2000 Chevrolet Tahoe Owners Manual

Auto. Trans.) Rear Driveline Center Spline

Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl

Automatic Transfer Case Fluid (GM Part No. 12378396). Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant (GM Part No. 12345879) or lubricant meeting requirements of GM 9985830.

Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB. LubriplateR Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 12346293 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB.

USAGE

Floor Shift Linkage

Chassis Lubrication

Front Axle

Rear Axle

7-24

FLUID/LUBRICANT Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent).

USAGE

Weatherstrip Conditioning

Weatherstrip Squeaks

FLUID/LUBRICANT

Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

Synthetic Grease with Teflon, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12371287 or equivalent).

USAGE

Hood Hinges

Body Door Hinge Pins, Liftgate Hinge and Linkage, Folding Seats and Fuel Door Hinge

7-25

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 Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.

DATE

ODOMETER

READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

Maintenance Record

7-26

DATE

ODOMETER

READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

Maintenance Record

7-27

DATE

ODOMETER

READING

SERVICED BY

MAINTENANCE PERFORMED

Maintenance Record

7-28

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.

8-2
8-4

8-4
8-5

8-6
8-7
8-8

Customer Satisfaction Procedure Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users Customer Assistance Offices GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program Canadian Roadside Assistance Courtesy Transportation

8-9
8-10

8-10

8-11
8-11

Warranty Information Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors Ordering Owner Publications in Canada

8-

8-1

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. If your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following steps should be taken: STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of dealership management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the general manager.

8-2

STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-222-1020. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative: D 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.)

D Dealership name and location D 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. STEP THREE -- Both General Motors and your dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you continue to remain unsatisfied after following the procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, file with the GM/BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).

8-3

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Although you are required to resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to filing any court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief available to you. 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

This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age, mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its participation in this program.

Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Chevrolet has TTY equipment available at its Customer Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate with Chevrolet by dialing: 1-800-833-CHEV (2438). (TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.) Customer Assistance Offices 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. Box 7047
Troy, MI 48007-7047

1-800-222-1020
1-800-833-2438 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-CHEV-USAR (243-8872)

8-4

Canada

General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

If toll free service is not available in the Caribbean, call Puerto Rico 1-787-763-1315. GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities

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: 905-644-4866

Caribbean Numbers 1-800-496-9992 (English) Puerto Rico 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) Puerto Rico 1-800-751-4135 (English) Dominican Republic 1-800-751-4136 (Spanish) Dominican Republic 1-800-496-9994 U.S. Virgin Islands 1-800-389-0009 Bahamas 1-800-534-0122 Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua & B.V.I.

This program, available to qualified applicants, can reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver or passenger adaptive equipment you may require for your vehicle (hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lifts, etc.).

This program can also provide you with free resource information, such as area driver assessment centers and mobility equipment installers. The program is available for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935. GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. When calling from outside Canada, please dial 1-905-644-3063. All TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.

8-5

Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program

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 2000 Chevrolet, membership in Roadside Assistance is free. Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 1-800-CHEV-USA (243-8872). This toll-free number will provide you over-the-phone roadside assistance with minor mechanical problems. 8-6

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: D Toll-free number, 1-800-CHEV-USA (243-8872) D Free towing for warranty repairs D Basic over-the-phone technical advice D Available dealer services at reasonable costs (i.e.,

wrecker services, locksmith/key service, glass repair, etc.)

ROADSIDE Courtesy Care PROVIDES: D Roadside Basic Care services (as outlined previously)

Plus:

D FREE Non-Warranty Towing (to the closest dealer

from a legal roadway)

D FREE Locksmith/Key Service (when keys are lost

on the road or locked inside)

D FREE Flat Tire Service (spare installed on the road) D FREE Jump Start (at home or on the road) D FREE Fuel Delivery ($5 of fuel delivered on

the road)

Chevrolet 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 2000 Chevrolet passenger cars and light duty trucks. (Please see your selling dealer for details.) Note: Courtesy Care is available to retail and retail lease customers operating 2000 and newer Chevrolet vehicles for a period of 3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 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 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: D Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) D License plate number D Vehicle color D Vehicle location D Telephone number where you can be reached D Vehicle mileage D Description of problem 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 anywhere 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.

