1993 GMC Sierra Owners Manual

I X _ r "

....

it is built to work best with tapes that are

K2310 30 to

so thin that they

in this player.

is being played.

If you have a cassette deck, 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are may not work well Once the tape is playing, use the radio control knobs for volume, balance and fade, just as you do for the radio. The arrows on the player indicate which side of the tape REV To rapidly reverse the tape, press press the FWD button lightly. FWD To rapidly advance the tape, press you press the REV button lightly. PROG To go from one side Observe the lighted arrows to determine which side played.

of the tape

REV. The tape will rapidly reverse until you

FWD. The tape will rapidly advance until

to the other, press the PROG button. is being

of the tape

3-1 3

Comfort Contmls & Audio Systems

“1” (or “A”) up, then the up arrow means that

is inserted with side

If a tape that side is being played. Likewise, a down arrow would indicate that side (or “B”) had been selected. The player will automatically switch side of the tape when the first side ends. EJECT To remove the tape or stop the tape and switch button. How to Operate Your AM-FM Stereo Audio System and Cassette Deck with Equalizer

to radio, press the EJCT

to the other

“2”

PO1 99

decreases volume.

is off, press the RCL button to display the time. With the

(-)

off.

To Play the Radio Press the amber PWR button to switch the radio on and VOL Controls the volume. Pressing (t) increases volume; RCL When the ignition ignition on, press RCL to recall the station frequency and volume setting when the time is showing. BAUFADE To balance and fade the sound between the use the four buttons with the speaker symbols on them. Press the left and right buttons to adjust the left and right speaker balance. Pressing the and bottom buttons adjusts the front and rear speaker volume, or fade. The relative balance and fade adjustments are shown on the

VF display.

rightlleft or fronurear speakers,

top

3-1 4

to

(-)

(t) to increase frequency and

TUNE To tune in radio stations, push the decrease frequency. A MIFM Push to get AM or FM. SEEK Press the SEEK button to make the receiver seek, and stop at, the next higher available station. SCAN Press the SCAN button to make the receiver scan, and momentarily pause at, all available stations. SCAN will appear in the VF display while the receiver is in the scan mode. Press and hold the current station. Pushbuttons The six pushbuttons let you return pushbuttons for up pushbuttons, just:

to favorite stations. You can set the

to twelve favorite stations

SCAN again to cancel the scan mode

(6 AM and 6 FM). To set the

Tune in the station you want. Press the SET button. (SET appears in the VF display for a few seconds.) Within 5 seconds, push one After that, whenever you

of the six pushbuttons

press that button, the preset station will return.

to store the station.

Clock To set the clock, just:

in the VF display.

hold the SEEK button until the correct hour

Press the SET button. The word SET will light up Within 5 seconds, press and appears on the display. Then, press and on the display. After you set the time, the word few seconds.

SET will remain

hold the SCAN button until the correct minute appears

in the VF display for a

Tone To adjust the tone of this radio combination, see graphic equalizer tape deck.

the instructions for the

3-1 5

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

tune to

Your STEREO light will come on

PWR button. Push this when you

AmSt The AmSt button is just below the an AM station that broadcasts in stereo. when you’re receiving AM stereo. If you push AmSt and there is no more noise, it means the station is weak. You’ll hear the station better use AmSt. Just push the AmSt button again to cancel stereo. to receive C-QUAM@ stereo NOTE: Your Delco system may be able broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-QUAM@ to produce stereo, though some do not. C-QUAM@ is a registered trademark Inc. If your Delco system can get C-QUAM@ signals, your come on when you are receiving stereo. Cassette Deck with Graphic Equalizer

of Motorola

STEREO light will

if you don’t

K2311

to turn the unit on. The radio will play

Tapes longer than that are

to work best with tapes that are

Press the PWR button on the radio until a cassette is pushed into the cassette entry door (the tape side goes in first.) The cassette deck is built minutes long on each side. not work well in this player. Once the tape is playing, use the radio. The arrows indicate which side Equalizer Boost the bass, emphasize a voice equalizer enables you to adjust five separate sound frequencies individual taste.

of the tape is being played.

in a song, brighten the treble-your

VOL, BAL and FADE controls on the

to your

30 to 45 so thin that they may

3-1 6

“1” (or ‘ X , ) up, men the up arrow means that

playing high bias chrome or metal tapes,

on). When playing standard

to de-emphasize it. It’s best

PROG button. is being

(-)

go out).

VF display for relative emphasis.

of the tape to the other, press the

lighted arrows to determine which side of the tape

being played. Likewise, a down arrow would indicate that side

Press (+) to emphasize a frequency, press to begin with all the controls in the middle position, then adjust each control as you like. Observe the Cr02 This button sets tape bias. When press Cr02 (the light in the button will come tapes, press the button again (the light will PROG To go from one side Observe the played. If a tape is inserted with side that side is (or “B”) had been selected. The player will automatically switch side of the tape when the first side ends. EJECT Press EJECT to eject the cassette tape from the player (the radio will then play.) FWD To rapidly advance the tape, press and the tape will rapidly advance until you press the SEEK To search for the next selection on the tape, forward (the light in the SEEK button will be lit) and either seek mode selections on the tape. REV To rapidly reverse the tape, press the tape will rapidly reverse until you press the REPT Press REPT to repeat the currently playing selection on the tape. For the repeat to stop, there must be at least

to stop, there must be at least a 4-second gap between

FWD button lightly.

FWD. The light in the button will be

a 4-second gap between selections.

REV. The light in the button will be lit and

REV button lightly.

lit

or back, press SEEK FWD or REV. For the

“2”

to the other

3-1 7

Comfort Contrors & Audio Systems

Care of Your Cassette Tape PIayer A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. they aren't, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month use. If you notice a reduction see if the tape or the player improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. Clean your tape player with a wiping-action, non abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

in sound quality, try a known good cassette no is at fault.

If this other cassette has

it.

If

or after 15 hours of to

Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten out by hand. If the mast it might be by vandals, you replace it. Check every once fender.

in a while to be sure the mast

is badly bent, as

is still tightened to the

K1313

it should

3-1 8

Your Driving and the Road

of roads and

Here you’ll find information about driving different kinds in varying weather conditions . We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving . Road Signs ............................................................................................................ 4-3 Defensive Driving ................................................................................................ 4-10 Drunken Driving ................................................................................................... 4-11 Control of a Vehicle ............................................................................................ 4-14 Braking .............................................................................................................. 4-14 Steering ............................................................................................................ 4-19 Steering in Emergencies ................................................................................. 4-21 rassing ............................................................................................................. 4-22 Loss of Control ................................................................................................ 4-24 Off-Road Driving With Your Four-wheel Drive Vehicle .................................... 4-25 Driving at Night .............. w..i*&r,+v ........................................................................ 4-36 Driving in the Rain .............................................................................................. 4-30 Driving in Fog, Mist and Haze .......................................................................... 4-41 City Driving .......................................................................................................... 4-42 Freeway Driving ................................................................................................... 4-43 Driving a Long Distance ..................................................................................... 4-45 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................................................................... 4-47

4-1

Parking on Hills ................................................................................................... 4-49 Winter Driving ...................................................................................................... 4-52 Towing a Trailer ................................................................................................... 4-55 Power Winches .................................................................................................... 4-62 Power Take-Off .................................................................................................... 4-62

4-2

-11

Road Signs The rbad signs you see everywhere are coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea meaning or intent of the sign even before you have a pIill ,3+-.),, . . I , -:,x ,%: 1’’ ..::, p.*w: I-$.* Color of Road Signs . . , - .. . ._ . .

to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic

chance to read it. . ’$.,-, , i-, .,\ .- . , ”.,&.-” .. . c e-’. .. .

._ ).+.A;

>.F<< :;;:,s::.:;.

’ ”

. ?

. ’

* ff,,

:.

:<:

RED means STOP. It may also Examples are DO NOT ENTER’ and WRONG WAY.

i..lcate that some movement is not allowed.

AM402001

YELLOW indicates a general warning. Slow down and be careful when you It may signal a railroad crossing ahead, a no passing see a yellow sign. zone, or some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid painted

line

on

“Don’t means

th’e

road. Cross.”

