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The 1999 GMC C-Series Owner’s Manual
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Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. 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 you 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 GMC for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-6. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.
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We support voluntary technician certification.
GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC and the GMC Emblem 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 GM Medium Duty Truck 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. X9902 A First Edition
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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
ECopyright General Motors Corporation 1998
All Rights ReservedHow 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 back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’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.
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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.
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.”
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Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.
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.
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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
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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
Model Reference This manual contains information which covers conventional cab models as shown. Most models are unfinished from the factory.
C6H042
C7H042
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C7H064
Since C-Series models delivered from the factory are finished in a variety of ways by a number of companies, you’ll probably find other manuals in your finished vehicle. These manuals are put there by the companies that have added components or equipment to the C-Series model. Read all these materials -- as well as this manual -- carefully, to get all of the information on your vehicle.
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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
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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 safety belts.
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1-21Seats 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 Passenger Position
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1-36Center Passenger Position Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
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Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats in your vehicle and how to adjust them.
Bucket and Bench Seats
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CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust the 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.
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If your vehicle has a bucket or bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever at the front of the seat. Slide the lever toward the outer seat support to unlock it. Slide the seat to 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.
Head Restraints Some seats have adjustable head restraints. 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. Seatback Latches The front of the full-width bench seat seatback folds forward to let you reach the rear of the cab. Bucket seats have outboard-mounted levers to tilt the seatbacks forward or rearward. Your seatback will move back and forth freely unless you come to a sudden stop -- then it will lock into place. If your vehicle is parked going down a fairly steep hill, the seatback may not fold without some help from you.
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To fold the seatback forward, push the seatback toward the rear of the vehicle as you lift this latch. The latch must be down for the seat to work properly.
Bench Seat Shown
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.
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National Seats (If Equipped)
Height Adjustment
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To adjust the height of a self-contained seat (hand-pumped air seat), push the seat height adjustment pump lever, located on the lower outboard side, down and continue pumping to raise the seat. Press the lever and hold it to lower the seat.
If your vehicle has the low-back National seat, there are six ways you can adjust the seat. If your vehicle has the high-back National seat, there are five ways you can adjust the seat.
To adjust the height of air-sourced seats, use the knob on the front left-hand side on the seat. Push the knob to inflate. Pull the knob to deflate.
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Lumbar Adjustments
To adjust the height of the cushion, lift the cushion height adjustment handle up and forward. You can choose between two settings. The handle is located underneath the seat, in the front.
To get more support in the lumbar area of your back, turn the lumbar adjustment knob. The knob is located on the upper cushion, on the inboard side of the driver’s seat and the outboard side of the passenger’s seat.
Seatback Adjustment
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To tilt the seatback, turn the backrest tilt knob. The knob is located on the lower cushion, on the outboard side of the driver’s seat and the inboard side of the passenger’s seat.
Fore-and-Aft Adjustment
To slide the seat forward or backward, move the lever toward the passenger’s side. The seat will lock in at 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) increments. The lever is located underneath the seat, in the front.
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Chugger-Snubber Lock-Out Feature (If Equipped)
This handle is located on the lower outboard side of the driver’s seat and the inboard side of the passenger’s seat. Move the handle down to isolate any backslap experienced while in tractor/trailer operation or while operating a dump truck application. This is only available on low-back seats.
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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.
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.
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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.
If your vehicle has a safety belt reminder light, a light comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)
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If your vehicle has a safety belt reminder tone, a tone comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See “Safety Belt Reminder Tone” in the Index. 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!
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Why Safety Belts Work Q: Aren’t safety belts for kids? A: Yes. And they’re for adult truckers, and anyone
else who rides in your vehicle.
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If the vehicle hits something, it stops -- right then. But nothing stops the people. They keep moving.
Here’s why: when your vehicle goes, say, 30 mph (50 km/h), so do you and your passengers.
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Then something will stop them. It could be the windshield.
Or it could be the instrument panel. Now, what if you and your passengers were to give that big vehicle a chance to deal with the force of the impact, instead of you?
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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.
