-11 SafetyChains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Safety Defects. Reporting ........................ 8- 10 ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Safety Warnings and Symbols Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4 Seatback ............................... Reclining Front ManualFront ................................. 1-2 Power ....................................... 1-3 Rear ........................................ 1-5 Restraint Systems .............................. 1-1 ................................. Seat Controls 1-2 Securing a Child Restraint ...................... 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Second Gear. Automatic Transmission Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Bulletins, Ordering ............................ 8-11 EngineSoonLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-54 Manuals. Ordering ............................ 8- 11 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-58 Publications. Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 11 Work. Doing Your Own . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 ...................... 6-1 Service and Appearance Care Service and Owner Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 11 Service Publications ............................. 8- 11 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Sheet Metal Damage Shift Lever ............................... 2-20. 2-25

Shifting

Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-20 Into Park (P) ................................. 2-24 OutofPark .................................. 2-27 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1 . 18 Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-33 SIR .......................................... 1-25 Skidding ...................................... 4-13 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-64 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Speedometer ................................... 2-49 Stains. Cleaning ................................ 6-50 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-46 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-17 Steam ........................................ 5-12 Steering ....................................... 4-9 In Emergencies ............................... 4- 10 Power ....................................... 4-9 Tips ......................................... 4-9 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-32 StorageAreas .................................. 2-44 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-32 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37 Sunvisors .................................... 2-46 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Symbols. Vehicle .................................. Taillamp Bulb Replacement ...................... Tape Player Care ...............................

6-37 3-27

Temperature Control. Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Temperature Control. Passenger .................... 3-5 Theft ......................................... 2-15 Theft-Deterrent Feature .......................... 3-23 Thermostat .................................... 6-26 Third Gear. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32 Time. Setting the ................................ 3-8 Tirechains .................................... 6-49 TireLoading ................................... 4-27 Tire-Loading Information Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27 Tires ......................................... 6-41 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-47 BuyingNew ................................. 6-45 Chains ..................................... 6-49 ChangingaFlat .............................. 5-23 Cleaning .................................... 6-55 Dual Operation ............................... 6-45 Inflation .................................... 6-42 Inflation Check ............................... 7-45 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-43 Loading .................................... 4-27 Pressure .................................... 6-42 Temperature ................................. 6-47 Traction .................................... 6-46 Treadwear ................................... 6-46 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-46 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-44 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-47 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-44

9-9

TopStrap ..................................... TorqueLock ................................... Torque. Wheel Nut ......................... Towing a Trailer ................................ Towing Your Vehicle Trailer

1-42 2-26 5-34. 6-65 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

4-34 4-36 4-34 4-33 4-37 4-37 4-34 4-32 4-33 4-29 4-36 4-31 4-38

Brakes ..................................... Driving on Grades ............................ Drivingwith ................................. Hitches ..................................... Maintenance When Towing ..................... Parking on Hills .............................. Safety Chains ................................ Tongueweight ............................... Total Weight on Tires .......................... Towing ..................................... Turnsignals ................................. Weight ..................................... Wiring Harness ............................... Transmission Fluid Automatic ................................... 6- 1 8 Transmitters. Keyless Entry ........................ 2-7 .......................... Transportation. Courtesy 8-8 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-49 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-4 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Turn SignalMultifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36

Underbody Maintenance ........................ UnderhoodLamp ...............................

6-56 2-42

Vehicle

Control ...................................... .............................. Damage Warnings ......................... Identification Number Loading .................................... Storage .....................................

4-6 iv 6-58 4-27 6-32 Ventilation System ............................... 3-7 ............................ 2-46 Visor Vanity Mirrors Visors. Sun .................................... 2-46

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-3 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ............... 2-50 Warranty Information ............................ 8-10 ........................ 6-27 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................... 6-54 Washing Your Vehicle Weatherstrips .................................. 6-53 Wheel Alignment .................................. Nut Torque ............................ 5-34. 6-65 Replacement ................................. 6-47 Wrench ..................................... 5-26 Windows ..................................... 2-29 Power ...................................... 2-29 Side Latches ................................. 2-30 Swing-Out .................................. 2-30

6-47

Windshield Washer ............................. 2-35 Fluid ....................................... 6-27 Fluid ....................................... 2-35 Fluid Level Check ............................ 7-45 Windshield Wiper .............................. 2-34 Blade Replacement ........................... 6-40 Cleaning the Blades ........................... 6-53 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-59

Winter Driving ................................. Wiring. Headlamp .............................. Wrecker Towing ................................. Wrench. Wheel .................................

4-24 6-59 5-8 5-26

~~

..

9-11

Service Station Checkpoints

BATERY P6-32

TI RES P6-41

ENGINE COOLANT RECOVERY TANK

P6-24

SECONDARY

HOOD RELEASE

P6-8

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

P6-27

HOOD RELEASE

P6-7

FUEL DOOR

P6-5

For detailed information, refer to the page number listed, or see the index in the back of the owner’s manual.

I

The 1997 Chevrolet Express Owner’s Manual

1-1

2- 1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8-1

9-1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR” system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle, Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule 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- IO. 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.

-.Iu I

We support voluntary technician certification.

CHEVROLET

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name EXPRESS are register. -. .- ... demarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet 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. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. C9714 B First Edition

ii

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriktaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fraqais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T IC7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1996 All Rights Reserved

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. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

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.”

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BURNS

,\I/,

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

UNLOCK Pa

TURN SIGNALS

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

DAYTIME . a RUNNING * LAMPS .

# 0

VENTILATING FAN

FOG LAMPS

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

(a)

HORN )tr SPEAKER b e,

FUEL

COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Passenger Van

-l Cab and Chassis

Cargo Van

vi

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.

1-2 1-10 1- 14

1-15 1-15 1-24 1-25 1-25

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System

1-32 1-35 1-37 1-40 1-49 1-52 1-52 1-52

Rear Seat Passengers Center Passenger Position Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Seats and Seat Controls This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, take them out and put them back in. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks. Manual Front Seats

To adjust the seat, pull the lever up to release the seat bottom and slide the seat where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

The buckets seats can be adjusted forward or rearward with the lever at the front of the seat.

Power Seat (Option)

To lower it, move the right lever down. To raise the rear of the seat, move the left lever up. To lower it, move the left lever down. Reclining Seatbacks

If your vehicle has a power seat on the driver or passenger’s side, you can adjust it with this switch at the front center cushion of the seat. you want You can use these switches to move the seat where it. To raise the seat, move the center knob up. To lower the seat, move the center knob down. To move the seat forward, move the center knob toward the right. To move the seat rearward, move the center knob toward the left. You can raise and lower the front and rear of the seat. To raise the front of the seat, move the right lever up.

To adjust the seatback, lift the front of this lever which is located at the inner edge of the seat cushion. Move the seatback with your body and release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lean forward and pull up on the front of the lever and the seatback will go to an upright position.

I

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 because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined

if your vehicle is moving.

Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable 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. Rear Seats

I A CAUTION:

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

A CAUTION: -

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

A CAUTION:

A safety belt that is twisted or not properly attached won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After installing the seat, always check to be sure that the safety belts are not twisted and are properly attached.

Removing the Rear Seat

1. Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed. To do this, press the tip of a key into the release hole of the safety belt buckle while pulling up on the safety belt.

2. Lift the carpetlmat flap at the inboard side of the seat

base in the rear.

1-6

3. Locate the red handle on the inboard side of the seat

base, rotate the red handle up.

5. Stow the locking pin on the rear of the seat base

in the hole that is provided.

4. Once the red handle is rotated up, pull the handle

to remove the locking pin.

6. Repeat this procedure for the pin on the other

seat base.

7. Remove the seat from the vehicle. 8. Install the trim covers to the floor rails.

3. Both locking pins that lock the seat into place must

be installed before operating the vehicle.

4. To install the locking pin at the rear of the seat base, pull the carpetlmat flap back on the inboard side to locate the hole in the rail for the pin.

9. Stow the seat belt latch plate on the clip at the

window trim.

Replacing the Rear Seat 1. Remove the trim covers from the floor rails. 2. Position the seat into the open slots in both rails.

Push the seat forward in the rail, hooking both seat bases onto the pins inside of the rails.

5. Remove the pin from its stowed position on the seat

base while holding the carpevmat flap back.

6. Insert the red handled locking pin into the seat base.

7. Rotate the red handle down until it is in the

retaining clip.

8. Replace the carpet/mat flap to its original position. 9. Repeat this procedure for the other seat base. 10. Connect the quick release latch plates for the lap

shoulder belts by inserting the latch plates into the buckles attached at the outboard positions of the bench seat. Do not twist the belt.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

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 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system.

A CAUTIOIA:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

1-10

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety lbelts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you dlon’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. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.

1-12

f I

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel ...

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

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.

1-14

@’ If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size.

Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the 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.

I

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

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.

I 1-16

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. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

To move it down, push in at the word PRESS and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

@’ What’s wrong with this?

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. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

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. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

@ What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-20

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

1.\ CAUTION:

1 1 can be se usly injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

1-21

@ What’s wrong with this?

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. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

@ What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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.

1-23

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. Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. 1-24

1 I

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. 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.

Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. 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. Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) svstem or air bag system.

If it says SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel and SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger’s seat, your vehicle has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. If it says SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel but it doesn’t say SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger’s seat, your vehicle has an air bag for the driver only.

If it says SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel but there is no right front passenger’s seat, your vehicle has an air bag for the driver only. If it doesn’t say SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT on the middle part of the steering wheel, your vehicle doesn’t have air bags. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a air bag for that person.

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are CAUTION: (Continued)

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the