1997 GMC Savana Owners Manual

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The 1997 GMC Savana Owner’s Manual

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Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR’ system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact GMC for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8- 10. 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.

GMC,

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC, the GMC Emblem and the name SAVANA 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 GMC 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 . X9714 B First Edition

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We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

AUTOMOTIVE

SERVICE

EXCELLENCE

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

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1996 All Rights Reserved

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

to explain

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.

I A 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. others could be hurt.

If you don’t, you or

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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:

I NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

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

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

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

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BAlTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAllERY

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

TURN SIGNALS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

e e3

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

POWER WINDOW

,111,

*o FOG LAMPS # 0

DAYTIME .. RUNNING ' LAMPS .*'

VENTILATING FAN

WINDOW DEFOGGER

FUSE

(a)

COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

LIGHTER m HORN b SPEAKER b e3

FUEL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Passenger Van

Cab and Chassis

Cargo Van

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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. learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

You can also

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

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

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

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

I A 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.

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

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Power Seat (Option)

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

I Reclining

Seatbacks

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

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

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their job when

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

But don’t have a seatback reclined

if your vehicle is moving.

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Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Rear Seats

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

C I 7TION:

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

A CAUTION:

~- -

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

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Removing the Rear Seat

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

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

base in the rear.

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

base, rotate the red handle up.

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

in the hole that is provided.

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

to remove the locking pin.

6. Repeat this procedure for the pin on the other

seat base.

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

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

be installed before operating the vehicle.

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

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

window trim.

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

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

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

base while holding the carpet/mat flap back.

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

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

retaining clip.

8. Replace the carpet/mat flap to its original position. 9. Repeat this procedure for the other seat base. 10. Connect the quick release latch plates for the lap shoulder belts by inserting the latch plates into the buckles attached at the outboard positions of the bench seat. Do not twist the belt.

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A CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a ca -0 area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system.

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

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

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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 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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

on wheels.

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Put someone on it.

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

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

or the instrument panel ...

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. .

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.

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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. 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.

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

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

Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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

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. 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.

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

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

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@ What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

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

as much protection this way.

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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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What’s wrong with this?

,----.

A CI TJTION:

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

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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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.

@ What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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&= What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. 1-24

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again, Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system.

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

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

designed to work t y 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. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a

safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an

air bag for that person.

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

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

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If your vehicle has an air bag for the right front passenger, please read this:

A CAUTION:

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children, Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

AIR BAG

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.

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How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags? The driver's air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger's air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger's side.

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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 hang anything from the assist handle on the passenger’s side of the instrument panel.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will 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 11 to 16 mph (18 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 air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. 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. 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 and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

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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. Air bags supplement 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 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 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. 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 -- in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag -- or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, 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 vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. 1-30

A CAUTION:

is dust in the air.

When an air bag inflates, there for This dust could cause breathing problems people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, 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.

0 Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.

-

0 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

system. lmproper service can mean that your 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, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your GM dealer and the GM Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

For up to 10 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 wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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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

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly?

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. Is there anything I might add to the front 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 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-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.

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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.