With 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. Safety belts are for everyone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Suspension (B)
3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Bench (A)
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For suspension-type seats (B), if the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is pulled out all the way so that it locks, press down on the button on the retractor cover to make it retract. 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.
Suspension (B)
5. To make the lap part tight on suspension-type
seats (B), pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.
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If the shoulder belt is too tight:
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D Pull out the belt at least 5 inches (130 mm).
D Let it go back all the way.
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D You can add a small amount of slack. The system
works like a window shade. To add a little slack, pull down on the shoulder belt just a little -- no more than 1 inch (25 mm).
D If it’s now too loose, pull it out like you did before
and start again.
D If you move around in the vehicle and your shoulder
belt becomes loose, be sure to make it tight again.
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.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
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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. Don’t allow more than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack.
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly
as much protection this way.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
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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.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
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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.
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Q: What’s wrong with this?
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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.
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Bench (A)
Suspension (B)
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. For a suspension-type seat, if the belt is pulled out all the way so that it locks, press down on the button on the retractor cover to make it retract. 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.
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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.
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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 Passenger Position The right passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
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.
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Center Passenger Position
Lap Belt If your vehicle has a full bench seat or a two-passenger bench seat, someone can sit in the center position.
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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.
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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
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.
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Smaller Children and Babies
CAUTION:
Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.
Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle. We know securing a child can present real problems in a medium-duty vehicle like yours. The only place where you can properly secure a child restraint is the center seating position, the place that has the lap belt only. But your vehicle may not have a center seating position. Or, even if you have one, you may find that the child restraint keeps you from operating the shift lever or other controls. The only answer may be to have the smaller children make the trip in another vehicle, where they can get the protection they need.
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CAUTION: (Continued)
at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.
CAUTION:
Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on
child restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.
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An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.
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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.
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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.
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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.
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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. The child restraint must be secured properly in the center of a full bench seat or the center of a two-passenger bench seat, if it doesn’t interfere with shifting gears. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.
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Top Strap
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If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The dealer can then install the anchor for you. This work will be done free of charge. Or you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Full Bench Seat and Two-Passenger Bench Seat)
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You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. But don’t use this position if the child restraint interferes with shifting gears. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch
plate and pulling it along the belt.
2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push
down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
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Larger Children
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If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. D Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out
in a crash.
D Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who are.
Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
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CAUTION:
Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.
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CAUTION:
Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.
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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision.
Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light (if your vehicle has one) and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
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Section 2 Features and Controls
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Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
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2-29Keys Door Locks Theft New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Gasoline Engine Starting Your Diesel Engine Engine Checks Before Operating Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake Two-Speed Rear Axle Electric Shift Control (If Equipped) Automatic Transmission Operation Manual Transmission Operation Parking Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust
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2-55Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) Windows Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Trailer Brake Hand Control Valve (Option) Inter-Axle Differential Lock Control (If Equipped) Rear Axle Differential Lock Control (If Equipped) Engine Air Control (If Equipped) Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Cluster Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
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The square-head key is for the ignition switch only.
The oval-head key is for the doors.
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If you have the optional one-key system, the oval key will operate all locks, including the ignition switch. When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the plugs from the keys and gives them to the first owner. Each plug has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the plugs in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using this code.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.
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Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
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To lock your door from the inside, slide the lock control down.
To unlock the door, slide the lock control up. Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
Push the switch marked LOCK to lock both doors at once.
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Push the switch marked UNLOCK to unlock both doors.
Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities, and even commercial vehicles are no exception. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. Remember to remove your key and take it with you. Always do this. When you take your key with you, your ignition will be locked. Also remember to lock the doors.
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New Vehicle “Break-In”
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: D Let your engine warm up before you
operate your vehicle under load.
D Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).
D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.
D Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.
NOTICE: (Continued)
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NOTICE: (Continued)
D Use the lowest gear you can when you start a loaded vehicle in motion and when going up hills to avoid overloading the engine.
D Check and adjust engine and transmission fluid levels often and be sure tires are properly inflated for the load you’re carrying.
D If you have a CaterpillarR diesel engine,
see the Caterpillar Operation & Maintenance Manual.
