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The 1998 GMC Sierra Owner's Manual


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Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. Tt also explains the air bag system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how t o drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving? such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when t o perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact GMC for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on "Reporting Safety Defects" on page 8- 10. Index Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.


We support voluntary technician certification.


WE SUPPORT


VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH


National Institute far


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 propribtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en fraqais chez votre concessionaire ou au:


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


@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved


GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC, the GMC 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 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. X9804 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 back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.


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


the warning. A CAUTION: you or other people. I


These mean there is something that could hurt


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.


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In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.


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:


These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.


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


For example. these symbols are used on an originnl battery:


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


These symbols have to do with your lamps:


These symbols are on some of your controls:


DOOR LOCK UNLOCK


TURN SIGNALS


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/,


WIPER


e e


WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER


DAYTIME


WINDOW DEFOGGER


RUNNING *'***'O # 0


VENTILATING FAN


LAMPS *


FOG LAMPS


Here are some other symbols you may see:


These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:


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ENGINE k COOLANT TEMP


BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM


BRAKE (@) rr


ENGINE OIL w, ANTI-LOCK (@)


PRESSURE


BRAKES


FUSE -%- t


LIGHTER


HORN )tr SPEAKER b no


FUEL


Model Reference


.s manual covers these models:


Regular Cab Pickup


Crew Cab


Chassis Cab


Extended Cab Pickup


3500 HD Chassis Cab


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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems


Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.


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


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


Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and fold them up and down. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat


I /!\ CAUTIO-.: 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 into place.


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Power Driver’s Seat (Option)


The switch located at the front of this control panel is for the power lumbar adjustment, which is explained next. Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped)


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 to 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.


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.


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To adjust the front seatback, 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.


But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.


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Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. 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 into 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 the split bench seat and bucket seats fold forward to let you access the rear of the cab.


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.


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To fold a front split bench or bucket seatback forward, pull this lever forward and fold the seatback forward.


Easy Entry Seat (Extended Cab Only) The manual driver and passenger front bucket seats and the manual 60/40 split bench seat of your vehicle have an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat. On vehicles with the power driver’s seat, only the front passenger’s seat has the easy entry feature.


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.


To operate the seat, pull forward on the top of this lever and tilt the back forward toward the front of the vehicle.


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.


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.


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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.


I A LAUTION:


Rear Seat (Extended Cab) Folding the Rear Seat The Extended Cab may have a rear folding seat which can be folded up to provide more cargo space. To fold the seat:


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.



1. Pull forward on the


RELEASE lever under the seat cushion, behind the passenger’s side front seat. Fold the seatback forward until it latches with the seat cushion.


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2. Lift the entire seat


and push it rearward into place.


Rear Seat (Crew Cab) The rear seatback 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 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.


3. Make sure the seat is secure. The Extended Cab’s rear seat can also 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.


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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.


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


’ A CAUTION:


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Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.


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


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


In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work.


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


You never Know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!


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


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Put someone on it.


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


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


or the instrument panel ...


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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.


Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to


wear safety belts?


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


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


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


home, why should I wear safety belts?


A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control9 such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.


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


so you can sit up straight.


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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.


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


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


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@ What’s wrong with this?


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


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


as much protection this way.


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What's wrong with this?


A CAUTION':


You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.


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&: What’s wrong with this?


A WTION:


P -


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


A: The belt is over an armrest.


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2; What’s wrong with this?


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


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


be worn over the shoulder at all times.


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Q." What's wrong with this?


A: The belt is twisted across the body.


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


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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don't wear safety belts.


To unlatch the beIt, 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. I€ YOU slaurr the door an it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.


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A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.


The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the lap portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.


Air Bag System This part explains the air bag system.


Your vehicle may have a “Next Generation’‘ reduced-force frontal air bag for the driver and another “Next Generation” reduced-force frontal air bag for the right front passenger. If it does, it will say AIR BAG on the middle part of the steering wheel.


Reduced-force frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations.


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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. This is true even with reduced-force frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with reduced-force air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.


You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if


you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you


have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety


belts. All air bags -- even reduced-force air bags -- are designed to work with safety belts,


but don’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. And, for unrestrained occupants, reduced-force air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly air bag for that person.


whether or not there’s an


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AIR BAG


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


The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.


l Children who are up against, or very close to, an air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for 1 adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.


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How the Air Bag System Works


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


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


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p, CAUTION:


If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.


When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 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. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. The air bag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See ”Off-Road Driving’‘ in the Index for more tips on off-road driving. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehide is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.


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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contxt the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.


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


In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.


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


0 Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and


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


0 Unless you have a Crew Cab, your vehicle has a


switch on the instrument. panel that you can use to turn off the passenger’s air bag. But use this switch only when you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint at the right front passenger’s position. See “Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information.


A CAUT-ON:


If the right front passenger’s air bag is turned off, the person sitting there won’t have the extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air bag wouldn’t be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Make sure the air bag is turned on unless you are using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position.


0 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag


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


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I NOTICE:


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


If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as water up to the carpeting or higher -- or if water enters your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood? or if it‘s exposed to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately. Don’t let anyone start the vehicle, even to tow it, unless the battery cables are first disconnected.


Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your 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 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.


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The ail- bag system does not need regular maintenance.


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


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


Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle


e.” If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly? A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is


attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash.


Q.” Is there anything I might add to the front of the


vehicle that could keep the air bags from working properly?


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


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)


1-32


Front ( A l l )


Rear (Extended and Crew Cab)


When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.


1-33


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


r ront (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. 1-34


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.


1-35


1. 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.


1-36


1 A CAUTION:


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


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


1-37


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.


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


1-38


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


Don’t let it get twisted.


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


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.


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


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.


is


1-39


There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:


To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults If your vehicle has a rear seat, your vehicle may have shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head. 1-40


1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of


the seatback.


2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.


3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.


The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.


1-41


I


To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Slide the guide onto the storage clip. Make sure you remove the comfort guide from the belt before you fold a rear seat down or use an easy-entry seat, if your vehicle has one. Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.


4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as


described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Extended Cab)” or “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions (Crew Cab)” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.


1-42


Smaller Children and Babies


Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle.


Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is CAUTION: (Continued)


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 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.


it


Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle.


1-43


at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. 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)


1-44


Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q.’ What are the different types of add-on


child restraints?


A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.


An i n h n t car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an i n f m t restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an i n f m t car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.


1-45


A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 Ibs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.


A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to f x e folwa-d in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints a-e designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 Ibs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forwa-d-facing child seat.


1-47


A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 Ibs. (1 8 to 27 kg) and about four to eight years of age. It's designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.


1-48


When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.


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. If your vehicle has air bags and you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint i n the right front passenger‘s seat, you need to turn off the passenger’s air bag. See “Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information


p, CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags.


CAUTION: (Continued)


1-49


This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure to turn off the air bag before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position.


Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.


Where to Put the Restraint (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, if your vehicle has one. If you have an Extended Cab, your vehicle has a switch on the instrument panel that you can use to turn off the passenger’s air bag. But use this switch only when you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint at the right front passenger’s position. See ”Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information


1-50


A child in a rearfacing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rearfacing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure to turn off the air bag before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position.


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.


Top Strap


If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your GM dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.


1-51


Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position (Extended Cab)


If you have a Crew Cab, see “Securing a Child Restraint in a this section. Rear Outside Seat Position (Crew Cab)” later in You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


1-52


Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.


3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


4. To tighten the belt., pull up on the shoulder belt while you push down on the child restraint. If you're using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Make sure the buckle end of the belt is pulled out all the way.


1-53


5. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position (Crew Cab)


You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


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


If you have an Extended Cab, see ”Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position (Extended Cab)” earlier in this section.


1-54


3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


4. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the


retractor to set the lock.


1-55


5. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the


retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way, The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.


1-56


Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position


You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.


Rear (Extended and Crew Cab)


1-57


Front (All)


Rear (Extended and Crew Cab)


1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch


plate and pulling it along the belt.


2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.


5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push


down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.


1-59


Front (All)


4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Crew Cab)


You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


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


1-60


3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


4. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the


retractor to set the lock.


5. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the


retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down o n the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


6. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


1-61


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Except Crew Cab)


If your vehicle has air bags, there is a switch on the instrument panel that you can use to turn off the right front passenger’s air bag. But use this switch only when you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint at the right front passenger’s position.


1-62


’ A CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child i restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure to turn off the air bag before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.


To turn off the right front passenger’s air bag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to AIR BAG OFF. The AIR BAG OFF light will come on to let you know that the right front passenger’s air bag is off. The right front passenger’s air bag will remain off until you turn it back on again, and the AIR BAG OFF light will stay on to remind you that the air bag is off.


1-63


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


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


If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The right front passenger’s air bag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, don’t secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle until you have your vehicle serviced.


You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. If your vehicle has air bags and you are using a


rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the air bag is turned off. If your child restraint is forward-fixing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. (See “Seats” in the Index.)


2. Put the restraint on the seat.


1-64


4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.


5. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the


retractor to set the lock.


6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the


retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


1-65


~


~~


~~~~


~~~~


~~


~~~~~~


~. ,


To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. If your vehicle has air bags, turn on the right front passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint.


If the right front passenger’s air bag is turned off, the person sitting there won’t have the extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air bag wouldn’t be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Make sure the air bag turned on unless you are using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position.


is


To turn the air bag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the ON position. 1-66


Larger Children


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


Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in a crash. Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other people who are.


Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.


1-67


Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.


What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?


A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.


1-68


A CAUTION:


Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.


Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.


1-69


Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.


Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) 1-70


1-71


k% NOTES


1-72


Section 2 Features and Controls


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


2-2 2- 3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-9 2- 10 2- 10 2-1 1 2-12 2- 14 2-15 2-18 2-2 I 2-25 2-26


2-29


Keys Tailgate Third Door (If Equipped) Door Locks Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Theft PasslockTM New Vehicle ”Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Gasoline Engine Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) Automatic Transmission Operation Manual Transmission Operation Four-wheel Drive (If Equipped) Parking Brake Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission Models Only) Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)


2-29


2-30 2-30 2-3 1


2-32 2-32 2-34 2-35 2-4 1 2-43 2-45 2-5 1 2-60 2-62 2-64


Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped) Windows Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Cluster Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators


Keys


Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.


2-2


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


If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining new ones.


Tailgate You can open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling the tailgate toward you. To shut the tailgate, firmly push it away from you into the latch. After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back toward you, to be sure that it latches securely. Tailgate Removal The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be removed without assistance, you may want someone to assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to the vehicle.


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


~. _ ~ -


-- .


~. -


2-3


To remove the tailgate:


Third Door (If Equipped)


Raise the tailgate slightly and release both retaining cable clips. To release the retaining cable clips, pull the retaining cable clip away from the cable end. Lift the cable so it points straight out and push the cable clips forward.


2.


With the tailgate a t a slight upward angle. pull back on the tailgate at the right edge and then move the tailgate to the right to release the left edge.


Re.verse the above procedure to reinsla tailgate is secure. 2-4


dl. Make sure t :he


Your vehicle may be equipped with a third door that allows easier access to the rear area of an extended cab. To open the third door, first open the passenger’s side front door. Then, use the handle located on the front edge of the third door to open it. You must close and latch the third door before you can close the front passenger door.


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


To unlock the door. slide the lever up.


Door Locks A CAUTION:


Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won't open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.


There are several cc.ays t o lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside. use your key o r the Keyless Entry System. if your \:ellick has this option.


2-5


Power Door Locks (If Equipped)


Press the bottom of the power door lock switch, marked LOCK, on either front door to lock all the doors at once. Press the ribbed side of the switch to unlock all the doors at once.


Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door. Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.


Your interior lamps will be illuminated for a set period of time when the transmitter signal is received by the Keyless Entry System. In addition, your vehicle’s horn will chirp if you press the LOCK button twice, to let you know that the doors have locked. Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.


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This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: 0 Check to determine if battery replacement or


transmitter resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions that follow. Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. If you're still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.


Operation To unlock the driver's door, press the UNLOCK button. The interior lamps will come on for 40 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. if you press the UNLOCK button again within five seconds, all the remaining doors (except the third door) will unlock.


Press the LOCK button to lock all the doors (except the third door). The interior lamps will come on for two seconds as soon as all the doors are closed. If you press the LOCK button twice the horn will chirp to confirm that the doors have locked. If you do not want the horn to chirp as a confirmation that the doors have locked or unlocked, please consult your dealer. Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement t~-ansmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters matched to it.


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


NOTICE:


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


Use one three volt, type CR2032, or equivalent battery.


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To replace the battery:


1. Insert a small coin, or flathead screwdriver, to


separate the bottom of the transmitter from the top. 2. Remove the battery and replace it w i t h a new one, making s11re the positive (+) side of the battery is facing down.


3. Snap the top and bottom together. 4. Test the operation of the transmitter with your


vehicle. If the transmitter does not work, try synchronizing the transmitter w i t h the receiver.


Synchronization Synchronization may be necessary d~te to the security method used by this system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond t o a signal it has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter. To resynchronize your transmitter, stand close to your vehicle and simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for at least five seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm synchronization. If the locks do not cycle. see your dealer for service. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially i n scme cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However. there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an easy target forjoy riders 01- professional thieves -- so don't do it.


When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door, you'll hear a tone reminding you t o remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Ycx~r steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking your key out also locks your transmission. And remember to lock the doors. Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them i n a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle'?


Put your valuables in a storage area, like your glove box. Lock all the doors except the driver's.


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Passlock@ Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock theft-deterrent system. Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system is armed once the key is removed from the ignition. Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used, f~lel is disabled. During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off after the engine is started. If the engine stalls and the SECURITY light flashes. wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from the START position as soon as the engine starts. If you are driving and the SECURITY light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock system is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this time, You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index), See your dealer for service. If the SECURITY light comes on while the engine is running, a problem has been detected and the system may need service. See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.


New Vehicle “Break-In”


NOTICE:


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


Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 kmh) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slaw -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.

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