A CAUTION: - -

shoulder belt should fit against your body. - -1

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

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

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Center Passenge Position

~~~

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

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

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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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.

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. 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. Smaller Children and Babies (Except Cargo Vans w*"- --==snger 4ir Sags)

A CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies shpuld 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.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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.

heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 k d ) , a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 2404b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a crash. During a crash a baby will become so

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-38

Smaller Children and Babies (Cargo Vans with Passenger Air Bags)

A CAUTION:

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. Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child restraint. However, infants, who should be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint, cannot ride safely in this vehicle. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, be sure the child is always properly restrained while riding in this vehicle.

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

heavy you can't hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold.

Child Restraints 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.

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Where to Put the Restraint (Except Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models). Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here's why:

A CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger's air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. If your vehicle has a right front passenger's air bag, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. Or, secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. 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. Where to Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models) The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here’s why:

A CAUTION:

--

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

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.

Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap. Don’t use a restraint like that in your vehicle because the top strap anchor cannot be installed properly. You shouldn’t use this type of child restraint without anchoring the top strap. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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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. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of

the retractor to set the lock.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position

6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

7. 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 and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

1-44

You'll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

5.

6.

7.

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. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.

1-45

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. If your vehicle is a passenger van, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle is a cargo van with a right front passenger air bag, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1.

If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.) Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt @eS in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

2.

3.

4.

5. 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.

1-47

6. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of

the retractor to set the lock.

7. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the

retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

8. 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 and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

1-48

Larger Children

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. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly.

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. 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.

I A 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. &= 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 vehicle has one.

lap belt, if your

1-50

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. 11 an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

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 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. Tom 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. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) 1-52

& NOTES

1-53

f i NOTES

1-54

Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.

2-2 2-4 2-6 2-9 2-15 2-16 2-16 2-17 2- 19 2-20 2-23 2-23 2-24 2-27 2-27 2-28 2-28

Keys Door Locks Keyless Entry System Your Doors and How They Work Theft New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Switch Starting Your Gasoline Engine Engine Coolant Heater (Option) Automatic Transmission Operation Locking Rear Axle Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2-29 2-32 2-32 2-33 2-3 8 2-43 2-44 2-45 2-46 2-47 2-48 2-49 2-50 2-60

2-6 1

Windows Horn Tilt Wheel (Option) Turn Signalhlultifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Cigarette LightedAshtrays Sun Visors Instrument Panel Instrument Cluster Speedometer Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Electronic Road-Speed Governor (Gasoline Engines) (Option) Center High-Mounted Stoplamp

2-1

1 Keys A CAUTION:

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. If they turned the ignition to ON and moved the shift lever out of PARK (P), that would release the parking brake. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

2-2

Your vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and all door locks.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of new features that of can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your key inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an extra key.

If you ever lose your key, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining a new one. The bar-coded tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make an extra key. Keep this tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, you’ll be able to have a new one made easily using this tag.

2-3

Door Locks

To lock the door from the inside, slide the lever on your door down.

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.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key.

2-4

Power Door Locks (Option)

Press the bottom side of the power door lock switch to lock the doors at once.

When a door is locked, the inside door handle will not work. Child Security Locks Child security locks are located on the passenger side rear door, the side sliding door or the front portion of the 60/40 side swing-out door.

CHILD ,

LOCK

Printed In U S A .

Rear Cargo Door

L,

60/40

With this feature, you can lock these doors so they can’t be opened from the inside by passengers. Move the button down to engage the security feature. Move the button up to return the door locks to normal operation.

Move the button to the left to engage the security feature. Move the button to the right to return the door locks to normal operation.

2-5

Move the button up to engage the security feature. Move the button down to return the door locks to normal operation.

Side Sliding Door

Keyless Entry System If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your Keyless Entry System operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry and Science Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 2-6

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: 0 Check to determine if battery replacement or

transmitter resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions that follow.

0 Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

0 Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

0 If you’re still having trouble, see your GM dealer or

a qualified technician for service.

Operation To unlock the driver’s door, press the UNLOCK button. If you press this button again within five seconds, all the doors will unlock. Press the REAR button twice to unlock the rear door only. When the UNLOCK or REAR button is pressed, the interior dome lamps are turned on for 40 seconds or until the ignition switch is activated. Press LOCK to lock all the doors. Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only two transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your key remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

2-7

Use one Panasonic@ type CR2032 battery: 1. Insert a dime in the slot between the covers of the

transmitter housing near the key ring hole. Remove the bottom by twisting the dime.

2. Remove and replace the battery, positive side down.

Synchronization Synchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by this system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal it has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter. To resynchronize your transmitter, stand close to your vehicle and simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for at least five seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm synchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see your dealer for service.

3. Align the covers and snap them together. 4. Check the operation of the transmitter,

2-8

Your Doors and How They Work Front Doors To open the door from the outside, pull the handle and pull the door open. To open the door from the inside, pull the lever toward you and push the door open. 60140 Swing-Out Side Door

To open the “60” (front) portion of a 60/40 door from the inside, pull the handle toward you and push open the door.

To open the ”60” (front) portion of a 60/40 door from the outside, pull up on the handle and pull the handle toward you.

2-9

To close the side doors, close the “40” (rear) door first. Then close the “60” (front) door. Check to make sure both doors are completely closed. The front side swing-out door has a check strap assembly in the door frame to keep the door from opening beyond 90 degrees. To open the door beyond 90 degrees, close the door partially, pull the check strap outward at the spring hole and then open the door. When you close the door, the check strap will automatically re-engage.

To open the “40” (rear) portion of a 60/40 door from the outside, pull the handle on the side of the rear door and pull it toward you.

2-10

Sliding Side Door (Option)

To open the sliding side door from outside, pull the handle toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide the door toward the rear of the vehicle to open.

To close the sliding side door from outside, use the outside door handle to slide the door toward the front of the vehicle. When the door slides closed completely, it will be flush with the side of the body.

2-11

To open the sliding door from inside, rotate the handle upward and toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide the door toward the rear of the vehicle to open.

To close the sliding door from inside, grasp the inside handle and slide the door toward the front of the vehicle to a closed position. Make sure the door is completely closed before driving your vehicle.

2-12

Rear Doors

To open the rear doors from the outside, open the passenger side rear door first. Pull the handle toward you to open the door.

To open the driver side rear door, pull the latch release lever at the inside edge of the door.

2-13

Both rear doors can be opened past 90 degrees by opening the doors past the first detent (90 degrees open), then opening fully. To close the rear doors, close the driver side rear door first. Then, close the passenger side rear door. Check to make sure both doors are completely closed.

It can be dangerous to drive with the rear doors open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. CAUTION: (Continued)

If you must drive with the rear doors open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the rear doors:

Make sure all windows are shut. Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT, HEAT, BLEND or DEF. Additionally, on vehicles with heatingair conditioning systems, NORM A/C or BI-LEV A/C can be used. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

2-14

Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. 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. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a tone reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transmission. And remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your glove box.

0 Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

Then take the door key with you.

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Ignition Switch Your key lets you turn the ignition switch to five different positions.

Your modern vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. 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. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index for more information.

2-16

ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get into ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the key.

LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is being pushed). RUN (D): This is the position for driving. START (E): This starts your engine.

I NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

Starting Your Gasoline Engine If you have a diesel engine, see “Starting Your Diesel Engine” in the Diesel Engine Supplement. Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

NOTICE:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

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.

2-17

I NOTICE:

Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in

START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way down for five more seconds, or until it starts.

3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then

stops), wait 15 seconds and start over. When the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator pedal.

I 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.

2-18

Engine Coolant Heater (Option)

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 10-volt AC outlet.

F C ’

‘T

J:

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. If the cord won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

In very cold weather, 0°F (- 1 8 “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. To Use the Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your GM dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

2-19

Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it now features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument cluster. This display must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of the PARK (P) position. This means that if your key is in the OFF position, but not locked, there will be a small current drain on your battery which could discharge your battery over a period of time. If you have a need to leave your key in the ignition in the OFF position for an extended period for any reason, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery cable from the battery to prevent discharging your battery. PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

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. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

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Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock. With the ignition in the RUN position, you must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P). If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you continue pressing the brake pedal. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you still cannot shift the shift lever out of PARK (P), see “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” later in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE:

Shifting into REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

_ _

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

~ A CAUTION:

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.

I NOTICE:

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.

Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

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FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST( l), the transmission won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you are stuck in very deep sand or mud or are up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: 0 Going less than about 35 mph (56 krdh), push your

accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (56 kmh) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. You should use DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a lower gear) when towing a trailer to minimize heat build-up and extend the life of your transmission. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3) when carrying a heavy load or driving on steep hills. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. If you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission will drive in SECOND (2). You may use this feature for reducing torque to the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

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Locking Rear Axle If you have this feature, your locking rear axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, the locking feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle. Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above the parking brake pedal, marked BRAKE RELEASE to release the parking brake.

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:f the ignition is on when the parking brake is released, he brake system warning light will go off.

Shifting Into PARK (P)

NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. Always check to be sure your parking brake is fully released before you drive.

If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and

set the parking brake.

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2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like this:

Pull the lever toward you.

Move the lever up as far as it will go.

3. Move the ignition key to LOCK. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running, Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.

Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P) Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes