1996 GMC Sierra Owners Manual

6-33 Parking ..................................... 2-25 PedalTravel ................................. 6-36 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-36 System Warning Light .......................... 2-61 Trailer ...................................... 4-55 Transmission Shift Interlock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44 Wear ........................................ 6-35 Brakes, Anti-Lock ............................... 4-6 Braking ........................................ 4-5 '. ..... 4-8 Braking in Emergencies ....................... ............................ 2-8 Break-In, New Vehicle BTSI Check ................................... 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Bulb Replacement Canadian Roadside Assistance .... ................ 8-6 'Capacities and Specifications ...................... 6-74 Carbon Monoxide ......................... 2-30,4-41, Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .................. 2-43 Cassette Deck Service ........................... 7-42 Cassette Tape Player ......................... 3-9.3 '- 11 Cassette Tape Player Care ........................ 3-24 Cassette/Compact Disc Storage .................... 2-50 .Center Overhead Console ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Center Passenger Position ........................ 1-28 Certification Label ...................... : ....... 4-42 CertificatiodTire Label .......................... 4-42

9-2

Chains. Safety Chains Tire

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

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

: . . . . . . . . 4-55 6-57

...... Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ...... 1.39, 1-41 Securing in the Center Seat Position ............... 1-44 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-46 TopStrap .................................... 1-39 WheretoPut ................................ 1-38 Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-52 Circuit Breakers and Fpses ....................... 6-69 Cleaner, Air ................................... 6-16 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-64 Fabric ....................................... 6-59 Glass ........................................ 6-61 Inside of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-58 Instrument Panel ............................. 6-61 Leather ..................................... 6-61 Outside of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-62 Special Problems ............................. 6-60 Stains ...................................... 6-60 Tires ....................................... 6-64 Vinyl ....................................... 6-60 Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 6 4. Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-62 3-1, 3-2

Climate Control System .......................

Clock. Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 .......................... 6-23 Clutch Fluid. Hydraulic Comfort Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3- I Compact Disc Care ............................. 3-24 Compact Disc Player ....................... 3.15. 3.17 Compass. Rearview Mirror with . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5 Convex Outside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26 Heater. Engine ............................... 2- 12 RecoveryTank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14 Cooling System ................................ 5- 12 Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 ................................. 2-36 Cruise Control Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-49 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Customer Assistance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- I Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- I

Damage. Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 Damage. Sheet Metal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-40 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Dead Battery 8-8 Defects. Reporting Safety Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- I Defogger. Rear Window 3-6 3-5 Defog ing and Defrosting Dolby B Noise Reduction I4

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

3-

Dome Lamps Door

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42 Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Storagepocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51 Third . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 Driver Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 Driving City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Drunken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Freeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34 Guidelines .................................. 4-13 In a Blizzard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40 IntheRain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28 Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 OnCurves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 On Grades While Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57 On Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 OnSnowandIce ............................. 4-38 Throughwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32 WetRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Drunken Driving

E a s y Entry Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . 2.12. 3.23. Electrical Equipment. Adding 6-68 Electrical System ............................... 6-68 Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . 2-44

9-3

6.8. 6.10

Engine ...................................

Coolant ..................................... 6-26 Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 12 Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-42 ..................... 2-62 Coolant Temperature Gage Cooling System Capacity ....................... 6-76 Exhaust ..................................... 2-30 Fuse Blocks ............................ 6.69. 6.71 Identification ................................ 6-67 Manual Language

OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-42 Overheating ................................. 5- 10 Running While Parked ......................... 2-30 Specifications ................................ 6-74 StartingYour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11 Underhood Fusemelay Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 I Engine Oil .................................... 6- 12 Adding ..................................... 6-13 Additives ................................... 6-15 Checking ................................... 6-12 Pressure Gage ................................ 2-65 Used ....................................... 6-16 Whentochange .............................. 6-15 Exhaust. Engine ................................ 2-30

Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-59 ............ 3.1. 3.2 Fan Control. Climate Control System Fender Marker Lamp Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42 FillingYourTank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Filter. Air ..................................... 6-16 Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-63

9-4

..

Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Flashers. Hazard Warning ............................. 5-21 Flat Tire. Changing Fluid Capacities ................................ 6-76 Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-48 FogLamps .................................... 2-41 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-4 Four-wheel Drive ......................... 2-21. 6-25 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . French 11 FrontAxle .................................... 6-26 Front Axle Locking Feature ....................... 2-21 FrontTowing ................................... 5-9 Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 6-4 2-68 6-4 6-76 6-69 6-69

Filling Your Tank .............................. Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................... In Foreign Countries Tankcapacity ............................... ....................... Fuses and Circuit Breakers Fusible Links ..................................

. . . . . 6.40. 6.41

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... ........................... Engine Oil Pressure Fuel ....................................... Speedometer ................................. Tachometer .................................. Voltmeter ................................... Garage Door Opener ............................ GAWR .......................................

2-62 2-65 2-68 2-57 2-57 2-60 2-46 4-42

Gear Positions. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 13 Gear Positions. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 2- 17. 2- 18 GloveBox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-42 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-42 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guide en 11 GVWR ....................................... 4-42

FranCais

Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-37 Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 1 Headlamps .................................... 2-39 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.38. 6.39 ...................... High/Low Beam Changer OnReminder ................................ Wiring .....................................

2-34 2-39 6-68 Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Heating ........................................ 3-4 High-Beam Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-36 Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36

Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-54 Hood Checking Things Under ......................... 6-6 Release ...................................... 6-7 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32 Hydraulic Clutch Fluid ........................... 6-23 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-32

Tire

Ignition Positions ............................... 2-9 Illuminated Entry ............................... 2-42 Inflation. Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 Brakesystem ................................ 7-47 Drive Axle .................................. 7-47 Exhaust Systems ............................. 7-46 ...................... 7-46 Radiator and Heater Hose Steering .................................... 7-46 Suspension .................................. 7-46 Throttle Linkage .............................. 7-46 Transfer Case (Four-wheel Drive) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47 ............................... 2-54 Cleaning .................................... 6-61 Cluster ..................................... 2-56 FuseBlock .................................. 6-69 ............................. 2-42 Intensity Control Interior Lamps ................................. 2-42 J ack. .................................... Jump Starting ...................................

Instrument Panel

5-22 5-2

K e y Lock Cylinders Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 Key Release Button ............................. 2- IO ............................ Keyless Entry System 2-5 Keys .......................................... 2-1

9 '

Labels

Certification ................................. 4-42 CertificatiodTire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42 ..................... 6-67 Service Parts Identification Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67 Lalnps ........................................ 2-39 Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 Dome ...................................... 2-42 Interior ..................................... 2-42 ................................ 2-39 On Reminder UnderhoodReel .............................. 2-41 Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-5 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-28 Lighter ....................................... 2-52 Lights

Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1-22. 2-59 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.62. 4-6 Brake System Warning ......................... 2-61 Charging System ............................. 2-59 CheckGages ................................ 2-67 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-67 Safety Belt Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9.2-58 2-63 Service Engine Soon Shift .................................. 2-20. 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44 4-42 2-32 Cylinders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 Door ........................................ 2-4

Loading Information, Truck-Camper ........................... Loading Your Vehicle Lockoutswitch ................................ Locks

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

Key Lock Cylinders Service .................... 7-43 PowerDoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-45 Steering Column Lock Check 7-48 7-43 1-2

Lubricants and Fluids ............................ Lubrication Service. Body ........................ ................................ Lumbar Controls

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 6-75 ............................ 7-51 Maintenance Record Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Long Trip/Highway Definition Long Trip/Highway Intervals ..................... 7-5 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-42 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-48 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Scheduled Maintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Short Trip/City Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Short Trip/City Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-65 Maintenance When Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59 ...................... 2-63 Malfunction Indicator Lamp Manual Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Manual Mirror Manual Transmission Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 Shifting ................................ 2-17. 2-18 Starting Your Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11 Manual Windows ............................... 2-31 .............................. Memo Pad Holder 2-49 Methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

9-6

Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 Convex Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Electrochromic bay/Night Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 ..................... 2-43 Inside Day/Night Rearview Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-45 MMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Model Reference MountainRoads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 N e w Vehicle Break-In Nightvision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29 ........................... 6- 1 1 Noise Control System

Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 Odometer . Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- I3 Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4- I O Off-Road Recovery Oil. Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 Opener. Garage Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-46 Overheating Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- IO Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-42 Owner Publications. Ordering ...................... 8-9

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park. Shifting Into Parking

6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

AtNight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-45 Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-29 With a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29 Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission Passenger Position .............................. 1-28 Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Periodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 Power Accessory Outlet ............................. 2-53 DoorLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Driver’sSeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-68 Option Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-45 Remote Control Mirror Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8 Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31 Take-Off .................................... 4-60 Winches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31 Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27 ............................ Problems on the Road 5-1 PTO ......................................... 4-60 Publications. Service and Owner .................... 8-9

Radiator ..................................... 5-17 Radiator Pressure Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 RadioReception ................................ 3-23 Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Rain. Driving In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-42

9-7

ear Axle .................... Belts Outside Seat Position ...... .......... Seat Passengers Towing ................. Window Defogger ........ iew Mirror .. .I ......... ctrochromic Daymight . . Inside Daymight ......... Reclining Seatbacks ......... Recovery Hooks ............ Recovery Tank. Coolant . . . . . .

.................... 6-24 ............... 1-30, 1-33 ..................... 1-30 ..................... 5-9 ..................... 3-6 ................. 1-7, 1-8 .................... 2-43 ..................... 2-44 .................... 2-43 ..................... 1-3 .................... 5-33 .................... 5-14 .................... 6-76 ............... 6.37. 6.73 .................... ..................... 1-9, .................... .....................

2-58

Parts ...................

Defects .....

6-75 6-55

1-53 8-8 ................................... l-52 hild ....................................... l-38 Head ......................:................. l-5

Parts Replacing 7-43 Systemcheck Right Position Front

Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-4

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

Passenger

a Crash

1-53

After

1-28

Light

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

Safety Belt Extender ............................. Safety

1-52 1-8 Adults ...................................... l-13 Care ....................................... 6-61 Center Passenger Position ...................... 1-28 ..................................... Children 1-36 DriverPosition ......... I ..................... 1-13 .................................... Extender 1-52 How to Wear Properly ......................... 1-13 Incorrect Usage .................... 1-16, 1-50, 1-51 Lap Belt ...................................... 1-28 .. Lap-Shoulder ...................... 1-13, 1-31, 1-34 Larger Children .............................. 1-49 . Passenger Position ............................ 1-28 1-12 . Questions and Answers Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ....... 1-30, 1-33 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-30

Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-53 Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-28 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ................... 1-15 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-36 Use During Pregnancy .............. : .......... 1-27 WhyTheyWork ............................... 1-9 Safety Chains .................................. 4-55 Safety Defects, Reporting ......................... 8-8 ... Safety Warnings and Symbols ......................... 111 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-3

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

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

. Reminder

Seatback. Latches ................................ Seatbacks. Reclining Seats

1-5 ............................. 1-3 EasyEntry ................................... 1-6 ManualFront ................................. 1-1 Power Driver’s ................................ 1-2 Power Lumbar Control .......................... 1-2 Rear .................................... 1-7. 1-8 Restraint Systems .............................. 1 . 1 . Seatcontrols ................................. 1-1 Securing a Child Restraint . . . . . . 1-39. 1-41 1-44. 1-46 Service ......................................... 6-1 Bulletips, Ordering .............................. 8-9 EngineSoonLight ............................ 2-63 Manuals, Ordering ............................. 8-9 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-67 Publications, Ordering .......................... 8-9 Work, Doing Your Own ......................... 6- 1 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 .................... 8-9 Service and Owner Publications Service Publications .............................. 8-9 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ........... 1-26 Sheet Metal Damage ............................ 6-64 Shift Lever .......................... 2-13,2-17, 2-18 Shift Light ............................... 2-20, 2-66 Shift Speeds .................................... 2-19 Shifting Into Park (P) ............................ 2-26 Shifting, Manual Transmission ............... 2- 17, 2- 18 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 1-15 Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement ............... 6-43 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-34 SIR .......................................... 1-21