- 1

AM402002

4-3

Your Driving and the Road

LOW

SHOULDER

WORKERS AHEAD

FLAGGER AHEAD

ORANGE indicates road construction or maintenance. You’ll want down when you see an orange sign, or torn up. And

as part of the road may be closed there may be workers and maintenance vehicles around,

to slow

off too.

AM40200

II WES

EAST

EX11 1

GREEN is used to guide the driver. Green signs may indicate upcoming freeway exits or show the direction you should place.

turn to reach a particular

AM402008

HOSPITAL

INFORMATION

BLUE signs with white letters

show motorists’ services.

4-4

,.-

CANOEING

SWIMMING

BROWN signs point out recreation areas or points interest. Shape of Road Signs The shape of the sign will tell you something,

too.

of historic or cultural

AM402006

A TOPA

An OCTAGONAL (eight-sided) sign means letters,

STOP. It is always red with white

AM402007

4-5

Your Driving and the Road

A DIAMOND-shaped sign is a warning end of a divided highway, a curve, steep hill, bridge.

of something ahead-for example,

soft shoulder, or a narrow

AM4020d the

A TRIANGLE pointed downward, indicates YIELD. to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection.

It assigns the right-of-way

AM402009

A TRIANGULAR sign also is used on two lane roads to indicate a PASSING ZONE. This sign will be on the left side

of the roadway.

NO

4-6

't

KEEP RIGHT

LEFT OR THROUGH

RIGHT TURN

ONLY

RECTANGULAR (square or oblong) signs show speed limits, parking regulations, give directions, and such information as distances Symbols on Road Sjgns

to cities.

AM402011

There are many international road signs The basic message A picture within a circle with a diagonal

of many of these signs

in use today.

AM402012

is in pictures or graphic symbols. do.

line across it shows what NOT to

NO U TURN

NO

PARKING

NO BICYCLES

AM40201 3

4-7

Your Driving and the Road

Traffic Lights

AM402014

We’re all familiar with traffic lights or stop lights. Often, green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean “go no matter what.” You’ll to proceed with caution, yielding the right sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use turning on red.

red arrows to signify that you must stop before

of way to pedestrians and

in one or more lanes can move or

still need

‘

REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTI-LANE ROADWAY

AM40201 5

Many city roads and expressways, and even bridges, use reversible-lane traffic control during rush in that lane at that time. Look for the signs posted systems are in effect.

hours. A red X light above a lane means no driving A green arrow means you may drive to warn drivers what hours and days these

in that lane.

4-8

Pavement Markings

NO PASSING ZONE

AM40201 6 to

to let other

A solid yellow line on your

in some places the law requires driver

to traffic signs and signals. They give information

Always signal when you plan

Pavement markings add drivers without taking attention from the roadway. side of the road or lane means “don’t cross.” Your Own Signals Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safer drivers know what you are doing. And signals. Turn and lane change signals: change lanes. If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for Slowing down: If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you. Disabled: Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or hazard. See “Hazard Warning Flasher” Traffic Officer The traffic police officer is also signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say. The next part discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter.

slow or about-to-stop, and up for

in the Index.

a right turn.

to turn or

a source of important informaaon. The officer’s

is a

4-9

Your Driving and the Road

rural

into traffic. Watch for

in your vehicle: Buckle up,

in the Index.)

if you do, you will be ready,

in parked cars to open doors

it means “always expect the unexpected.’’

to run stop signs when you are on a through street, Be

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device (See “Safety Belts” Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, roads, or freeways, Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make do. Be ready for their mistakes. mistakes. Anticipate what they might Expect children to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other children. Expect occupants movement in parked cars-someone may be about to open a door, Expect other drivers ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. have to use the brake, but If you’re driving through a shopping center parking well-marked lanes, directional arrows, and designated parking areas, expect some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight toward one part of the lot. Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable common. Allow enough following distance. maneuver, in both city and rural driving. front of you is going to brake or turn Here’s a final bit of information about defensive driving. The most dangerous time for driving Research studies show that the most and the least dangerous times for driving, every week, dangerous time 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Sunday at just a little more dangerous than it dangerous. That leads to the next part.

in the US. is very early on Sunday morning. In fact,

is Sunday 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The safest time

It’s the best defensive driving

fall on the same day. That day

lot where there are

is Sunday. The most

You never know when

suddenly.