8-7

Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation options are available when warranty repairs are required. This will reduce your inconvenience during warranty repairs. Plan Ahead When Possible When your vehicle requires warranty service, you should contact your dealer and request an appointment. By scheduling a service appointment and advising your service consultant of your transportation needs, your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience. If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service department immediately, keep driving it until it can be scheduled for service, unless, of course, the problem is safety-related. If it is, please call your dealership, let them know this, and ask for instructions.

8-8

If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle off for service, you are urged to do so as early in the work day as possible to allow for same day repair. 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, your dealer can offer you one of the following:

Shuttle Service Participating dealers can provide you with shuttle service to get you to your destination with minimal interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a one way shuttle ride to a destination up to 10 miles from the dealership.

Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, reimbursement up to $30 per day (five days maximum) may be available for the use of public transportation such as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange transportation through a friend or relative, reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to $10 per day (five day maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should reflect actual costs and be supported by original receipts.

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. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements. Requirements vary and may include minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel usage charges and may also be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage or rental usage beyond the completion of the repair. Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as a courtesy rental. Additional Program Information Courtesy Transportation is available during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period, but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate booklet entitled “Warranty and Owner Assistance Information” furnished with each new vehicle provides detailed warranty coverage information.

Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating dealers and all program options, such as shuttle service, may not be available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer for specific information about availability. All Courtesy Transportation arrangements will be administered by appropriate dealer personnel. Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty, alternative transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details. General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify, change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at its sole discretion. Warranty Information Your vehicle comes with a separate warranty booklet that contains detailed warranty information.

8-9

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 330 Sparks Street Tower C Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5

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.

8-10

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

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, MI 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 L1H 8P7

8-11

2000 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.)

SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 2000 CHEVROLET 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.

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 2000 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00

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.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:

Helm, Incorporated S P.O. Box 07130 S Detroit, MI 48207

8-12

In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $20.00

Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00

CURRENT & 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.

OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA–MasterCard–Discover)

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

Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call 1-800-551-4123. 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.

PUBLICATION FORM PUBLICATION FORM

NUMBER NUMBER

ITEM DESCRIPTION

Service Manual Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair

Owner’s Manual In Portfolio

Owner’s Manual Without Portfolio

VEHICLE MODEL

NAME

TOTAL PRICE

YEAR 2000

2000

2000

2000

QTY.

PRICE EACH*

$120.00

$50.00

$20.00

$15.00

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. Mail completed order form to:

HELM, INCORPORATED S P.O. Box 07130 S Detroit, MI 48207
For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.

(CUSTOMER’S NAME)

(ATTENTION)

(STREET ADDRESS—NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)

(CITY)

(STATE)

DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.

( )

AREA CODE

(ZIP CODE)

Check or Money Order payable to Helm, Inc. (USA funds only — do not send cash.)

MasterCard

VISA

Discover

Account Number: Expiration Date mo/yr:

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE

TOTAL MATERIAL

Michigan Purchasers add 6% sales tax

U.S. Order Processing

Canadian Postage (See Note Below)

GRAND TOTAL

$6.00

Check here if your billing address is different from your shipping address shown.

GM-CHE-ORD99

*(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 8-13
are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the U.S. order processing.

Every 2000

Tahoe/Suburban under warranty is backed with the following

services:

Courtesy

Transportation

1-800-CHEV-USA 1-800-CHEV-USA®

(For vehicles purchased in Canada, (For vehicles purchased in Canada,

call 1-800-268-6800) call 1-800-268-6800)

that provides in an emergency:

Free lockout assistance Free dead-battery assistance Free out-of-fuel assistance Free flat-tire change Emergency towing

2000 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A. Part Number C2016 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 1999
All Rights Reserved

Section 1

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts

Table of Contents

Seats and Restraint Systems

Air Bag Systems Child Restraints

Features and Controls

Keys and Door Locks Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Liftgate Automatic Transmission Operation Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) Parking Brake Windows Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control

Interior and Exterior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Convenience Net/Cargo Cover/Luggage Carrier (If Equipped) Accessory Power Outlets OnStar® System (If Equipped) Sunroof (If Equipped) HomeLink® Transmitter (If Equipped) Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Message Center

Section 2

EE

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

Section 3

Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock

Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)

Your Driving and the Road

Section 4

Braking/Anti-lock Brakes Steering Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Off-Road Driving

Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer

Section 5

Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle

Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating Changing a Flat Tire If You're Stuck

EEE

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

Section 6

Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped) Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Section 7

Scheduled Maintenance Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Maintenance Records

Maintenance Schedule

EL

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Customer Assistance Information

Section 8

Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual) Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10
Service Publications

Section 9

In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.

You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

Index

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide

We support voluntary technician certification.

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

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the name TAHOE, and the name SUBURBAN are registered trademarks 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 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. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

vi

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.

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.

CAUTION:

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.

vii

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.

viii

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

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:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

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

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

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

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH

TURN SIGNALS

PARKING LAMPS

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS

AIR BAG

FOG LAMPS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD WASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

VENTILATING FAN

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

COOLANT

SPEAKER

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

FUEL

ix

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Utility

Suburban

Service Station Guide

Cooling System See Section 5

Tire Pressure See Section 6

Spare Tire Pressure

See Section 5

For a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Hood Release See Section 6
Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

Battery

See Section 6

Engine Oil Dipstick

See Section 6

Oil Viscosity Engine Oil See Section 6

Fuel

Use unleaded gas only, 87 Octane or higher.

See Section 6

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
1-15
1-20

1-21
1-21
1-27
1-28
1-28
1-37

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 Air Bag Systems Center Passenger Position

1-38
1-41

1-44
1-47
1-60
1-63
1-63
1-63

Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust 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. 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.

1-2

If your vehicle has a manual bucket or split bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever located at the front of the seat. Lift the lever at the front of the seat to unlock it. Using your body, slide the seat to where you want it. Then, release the lever and try to move the seat with your body in order to make sure the seat is locked into place.

Manual Cushion Tilt (If Equipped)

Manual Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has a lumbar adjustment, you can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback.

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.

To increase support, turn the knob towards the front of the vehicle. Operating effort can be reduced if you lean forward slightly while turning the knob. To decrease support, turn the knob towards the rear of the vehicle.

1-3

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. Move the seat forward by moving the whole button toward the front of the vehicle. Raise the rear of the seat cushion by raising the rear edge of the button. Lower the rear of the seat cushion by lowering the rear edge of the button. Move the seat rearward by moving the whole button toward the rear of the vehicle. Moving the whole button up or down raises or lowers the entire seat cushion. Vertical Control: If your vehicle has the power reclining seats, you can use this button to adjust the angle of the seatback. Move the reclining front seatback rearward by moving the button toward the rear of the vehicle. Move the seatback forward by moving the button toward the front of the vehicle. See “Reclining Seatbacks” in the Index for further information.

Power Seat(s) (If Equipped)

Horizontal Control: If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with these controls located at the outside edge of the seat.

1-4

Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

Memory Seat (If Equipped)

If you have power lumbar adjustment, you can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback.

The memory function controls the driver’s seat cushion and recliner positions and is located on the driver’s door trim panel.

To increase support, press and hold the front of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. To decrease support, press and hold the rear of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower seatback for more lateral support. To increase support, press and hold the top of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. To decrease support, press and hold the bottom of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.

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 side of the memory control within five seconds. When your vehicle is in PARK (P), press the 1 or 2
button of the memory control to recall the seat setting. To do the same thing for a second driver, follow the preceding steps, but press the other number of the memory control. The memory feature only works when the transmission is in PARK (P).

1-5

Heated Front Seats (If Equipped)

Reclining Seatbacks

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. To activate the heated seats, press the button once for the HI heat setting. Press the button again for the LO heat setting. To turn off the heated seats, press the button a third time. An indicator light on the button will illuminate for each heat setting anytime the heated seats are operating. The heated front seats will be canceled after the ignition is turned to OFF. If you still want to use the heated front seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need to press the heated seat button again. 1-6

To adjust the front seatback, lift the lever upward. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lift the lever again upward and the seatback will go to an upright position. If your vehicle has power seats with a power recliner, see “Power Seats” in the Index for further information on how to operate the reclining seatback feature.

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. 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.

1-7

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. Rear Seats

CAUTION:

If a head restraint is not installed on the seatback or stored in the vehicle properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Remove the head restraints only when you need to fold the seat, and be sure that the head restraints are stored securely in the space provided on the folded up seat cushion. When the seat is returned to the passenger position, be sure the head restraints are installed properly.

Utility: The rear seat may have a 60/40 split seat which may be folded down to give you more cargo space. The rear seatbacks are equipped with rearward folding head restraints. When the seatback is being folded down, the head restraint will automatically fold rearward to allow a flat load floor for cargo or entry to the third row seat (if equipped). Suburban/Yukon XL: The second row rear seat of Suburban/Yukon XL models may have a 60/40 split seat or rear bucket seats. Either side of the rear seat may be folded down to give you more cargo space. On Suburban/Yukon XL models with rear bucket seats, the head restraints need to be removed in order to fold the rear seat. To do this, lift the head restraints up until they stop. Press in the button on the side of the head restraint guide cap and lift up on the head restraint. This will need to be repeated on the other cap. The head restraint can be removed and stored in the space provided on the folded up seat cushion.

1-8

On Suburban/Yukon XL models with bucket seats, the seatbacks can be reclined. To adjust the seatback, pull the lever located at the base of the back forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull the lever again and the seatback will go to an upright position. In order to fold the back of a bucket seat into a horizontal load floor, the back must be in its full upright position and not reclined. On Suburban/Yukon XL models with 60/40 split bench seats, before folding the rear seat on the driver’s side, insert the two buckles into the retainer in the seatback. That way, the buckles will be out of the way when the seat is folded and will be available for passengers to use when the seat is returned to the passenger position. Also, make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat and that the head restraints are completely lowered.

To fold, pull up on the strap loop at the rear of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up and fold it forward.

After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seatback more upright. On the passenger side of Suburban/Yukon XL models, the lever at the base of the seat must be rotated rearward to release the seatback.

1-9

Pull forward on the seatback and up on the seat cushion to make sure the seat is securely in place. Check to see that the buckles on the driver’s side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions. If you have removed the head restraints to fold the rear bucket seat, be sure to reinstall them on the seatback after it has been returned to the normal seating position. Be sure to return the head restraints to the upright position on Utility models.

To create a load floor, release the panels from the seatback by pushing forward on the latch. Then fold the panels back to cover the rear seat footwell area. To return the seat to the passenger position on a Suburban/Yukon XL, lift the floor load panels and latch them into the seatback. Lift the seatback up and push rearward all the way. Then lower the seat cushion until it latches into position.

1-10

Entry to the Third Seat Suburban/Yukon XL: The passenger’s side of the second row 60/40 or rear bucket seats has an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the third seat, if your vehicle has one. To operate the easy entry seat, rotate the release lever, located near the back of the seat rearward. Tilt the seatback toward the front of the vehicle by pulling the top of the seatback forward. When you do, the seat bottom will release. Just pull the seat forward until it stops. Be sure to return the seat to the passenger position when finished. Pull forward and push rearward on the seat to make sure it is locked in place.

Folding the Third Seat Utility: The seatback of the third seat (if equipped) in utility models also folds down on the floor.

To fold the seatback down, pull up on the release lever labeled 1 located on the rear of the seatback, then push the seatback forward.

To return the seat to the passenger position, pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback until it locks into the upright position. Push forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked into position.

1-11

If more cargo space is desired, the third seat can also be folded and tumbled forward or removed if necessary by pulling up on the release lever labeled 2.

The seat locks into place and does not need to be removed when carrying cargo. See “Removing the Third Row Seats ” for Utility later in this section for removal instructions. Suburban/Yukon XL: The seatback of the third seat (if equipped) in Suburban/Yukon XL models also folds down to create more cargo space. To fold the seatback down, pull up on the release lever, labeled 1, located on the rear of the seatback, then push the seatback forward.

1-12

To return the seat to the passenger position, pull up on the release lever and then pull up on the seatback until it locks into the upright position. Push forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked into position. If still more cargo space is desired, the third seat can also be folded and tumbled forward by using the lever, labeled 2. To return the seats to their original position, reverse the above steps.

Fold and Tilt Feature (Suburban/Yukon XL Third Seat) Once the third seatback has been folded down, the entire seat can be tilted forward to create a flat load floor. To do this, you will need to enter the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Make sure the head restraints have been lowered completely. With the seat folded, unlatch the seat from the floor by pulling up on the lever located under the carrying handle at the rear of the seat labeled 2. Lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor. You will not be able to unlatch the seat from the floor unless the seatback is folded down. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place using the support rod located on the underside of the seat, passenger side. Make sure the support rod pin is fully engaged in the lock.