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Ignition Positions
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in the vehicle with children.
Use your square-head key to start your vehicle (unless it has the single-key option, where one oval-head key works everything, including the ignition). You can turn the ignition switch to five different positions.
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Engine Starter Over-Crank Protection (If Equipped) Some vehicles have an engine starter over-crank protection system. This system includes a built-in temperature limiting switch to prevent internal damage to the starter. If the starter motor overheats and shuts off due to over-cranking, the motor must cool down before the switch will reset and allow you to operate the starter. It can take up to six minutes before the starter will work again. Starting Your Gasoline Engine Engines start differently. The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. (See “Vehicle Identification Number” in the Index.) Follow the proper steps to start the engine. To start a diesel engine, see “Starting Your Diesel Engine” in the Index. Automatic Transmission Set the parking brake and move your shift lever to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P) if so equipped. Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature.
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ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use accessories when the engine is off. To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you. LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition. You will be able to remove your key only when the switch is in this position. OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine, but the key can’t be removed. RUN (D): This is the position for driving and activating the CAT diesel air inlet heater (if equipped). START (E): This position starts your engine.
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Starting Your Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.
2. If the engine doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way down and crank the engine for five more seconds, unless it starts sooner.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Wait 15 seconds to let the starter motor cool down. Do Steps 1 through 3 again. When the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator pedal.
Manual Transmission Set the parking brake, shift your gear selector to NEUTRAL and hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. Starter Motor Operation 1. The starter motor will disengage if you release the key or the engine reaches a predetermined engine speed.
2. To prevent overheating, the starter motor will
disengage after continuously operating for 15 seconds. You must release the key from the start position to re-engage the starter.
3. The starter motor will not engage if the engine is
already running.
4. The starter motor will disengage if, after two
seconds, the starter pinion gear does not engage the flywheel or there is no engine rpm signal from the engine speed sensor.
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NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Gasoline Engine Warm-Up When you’ve started your engine, let it run for 20 or 30 seconds to warm up before you put a load on the engine. Drive at moderate speeds for the first few miles, especially in cold weather. Running a cold engine at high speed can damage it.
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Restarting the Gasoline Engine While Moving (Automatic Transmission) If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, you’ll first have to shift the automatic transmission to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature prevents starting the engine when the transmission is in a drive gear. Stopping the Gasoline Engine Let your engine idle for a few seconds before turning it off after you have finished driving your vehicle. If you shift to NEUTRAL (N), set the parking brake. If you shift to PARK (P), the auto-apply feature will set the parking brake. If your vehicle has a two-speed axle, put the range selector in LOW. To be sure the axle has shifted into LOW, engage the clutch and transmission the vehicle may move slightly when you do this. While your engine is idling before you turn it off, you can make a list of any operational or handling concerns to give to responsible maintenance personnel so they can handle them right away. Moisture will condense in a fuel tank that is almost empty if the vehicle is not run for a while, even just overnight under some conditions. So, it’s always best to refuel your vehicle at the end of each run.
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Starting Your Diesel Engine If you have a Caterpillar diesel engine, also refer to your CaterpillarR Operation & Maintenance Manual for starting procedure. To make starting easier in cold weather (below 32_F or 0_C), the proper viscosity engine oil should be used. It’s also best to heat the engine oil first. You can do this by using an engine coolant heater. A GM Automatic Ether Injection System aids cold weather starting.
NOTICE:
Your diesel engine has an electric air intake heater system which reduces white smoke and helps start the engine in cold weather. Do not spray starting fluid into the air intake where it can contact the heater elements. If you don’t have the GM Automatic Ether Injection System, don’t use starting fluid or you could damage your engine. If you have the GM system, use only GM approved starting fluid that has been tested to establish compatibility with the air inlet heater system.
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NOTICE:
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Restarting the Diesel Engine While Moving (Automatic Transmission) If you have to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, you’ll first have to shift the automatic transmission to NEUTRAL (N). This safety feature prevents starting the engine when the transmission is in a drive gear. Stopping the Diesel Engine If you have a Caterpillar diesel engine, see your CaterpillarR Operation & Maintenance Manual. 1. Set the parking brake and shift to NEUTRAL (N) or
PARK (P).