In general, you must give way

3 a.m. isn’t is at 10 a.m. It’s about 134 times more

You may not

the vehicle

GM

is Sunday from

of accidents. Yet they are

in

4-1 0

is a national tragedy. It’s to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of

Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving the number one contributor victims every year. Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

to

of someone who

25,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur

of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve

Police records show that half alcohol-a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result was drinking and driving. Over each year because of alcohol, and thousands Just how much alcohol one should drink alcohol and then drive. But much”? It can be a lot less than many might think. Although each person and situation, here The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

of people are injured.

is some general information on the problem.

to drive? Ideally, no then what’s “too it depends on

if a person plans

if one does,

is too much

is in the drink.

How much alcohol The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed The length of time it has taken

before and during drinking.

the drinker to consume the alcohol.

4-1 1

Your Driving and the Road Ir -

, ..-

AM407001

(355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will

According to the American Medical Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks each had 1-112 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. three double martinis person’s BAC would be close just before or during drinking

For example, if the same person drank liquor each) within an hour, the to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food will have a slightly lower BAC level.

(3 ounces or 90 ml of

end up

if

DRINKING THAT WILL RESULT IN A BAC OF ABOUT .05% IN THE TlME SHOWN

NUMBER ’ --

OF DRINKS (as in picture) 4

3 HOURS

YOUR

100 120 140

160 180 200 220 240

BODY WEIGHT IN POUNDS

The law Canada the limit

in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC

is 0.08 percent, and

in some other countries it’s lower than

AM407002 of 0.10 percent. In

4-1 2

0,05 percent.

is in the

to drive is affected well of many

kg person) level of 0.10

At a BAC is six times greater; at And, the

to six drinks (in one

0.10 percent after three

it depends on how much alcohol

to keep in mind that the ability

0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level

0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills

that. The BAC will be over hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But it’s very important below a BAC of people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. percent, the chance of that driver having an accident a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! body takes about an hour of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “1’11 be careful” isn’t the right answer. to take sudden action, higher BAC might not be able There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. Medical research shows that alcohol crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart drinking-driver or injuries. That means that passenger-is is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers. CAUTION - perceptions, and judgment will be affected A Drinking and then driving

What if there’s an emergency, a need

as when a child darts into the street?

is very dangerous. Your reflexes,

in a person’s system can make

to react quickly enough

by even a small amount

if anyone who has been

in a crash, the chance

A person with a to avoid the collision.

of being killed or permanently disabled

to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount

of alcohol. You could have a serious-or even fatal-accident drive after drinking. Please don’t drink and drive who has been drinking. Ride home group, designate a driver who will not drink.

in a cab; or

if you or ride with a driver if you’re with a

4-1 3

Your Driving and the Road Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

vehicle go where you want

it to go. All three systems have

AM409002

to bring up your foot and

to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s

Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have time. Then you have Average reaction time is about 314 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. of a second, a vehicle moving at That could be a lot between your vehicle and others And, of course, road (whether it’s pavement icy): tire tread; and the condition

actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface

So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even

60 mph (100 km/h) travels

of your brakes,

is important.

of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space

or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry,

perception

do it. That’s reaction time.

in 3/4 66 feet (20 m).

of the

4-1 4

Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overwork braking system with poor driving habits.

the

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive acceleration followed by heavy braking-rather traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster lot of heavy braking. Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightly on the brake pedal while driving.

in spurts-heavy

than keeping pace with

to cool

if you do a

CAUTION I - they won’t work well. You might not be able to stop your

1 “Riding” your brakes can cause them

to overheat to the point that

vehicle in

AM410001

time to avoid an accident. If you “ride” your brakes, they will get hot they will require a lot “riding” the brakes.

of pedal force to slow you down. Avoid

NOTICE “Riding” the brakes wears them out much faster. You would need costly brake replacement much sooner economv.

it also reduces fuel

than normal. and

so

4-1 5

life;

If you keep pace with the traffic and alllow realieti~ following dbtances, ‘you will eliminate a lot .of unnecessary braking.. That means - better brakin’g . and longer brake but don’t ,* If your engine ever stops while- you’re driving, brake normally pump your brakes. If you do, tht$ pedal may get harder to. .push down. If your- engine stops, you will still have some power $rake, assist But you the power assist =is used ‘up, it may will use it when you brake. Once take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Your vehicl’e has an ‘advanced electronic braking system that can help keep under Control. When you

.hear a momentary clicking ngise.

turn your key on you m.ay

it

how anti-lock .works. Let’s say the road is wet. You’re d.rivilng. sifely.

Here’s Suddenly an animal

jumps out In frqnt of you.

c

AM41 501 6

As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on rear wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. CAUTION

A Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need

If you get

the brake pedal. you won’t have time slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead though you have anti-lock brakes.

to apply your brakes

to get your foot up

to too close to the vehicle in front of you, if that vehicle suddenly

to stop, even

You may

To Use Anti-Lock: Use rear wheel anti-lock like regular brakes. or you may notice some anti-lock work for you, but remember: Your If that happens, release enough pressure rolling again so that you can steer. With the four-wheel drive option you won’t have anti-lock braking when you shift into four-wheel drive. But you will have regular braking. When you shift back into two-wheel drive, you will have anti-lock again.

is normal. Let noise outside your vehicle, but this front wheels can still stop rolling. on the brakes to get the wheels

feel the brakes vibrate,

4-1 7

Your Driving and fhe Road

Brake System Warning Light

if your regular in the

to warn you

This light appears on your instrument cluster braking’ system needs service. See “Brake System Warning Light” Index. Disc Brake Wear Indicators If you have a C 3500 HD Model, it has four-wheel disc brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound m’ay come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly). 1 CAUTION

The brake wear warning sound means that sooner or later your

5 brakes won’t work well. That could lead

to an accident. When you

hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

K2325

I 1

brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.

4-1 8

if you

lining inspected.

if

if the brake pedal does not return

in pedal travel. This could be a sign

be replaced as complete axle sets.

to normal height, or of brake

Rear Drum Brakes If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t have the wear indicators, but ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer there is a rapid increase trouble. Brake Adjusiment Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying times. Braking In Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets braking. You have the rear wheel anti-lock braking system. can stop rolling when you respond to your steering. Momentum will carry headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying So, use a “squeeze” braking technique. This will give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on the brake pedal do, it will help maintain steering with steadily increasing pressure. When you control. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Sieerhg If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer take much more effort.

into a situation that requires hard

brake very hard. Once they

to avoid, or into traffic.

it in whatever direction

but it will

the brakes a few

Your front wheels

do, the vehicle can’t

it was

If your

4-1 9

Your Driving and the Road

in

tires

in a curve, speed

If you’ve ever tried

is subject to the same laws of

to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll

in a curve depends on me condition of your

of the tires against the road to change its path when you turn

Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us physics when driving on curves. The traction surface makes it possible for the vehicle the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going the same direction. understand this. The traction you can get and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems-steering and braking-have to where the tires meet the road. Adding the hard braking can demand too much at those places. The same thing can happen suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems-steering and acceleration-can overwhelm those places where make you lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Let up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want Of Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. good weather and road conditions. course, the posted speeds are based on Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed reasonable, steady speed. Wait and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. When you drive into a curve at night, it’s harder you because it bends away from to drive slower. one good reason

to see the road ahead the straight beams of your lights. This

so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a

to accelerate until you are out of

the tires meet the road and

it to go, and slow down.

You can lose control.

do their work

of is

the curve,

if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you

do it before you

4-20

in front of you. You can avoid these problems by isn't room.

to lock your front wheels.

Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right braking-if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can't; there That's the time for evasive action-steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes, but not enough much speed as you can from a possible collision. problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency are holding the steering wheel at the recommended you can turn But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. You must then be prepared back to your original lane and then brake Depending on your speed, this can be rather violent for an unprepared driver. This is one of the reasons driving experts recommend that you use your safety belts and keep both hands on the steering wheel.

like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you

to a controlled stop.

it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand.

It is better Then steer around the

to remove as

9 and 3 o'clock positions,

to steer

The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at

all times.

K2218

4-2 1

Your D r i v m - and the Road.

find. sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of

Off-Road Recovery You may a road onto the shoulder while you're driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease the way, steer can turn the steering wheel up to the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel roadway.

'so that your vehicle straddles the edge

off the accelerator and then,

1/4 turn until the right front tire contacts

to go straight down the

if there is nothing in of the pavement. You

AM428003

of the pavement, do NOT steer

to be about four inches

(100 mm) or more below the .cause problems. If there is not enough room to

too much steering angle, the vehicle may jump back onto

If the shoulder appears pavement, this difference can pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, then follow the same procedures. But if the right front tire scrubs against the side more sharply. With the road with so much steering input that traffic before you can bring Instead, ease off again on the accelerator and steering input, straddle the pavement once more, then Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again.

it crosses over .into the oncoming

a two-lane highway waits

it back under control.

A simple maneuver?

try again.

4-22

Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane in as oncoming traffic for several seconds. judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face collision. So here are some

A miscalculation, an error

to face with the worst

is a

of all traffic accidents-the head-on

of the vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware

to crossroads for

If you have any doubt

to the sides, and

it’s all right to pass

if the road seems empty

turn or an intersection, delay your

of times before passing. to pass while you’re

is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of

tips for passing: “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, situations that might affect your passing patterns. whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a pass. A broken center line usually indicates (providing the road ahead of the lane or a double solid line, even approaching traffic. If you suspect that the driver of your presence, tap the horn a couple Do not get too close to the vehicle you want awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. won’t have adequate space Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks like a chance to pass but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move you will be increasing speed lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other cars are take care that someone isn’t trying the slow vehicle. Remember blind spot. Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane are far enough ahead inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into

lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But

to pass. When you to see its front in your

to glance over your shoulder and check the

if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops.

to pass you as you pull out

of the passed vehicle

as the time comes

is coming up, start

to accelerate so to move into the other

Also, you

to pass

4-23

Your Driving and the Road

to pass more than one vehicle at

the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than really is). Try not Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver of you. Perhaps you can ease

a little to the right.

a time on two-lane roads.

or starting to turn.

to get ahead

it

steel+-, arid constantly seek an

to do what the driver has asked.

to existing conditions, and by not

of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid

Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control most skids by taking reasonable care suited “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s three control systems. In the steering or cornering In the braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. skid, too much speed cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. a corner on a wet, snow- or ice-covered road), ease your foot accelerator pedal as soon as you feel the vehicle start to slide. Quickly steer the way you want the vehicle vehicle will straighten out. As it does, straighten the front wheels. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving is on the road. these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose

to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your

to slide (as when you turn

try your best to avoid

If your vehicle starts

off the

You

or other material to

4-24

is skidding. Learn to

to go.

Also, see

or packed snow on the

is slippery until your vehicle

to get the front wheels rolling

If your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel drive,

to stop suddenly. As long as the front wheels are rolling, you

may not realize the surface recognize warning clues-such as enough water, ice road to make a “mirrored surface’’-and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: the rear wheel anti-lock braking system (RWAL) helps avoid only a rear braking skid. In a braking skid (where the front wheels are no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the brakes again. This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down steadily when you have will have steering control. Steer the way you want Off-Road Driving with Your FourcWheel Drive Vehicle This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive. “Anti-lock Brakes” in the Index. you shouldn’t drive off-road unless you’re on a level, solid surface. Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. “Off-roading” means you’ve left the great North American road system behind. Traffic lanes aren’t marked. Curves aren’t banked. There are no road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill back to nature. Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s why that you read this guide. You’ll find many driving will help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable. Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Be sure you read all the information about your four-wheel drive vehicle in this manual. enough fuel? they should be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading where you’ll be driving? If you don’t know, you should check with law enforcement people If so, be sure in the area. Will you be on someone’s private land? necessary permission.

Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up where

to do before you go out. For example, be sure

or downhill. In short, you’ve gone right

it’s very important

Is there

to

tips and suggestions. These

to get the

4-25

Your Driving and the Road

Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving There are some important things vehicle.

to remember about how to

load your

The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can. Be sure the doesn’t toss things around.

load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain

of your

rear

CAUTION 3 thrown forward during a sudden stop.