Removing the Third Row Seats Utility: If your vehicle has third row seating, it can be taken out for more cargo space. To remove the seat, fully open the rear doors and enter the rear of the vehicle.

Fold the seatback forward into the seat cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded.

Push and pull on the seat, making sure that the support rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in this position only when necessary for additional cargo space.

CAUTION:

If the support rod isn’t properly engaged, the folded third row seat could come loose in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to people and damage to your vehicle. Always be sure the support rod is properly engaged when the third row seat is folded forward.

To return the seat to its seating position, push forward on the seat and release the support lock rod. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the underside of the seat. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop into place. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat is locked in place. Return the seatback to the upright position by pulling up on the release lever labeled 1 before the back can be folded upright. Pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked into place.

1-13

Fold the seatback forward into the seat cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded. To unlatch the seat from the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2 at the rear of the seat and lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor. Pull on the strap at the rear of the seat to release the front seat latches. Then, pull the seat straight back, towards the rear of the vehicle and remove it. There are wheels at the front of the seat to assist you.

Replacing the Rear Seat (Third Row Seats) Utility: To put the seat back in, place the front of the seat on the load floor facing towards the front of the vehicle. Slide the wheels into the slots on the floor and lock into place using the hooks there. Once the latches are engaged pull on lever 3 to let the seat drop into place. Release the lever labeled 1 to return the seat to its upright position. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.

To unlatch the seat from the back of the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2 at the rear of the seat and lift the rear of the seat up from the floor.

Pull on the release lever located in the lower middle to unlatch the seat from the front of the floor and pull the seat out. Use one hand on the release lever and the other on the handle to pull the seat out. Suburban/Yukon XL: If your vehicle has third row seating, it can be taken out for more cargo space. To remove the seat, fully open the rear doors and enter the rear of the vehicle.

1-14

Suburban/Yukon XL: To put the seat back in, place the front of the seat on the load floor, facing the front of the vehicle. While holding the rear of the seat up use the wheels on the front of the seat to roll it towards the seat hooks in the floor. When the latches are engaged in the hooks, let the seat drop into place. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat is locked in place. Raise the seatback into the upright position. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place. The seatback cannot be raised to the upright position unless the seat is secured to the floor.

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.

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. 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.

1-15

CAUTION:

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.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They 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. 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 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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

1-16

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

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

Put someone on it.

1-17

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

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

1-18

or the instrument panel ...

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.

1-19

Q: 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.

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.

1-20

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.

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

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

1-21

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.

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.

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

1-22

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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. 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.

1-23

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-24

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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. 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.

1-25

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

1-26

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.

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.

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.

1-27

Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you 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.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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 To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags -- a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger.

1-28

CAUTION: (Continued)

Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are 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 crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

CAUTION:

Both frontal and side impact 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. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.

1-29

CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.”

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.

1-30

How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

1-31

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. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering and don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.

The right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.

1-32

When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The frontal air bags are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. The side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes involving a front door. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

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. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact. The air bag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See “Off-Road Driving” in the Index for more tips on off-road driving.

What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel, instrument panel and the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door.

1-33

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bags.

What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the seatback closest to the door for the driver and right front passenger’s side impact air bags -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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 a door.

1-34

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. Some modules also record speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag, or both the air bag module and seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

1-35

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

CAUTION:

For up to two minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag systems. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

1-36

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Q: If I add a push bumper or bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly?

A: 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.

Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or

sides of the vehicle that could keep the air bags from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s

frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag sensors. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. (The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See “Customer Satisfaction Procedure” in the Index.)

Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

Q: What if I add a snow plow? Will it keep the

air bags from working properly?

A: We’ve designed our air bag systems to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including snow plowing with vehicles equipped with the optional Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO VYU). But don’t change or defeat the snow plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can damage your snow plow and your vehicle, and it may cause an air bag inflation.

Center Passenger Position

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.

1-37

Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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.

1-38

Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

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. If the belt is not 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.

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

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

1-39

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. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

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.

1-40

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

Second Row Seat

1-41

Third Row Seat

1. For the second row, remove the guide from its

storage clip on the trim panel near the side of the seatback. For the third row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of the seatback.

2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges

of the belt into the slots of the guide.