2. Turn the ignition switch key to OFF.
If your vehicle has a two-speed axle, see “Rear Axle, Two-Speed Electric Shift Control” or “Rear Axle, Two-Speed Airshift Control” in the Index.
Cold Weather Starting (CaterpillarR Diesel) Because the diesel engine uses compression ignition, it is harder to start in cold weather than a gasoline engine. The air intake heater and use of the proper engine oil, optional engine coolant heaters and optional ether injection systems help cold weather starting. See the CaterpillarR Operation & Maintenance Manual for more information. Diesel Engine Warm-Up Several factors affect how quickly your diesel engine warms up. These can include outside temperature, engine load, idle time and your vehicle’s option content. Your vehicle may be equipped with some features that can help the engine reach operating temperature sooner. Some of these features are discussed below. Also, remember that an automatic transmission adds heat to the cooling system through the heat exchanger in the radiator. Because of this, vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions are often able to retain engine coolant heat better than manual transmission vehicles. See your CaterpillarR Operation & Maintenance manual for additional diesel engine warm-up information.
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Engine Automatic Shutdown (If Equipped) Your CHECK GAGES light will come on if the system senses high engine temperature or low engine oil pressure. If high engine temperature is detected, you will also hear a tone alarm at two beats per second. The alarm and the light will remain on until the condition is fixed. If the engine temperature condition worsens, the tone alarm will go to five beats per second. When a low oil pressure condition is detected, the five beat per second alarm will come on immediately. If the system senses low engine coolant, the five beat per second alarm and the LOW COOLANT warning light will come on. The five beats per second tone alarm means that your engine will shut down in 25 seconds. Pull off the road and shut off the engine. Don’t start it until the reason for the problem is known, and the problem is fixed. If the engine shuts down when you are still in traffic, you can restart the engine and get another 25 seconds of operation. Do this only if you have to, since there is a problem that can harm the engine if it isn’t fixed.
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Fast Idle System (Electronically Controlled CaterpillarR Diesel and Gasoline Engines) If your vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled diesel engine, it has both automatic and manual fast idle capabilities.
Automatic Fast Idle System (CaterpillarR Diesel Engine Only) The automatic fast idle feature will engage whenever you start your vehicle and the engine is below the preset operating temperature. This will help decrease engine warm-up time. Idle speed will then return to normal under any of the following conditions: D The engine reaches the preset operating temperature. D The brake pedal is pressed. D The trailer brake hand lever (if equipped) is applied. D The manual transmission clutch pedal is pressed or,
the automatic transmission (if equipped) is shifted from NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P).
D The vehicle speed exceeds approximately
10 mph (16 km/h).
D When the fast idle switch is pressed a second time.
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Manual Fast Idle System (CaterpillarR Diesel and Gasoline Engines)
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The manual fast idle switch is located on the lower portion of the instrument panel just to the left of the steering wheel.
This system can be used to increase your engine idle speed whenever the following conditions are met: D The brake pedal is not pressed. D The trailer brake hand lever (if equipped) is not applied. D The vehicle speed is below approximately
10 mph (16km/h).
D The manual transmission (if equipped) clutch pedal
is not pressed or, the automatic transmission (if equipped) is in NEUTRAL (N).
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The manual fast idle feature is activated by pressing the switch on the instrument panel. When the switch is pressed again, or any of the previous conditions are not met, manual fast idle will be deactivated. Manual fast idle can be used to set any desired idle speed. To set a new temporary engine idle speed: 1. Make sure all of the previously described conditions
are met.
2. Press the accelerator pedal to the desired engine speed. 3. Momentarily press the manual FAST IDLE switch. The temporary idle speed will be set. This new rpm level will be remembered by the system until either the ignition is turned to OFF or a new idle speed is set. Radiator Shutters -- CaterpillarR (If Equipped) Radiator shutters aid engine warm-up by blocking the airflow through the radiator and charge the air cooler to conserve heat in cold conditions. The radiator shutters on your vehicle (if equipped) operate automatically. When the ignition switch is in RUN or START and the engine temperature is below 195_F (90_C), the shutters will close, blocking the flow of air through the radiator and charge the air cooler.
When the engine temperature reaches 195_F (90_C), the shutters will open to the normal operating position. Engine Checks Before Operating When you’ve started your engine, let it run for 20 to 30 seconds before you put a load on the engine. But don’t leave the vehicle while the engine is running. During this warm-up period, check your warning lights and gages: D If oil pressure doesn’t begin to rise within 15 seconds
of starting, stop the engine and find the cause.
D If the engine coolant temperature gage needle goes
into the hot area on the gage, stop the engine and find the cause of the overheating.
D If you have air brakes, the dual-needle air pressure gage should read at least 105 psi (720 kPa) for both service systems before you try to move the vehicle. When air pressure is below 60 psi (420 kPa), the LOW AIR light will come on and you will hear a tone alarm. If the pressure doesn’t build up or drops during warm-up, stop the engine and find the cause before you try to move the vehicle. Recommended air pressure before actually driving away is 120 psi (830 kPa).
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D The charging system light should come on when the ignition switch key is turned to RUN or START and should go out when the engine is running above idle. If the light doesn’t go out or comes back on during normal engine operation, have the charging system checked right away. (This light tells you if the generator is not charging; it doesn’t reflect the condition of the battery.)
D The voltmeter charge indicator gage tells you the
condition of your battery’s charge. The gage should be in the center area during engine operation. The red area on the left indicates an undercharge condition; the red area on the right indicates an overcharge. If the gage is in either red area, have the battery and charging system checked right away.
NOTICE:
Don’t allow the engine to operate at low idle for more than five minutes. This can cause low engine operating temperatures which can affect engine operation and reduce engine life. Engine idle speed should be increased to 1200 rpm whenever extended idle is required. Once started, the engine should be placed under load to allow the engine coolant temperature to reach 150_F (66_C) before shutting off the engine.
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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this feature, the plug-in receptacle is located behind the front bumper as shown, or in the component box on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Find the plug-in receptacle (either behind the front
bumper or in the component box).
3. Plug a heavy-duty, three-prong extension cord
(rated for at least 15 amps) into the vehicle’s plug-in receptacle first. Then plug the extension cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. Use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
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The switch is on the upper right side of the instrument panel and turns the exhaust brake on and off.
The exhaust brake indicator light is on when the exhaust brake is in use. The exhaust brake is used to help slow the vehicle and may assist the vehicle’s foundation brakes. The use of the exhaust brake will assist the braking of the vehicle and prolong the life of the foundation brake lining material. When using the exhaust brake, the proper gear range selection is important. The exhaust brake will be most effective if the gear range selected is the lowest possible range that does not allow the engine rpm to go more than 200 rpm above rated (full load) rpm as shown on the Engine Information Plate. (Do not exceed 2900 rpm.)
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug the cord. How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature. Above 32_F (0_C), the coolant heater is not required. From 32_F to -10_F (0_C to -23_C), keep the coolant heater plugged in at least two hours. Below -10_F (-23_C), keep the coolant heater plugged in for a minimum of eight hours or overnight. It will not harm either the coolant heater or the vehicle to leave the coolant heater plugged in longer than the times stated. Be sure to remove and store the cord before starting the engine. See “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System” in the Index for information on what fuel to use in cold weather. Diesel Engine Exhaust Brake The exhaust brake is available on vehicles equipped with a diesel engine and air brakes (or an air compressor). It is located in the exhaust system.
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The accelerator and clutch pedals must be released in order for the exhaust brake to engage. Whenever the exhaust brake is active, the light in the switch will be on. Do not use the exhaust brake when running the engine at idle during warm-up or other extended periods. Prolonged use of the exhaust brake during idling will cause the engine to overheat.
CAUTION:
Be careful when using the exhaust brake or you could lock the wheels and lose control of the vehicle. Operators not familiar with an exhaust brake should not use this brake on slippery surfaces before learning to use it on dry surfaces. If the vehicle’s wheels begin to lock when using the exhaust brake on slippery surfaces, switch the exhaust brake off immediately. The exhaust brake will turn off if the anti-lock brake system is activated.
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Two-Speed Rear Axle Electric Shift Control (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you’ll find a label (or labels) on the ceiling above the windshield or in another place near the driver that show how to use it. Be sure to follow the directions carefully. Use the following directions based on the type of shift control you have. Automatic Transmission
The switch for the rear axle shift control is on the shift tower to the right of the shift lever.
When the switch is up, the rear axle is in the high range. Push it down to get the low range.
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The two-speed axle should be in low range when you park the vehicle. Apply the parking brake, shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and shut off the engine. To operate off-road or under a heavy load, shift into low range when the vehicle is standing still and then operate the transmission normally. On the highway, with the axle in low range and transmission in top gear, you may shift the axle to high range by raising the switch and releasing the accelerator momentarily. Re-apply the accelerator after your shift. Under light load conditions, first shift the axle into the high range with the vehicle at a standstill and then operate the transmission normally.
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Manual Transmission
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The switch for the rear axle shift control is on the shift lever. When the switch is up, the rear axle is in the high range. Push it down to get the low range.
The two-speed axle should be in low when you park the vehicle. You’ll need to engage the transmission, even move the vehicle a little, to be sure the axle is in the low range. Then apply the parking brake, shift into NEUTRAL and shut off the engine. Also, always start the vehicle in motion with the two-speed axle in the low range. When you upshift the rear axle from low to high, move the switch up for the high range, disengage the clutch, pause, engage the clutch and then press down on the accelerator. When you shift the axle down from high to low, you don’t have to clutch. Just move the switch down to low, release the accelerator and then quickly apply it again.
Air Shift Control (Manual Transmissions Only)
The lever for the rear axle shift control is either at the lower right corner of the instrument panel or on the shift lever.
When the lever is moved to HI, the rear axle will be in the high range. Switch it to LOW to get the low range. The two-speed axle should be in LOW when you park the vehicle. You’ll need to engage the transmission, even moving the vehicle a little, to be sure the axle is in the low range. Then apply the parking brake, shift into NEUTRAL and shut off the engine.
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Also, always start the vehicle in motion with the two-speed axle in the LOW position. When you upshift the rear axle from LOW to HI, move the lever to the HI position, disengage the clutch, pause, engage the clutch and then press down on the accelerator. When you shift the axle down from HI to LOW, you don’t have to clutch. Just move the lever to LOW, release the accelerator and then quickly press it down again. Air Suspension (If Equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with the Hendrickson HAS Series single-axle air suspension which is designed for single-axle on-highway use. This feature is available in the 19,000 lb. capacity and as a low profile option for operations which require extra cubic capacity and a reduced deck height. With this air suspension system, the ride height is set during vehicle assembly so that the vehicle has a constant frame height. The system will then increase or decrease air pressure in the air springs to maintain this height.
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Automatic Transmission Operation We build vehicles with four, five and six-speed automatic transmissions. This part of the manual covers the basics of these. With some of the transmissions, you will find another manual in your vehicle that goes into more detail. On the ceiling, in front of and above the driver, or in some other place near the driver, you will see a label that describes important operating facts about the automatic transmission in your vehicle. Make sure you follow the instructions on this label. You may have a PARK (P) position for your shift lever. This position locks your rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. All vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions can be started in PARK (P), if equipped, or in NEUTRAL (N). When you shift out of NEUTRAL (N), you may have to hold in a push button on the shift lever or lift up on a release handle as you shift. See the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual in your vehicle for more information about this.
Air Suspension Dump Control (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the Hendrickson HAS Series single-axle air suspension, you may have this control. The air suspension dump control allows the operator to lower the deck height approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) from the normal frame height.
The switch to deflate and inflate the air suspension is located on the upper left side of the instrument panel above the driver’s side vent.
The light in the switch will be illuminated whenever the switch is in the “dumped” position.
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CAUTION:
CAUTION:
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It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
Automatic Transmission Third Gear Hold (If Equipped) If you have this feature, your range selector has a “2-3” position. You can’t shift up to the next higher gear when the transmission is in this position unless your engine-governed speed is exceeded, such as when going downhill. This feature is useful for certain load and traffic conditions or when plowing snow. See the Allison Automatic Transmission Operator’s Manual in your vehicle for further information.
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Manual Transmission Operation This part of the manual covers the basics of the manual transmission. With some of the transmissions, you will find another manual in your vehicle that goes into more detail. Using the Clutch When you’re starting to move the vehicle, it’s important to begin with the engine speed at idle. Then start to engage the clutch and listen for an engine speed drop of about 100 rpm. At this point, the clutch is engaging, so you should increase the engine speed and fully engage the clutch. It’s important not to increase the engine speed sooner or before the clutch begins its engagement. If you do, you can cause damage to your vehicle. Double-Clutching You must use the “double-clutching” method when you shift an unsynchronized gear set. Simply disengage the clutch, shift to NEUTRAL (N) and engage the clutch. When you’re shifting down to a lower gear, accelerate the engine speed while in NEUTRAL (N) to get ready for the lower gear.
Eaton Fuller 5 and 6-Speed Transmissions and Dana Spicer 7-Speed Transmissions These transmissions have gears that automatically synchronize when you shift up or down (except FIRST (1) gear on the five-speed transmission which is unsynchronized). Choose the gear which will maintain the road speed you want while keeping the engine above two-thirds of the governed speed. When the engine speed drops below two-thirds of the governed speed, shift into the next lower gear before your engine begins to lug. When you shift down, be sure to double-clutch if required. Eaton Fuller 9 and 10-Speed Manual Transmissions If your vehicle has one of these unsynchronized transmissions, it’s naturally somewhat complicated. The label above the windshield will tell you the operating basics you need to know. Before operating the vehicle with one of these transmissions, be sure to read the Eaton Fuller Transmission Driver Instructions Manual in your vehicle.
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Eaton Fuller Transmission with Clutch Brake (Option) Some vehicles have an optional clutch brake. It engages when you push your clutch pedal all the way to the floor. Use it when you shift into first or reverse gear. Press the clutch pedal as far as it will go and then make your shift. If the engagement isn’t smooth when you engage the clutch, press the clutch pedal in and then immediately re-engage it. Use the clutch brake only with the engine idling and the vehicle standing still. If you have this feature, see the Eaton Fuller Transmission Driver Instructions Manual before operating your vehicle. Eaton Fuller Transmission with Countershaft Brake (If Equipped) The countershaft brake is used when you shift from a standing start into FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R). You will find this feature on vehicles with gasoline engines and Eaton Fuller 9 or 10-speed transmissions. See the Eaton Fuller Transmissions Driver Instructions Manual.
Parking
CAUTION:
If you don’t park your vehicle properly, it can roll. If you’ve left the engine running, it can move very quickly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on level ground, follow the steps below.
Two-Speed Rear Axle 1. With the engine running, shift the two-speed rear axle into low. To be sure it’s in low, you’ll need to move the vehicle in gear just a little.
2. Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot.
3. Apply the parking brake. 4. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) or
PARK (P).
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Hydraulic Brakes If your vehicle has hydraulic brakes, it has a parking brake lever or an electric/hydraulic parking brake. The lever is below the instrument panel to the left of the steering column. The electric/hydraulic parking brake knob is to the right of the steering column. Your vehicle may also be equipped with an automatic transmission which has a shift lever. This lever will have a PARK (P) position on the shift indicator. When the PARK (P) position is selected with the shift lever, the parking brake is automatically applied. Propshaft Brake Burnish Procedure It is recommended that the propshaft-mounted parking brake be burnished as part of the new vehicle break-in. The parking brake will work best after it has been burnished following these instructions. Make 10 stops, using the parking brake hand lever, from 20 mph (32 km/h) about 2 1/2 miles (4 km) apart. Between stops, drive the vehicle at 20 mph (32 km/h).
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Lever Operated Parking Brake
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To apply the parking brake, pull the lever all the way up. The PARK BRAKE light will come on when the parking brake is applied. Then shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P).