Skidding ....................................... 4-12 Sound Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-23 Specifications and Capacities ...................... 6-74 Specifications. Engine ........................... 6-74 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance ............... 8-3 Speedometer ................................... 2-57 Stains. Cleaning ................................ 6-60 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-44 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-11 Steam ........................................ 5-10 Steering ....................................... 4-8 .......................... 7-45 Column Lock Check In Emergencies ................................. 4-9 Power ....................................... 4-8 Tips ......................................... 4-8 Wheel. Tilt .................................. 2-33 Step-Bumper Pad ............................... 4-62 StorageAreas .................................. 2-46 Storage. Overhead .............................. 2-48 Storage. Underhood ............................. 2-51 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-37 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow .................. 5-32 Sunglasses Storage .............................. 2-48 Sunvisors .................................... 2-53 .................. 1-21 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint Symbols. Vehicle ..................................

Tachometer .................................. 2-57 Tailgate Marker Lamp Bulb Replacement . .. .......... 6-45 Tailgate Removal ................................ 2-2 Taillamp Bulb Replacement .................. 6-45. 6-46

9-9

Tape Player Care ............................... 3-24 Temperature Control. Climate Control System ..... 3- I. 3-3 Theft .......................................... 2-7 Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 1 THEFTLOCK TM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 1 Thermostat .................................... 6-30 Third Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 ............................. 2-33 Tilt Steering Wheel ................................ 3-7 Time. Setting the Tirechains .................................... 6-57 Tire Loading ................................... 4-42 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Alignment and Balance Buying New ................................. 6-53 Chains ..................................... 6-57 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-2 1 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-64 Inflation .................................... 6-49 Inflation Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-50 Loading .................................... 4-42 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49 Temperature ................................. 6-55 Traction .................................... 6-54 Treadwear ................................... 6-54 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-54 Wear Indicators .............................. 6-52 Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-55 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-52 TopStrap ..................................... 1-39 TorqueLock ................................... 2-28

9-10

5.28. 6.75

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

4-46 5-7 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55 Driving on Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57 Drivingwith ................................. 4-55 Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54 Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-59 Parking on Hills .............................. 4-58 Safety Chains ................................ 4-55 Tongueweight ............................... 4-53 .......................... 4-54 Total Weight on Tires Towing ..................................... 4-46 TurnSlgnals ................................. 4-57 Weight ..................................... 4-48 Wiring Harness ............................... 4-59 Transfer Case, Electronic ......................... 2-23 Transfer Case Lubricant .......................... 6-25 Transfer Case, Manual ........................... 2-21 Transmission Fluid Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-22 Transmitters. Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-57 TTYUsers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57

Underbody Maintenance ........................ 6-65 Underhood Fuse/Relay Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 1 Underhood Reel Lamp ........................... 2-41 Underhood Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 1

Vehicle

Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Damage Warnings Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-37 Ventilation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Visors, Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-60

w a r n i n g Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 1 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................... Washing Your Vehicle 6-62 Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62

Wheel

Alignment .................................. 6-55 Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28, 6-75 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55 Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Windows ..................................... 2-31 Lockout Switch .............................. 2-32 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31 Sliding Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32 Swing-Out .................................. 2-32 ............................. 2-35 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-36, 6-31 ............................ Fluid Level Check 7-42 Windshield Wipers .............................. 2-35 ...................... 6-47, 6-75 Blade Replacement Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-68 Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-68 Wrench, Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Windshield Washer

9-11

NOTES

I

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GMC TRUCK

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A N U A L

The 1996 GMC Sierra Owner’s Manual

2-1

1-1

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. Features and Controls .................................................................. This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR” system. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. ProblemsontheRoad .................................................................. This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated Service and Appearance Care ............................................................ engine, etc. 6-1 MaintenanceSchedule......... ......................................................... 7-1 Customer Assistance Information ........................................................ 8-1 Index ................................................................................

This section tells you how to contact GMC Truck for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects’’ on page 8-8.

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

3-1

5-1

4-1

9-1

Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

‘--)

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

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

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

‘Copyright General Motors Corporation 1995 All Rights Reserved

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC TRUCK, the GMC TRUCK Emblem and the name SIERRA 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 Truck Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. X9604 B First Edition ii

How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

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

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. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

iii

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 labeis on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

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.?’