Cargo on the

load floor piled higher than the seatbacks can be You or your passengers

could be injured. Keep cargo below the top

- Unsecured cargo on the load floor & by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly* 3-7 driving over rough terrain.

01

le seatbacks. ca- >e tossecl about when

You or your passengers can be

strum

Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s center of gravity. to roll over. You can be seriously injured making it more likely the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Keep as far forward and low as Dossible.

in the cargo area

trails and terrain. Try to learn of any blocked

likely to get bad

in this manual. See “Vehicle Loading,’’

plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area.

in the Index.

You are much less

You’ll find other important information and “Tires” Traveling to Remote Areas It makes sense to Know the terrain and plan your route. surprises. Get accurate maps of or closed roads. It’s also a good idea to travel with at least one other vehicle. If something happens to one of them, Does your vehicle have a winch? instructions. In a remote area, you’ll want to know how to use Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving It’s a good idea to practice you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and different driving skills. Here’s what we mean.

a winch can be handy it properly.

in an area that’s safe and close

If so, be sure to read the winch

the other can help quickly.

if you get stuck. But

to home before

4-26

to different kinds of signals. -Your eyes, for example, meed

Tune your senses to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. listen for unusual tire body you’ll need Controlling your vehicle is the key best ways to control your vehicle is things to keep in mind. At higher speeds:

or engine sounds. With your arms, hands, feet,

to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce.

to successful off-road driving. One

to control your speed. Here .are some

and

of the

Your .ears need to

e you approach things fastar and you have less time

to scan the terrain

to react.

for obstacles. you have less

time you have more vehicle bounce when you drive you’ll need more distance for braking, especially since you’re on an unpaved surface.

‘I

over obstacles.

_. ’.

, ’C

CAUTION

When you’re driving off road, bouncing and quick changes direction can easily throw you out to lose control and crash. So, whether you’re driving on road, you and your passengers should wear safety belts.

of position. This could cause you

or off the

in

Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds to be familiar with the terrain and things to consider. Surface Conditions Off-roading can ta.ke you. over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each of these and braking of your vehicle

in different ways. Depending upon the kind of

its many different features. Here are some

sutfaces affects the steering, acceleration,

of terrain. You need

. surface you are on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning,

delayed acceleration, poor traction, and longer braking distances. Surface Obstacles Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. bump can startle you are hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and itself. -.Here are some things Is the path ahead clear? Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?

to consider:

if you’re not prepared for them. Often these obstacles

A rock, log, hole, rut, or

fall of the terrain

4-27

Your Driving and the Road

Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There’s more discussion these subjects later.) Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly?

of

if you’re not prepared.

When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, your wheels can leave If this happens, even with one or two wheels, you can’t control the ground. the vehicle as well Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it’s especially important sudden acceleration, sudden turns, In a way, off-road driving requires a different paved roads and highways. There are no road signs, posted speed limits signal lights. You have to use your own good judgment about what is safe and what isn’t.

or sudden braking.

or at all.

kind of alertness from driving on or

to avoid

* Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on 1 certainly true for off-road driving. At the very time you need special

any road. And

this is

alertness and driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can be affected by even a small amount a serious-or even fatal-accident a driver who has been drinking. (See “Drunken Driving” Index.)

if you drink and drive or ride with in the

of alcohol. You could have

Driving On Off-Road Hills up, down, or across Off-road driving often takes you hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your and can’t do. There are some hills that simply can’t be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle.

a hill. Driving safely on vehicle can

A , Many hills are simply

- IOU will stall.

too steep for any vehicle.

If you drive up them,

If you drive down them, you can’t control your speed.

you drive across them, you will roll over. injured or killed. If you have any doubt about the steepness, don’t drive

You could be seriously

If

4-28

to climb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hard

to decide if it’s one of those hills that’s to judge.

a smooth, constant incline

in elevation where you can easily see all the way

a large hill, the incline may get steeper as you near the top,

a hill, you need

Approaching a Hill When you approach just too steep On a very small hill, for example, there may be with only a small change to the top. On but you may not see grass, or shrubs. Here are some other things to consider as you approach

this because the crest of the

hill is hidden by bushes,

a hill.

Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply steeper places? Is there good traction on the hillside, slipping? Is there a straight path up turning maneuvers?

or down the hill

or will the surface cause tire

so you won’t have to make

in

0 Are there obstructions on the hill than can block your path (boulders,

Is there a cliff, an embankment,

trees, logs or ruts)? What’s beyond the hill? fence? Get out and walk the find out. Is the hill simply too rough? Steep and exposed rocks because they are more susceptible to the effects erosion.

hill if you don’t know. It’s the smart way to

hills often have ruts, gullies, troughs

a drop-off, a

of

Driving Uphill Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you need special steps.

to take some

a firm grip on the steering wheel. hill and try to maintain your speed. Don’t use

Use a lower gear and get Get a smooth start up the more power than you need, because you don’t want your wheels spinning or sliding. Try to drive straight up turns, you might want

the hill if at all possible. to find another route.

If the path twists and

to start

4-29

Your Driving and the Road

\ lose traction, slide sideways, and possibly roll over. A Turning or driving across steep hills can be dangerous.

seriously injured or straight up.

' I '

?d. When driving up hills, always try

You could You could be to go

flag to the vehicle

Ease up on your speed as you approach Attach a traffic on trails or hills. Sound the horn as you approach the top of hill know you're there. Use your headlights even during the oncoming traffic.

the top of to make you more visible

the hill. to approaching

to let opposing

traffic

day. They make you more

visible to

I A Driving to the

top (crest) of a hill at full speed

can muse an

accident. There could be a drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You b u l d be seriously injured or killed. .As you near the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert.

Q: What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about to stall, and make it up the hill? A: If this happens, there are some things you should things you must not do. First, here's what you

should do:

do, and there are some

I can't

it from rolling

to stop the vehicle and keep

is still running, shift the transmission into reverse, release

Push the brake pedal backwards. Also, apply the parking brake. If your engine the parking brake, and slowly back down the If your engine has stopped running, you'll need brake pedal depressed and the parking brake transmission to P (Park) (or, shift manual transmission) and restart the engine. Then, shift release the parking brake, and slowly back down the hill As you are backing down the hill, put your left hand on the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position. This way, you'll be able wheels are straight or turned to the left or right as you back down.

to restart it. With the still applied, shift the to N (Neutral) if your vehicle has a

hill in reverse.

to Reverse, in reverse.

to tell if your

4-30

Here are some things you when going up a hill.

must not do if you stall, or are about

to stall,

to prevent a stall by shifting into

Never attempt depressing the clutch, engine and regain forward momentum. This won’t work. could go out of roll backwards very quickly and you

if you have a manual transmission)

N (Neutral) (or

control.

to “rev-up” the

Your vehicle will

Instead, apply the regular brake brake. Shift into reverse, release the parking brake, and slowly back down.

to stop the vehicle. Then apply the parking

Never attempt to turn around hill. If the hill is steep enough cause you. to roll over hill, you must back down the

hill.

if you are about to stall your vehicle, it’s steep enough

to stall when going up a

to

if you turn around. If you can’t make

it up the

the hill and decide

Q: Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down can’t do it. What should I do? A: Set the parking brake, put your transmission in transmission in first gear), and turn off the engine. Leave the vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill side and stay clear of the would take when you leave the vehicle. Leave it

if it rolled downhill. Do not shift the transfer case to

in some gear.

P (Park) (or the manual

path the vehicle N (Neutral)

I just

in P (Park) (or,

if the transmission is

to N (Neutral) can cause your vehicle to if you have the if you’re in gear). This is because the

Shifting the transfer case roll even manual transmission, even (Neutral) position on the transfer case overrides the transmission. you are going to leave your vehicle, set the parking brake and the transmission to P (Park) (or, put your manual transmission gear). But do not shift the transfer case Leave the transfer case

If shi” in f to the N (Neutral) positior in the 2 Wheel, 4 High or 4 Low position.

Lriving Downhill When off-roading takes you downhill, you’ll things:

want to consider a number

of