The vehicle must be stopped when applying the parking brake, except while burnishing the parking brake linings (see “Propshaft Brake Burnish Procedure” in the Index). You can easily adjust the parking brake by turning the knob on the lever. Turning it clockwise makes the brake grip more tightly. It will also make the lever seem harder to pull up. Turning the knob counterclockwise makes the parking brake apply less firmly. Adjust the parking brake only when the lever is down (released).
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If your parking brake doesn’t hold the vehicle when applied, see your GM Truck dealer who can adjust your parking brake properly.
NOTICE:
To release the parking brake, first push down the regular brake pedal. Then, push the parking brake lever all the way down and shift the automatic transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the parts in the system. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.
Electric/Hydraulic Parking Brake (If Equipped)
The PARK BRAKE light will remain illuminated if the parking brake is not fully released.
CAUTION:
It will take a few seconds for the parking brake to fully apply, and even longer when it is cold outside. Do not leave your vehicle until the parking brake applies fully. Without the parking brake applied, your vehicle is free to move. It could hit someone or something.
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The PARK BRAKE light may flash while the parking brake is being applied or released. This is normal for this system. If your vehicle needs towing or the parking brake will not release, the towing operator will need to disconnect the propshaft before towing your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. Air Brake (If Equipped)
CAUTION:
When the yellow SYSTEM PARK and the red TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knobs are both pushed in, your rig will be free to move. It could strike someone or something. When both of these knobs are pushed in, either hold the regular brake pedal down or, if you have it, pull out the blue TRACTOR PARKING knob, to keep your rig from moving.
If your vehicle has this system, you will have a knob to the right of the steering column.
To apply the parking brake, pull the knob toward you. Then shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) or PARK (P). Push the knob in to release the parking brake. The ignition must be in RUN and the shift lever out of PARK (P) in order to release the parking brake. The parking brake will automatically apply if the ignition is turned off and in PARK (P) and will also apply (will not release) if the vehicle’s battery is dead or disconnected.
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If your vehicle has air brakes, you will have this control. Pulling it out applies the parking brake. The PARK BRAKE light will come on when the air parking brake is applied.
Vehicles built for use as tractors or towing vehicles have one or two more air brake controls. They look like this:
yellowblue
To charge a trailer’s air brake system: 1. Move your tractor into the proper position. Apply the parking brake by pulling the yellow SYSTEM PARK knob out.
2. Hook up the trailer air system properly. 3. Get into the tractor. Push and hold down the regular
brake pedal.
4. Push in both the yellow SYSTEM PARK and the red
TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knobs. This will charge your trailer’s air system.
If you have the blue TRACTOR PARKING knob, pull it out to set the tractor brakes while the air system is charging. After a few minutes, the trailer system should be fully charged. When it is, the air pressure gage will show about 125 to 135 psi (862 to 931 kPa) and you may hear the “pop off” valve operate. For driving with a trailer, the yellow, red and blue (if equipped) knobs all must be pushed in. It’s the same when you’re not pulling a trailer except that the red TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knob must be out.
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CAUTION:
CAUTION:
If you apply any one of the air brake parking controls while the vehicle is moving, your rig will stop suddenly. If you are not ready for this, you or others could be injured. Don’t apply any one of these controls while you’re driving, unless you have to make an emergency stop.
If your vehicle is left in gear, the engine can start if the vehicle starts to roll. This can easily happen if you have the diesel engine. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) before you leave the vehicle.
If the air pressure drops below 60 to 70 psi (413 to 482 kPa), the PRIMARY BRAKE light will come on. If the air pressure drops to 40 to 45 psi (275 to 309 kPa), the yellow knob will automatically pop out and apply the spring brakes. If you ever have a complete loss of air so that your air brakes automatically apply, there is a way that the tow operator can release the parking brakes to tow the vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
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Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
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CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. D Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road debris.
D Repairs weren’t done correctly. D Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: D Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
D Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
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CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.
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CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle without the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. Windows Manual Windows Turn the hand crank on each door to raise or lower the window.
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if ever you have to, here are some things to know.