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

I NOTICE: I These mean there is something that could

damage your vehicle.

iv

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:

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

,\I/,

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

TURN

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

SIGNALS e e3 A HAZARD RUNNING 0 DAYTIME - FOG LAMPS # 0 VENTILATING

WARNING FLASHER

LAMPS ' * '

FAN 1

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE

COOLANT TEMP

CHARGING I-1

BAllERY

SYSTEM

LIGHTER

(0) HORN )tr e,

SPEAKER

FUEL

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

- 3

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Regular Cab Pickup

? Crew Cab

Extended Cab Pickup

Chassis Cab

3500 HD Chassis Cab

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and fold them up and down. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks and head restraints. Mar--a1 Front Seat

CAUTION:

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

If your vehicle has a manual bucket, split bench or full bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever at the front of the seat.

Slide the lever at the front of the seat toward the passenger’s side to unlock it. Using your body, slide the seat to where you want it. Then, release the lever and try to move the seat with your body in order to make sure the seat is locked in place.

1-1

Power Driver’s Seat (Option)

Power Lumbar Control

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

If your vehicle has a power seat on the driver’s side, you can adjust it with these controls at the outside edge of the seat. You can use the round center knob to move the seat where you want it. To raise the seat, move the knob up. To lower the seat, move the knob down. To move the seat forward, move the knob toward the front of the vehicle. To move the seat rearward, move the knob toward the rear of the vehicle. You can also raise and lower the front and rear of the seat. To raise the front of the seat, move the front lever up. To lower the front of the seat, move the front lever down. To raise the rear of the seat, move the rear lever up. To lower the rear of the seat, move the rear lever down. 1-2

To increase support, press and hold the front of the rocker switch. Let go of the switch when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. To decrease support, press and hold the rear of the rocker switch. Let go of the switch when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.

Reclining Seatbacks Your vehicle will have one of these reclining seatback controls.

To adjust a seatback with this lever, lift the front of the lever. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the front of the lever and the seatback will go to an upright position.

To adjust a seatback with this lever, move the lever rearward. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Move the lever again rearward and the seatback will go to an upright position.

1-3

A CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job 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.

1-4

traints

Head Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Seatback Latches The front seatback of the base level bench seat folds forward to let you access the rear of the cab. Your seatback will move back and forth freely, unless you come to a sudden stop. Then it will lock in place. If you have a Crew Cab, your front seatback is designed not to fold forward. Access to the rear of the cab is available by using the rear doors. The front seatback of all seats except the base level bench seat folds forward to let you access the rear of the cab. If you have a Crew Cab, your front seatback is designed not to fold forward. Access to the rear of the cab is available by using the rear doors.

To fold a seatback forward on all seats except the base level bench seat, pull this lever forward and fold the seatback forward.

To return the seatback to the upright position, just push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked. The rear seatback of a rear bench seat without a center armrest can be folded forward to let you reach the area behind it. Your seatback will move back and forth freely, unless you come to a sudden stop. Then, it will lock into place. The Crew Cab rear seatback with a center armrest folds forward to let.you access the area behind it.

To fold a seatback forward, pull this lever forward and fold the seatback forward.

Easy Entry Seat (Extended Cab Only) The driver and passenger front bucket seat and the 60/40 split bench seat of your vehicle has an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat. To operate the seat, pull forward on the top of this lever and tilt the back forward toward the front of the vehicle.

To return the seatback to the upright position, just push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked.

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.

1-6

When you do, the seat bottom will release. Just pull or push the seat forward until it stops. To return the seat to its regular position, return the seatback to its upright position, then push the whole seat rearward until it latches.

After returning the seat to its regular position, try to move the seat with your body in order to make sure the seat is locked into place.

’ A\ CAUTION:

If any easy entry seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. And, even if there is no crash or sudden stop, a driver sitting in an unlocked easy entry seat could be startled by the sudden movement and hit the wrong control or pedal, causing an accident. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on any easy entry seat to be sure it is locked.

Rear Seat (Extended Cab) Folding the Rear Seat The extended cab may have a rear folding seat which can be folded open for more seating space. To use the seat: 1. Pull the entire seat forward until it is flat.

2. Then pull forward on the

RELEASE lever under the seat cushion, on the passenger’s side of the rear seat. Push the seatback rearward until it latches.

3. After pushing the seatback upright into position, pull

the seatback forward to make sure it is locked.

1-7

The extended cab’s rear seat can also be folded up to provide more cargo space. To fold the seat: 1. Pull forward on the RELEASE lever at the side of the seat cushion, behind the passenger’s side front seat. Fold the seatback forward until it latches with the seat cushion.

2. Lift the entire seat

and push it rearward into place.

3. Make sure the seat is secure. Rear Seat (Crew Cab) You can adjust the seat by sliding the lever at the front of the seat toward the seat support to unlock it. Then, slide the seat to where you want it. Release the lever and try to move the seat with your body in order to make sure the seat is locked into place. 1-8

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.

de where he or she can‘t wear

Don’t let ady6h 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.

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

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

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety 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.

1-9

Put someone on it.

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

1-10

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

or the instrument panel ...

1-11

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers @ 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.

e.' If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

wear safety belts?

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

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That's why safety belts make such good sense.

1-12

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.

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

1-13

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.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

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

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

1-15

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

!It is

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

as much protection this way.

1-16

&= What’s wrong with this?

I A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured i 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 i buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

A CAUTION:

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.

1-18

Q: What's wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

1-19

What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system.

Your vehicle may have an air bag for the driver. If it does, it will say Supplemental Inflatable Restraint on the middle part of the steering wheel.

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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.

Here are the most important things to know about the

air bag system: A CAUTION: you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if

have an air bag. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. The air bag is only a “supplemental restraint.” That is, it works with safety belts but doesn’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver,

should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or

not there’s an air bag for that person.

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A CAUTION:

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 for an air bag inflation in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with an air bag, and sit as far back as you can while still maintaining control of your vehicle.

’ There is an air bag

readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

AIR BAG

The system checks the air bag’s 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.

he Air Bag System Works

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

Don’t put anything on, or attach anything to, the steering wheel. Also, don’t put anything (such as pets or objects) between the driver and the steering wheel. If something is between an occupant and an air bag, it could affect the

performance of the air bag -- or worse, it could

cause injury.

When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. 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 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.

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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 the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one indication of this. The air bag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See “Off-Road Driving” in the Index for more tips on off-road driving. What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag module packed inside the steering wheel.

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. 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 the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs 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 will be hot for a short time. The part of the bag that comes into contact with you may be warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bag. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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1 a CAUTION:

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

inflates, then get

0 The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include the air bag module and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

Your vehicle is equipped with a 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. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag, it may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module. Do not open or break the air bag cover.

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1

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle The air bag affects 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 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 two minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid 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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Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Q: If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the

front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bag 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

.I air bags from wor@ng properly in a crash.

What if I add a snow plow? Will it keep the air bag from working properly?

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

Q=

A:

Is there anything I might add to the front of the vehicle that could keep the air bag from working properly? 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 question 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" i n the Index.)

Safety 1 ___ Jse DurinP Z regnancy

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.

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.

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.

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 lap belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. Center Passenger Position

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

Rear (Extended and Crew Cab)

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L

Front (All)

Rear (Extended and Crew Cab)

When you sit in a cenIer 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.

Rear Seat r rssengers

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 (Extended Cab)

Front (All)

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.

If you have a Crew Cab, see “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Crew Cab)” later in this section.

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

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.

~~

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. 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.

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

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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-

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.

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Crew Cab)

If you have an Extended Cab, see “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Extended Cab)” earlier in this section.

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

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

1.

2.

Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt. across you. Don’t let it get twisted. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the lap 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.

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

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks only if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

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

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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

A CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be’over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

at only 25 mph (40 k d ) , a 124b. (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 heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

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Where to Put the Restraint (Extended Cab and Crew Cab) 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 the rear seat unless the child is an infmt and you’re the only adult in the vehicle. In that case, you might want to secure the restraint in the front seat where you can keep an eye on the baby. 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.

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. Where to Put the Restraint (Except Extended Cab and Crew Cab) The child restraint must be secured properly in the center or right front passenger seat. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

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Top Strap

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear