1998_chevrolet_express_owners

AM-FM StereowithCompactDiscPlayer SCV: Your systemhas a feature called
andAutomatic ToneControl (If Equipped)
SPeed-ComPensated-Volume ( s c v ) . With s c v , Your
audio system adjusts automaticallyto make upfor road
and wind noiseas you drive. Set thevolume at the
desired level. Move the control ring behind the upper
knob to the right to adjust the SCV. Then, as you drive,
SCV automatically increases the volumea, s necessary,
to overcome noise at any particular speedT. he volume
level should always sound thesame to you as you drive.
If you don't want to use SCV, turn the control all the
way down. Each notchon the control ring allows for
more volume compensation atfaster vehicle speeds.

Finding a Station

Playing the Radio AM-FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1
and FM2. The display willshow your selection.

PWR-VOL: Press this knob to turn the system on and TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to

Off. TO increase volume, turn this knob to the right. Turn choose radio stations. Push the knob back into its stored

it to the left to decrease volume. The knob is capable of position when you're not using it.

rotating continuously. SEEK: Press the right arrowto tune to the next
RECALL: Display the time withthe ignition off by higher station andthe left m o w to tune to the next

pressing this button. When theradio is playing, press lower station and stay thereT. he sound will mute

this buttonto recall the station frequency. while seeking.

3-16

SCAN: Press and holdSEEK for two seconds until P.SCAN. It will scan through each station storedon
SCAN appears on the display. SCAN allows you to your pushbuttons and stopfor a few seconds before
listen to stations for a few seconds. The receiver will continuing to scan through all of the pushbuttons. Press
continue to scan and momentarilystop at each station P.SCAN againor one of the pushbuttons to stop
until you press the button again. The sound will mute scanning to listen toa specific stored station. P.SCAN
while scanning. will light up on the display while in this mode. If one of
the stations stored ona pushbutton is too weak for the
PUSHBUTTONS: The six numbered pushbuttons let location you are in, the radio display will show the
you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to channel number (Pl-P6) for several seconds before
18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2).Just: advancing to the next presetstation.

1. Turn the radio on. Setting the Tone

2. Press AM-FM to select the band. BASS: Press lightly on this knob to release it from its
stored position. Turn the knob to the right to increase bass
3. Tune in the desired station. and to the left to decrease bass. When the BASS control is
rotated, the AUTO TONE displaywill go blank.
4. Press AUTOTONE to select the setting you prefer.
TREB: Press lightly on thisknob to release it from its
5. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons. The sound stored position. Turn theknob to the rightto increase
will mute. Whenit returns, release the button. treble and tothe left to decreasetreble. When the TREB
Whenever you press that numbered button, the control is rotated, the AUTO TONE display will go
station you set will return and the toneyou selected blank. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to
will be automatically selected for that button. decrease the treble.

6. Repeat the stepsfor each pushbutton. Push these knobs backinto their stored positions when
you’re not using them.
P.SCAN: The preset scan buttonlets you scan through
your favorite stations stored on your pushbuttons. Select
either the AM, FM1 or FM2 mode and then press

3-17

AUTO TONE: Press this buttonto select among the Playing a Compact Disc
six preset equalization settings and tailor the soutnod
the music or voice being heard.Each time you press the PWR: Press this knob to turn the system on. (Please
button, the selection will switchto one of the preset note that you can also turn the system on when you insert
settings of CLASSIC, NEWS, ROCK,POP, C N a compact disc into the player with the ignition on.)
(CountryWestern) orJAZZ. To return to the manual
mode, press and release this button until the AUTO Insert a disc partway into the slot, labesilde up. The
TONE display goes blank.This will return the tone player will pullit in. Wait afew seconds and thedisc
adjustment to the BASS and TREB controls.If a BASS should play. CD and aCD symbol will alsoappear on
or TREB control is rotatedt,he AUTO TONE display the display. Anytimeyou are playing a CD, the letters
will go blank. UsePUSHBUTTONS to program CD will be nextto the CD symbol.
AUTO TONE.
If the disc comes back out and ERR appearson the
Adjusting the Speakers display, it could be that:

BAL: Press lightly on thisknob to release it from its You are driving on a very rough road. (The disc
stored position. Turn the control to the rigthotadjust should play when the roadgets smoother.)
sound to the right speakers andto the left to adjust
sound to the left speakers.The middle positionbalances The disc is upside down.
the sound between the speakers.
It is dirty, scratched or wet.
FADE: Press lightly onthis knob to release it from its
stored position. Turn thecontrol to the rightto adjust the It is very humid. (If so, wait about an hour
sound to the front speakers andto the left for the rear and try again.)
speakers. The middle positionbalances the sound
between the speakers. The disc player is very hot.

Push these knobs back into their stored positions when Press RECALL to make ERRgo off the display.
you’re not using them.
PREV (1): Press PREVor the SEEK left arrowto
3-18 search for the previous selection. If you hold this button
or press it more than once, the disc wialldvance further.
Sound is muted in this mode.

RDM (2): Press this button to play the tracks on the disc AM-FM: While in the CD mode, press this button to
in random order. While in the RDMmode, RANDOM stop playing the CD and play the radio. The CD symbol
appears on the display. Press RDM again to return to will still display but the wordCD will bereplaced with
normal play. either AM, FM1 or FM2. (If the radio is turned off, the
disc stays inthe player and willresume playing at the
NEXT (3): Press NEXT or theSEEK right arrow to point where it stopped.)
search for the next selection. If you hold this buttonor
press it more than once, the disc will advance further. CD AUX: To switch between theplayer and theradio
The next track number will appear on the display. Sound when a disc is playing, press the AM-FM button. To
is muted in this mode. return to the player, pressCD AUX. When a disc is
playing, the letters CD and the CD symbol will appear
REV (4): Press and hold REV to return rapidly toa on the display. (If theradio is turned off, thedisc stays
favorite passage. You will hear thedisc selection play at in the player and will resume playing athe point where
high speed while you press the REVbutton. This allows it stopped.)
you to listen and find out when thedisc is at thedesired
selection. Release REV to resume playing. EJECT Press this buttonto eject the disc from the
player and play the radio. Whenthe same or a new disc
FWD (6): Press and hold this buttonto advance rapidly is inserted, the disc will start playing on track one. If a
within a track. You will hear the discselection play at compact disc is left sitting in theopening for more than
high speed while you press theFWD button. This allows a few seconds, the player will pull theCD back in. The
you to listen and find out when the disc is at the desired radio will continue playing. When the ignition isoff,
selection. Release FWD to resume playing. press this button to load a CD.

RECALL: Press this button to see what track is playing.
Press it again within five seconds to see how long the
CD has beenplaying that track. Elapsed time is
displayed in minutes and tenths of a second. The track
number will also appear when a new trackbegins to
play. Press RECALL again to return to the time display.

3-19

Remote CompactDisc Player (If Equipped) To remove the disc, press the EJECT button and remove
the disc from the player.
If you h.avethis option, you can pla.y one compact disc
All of the compact disc functions are controlled by the
(cD)at a time. radio buttons except for EJECT. Whena disc is in the
player, a CD symbol will appear on the display. Whena
To load a CD into the player, hold the disc with the label disc isplaying, the letters CD willappear next to the CD
side up and insert it carefully into the player symbol in the bottom left corner. The track number will
(approximately halfway). The disc will automaticallybe also be displayed.
pulled into the player. If the radio is off and the ignition
is on when a CD is inserted, the radio will turnon and If the disc comes back out and ERR appears on the
begin playing the CD. It ispossible to load and unload display, itcould be that:
CDs with the ignition off. To load a disc with the
ignition off, press the EJECT button on the remote 0 The disc is upside down.
player and then insert the disc. To remove the disc, press
the EJECT button and remove the disc from the player. 0 It is dirty, scratched or wet.
A disc that has been ejected but is still sitting in the
remote CD player will bepulled back into the player 0 There’s too much moisture in the air. (Wait about an
after approximately 30 seconds. This protects the disc hour and try again.)
and player from damage. The disc will notstart playing.
You are driving on a very rough road.
3-20
Please contact your dealership if any error recurs or
cannot be corrected.

PREV (1): Press this buttonto go back to the start of the
current trackif more than eight seconds have played.
Press PREV again togo to the previous trackon the disc.

NEXT (3): Press this buttonto advance to the next track
on the disc.

REV (4): Press and hold this button to quickly reverse TAPE AUX: With a disc loaded in the player and the
within a track. As the CD reverses, elapsed time will be radio playing, press this button once to play the compact
displayed to help you find the correct passage. disc. To return to playing the radio, press AM-FM. If
both a cassette tape and CD are loaded, press TAPE
FWD (6): Press and hold this button to quickly advance AUX to switch between the tape and compact disc.
within a track. As the CD advances, elapsed time will be
displayed to help you find the correct passage. EJECT Press this button on the remote player to eject a
compact disc.
SEEK: Press the left arrow while playing a CD to go
back to the start of the current track. It willgo back to Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)
the current track if more than eight seconds have played.
Press the left arrow again to go to previous tracks. Press THEFTLOCK@is designed to discourage theft of your
the right arrow to go to the next higher track on the disc. radio. It worksby using a secret code to disable all radio
functions whenever battery power is removed. Your
RANDOM: Press P.SCAN to enterthe random play audio system is equipped with THEFTLOCKif
mode. RANDOM will appear on the display. While in THEFTLOCK is displayed on the front of the radio.
this mode, the tracks on the discs will be played in
random order. If you press SEEK, PREV or NEXT The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be usedor
while in the random mode, the previous or next track ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the
will be scanned randomly. Press P.SCAN again to turn radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is
off RANDOM and return to normal operation. activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.

RECALL: Press this button to see what track is When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display
currently playing. Press RECALL again within five LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery
seconds to see how long the track has been playing. power has been interrupted. If your battery loses power
When a new track starts to play,the track number will for any reason, you mustunlock the radio with the secret
also appear. Press RECALL a third time and the time of code before it will operate.
day will bedisplayed.

3-21

Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature 8. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches thesecret code you have written down.
The instructions whichfollow explain how to enter your The display will showREP to let you know that you
secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. It is need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your
recommended that you read through all nine steps secret code.
before starting the procedure.
9. Press AM-FM and this time the display will show
NOTE: If you allow more than15 seconds to elapse SEC to let you know that yourradio is secure.The
indicator by the volume control will begin flashing
between any steps, theradio automatically reverts to when the ignition is turnedoff.
time and you must start the procedure over aSt tep 4.
Unlocki the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a
1. Write down any threeor four-digit number from ~
000 to 1999 andkeep it in a safe place separate from
the vehicle. Power Loss

2. Turn the ignitionto ACCESSORY or RUN. Enter your secretcode as follows; pause no more than
15 seconds between steps:
3. Turn the radio off.
1. LOC appears when the ignition is on.
4. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down
2. Press MN and 000 will appear on the display.
until --- shows on the display. Next you wilulse the
secret code number whichyou have writtendown. 3. Press MN again to make the last two digitsagree
with your code.
5. Press MN and000 will appear on the display.
4. Press HR to make the firstone ortwo digits agree
6 . Press MN again to make the lasttwo digits agree with your code.
with yourcode.
5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
7. Press HR to make the firstone or two digits agree code matches the secretcode you have writtendown.
The display will showSEC, indicating theradio is
with your code. now operable and secure.

3-22

If you enter thewrong code eight times, INOP will If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the
appear on the display.You will have to wait an hour display. The radio will remain secured until the correct
with the ignition on before you can try again. When you code is entered.
try again, you will only have three chances to enter the
correct code before INOP appears. When battery poweris removed and later applied to a
secured radio, theradio won’t turn on and LOC will
If you lose orforget your code, contact your dealer. appear on the display.

Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the
Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier
Enter your secret code as follows;pause no more than in this section.
15 seconds between steps:
Understanding Radio Reception
1. Turn the ignitionto ACCESSORY or RUN.
AM
2. Turn theradio off.
The range for most AMstations is greater thanfor FM,
3. Press the 1 and 4 buttons together. Hold them down especially at night.The longer range, however, can
until SEC shows on the display. cause stations to interfere with each other. AMcan pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try
4. Press MNand 000 will appear on the display. reducing the trebleto reduce this noise if you ever get it.

5 . Press MN again to make the last two digits agree FM Stereo
with your code.
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
6. Press HR to make the first one ortwo digits agree will reach onlyabout 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
with your code. buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to come and go.
7 . Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the
code matches the secret code you have written down.
The display will show ---,indicating that the radio is
no longer secured.

Tips About Your Audio System I

Hearing damage from loud noiseis almost undetectable NOTICE:
until it is too late.Your hearing can adapt to higher
volumes of sound. Sound that seems normal canbe loud Before you add any sound equipment to your
and harmfulto your hearing. Take precautionsby
adjusting the volume controlon your radio toa safe --vehicle like a tapeplayer, CB radio, mobile
sound level before your hearing adaptos it. --telephone ortwo-way radio be sureyou can

To help avoid hearing lossor damage: add whatyou want. If you can, it’s very
important to do pitroperly. Added sound
Adjust the volume controlto the lowest setting. equipment may interfere with the operationof
your vehicle’s engine, Delco Electronics radioor
0 Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably other systems, and even damage them. Your
and clearly. vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that habseen
added improperly.

So, before adding sound equipment, checwkith
your dealer andbe sure tocheck Federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephounneits.

3-24

Care of Your Cassette TapePlayer When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning
cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause your unit is equipped witha cut tape detection feature
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To
mechanism. Cassette tapes should bestored in their prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and following steps.
extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate
properly or may cause failure of the tape player. If your vehicleis equipped with the AM-FM Stereo with
Cassette Tape Player:
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate 1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC.
that you have used your tapeplayer for 50 hours without
resetting the tape clean timer.If this message appears on 2. Turn the radio on.
the display, your cassette tape player needs to be
cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as 3. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
soon aspossible to prevent damage to your tapes and
player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, trya 4. Within five seconds, press and holdthe REV and
known good cassette to see if it is the tape or the tape FWD buttons at the same time for fiveseconds.
player at fault. If this other cassette has noimprovement The tape symbol on the display willflash for two
in sound quality, clean thetape player. seconds, showing that the cut tapedetection feature
is no longer active.
The recommended cleaning method for your cassette
tape player is the useof a scrubbing action, 5. Eject thecleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s
non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads whichscrub recommended cleaning time.
the tape head as the hubosf the cleaner cassette turn.
The recommended cleaning cassette is available through
your dealership (GM Part No. 12344789).

3-25

If yourvehicle is equipped with the AM-FMStereo with After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for
Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control: five seconds to resetthe CLN indicator. The radio will

1. Turn the ignition to RUN or ACC. display --- to show the indicator was reset.

2. Turn the radio off. Cassettes are subject to wear andthe sound quality
may degrade over time. Always make sure thcaessette
3. Press and hold the TAPEAUX button for five tape is in good condition beforyeou have yourtape
seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash player serviced.
for two seconds.
Care of Your Compact Discs
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette while
the tape symbol isflashing. Handle discs carefully. Store them in their originacl ases
or other protective cases andaway from direct sunlight
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s and dust.If the surfaceof a disc issoiled, dampen a
recommended cleaning time. clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wipingfrom the center to the edge.
When the cleaningcassette has beenejected, the cut tape
detection feature is active again. Be sure never to touch thesignal surface when handling
discs. Pick updiscs by grasping theouter edges or the
You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type edge of the hole and the outer edge.
cleaner which uses acassette with a fabric belt to clean
the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not Care of Your Compact Disc Player
eject on its own. A non-scrubbing actioncleaner may
not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbingtype cleaner. The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
The use of a non-scrubbingaction, dry-type cleaning the riskof contaminating the lensof the CD optics with
cassette is not recommended. lubricants internalto the CD mechanism.

Power Antenna MastCare I NOTICE:

Your power antenna will look its best and work I Don’t lubricate the power antenna. Lubrication
well if it’s cleaned from time to time. To clean the
antenna mast: could damageit.

1. Turn on the ignition and radio to raise the antenna. NOTICE:

2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits or Before entering an automatic cawrash, turn off
equivalent solvent. your radio to make the power antengnoa down.
This will prevent the mast frompossibly getting
3. Wipe thecloth overthe mast sections, removing damaged. If the antenna does nogto down when
any dirt. you turn the radiooff, it maybe damaged or
need to be cleaned. In either case, lower the
4. Wipe dry with aclean cloth. antenna by hand by carefully pressing the
antenna down.
5 . Make the antenna go up and down by turning the
radio orignition off and on. If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can
easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit
6. Repeat if necessary. and follow the instructions in the kit.

3-27

b NOTES

3-28

Section 4 YourDriving and the Road

Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’vaelso
included many other useful tips on driving.

4-2 Defensive Driving 4- 15 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
4-3 Drunken Driving 4- 18 City Driving
4-5 Control of a Vehicle 4- 19 Freeway Driving
4-6 Braking 4-20 Before Leaving on a Long Trip
4-8 Steering 4-2 1 Highway Hypnosis
4-11 Off-Road Recovery 4-2 1 Hill andMountain Roads
4-1 1 Passing 4-23 Winter Driving
4- 12 Loss of Control 4-27 Loading Your Vehicle
4- 14 Driving at Night 4-28 Towing a Trailer

Defensive Driving Defensive driving reallymeans “be readyfor anything.”
On citystreets, rural roadsor freeways, it means
The best advice anyone can give about driving is: “always expect the unexpected.”
Drive defensively.
Assume that pedestriansor other drivers are going to be
Please start with a veryimportant safety device in your careless and make mistakes.Anticipate what they might
vehicle: Buckle up. (See “Safety Belts” inthe Index.) do. Be readyfor their mistakes.

Rear-end collisions are about the most preventableof
accidents. Yet they are common.Allow enough
following distance. It’s thebest defensive driving
maneuver, in both city and ruradlriving. You never
know when the vehiclein front of you is going to brake
or turn suddenly.

Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate
on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the
driving task -- such as concentrating on a cellular
telephone call, readingo, r reaching for somethingon the

floor -- makes proper defensive driving more difficult

and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask
a passenger to help do things like this, or opfufltlhe road
in a safe placeto do them yourself. These simple
defensive driving techniques could save your life.

4-2

Drunken Driving The obvious way to solve this highway safety problem
is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But
Death andinjury associated with drinking and driving is what if people do? How muchis “too much’ if the
a national tragedy. It’s thenumber one contributor to driver plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many might
the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims think. Although it depends on each person andsituation,
every year. here is some general information on the problem.

Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone
a vehicle: who is drinking depends uponfour things:

Judgment The amount of alcohol consumed

@ Muscular Coordination The drinker’s body weight

Vision The amount of food that is consumed before and
during drinking
Attentiveness.
The length of time it has taken the drinker to
Police records show thatalmost half of all motor consume the alcohol.
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths arethe result of someone who wasdrinking According to the AmericanMedical Association, a
and driving. In recent years, over 17,000annual motor 180-lb. (82 kg) person who drinksthree 12-ounce
vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up witha
of alcohol, with more than300,000 people injured. BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the
same BAC by drinking three4-ounce (120 ml) glasses
Many adults -- by some estimates, nearly half the adult of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces
population -- choose never to drink alcohol, so they (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, ginor vodka.
never drive after drinking. Forpersons under 21, it’s
against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
There are good medical, psychological and
developmental reasons for these laws.

4-3

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts.For example, if man of her same body weight when eachhas the same
the same person drank threedouble martinis (3 ounces number ofdrinks.
or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s
BAC would beclose to 0.12 percent. A person who The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC
consumes food justbefore orduring drinking will have of 0.10 percent. In a growing number ofU.S. states, and
a somewhat lower BAC level. throughout Canada, the limit is0.08 percent. In some
other countries, it’s even lower.The BAC limitfor all
There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have commercial drivers in the UnitedStates is 0.04 percent.
a lower relative percentageof body water than men.
Since alcohol is carriedin body water, this means that a The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after threeto
woman generally will reach haigher BAC level than a six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it
depends on how muchalcohol is inthe drinks, and how
quickly the person drinksthem.

But the abilityto drive is affected well below a BACof
0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of
many peopleare impaired at a BAC approaching
0.05 percent, and that the effectsare worse at night. All
drivers are impaired at BAClevels above 0.05 percent.
Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision
increases sharplyfor drivers who have a BACof
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled hisor her chance of having a
collision. At a BAC leveolf 0.10 percent, thechance of
this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!

The body takes about an houtro rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful’’ isn’t the

right answer. What if there’s an emergency,a need to Control of a Vehicle
take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street?
A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and
the accelerator.All three systems have to do their work
There’s something else about drinking and driving that at the places where the tires meet the road.
many people don’t know. Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord or
heart. This means that when anyone who has been

drinking -- driver or passenger -- is in a crash, that

person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not been drinking.

Drinking and then drivinigs very dangerous.

Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and

judgment canbe affected byeven a small amoun

--of alcohol. You can have a serious or even
--fatal collision if you drive after drinking.

Please don’tdrink and drive or ride with a drive

who has been drinking. Ride home in a caobr;if Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s
you’re witha group, designatea driver who will easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires

not drink. and road can provide. That means you can lose control

of your vehicle.

4-5

Braking Avoid needless heavy braking. Some peopledrive in

Braking actioninvolvesperception timeand spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy
reaction time.
braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic.This is a
First, youhave to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your mistake. Your brakes may noht ave time to cool between
foot and do it. That’s reaction time. hard stops. Your brakes will weaorut much faster if you
do a lot of heavy brakingIf. you keep pace withthe
Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But traffic and allow realisticfollowing distances, you will
that’s only an average. It might beless with one driver eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.That means
and as long as two or three seconds or more with better brakingand longer brake life.
another. Age, physicalcondition, alertness, coordination
and eyesight all play a part.So do alcohol, drugs and If your engine ever stops whileyou’re driving, brake
frustration. But evenin 3/4 of a second, a vehicle normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the
moving at 60 mph (100k d h ) travels 66 feet (20 m). pedal mayget harder to push down. If your engine
That could be a lotof distance in an emergency,so stops, you will still havesome power brake assist. But
keeping enough space between your vehicle andothers you willuse it when youbrake. Once the power assistis
is important. used up, it may takelonger to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with thesurface of the road (whether it’s pavementor
gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the
vehicle and the amount of brakfeorce applied.

4-6

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.

When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This isnormal.

ANTI -
LOCK

United States Canada Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the roaids wet.
You’re driving safely. Suddenlyan animal jumps out in
If there’s a problem with theanti-lock brake system, this front of you.
warning light will stayon. See “Anti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light” in the Index. You slam on the brakes. Here’s what happens withABS.

A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, thecomputer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.

The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster Remember: Anti-lock doesn’tchange the time you need

than any driver could. The computer is programmetdo to get yourfoot up to the brake pedalor always decrease

make the mostof available tire and road conditions. stopping distance.If you get too close to the vehicle in

front of you, you won’t have timteo apply your brakes

if that vehicle suddenly slowsor stops. Alwaysleave

enough room up aheadto stop, even though you have

anti-lock brakes.

Using Anti-Lock

Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti-lock workfor you. You may feel the
brakes vibrate, or you may noticesome noise, butthis
is normal.

Braking in Emergencies

With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steerincgan help you more
than even the very best braking.

Steering

You can steer around theobstacle while braking hard. Power Steering

As you brake, your computerkeeps receiving updateson If you lose power steering assist because theengine
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. stops or the system is not functioningy,ou can steer but
it will take much more effort.

Speed Sensitive Steering Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
Your vehicle is equipped with a speed sensitive steering systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do
system. This system automatically varies the amount of their work where the tires meetthe road. Adding the
steering effort in proportionto your vehicle speed. The sudden acceleration can demand too much ofthose
required steering effort increases as your speed increases. places. You can lose control.

Steering Tips What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehiclethe way you wantit
Driving on Curves to go, and slow down.

It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
the news happen on curves. Here’s why: favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it wheels are straight ahead.
possible for the vehicle to change its path whenyou turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this. accelerate until you are out of thecurve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
The traction you can get in a curve dependson the
condition of your tires andthe road surface,the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.

Steering in Emergencies

There are times when steeringcan be more effective than
brakmg. For example, you come over a hill and find a
truck stopped in your lane,or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in fronotf you. You can avoid these
problems by braking-- if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for

evasive action-- steering around the problem.

Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like An emergency like this requiresclose attention and a
these. First apply your brakes(.See “Braking in quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to the recommended9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
remove as much speed as you can from a possible turn it afull 180 degrees very quickly without removing
collision. Then steer aroundthe problem, to the left or either hand. But you haveto act fast, steer quickly, and
right depending on the space available. just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided theobject.

The fact that such emergency situationsare always
possible is a good reasonto practice defensivedriving at
all times and wear safetybelts properly.

4-10

Off-Road Recovery Passing

You may find that your right wheels have droppoefdf the The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a

edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. two-lane highway waits for justhe right moment,

accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes

A - * gOFF- ROAD RECOVERY / back into the rightlane again. A simple maneuver?

Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane

highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the

passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming

traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in

judgment, or a briefsurrender to frustration or anger can

suddenly put the passingdriver face to face with the

worst of all trafficaccidents -- the head-on collision.

So here are some tips for passing:

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the “Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the and to crossroads for situations that might affect
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer your passingpatterns. If you have anydoubt
so that your vehicle straddles the edge of thepavement. whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait
You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn for a bettertime.
until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down Watch for traflic signs, pavement markings and lines.
the roadway. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a
turn or an intersection, delay your passA. broken
center line usually indicates it’s all rigthot pass
(providing the road aheadis clear). Never cross a solid
line on your sideof the lane or a double solid line,
even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

4-11

0 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to of the rightlane to pass. When youare far enough
pass while you’re awaitingan opportunity. For one ahead of the passed vehicleto see its front in your
thing, following too closely reduces yourarea of inside mirror, activate your righltane change signal
vision, especially ifyou’re following a larger and move backinto the right lane. (Remember that
vehicle. Also,you won’t have adequate space if the your right outside mirror isconvex. The vehicle you
vehicle ahead suddenly slowsor stops. Keep backa just passed may seemto be farther away fromyou
reasonable distance. than it reallyis.)

When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, 0 Try notto pass more thanone vehicle at a time
start to accelerate but stayin the right lane and don’t on two-lane roads. Reconsiderbefore passing the
get too close. Timeyour move so you will be next vehicle.
increasing speedas the time comes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a a Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehiclteoo rapidly.
“running start” that morethan makes upfor the Even though the brake lampasre not flashing, it may
distance you wouldlose by dropping back. And if be slowing down or starting to turn.
something happens to cause you to cancel yourpass,
you need only slow down anddrop back again and 0 If you’re being passed, makeit easy for the
wait for another opportunity. following driverto get aheadof you. Perhaps you
can ease a littleto the right.
0 If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait
your turn. But takecare that someone isn’t trying to Loss of Control
pass you as you pullout to pass the slow vehicle.
Remember to glanceover your shoulder and check Let’s review what drivingexperts say about what
the blind spot. happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don’t haveenough friction wherethe
Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder and tires meet the roadto do what the driver has asked.
start your leftlane change signal before movingout
In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep tryingto steer and
constantly seek an escape route or areaof less danger.

4-12

Skidding Of course, traction is reduced when water, snowi,ce,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. want to slow down andadjust your drivingto these
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable conditions. It is important to slow downon slippery
care suited to existing conditions, and by not surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are vehicle control more limited.
always possible.
While driving on a surface with reducea rraction, try
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s your bestto avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
three control systems. Inthe braking skid, your wheels braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too gear). Any sudden changes could cause thetires to
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
clues -- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
A cornering skid andan acceleration skid are best the roadto make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
down when you have anydoubt.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you wantthe avoid onlythe braking skid.
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skidif it occurs.

4-13

Driving at Nieht e Don’t drink and drive.

Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. e Adjust your inside rearview mirrotro reduce the
One reason is thatsome drivers are likelyto be glare from headlamps behind you.

impaired -- by alcohol or drugs,with night vision a Since you can’t see as well, you may needto
slow down andkeep more space between youand
problems, or by fatigue. other vehicles.
Here are some tips on night driving.
e Slow down, especially on higher speed roadsY. our
Drivedefensively. headlamps can lightup only so much roadahead.

4-14 e In remoteareas, watch foranimals.

a If you’re tired, pulloff the road in a safe place
and rest.

Night Vision

No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. Baust
we get olderthese differences increase. A 50-year-old
driver may require at least twicaes much lightto see the
same thing at nighat s a 20-year-old.

What youdo in the daytime canalso affect your night
vision. Forexample, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses.Your eyes will
have less trouble adjustingto night. Butif you’re
driving, don’t wear sunglassesat night. They may cut
down on glare from headlamps, but they also makae lot
of things invisible.

You can betemporarily blinded by approaching Driving E 1 Wet Roads
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several
seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you
are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who
doesn't lower thehigh beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring
directly into the approaching headlamps.

Keep your windshield and all the glasson your vehicle

clean -- inside and out. Glare at night is made much

worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirtyglass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of youreyes contract repeatedly.

Remember thatyour headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when youare in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it's easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be
checked regularly for proper aim, so should youreyes
be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night
blindness -- the inability tosee in dim light -- and
aren't even aware of it.

4-15

Rain and wet roadscan mean driving trouble. Ona wet Driving too fast through largewater puddles or even
road, you can't stop, accelerate or turn as well because going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
your tire-to-road tractionisn't as good as on dry roads. The water may affect your brakes. Tryto avoid puddles.
And, if your tiresdon't have much treadleft, you'll get But if you can't, try to slow down before youhit them.
even less traction. It's alwayswise to goslower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while youare driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly whenyour reflexes are
tuned for driving on drypavement.

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper bladesare in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harderto see road signs and trafficsignals,
pavement markings, theedge of the roadand even
people walking.

It's wise to keep your wipingequipment in goodshape
and keep your windshield washer tankfilled with
washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts
when they show signs osftreaking or missing areas on
the windshield,or when stripsof rubber startto separate
from the inserts.

4-16

A CAUTION: Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when it is raining.

Wet brakes can cause accidents. Thewyon’t work Driving Through Deep Standing Water
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. NOTICE:

After driving througha large puddleof water or If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or
a carwash, apply your brake pedal lightly until standing water, water cancome in through your
your brakes work normally. engine’s air intake and badly damage your
engine. Never drive through water that silsightly
Hydroplaning lower than the underbodoyf your vehicle. If you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standinwgater, drive
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up through them veryslowly.
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
it has little or no contact with the road. distance. And be especially careful when you pass
another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your ahead, and be prepared to have your viewrestricted
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or by road spray.
more is low. It canhappen if a lot of water is standing on 0 Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See
the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone “Tires” in the Index.)
poles or othervehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the
water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.

4-17

Citv Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You’ll wanto watch out for
4-18 what the other driversare doing and pay attentionto
traffic signals.

Here are waysto increase your safetyin city driving:

0 Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get
a city map and plan youtrrip into an unknown part of
the city just as you would for a cross-counhtirpy.

0 Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most
large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the
next part, “Freeway Driving.”)

0 Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is
there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
When a lightturns green, and just before you start to
move, check both ways for vehicles that have not
cleared the intersectionor may be running the red light.

Freeway Driving At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freewayas you
Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, drive along the entrance ramp, you should beginto
expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest check traffic. Try todetermine where you expect to
of all roads. But they have their own special rules. blend withthe flow. Try to merge into thegap atclose to
The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check
up with trafficand keep to the right. Drive at the same your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as
speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or necessary. Tryto blend smoothly withthe traffic flow.
too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow.Treat the
left lane on a freeway as a passing lane. Once you are on the freeway,adjust your speed to the
posted limit or tothe prevailing rateif it’s slower. Stay
in theright lane unless you wantto pass.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.

Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your
“blind” spot.

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.

When you wantto leave the freeway, moveto the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not,
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Driveon to
the next exit.

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.

4-19

The exit speed is usually posted. Here are some things you can check beforea trip:

Reduce your speed accordingto your speedometer, not Windshield Washer FluidI:s the reservoir full? Are
to your senseof motion. After drivingfor any distance all windows clean inside and outside?
at higher speeds, you may tend to thinkyou are going
slower than you actually are. WiperBlades: Are they ingood shape?

Before Leavingon a Long Trip Fuel, Engine Oil, OtherFluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Make sure you’re ready. Tryto be well rested. If you
Lamps: Are they all working? Arethe lenses clean?
must start when you’re notfresh -- such as after a day’s
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
work -- don’t plan to maketoo many milesthat first part trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflatedto the
can easily drivein. recommended pressure?

Is your vehicle readyfor a long trip? If you keep it 0 WeatherForecasts: What’s the weather outlook
serviced and maintained, it’s readtyo go. If it needs along yourroute? Should you delay your tripa short
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, time to avoid a major stormsystem?
you’ll find experienced andable service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They’lble ready 0 Maps: Do you have up-to-datemaps?
and willing to helpif you need it.

4-20

Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads

Is there actually sucha condition as “highway hypnosis”? Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
Or is itjust plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it driving in flat or rolling terrain.
highway hypnosis, lackof awareness, or whatever.

There is something aboutan easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the humof the tires on the road,
the droneof the engine, and the rushof the wind against
the vehicle that can makeyou sleepy. Don’t let it happen
to you!If it does, your vehicle can leave the road lienss
than a second, and you could crash and be injured.

What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that itcan happen.

Then here are some tips:

0 Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

0 Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.

0 If you get sleepy, pull offthe road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treatdrowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.

4-21

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to
your trips safer and more enjoyable. do all the work of slowing down. They could getso
hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then
1 .) Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
have poor braking oreven none going downa hill.
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission.These parts can work hard on You could crash. Always have your engine running
mountain roads.
1 and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
0 Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the 0 Know how to go uphill.You may want to shift down
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when yougo to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
down a steep or long hill. and transmission, and you can climb thheill better.

If you don’t shift down, your brakescould getso 0 Stay in yourown lane when driving on two-lane
hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then roads in hills or mountains. Don’tswing wide or cut
have poor braking oreven none going down a hill. across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
You could crash. Shift down to let your engine you stay in your own lane.
assist your brakeson a steep downhill slope.
0 As you go over the top oaf hill, be alert. There cobueld
something in your lanel,ike a stalled car or an accident.

0 You may see highway signson mountains that warn of
special problems. Examplesare long grades, passingor
no-passing zones, a falling rocks area owr inding
roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action.

Winter Driving Include an ice scraper, a small brushor broom, a supply
of windshield washerfluid, a rag,some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and
reflective warning triangles. And,if you will be driving
under severe conditions, include a small bagof sand, a
piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bagsto help
provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these
items in your vehicle.

Driving on Snow or Ice

Most of the time, those places where your tires metehte
road probably have good traction.

However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situationY. ou’ll
have alot less traction or “grip” and will needto be
very careful.

Here are some tips for winter driving:

Have your vehicle in good shape forwinter.

0 You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your vehicle.

4-23

What’s the worsttime for this? “Wet ice.”Very cold Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing
snow orice can be slick and hard todrive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because mitay offer the or loose snow-- drive with caution.
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about
freezing (32°F; O O C ) and freezing rain begins tofall. Accelerate gently. Try not to break thfreagile traction. If
Try to avoiddriving on wet ice until salt and sand crews you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and
can getthere. polish thesurface under the tires even more.

Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have an anti-lock braking system, you’ll

want to begin stopping soonetrhan you would ondry

pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any

slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that’scovered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appeairn
shaded areas where the sun can’t reach: around
clumps oftrees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear.If
you see a patch of ice aheadof you, brake before you
are onit. Try not to brakewhile you’re actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

4-24

If You’re Caught in a Blizzard 0 Tie a red cloth to your vehicle toalert police that
you’ve been stoppedby the snow.

0 Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor

mats -- anything you can wraparound yourself or

tuck under yourclothing to keep warm.

If you are stoppedby heavy snow, youcould be in a You can run the engine to keepwarm, but be careful.
serious situation. You should probably stay with your
vehicle unless you knowfor sure that you are near help
and you can hike through the snow. Here are some
things to do to summon help andkeep yourself and your
passengers safe:

Turn on your hazard flashers.

4-25

’A CAUTION: Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, makeit go a littlefaster
Snow cantrap exhaust gasesunder your vehicle. than just idle. That is, pushthe accelerator slightly.This
This can cause deadlCyO (carbon monoxide) gas uses lessfuel for the heat that youget and it keeps the
to get inside.CO could overcomeyou and kill battery (or batteries) charged. You will need a
you. You can’t see it or smell it,so you might not well-charged battery (or batteries)to restart the vehicle,
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from and possibly for signaling later on with your headlamps.
around the baseof your vehicle, especially any Let the heater runfor a while.
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time tosubree snow If you have a diesel enginey, ou may have to run itat a
doesn’t collect there. higher speed to get enough heaTt.hen, shut theengine
off and close the window almostall the way to preserve
Open a window just a little on the sidoef the the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only
vehicle that’s away fromthe wind. This will help when you feel really uncomfortablefrom the cold. But
keep CO out. do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as longas you
can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle
and do some fairly vigorousexercises every half houror
so until helpcomes.

4-26

Loading Your Vehicle The Certificatioflire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rearaxles, called Gross Axle
COLD TIRE PRESSURE Weight Rating (GAWR).To find out the actual loads on
your front and rearaxles, you need to go to a weigh
The Certificationrnire label is found on the rear edge of station and weigh yourvehicle. Your dealer can help
the driver's door. The label shows the size of your you with this. Be sure to spread out your loadequally on
original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain both sides of the centerline.
the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR Never exceed the GVWRfor your vehicle, or the
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
and cargo.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.

AI
QUI 0 :

I
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break,
or it can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose controlA. lso,
overloading can shorten thelife of your vehicle.

4-27

Things you put inside your vehicle casntrike Towing a Trailer
and injurepeople in a sudden stoopr turn, or
in a crash. -\, CAUTION:

0 Put things in the cargoarea of your vehicle. If you don’t usethe correct equipmenatnd drive
Try to spread the weight evenly. properly, you can lose control when you paull

0 Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, --trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy,
inside the vehiclseo that some of them are
above the toposf the seats. the brakes may not work well or even at all.
You and your passengers could be seriously
0 Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in injured. Pulla trailer only if you have followed
your vehicle. all the stepsin this section. Ask your dealefor r
advice and information about towing a trailer
0 When you carry something inside the with your vehicle.
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

4-28

I NOTICE: If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:

Pulling a trailer improperly can damaygouer There are many different laws, including speed limit
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your warranty.To pull a trailer correctly, follow your rig will belegal, not onlywhere you live but
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for also whereyou’ll be driving. A good source for this
important information about towing a trailer information can be stateor provincial police.
with your vehicle.
Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify what the weigh 4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg) or less.You should
vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you always usea sway control if your trailer will weigh
should readthe information in “Weightof the Trailer” more than4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg). You can ask a hitch
that appears later in this section. But trailering is dealer about sway controls.
different than just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, durability and Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct (800 km) your new vehicle is drivenY. our engine,
equipment, and it has to be used properly. axle or other parts could be damaged.

That’s the reason for this section. In it are many Then, during the first 500 miles (800km)that you
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety andthat of tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 kmh) and
your passengers. So please read this section carefully don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
before you pulla trailer. engine and otherparts of your vehicle wearin at the
heavier loads.

4-29

You should use DRIVE (D) (or, as you need to, a MoEdnelgAinxele Max. Trailer Weight
lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your GlOOOO 4.3L
vehicle in DRIVE (D) when towing a trailer will Ratio (lbs.) (kg)
minimize heat buildup and extend thliefe of your 5.OL 3.42
transmission. 5.7L 3.73 4000 ( 1 816)
G20000 4.3L 3.42
Three important considerations haveto do with weight: 5.OL 3.42 4500 (2043)
5.7L 3.73
0 the weight of the trailer, 3.42 5000 (2270)
G300050.7L 4.10
the weight of the trailer tongue 6.5L 3.42 5500 (2497)
7.4L 3.42
and the weight on your vehicle’s tires. 3.73 6500 (2951)
4.10
Weight of the Trailer 3.73 4000 (1816)
4.10
How heavy can a trailer safely be? 3.73 4000 (1816)
4.10
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For 3.42 5000 (2270)
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside 3.73
temperature and how much your vehicle is usteodpull a 4.10 5500 (2497)
trailer are all important. And, it can also dependon any
special equipment thatyou have on your vehicle. 5500 (2497)

The following chart showshow much your trailercan 7000 (3178)
weigh, basedupon vehicle model and options.
5500 (2497)

7000 (3178)

6000 (2724)

7500 (3405)

6500 (2951)

8000 (3632)

10,000 (4540)

4-30

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the AB
driver and one passenger are in the towing vehicle andit
has all the required traileringequipment. The weight of If you’re using your platformhitch as a weight-carrying
additional equipment, passengers and cargo in the hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10percent of
towing vehicle must be subtractedfrom the above the total loaded trailer weight(B). If you’re usingyour
maximum trailer weights. platform hitch as a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer
tongue (A) should weigh 12 percent of the total loaded
You can ask your dealer for ourtrailering information or trailer weight (B).
advice, or you can write us at the address listedin your After you’ve loadedyour trailer, weighthe trailer and
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet. then the tongue, separately,to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to getthem right
In Canada, write to: simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L 1H 8P7

Weight of the TrailerTongue

The tongue load (A) of anytrailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the totalor gross
weight ofyour vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you
must addthe tongue load to the GVW because your
vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading
Your Vehicle” in the Indexfor more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

1 TotalWeight on YourVehicle’sTires 0 If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, whenloaded, will

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper weigh more than 4,000 lbs. (1 800 kg), be sure to use
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s dooror a properly mounted, weight-distributing hitch and
see “Tire Loading”in the Index. Then be sure you don’t sway control of the proper size. This equipment is
go over theGVW limit for your vehicle, including the very importantfor proper vehicle loading and good
weight of the trailer tongue. handling when you’redriving.

witches 0 Will you have to make any holesin the body of your
vehicle whenyou install a trailer hitch?
It’s important to have thceorrect hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roadasre a If you’re usingthe wiring providedby the
few reasons why you’ll neetdhe right hitch. Here are factory-installed hitch, you should not neetod make
any holes inthe body of your vehicle. However, if
1 some rules to follow: you have an aftermarkethitch installed, you may
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for need to make holesin the body.
hitches. Do not attachrental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
frame-mounted hitch that does not attactoh the you remove the hitch.If you don’t seal them, deadly
bumper. Do not usea ball hitch, because it could pull carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhausctan get
the bumper loose. into your vehicle(see “Carbon Monoxide” in the
Index). Dirt and watercan, too.

Safety Chains Driving with a Trailer

You should always attach chains between yourvehicle I
and your trailer. Crossthe safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will notdrop to the road Ifyou have arearmost window openand you
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be providedby the hitch pull a trailer with yourvehicle, carbon monoxide
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Followthe (CO) couldcome into your vehicle. You can’t see
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousnessor
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always death. (See “Engine Exhaust”in the Index.) To
leavejust enough slack so you can turn with your rig. maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
And, neverallow safety chains to drag on the ground. 0 Have your exhaust system inspectfeodr

Trailer Brakes leaks, and make necessaryrepairs before
starting on yourtrip.
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000lbs. (450 kg) 0 Keep therearmost windows closed.
0 If exhaust doescome into your vehicle
loaded, then it needs its own brakes -- and they must be through awindow in the rear oranother
opening, drive with your front, main
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for heating or cooling system onand with the
the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and fan on any speed. This wibllring fresh,
maintain them properly. outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
MAX A/C because it only recirculatesthe
air inside yourvehicle. (See “Comfort
Controls’’ in the Index.)

4-33

Towing a trailer requiresa certain amountof experience. Following Distance
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll wantto get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with thfeel of Stay at least twice asfar behind the vehicle aheadas you
handling and braking withthe added weight of the would whendriving your vehicle withouta trailer. This
trailer. Andalways keep in mind that the vehiclyeou are can help you avoidsituations that require heavy braking
driving is now a good deallonger and not nearly as and sudden turns.
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Passing
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safetychains, electrical connector, You’ll need more passingdistance up ahead when
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.If the trailer has you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’rea good deal
electric brakes, start yourvehicle and trailer moving and longer, you’ll needto go much farther beyond the
then applythe trailer brake controller by hand to besure passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connectionat the same time. Backing Up

During your trip,check occasionally to be sure that the Hold the bottom of the steering wheel withone hand.
load is secure, and thatthe lamps and any trailer brakes Then, to movethe trailer to the left,just move that hand
are still working. to the left. To move the trailerto the right, moveyour
hand to the right. Always back up slowly andi,f
possible, have someone guide you.

Making Turns When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument

panel willflash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer

NOTICE: are burned out. Thus, you may thinkdrivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s

important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer

Making very sharp turns while trailering could bulbs are still working.

cause the trailer to come in contact with the Driving On Grades
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering. Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down along or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift

When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than down, you mighthave to use your brakes so much that
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, they would gethot and nolonger work well.

curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or On a long uphill grade, shift down andreduce your
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. speed to around 45 mph (70 k d h ) to reduce the

lhrn Signals When Towing a Trailer possibility ofengine and transmission overheating.
When towing at high altitudeon steep uphill grades,

When you tow a trailery,our vehicle has to have extra consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower

wiring and a heavy-duty turn signafllasher (included in temperature thanat normal altitudes. If you turn your

the optional trailering package). engine off immediately after towing at high altitude on

The arrows on your instrument panel will flash steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs similatro
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly engine overheating.To avoid this, let the engine run while
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other parked (preferablyon level ground) with the automatic
drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop. transmission in PARK (P) for a few minutes beforetumine
the engineoff. If you do get the overheat warning, see

“Engine Overheating”in the Index.

4-35

Parking on Hills When You Are Readyto Leave After
Parking on a Hill
You really should not park youvrehicle, with a trailer
attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, yourrig 1. Apply yourregular brakes and hold the pedal down
could start to move. Peoplecan be injured, and both while you:
your vehicle and thetrailer can be damaged.
Start your engine;
But if you ever have to park your rigon a hill, here’s
how to do it: Shift into a gear; and

1. Apply your regularbrakes, but don’t shiftinto 0 Release the parking brake.
PARK (P) yet. Then turn your wheelsinto the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill. 2. Let up on the brake pedal.

2. Have someone place chocks under thetrailer wheels. 3. Drive slowly untilthe trailer is clear of the chocks.

3. When the wheelchocks are in place, release the 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
regular brakesuntil the chocks absorb the load.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
4. Reapply the regularbrakes. Then apply your parking
brake and then shifto PARK (P). Your vehicle will needservice more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedulefor more
5 . Release the regularbrakes. on this. Things that are especially important intrailer
operation are automatic transmissionfluid (don’t
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake adjustment. Eachof these is covered inthis
manual, andthe Index will help you find them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review these
sections before you start yourtrip.

Check periodically to see thatall hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

4-36

Trailer Wiring Harness 0 Light Green: Back-up lamps

The light-duty trailer wiring harness is a six-wire 0 Brown: Parking lamps
harness assembly.The optional heavy-duty trailer
wiring package is an eight-wire harness assembly. The Yellow: Left stoplamp and turn signal
harness is stored under the vehicle,along the driver’s
side rear corner of the frame rail. The heavy-duty trailer 0 Dark Green: Right stoplamp and turn signal
wiring harness has a 30-amp feed wire. Both harnesses
come without connectors and should be wiredby a 0 White (heavy gage): Ground wire
qualified electrical technician. The technician can use
the following color code chart when connecting the White (light gage): Center high-mounted stoplamp
wiring harness to your trailer.
Securely attach theharness to the trailer, then tapeor
Dark Blue: Use for electric trailer brakes (eight-wire strap it to your vehicle’s framerail. Be sure you leave it
harness only) loose enough so the wiring doesn’t bendor break, but
not so loose that it drags on the ground.Store the
Orange: Trailer accessory (eight-wire harness only) harness in its original place. Wrap theharness together
and tie it neatlyso it won’t be damaged.