1998_chevrolet_express_owners

$&INOTES

Section 5 Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.

5-2 Hazard Warning Flashers 5- 14 Cooling System (Gasoline Engines)
Other Warning Devices 5-21 Engine Fan Noise
5-2 Jump Starting 5-2 1 If a Tire Goes Flat
Towing Your Vehicle 5-22 Changing a Flat Tire
5-3 Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine) 5-36 If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice orSnow
5-8
5-1 1

5-1

Hazard Warning Flashers Push the buttonat the top of
the steering column all the
way downto make your
front and rear turn signals
flash on and off.

Your hazard warningflashers let you warn others. They Your hazard warningflashers work no matter what
also let police know you have a problemY. our front and position your key is in, and eveinf the key isn’t in.
rear turn signal lamps wilfllash on and off.
To turn off the flashers, pushthe button until thefirst
click and release.

When the hazard warningflashers are on, your turn
signals won’t work.

Other Warning Devices

If you carry reflective triangles,you can use themto
warn others.Set one up at the side of the road about
300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.

5-2

Jump Starting NOTICE:

If your battery has rundown, you may wantto use Ignoring these steps could resiunltcostly damage
another vehicle and somejumper cables to start your to your vehiclethat wouldn’t be covered by
vehicle. But please follow the steps below to do it safely. your warranty.
Rying to start your vehicleby pushing or pulling
A CAUTION: it won’t work, and itcould damage your vehicle.

Batteries canhurt you. They can be dangerous Check the other vehicle. It must havea 12-volt
because: battery witha negative ground system.

They contain acidthat can burn you. NOTICE:
They contain gasthat can explode or ignite.
They confain enough electricityto burnyou. If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system waith
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
Ifyou don’t follow these steps exactly, soomreall

of these things canhurt you.

~~

5-3

If you have a dieselengine vehicle withtwo batteries NOTICE:
(or more) you should knowbefore you begin that,
especially in cold weather, you may not baeble to If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
get enough power from a single battery inanother damaged. The repairs would not be coverebdy
vehicle to start your dieselengine. your warranty.

If your vehicle hasmore than one battery, use the 4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
battery that is under the hoodof the vehicle - this positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on each battery.
will reduce theelectrical resistance.
’ A CAUTION:
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but besure the vehicles aren’ttouching An electric fan can starutp even when the engine
each other. U they are, it could cause a ground is not running and can injuryeou. Keep hands,
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t beable to clothing and tools awafyrom any underhood
start your vehicle, and the bad groundincgould electric fan.
damage the electrical systems.

To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmlyon both vehicles involvedin
the jump start procedure.Put your automatic
transmission inPARK (P).

3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turnoff all
lamps that aren’t needed, andradios. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries, ancdould save
your radio.

5-4

A CAUTION: 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
Using a match neara battery can cause battery The vehicles could be damaged, too.
gas toexplode. People have been hurt doing this, Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
and some have been blinded.Use a flashlightif things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
you need morelight. positive (+) and negative (-) will go toan unpainted
Be sure the batteries have enouwghater. You metal engine part or a body metal surface. Don’t
don’t need toadd water to thAe CDelco connect positive (+) to negative (-) or you will get a
Freedom@ battery (or batteries) installed in short that would damage the battery and maybe other
every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler parts, too. And don’t connect the negative (-) to
caps, be sure the right amouonft fluid is there. If negative (-).
it is low, add water to take caorfethat first. If
you don’t, explosive gascould be present. Fans orot---r n-- ving engine parts cainn, ..re you
badly. Keep your hands away frommoving parts
Battery fluid contains acid that can buyronu. once the engineis running.
Don’t getit onyou. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the plawcieth
water andget medical help immediately.

5-5

6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) 7. Don't let the other end
terminal of the vehicle with the dead batterOy.r use touch metal.Connect it
a remote positive(+) terminal if the vehicle hasone. to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
5-6 battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle hasone.

8. Now connect the black
negative (-) cable to the
good battery's
negative (-) terminal.
Don't let theother end
touch anything until the
next step.

9. Make your last connection away from the battery, to 10. Remove the cap on the ground location before using.
the engine block, frame or other unpainted metal
parts of your vehicle. A ground location has been 1 1. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
provided through a stud attached to the body surface. the engine for a while.

12. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it
won't start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

13. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent Towing Your Vehicle
electrical shorting. Takecare that they don’t touch
each other or any other metal. Try to have your GM dealer or a professional towing
service tow your vehicle. Theycan provide the right
A. Engine Block, Frame, Unpainted Metal Engine Part equipment and know-howto tow it without damage.See
or Body Surface “Roadside Assistance”in your Index.

B. Good Battery If your vehicle has beenchanged since it was
factory-new, by adding thingslike fog lamps, aero
C . Dead Battery skirting, or special tiresand wheels, these thingscould
be damaged during towing.

Before youdo anything, turnon the hazard
warning flashers.

When you call, tell the towingservice:

0 That your vehicle has rear-wheel drive.

0 The make, model and year of your vehicle.

0 Whether you can move the shift lever for
the transmission.

0 If there was an accident, what was damaged.

A CAUTWN: I

To help avoid injury tyoou or others: A vehicle can fall from a car carrifieirt isn’t
adequately secured. This can causea collision,
Never let passengers ride ina vehicle that is serious personal injury anvdehicle damage.The
being towed. vehicle should be tightly secured with chainosr
Never tow faster than safe or postesdpeeds. steel cables beforeit is transported.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured. Don’t usesubstitutes (ropes, leather straps,
Never get under your vehicle after it has canvas webbing,etc.) that canbe cut by sharp
been lifted by thteow truck. edges underneath thetowed vehicle.
Always use separate safety chains on each
side when towinga vehicle.

When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition
key off. The steering wheel should be clamped in a
straight ahead position, with a clamping device designed
for towing service. Do not use the vehicle’s steering
column lock for this. The transmission should be
in NEUTRAL (N) and the parking brake should
be released.

5-9

Front Towing NOTICE:

A towing dolly must be used under the drive wheels Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the
when towingfrom thefront. front bumper systemwill be damaged.Use
Tow Limits - 35 mph (56kwr/h),50 miles (80 km) wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional
ramping maybe required for car-carrier
I equipment. Use safety chains andwheel straps.

Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage avehicle or wheel-lift equipment.
To help avoid damage, install a towing dolly
and raise thevehicle until adequate clearance
is obtained between the ground and/or
wheel-lift equipment.

Rear Towing I

I NOTICE: NOTICE:

Do not tow the vehicle from the rearwith loads Do not tow with the sling-type equipmenot r the
approaching ratedGVW as theweight transfer wli rear bumperwill be damaged. Use wheel lift or
cause the frontsuspension to become overloaded. car-carrier equipment. Additional ramping may
be required for car-carrier equipmenUt.se safety
chains andwheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage avehicle. To help avoid damage, install
a towing dollyand raise thevehicle until
adequate clearanceis obtained between the
ground and/orwheel-lift equipment.

Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine)

You will find a coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s
instrument panel.If you have a diesel engine, you wilallso
find a low coolant light on your instrument panel.

If your vehicle has a dieselengine, see “Engine
Overheating” in the Diesel Engine Supplement.

5-11

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine 1

CAUTION:

Steam from an overheated engine can ybouurn
badly, evenif you just open thehood. Stay away
from the enginief you see or hear steamcoming
from it. Just turnit off and get everyone away
from thevehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant befoyreou
open the hood.

If you keep drivingwhen your engineis
overheated, the liquids iint can catchfire. You or
others couldbe badly burned. Stop your engiinfe
it overheats, and get oouft the vehicle until the
engine iscool.

NOTICE:

~

If your engine catches fire becauysoeu keep
driving with no coolant,your vehicle can be
badly damaged. Thecostly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If you getthe overheat warning but see orhear no If the warning doesn’t come back on, you can
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes drive normally.
the engine can geat little too hot when you:
If the warning contikties, pull over,stop, and park your
Climb a long hill on a hot day. vehicle right away.

Stop after high-speed driving. If there’s stillno sign of steam, push the accelerator until
the engine speed is about twice as fast asnormal idle
Idle for long periods in traffic. speed. Bring the engine speed back to normal idle speed
after two or three minutes. Now see if the warning stops.
Tow a trailer. See “Driving on Grades” in the Index. But then, ifyou still have the warning, turn ofSthe
engine and get everyoneout of the vehicle until it
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, cools down.
try this for a minute or so:
You may decide not to lift the hood butto get service
1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it off. help right away.

2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window as necessary.

3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while

driving -- DRIVE (D).

5-13

Cooling System (Gasoline Engines)

When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:

The coolant level should be aot r above theFULL
COLD mark.

A. Radiator Pressure Cap
B. Coolant Recovery Tank
C. Engine Fan(s)
If the coolant inside the coolant recovertyank is boiling,
don’t do anything else until it cools down.

5-14

Heater and radiatorhoses, and other engine
parts, canbe veryhot. Don’t touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.

Don’t run the engineif there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, anydou could be burned.
Get any leakfixed before you drive the vehicle.

If it isn’t, you may have a leak in theradiator hoses, NOTICE:
heater hoses, radiator, waterpump or somewhere else in
the cooling system. I Engine damage from running your engine
without coolantisn’t covered by your warranty.
I
I

If there seems to beno leak, start theengine again.
See if the engine cooling fan speed increases when
idle speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator pedal
down. If it doesn’t, your vehicle needsservice. Turn off
the engine.

5-15

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant I NOTICE:
Recovery Tank

If you haven’t founda problem yet, but the coolant level In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the
isn’t at the FULL COLD mark, adda 50/50 mixture of engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ Use the recommended coolant and the proper
engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank(S. ee coolant mixture.
“Engine Coolant’’in the Index for more information.)

Adding only plain water to youcrooling system I
can be dangerous. Plain watero,r some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper ...
coolant mixturewill. Your vehicle’s coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain wateor r the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot byuotu wouldn’t
get the overheat warningY. our engine could
catch fire andyou or others couldbe burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean water and
DEX-COOL@coolant.

5-16

I CAUTION: I --pressurecap even a lit 0- ey can come out

You can be burnedif you spill coolanton hot at high speed. Neverturn the cap when the
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylegnlyecol cooling system, includingthe radiator pressure
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot cap, is hot. Wait for thecooling systemand
enough. Don’t spill coolant ona hot engine. radiator pressure cap tcoool if you ever have to
turn the pressurecap.

When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the
FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle.

If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator,but be surethe cooling
system is coobl efore you do it,

Steam and scalding liquids from a choootling
system canblow out and burnyou badly. They
are under pressure, anifdyou turn the radiator

CAUTION: (Continued

5-17

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turnit. Remove the pressure cap.

1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap
and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first
stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)

If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.

5-18

3. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL@ 4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL
coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. COLD mark.
(See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for more
information about theproper coolant mixture.) 5. Put the cap back onthe coolant recovery tank, but
leave the radiator pressure cap off.

I .....

6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the 8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watchout for the this procedureif coolant beginsto flow out of the
engine cooling fan. filler neck, reinstall thepressure cap. Be sure the
arrows on the pressurecap line up like this.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
filler neck maybe lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the properDEX-COOL@coolant mixture
through the filler neck until the level reaches the
base of the filler neck.

5-20

Engine Fan Noise If a Tire Goes Flat

Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the It’s unusualfor a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintainyour tires properly.If air goes
clutch is engaged, thefan spins faster to provide moreair out of a tire, it’s muchmore likely to leak out slowly.
to cool the engine. In most everyday driving conditions, But if you should ever have a“blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is not fully
engaged. This improves fuel economy and reduces fan If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing and/or pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases as the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
clutch more fully engages.So you may hear an increase in Steer tomaintain lane position, and then gently brake to
fan noise. This is normal and should nboet mistaken as a stop well out of the trafficlane.
the transmission slipping or making extra shifts. It is
merely the cooling system functioning properly. The fan A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
will slow down when additional cooling is not required skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
and the clutch partially disengages. skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot fromthe
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
You may also hear this fan noise when you start steering the way you want the vehicleto go. It may be
the engine. It will go away as the fan clutch very bumpyand noisy, but you can still steer.Gently
partially disengages. brake to a stop -- well off the road if possible.

If a tire goes flat, thenext part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

Changing a Flat Tire

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheeldamage
by driving slowlyto a levelplace. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.

-- The following steps will tell you howto use the jack and
change a tire.
Changing a tire can cause an injury. Tvheehicle
can slipoff the jack and roll ovyeoru or other
people. You and they could be badly injured.
Find alevel place to change your tireT.o help
prevent thevehicle from moving:

1. Set the parking brakfeirmly.
2. Put the shift lever iPnARK (P).
3. Xhrn off the engine.

To be even more certain thevehicle won't move,
you can put blocks at the front and ofretahre
tire farthestaway from the one being changed.
That would be the tire on the other siodfethe
vehicle, at the opposite end.

5-22

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Unless your vehicle hasa flat rear tire, do not remove
or restore a tire f r o d t o a storage position under the
.::.. ....,.., .... ... vehicle while thevehicle is supportedby a jack. Always
tighten thetire fully against the underside of the vehicle
..j when restoring.
If you havea vehicle which wascompleted from a cab
Your spare tire is stored underneath therear of your and chassis, refer to the information from the body
vehicle. You will use the ratchet and extension to lower supplierhnstaller.
the spare tire. The spare tire is a full size tire, like the other tires on
A flatrear tire reduces clearance to remove the spare your vehicle.
tire. If there is less than 12inches (30.48 cm) between
the ground and the reabr umper or any trailer hitch, jack For cargo vans, and all
up thevehicle until the flat tire is off the ground. (See passenger vans except those
“Removing the Flat Tire” and“Installing the Spare with the 15-passenger
Tire,” Steps 4 through 8, in this section.) seating arrangement, the
jack is secured in the rear
passenger side corner of
the vehicle.

Remove the retaining wingbolt and lift it off the
mounting bracket. Set the jack and jacking equipment
near the flat tire.

5-23

For vans withthe 15-passenger seating arrangement, The ratchet has a DOWN side and an UP side.
the jack is secured on the rear passenger side floor of
the vehicle. Attach the ratchet, with the DOWN side facing you, to
the extension. The extension has a socket end and a flat
Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it out of the chisel end.
mounting bracket. Set the jack and jacking equipment
near the flat tire. Put the flat end of the extension on an angle through the
hole in the rear door frame, above the bumper. Be sure
the flat end connects into the hoist shaft.

5-24

. . -.

Turn the ratchet to the left to lower the spare tire to the I NOTICE: I
ground. If you are changing a flat rear tire and the
vehicle is already jacked up, use thejack handle and To help avoid vehicle damaged, o not drive I
extension to hookthe cable. Then pull the spare from vehicle before the cableis restored.
beneath the vehicle.If the retainer pulls out, hook the
inside of the wheel and pullthe spare tire out from under
the vehicle.

When the tire has been lowered, tilt the retainer atthe
end of the cable and pull it through the wheel opening.

5-25

Jacking Tool Storage The tools you'll be using include the jack (A), jack
A. Socket handle extension (B), jack handle (C), socket (D) and
B. Jack Handle the ratchet (E).
C. Ratchet
D. Jacking Tool Storage Box
E. Jack Handle Extension

5-26

Removing the Wheel Coversand Locking
Wheel Nuts

I 2. Loosen the plastic nut caps.

1 . You will need to take off the wheel nut caps to reach
your wheel nuts. When using the ratcheatnd socket,
make sure the DOWN side faces you.

5-27

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire

3. Remove the center cap. 1. With the DOWN side facing you, use the ratchet and
socket to loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove
5-28 them yet.

2. The jackhas a bolt on the end. Attach thesocket end Front Position
of the extension to the jack bolt.
5-29
Attach the ratchet to the extension with the UP side
facing you.

3. Rotate the ratchet to the right. That will raise the jack
lift head a little.

CAUTION:

Getting under avehicle when itis jacked upis
dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack,you
could be badly injuredor killed. Never get under
a vehicle when itis supported only by a jack.

Rear Position A-CA-UT-ION: -

4. Position jack under the vehicle as shown. Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly
positioned can damage thevehicle and even make
the vehicle fall. To help avoidpersonal injuryand
vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jacklift head into
the proper location before raising the vehicle.

5-30

5. Raise the vehicle by rotating the ratchet to the right. 6. Remove all the wheel
Make sure the UP mark faces you. Raise the vehicle nuts, and take off the
far enough off the ground so there is enough room flat tire.
for the spare tire to fit.
7. Remove anyrust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces and
spare wheel.

5-31

I A CAUTION: 8. Replace the wheel nuts
with the roundedend of
Rust or dirotn thewheel, or on the parts to the nuts towardthe
which it is fastened, can make thweheel nuts wheel. Tighten each
become loose after atime. The wheel could come wheel nutby hand until
off and cause an accident. Whyeonu change a the wheel is heldagainst
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from ptlhaeces the hub.
where thewheel attaches to thevehicle. In an
emergency, you can use a cloth or a papertowel 9. Lower the vehicle by rotating the jack handle to the
to do this; bubte sure touse a scraper or wire left. Lower the jack completely.
brush later,if you need to,to get allthe rust or
dirt off. 110. Tighten the nuts
firmly in a crisscross
I A CAUTION: I sequence as shown.
Rotate the wheel
Never use oil or grease on studs ornuts. If you wrench to the right.
do, the nuts mighctome loose. Your wheelcould
fall off, causing a serious accident.

5-32

/1\ CAUTION: Put the wheelcover back on, ifyou have one.
Remove any wheel blocks.
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened Remember that the jack, jackingequipment and tire
wheel nuts can cause thweheel to become loose must be properly stored in their original storage
and evencome off. This could lead toan accident. position before you begin driving again. The next
Be sure touse the correctwheel nuts. If you have part will show you how.
to replace themb,e sure toget newGM original
equipment wheel nuts. Storing a Flat or Spare Tire anTdools
Stop somewhere asoon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench A CAUTION:
to 140 lb-ft (190 Nmm).
Storing a jack, a tiorer other equipment in the
NOTICE: passenger compartmentof the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stopcolrlision, loose
Improperly tightenedwheel nuts can leadto equipment could strikesomeone. Store all these
brake pulsation and rotor damagTeo. avoid in the properplace.
expensive brake repairs,evenly tighten thewheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper 1. Put the tire on the ground at the rearof the vehicle,
torque specification. with the valve stem pointed down.

5-33

2. Pull the retaining bar throughthe center of the 3. Pull the wheel toward the reaorf the vehicle keeping
wheel, makingsure it is properlyattached. the cable tight.

5-34

4. Attach the ratchet, with the UP side facing you, to 5. Put the flat end of the extension onan angle through
the extension. the hole in the rear door frame, above the bumper.
Turn the ratchet to the right until thetire is against
the undersideof the vehicle.

You will heartwo “clicks” whenthe tire is up all the
way. Try to move the tire with your handtso make
sure it is securely in place.

Return the jacking equipment to the properlocation.
Secure the items and replace the jack cover.

5-35

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice I NOTICE:
or Snow
Spinning yourwheels can destroy partosf your
What you don’t wantto do when your vehicle isstuck is vehicle as well as thetires. If you spin thewheels
to spin your wheelstoo fast. The method knownas too fastwhile shifting your transmission back
“rocking” can help you getout when you’re stuck, but and forth,you can destroy your transmission.
you mustuse caution.
For information about usingtire chains on your vehicle,
A1 CAUTION: 1 see “Tire Chains”in the Index.

If you let your tires spiant high speed, they can Rocking Your Vehi :o Get It Out
explode, and you or others could be injureAd.nd,
the transmission or other paortfsthe vehicle can First, turn your steering wheelleft and right.That will
overheat. That could cause an engine clear the area around your front wheelsT. hen shift back
compartment fire or other damage. Wyhoeun’re and forth between REVERSE(R) and a forward gear,
stuck, spin thewheels as little as possible. Don’t spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
spin thewheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown accelerator pedal whileyou shift, and press lightly on
on the speedometer. the accelerator pedal when the transmission isn gear. If
that doesn’t getyou out after a few tries,you may need
to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,see
“Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

5-36

b%J NOTES

b NOTES

Section 6 ServiceandAppearanceCare

Here you willfind information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins withservice and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.

6- 2 Service 6-32 Bulb Replacement
6-3 Fuel (Gasoline Engine) 6-32 Halogen Bulbs
6-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines) 6-40 Windshield WiperBlade Replacement
6-5 Filling Your Tank (Gasoline Engine) 6-4 1 Tires
6-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-5 1 Appearance Care
6- 8 Checking Things Under the Hood 6-5 1 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6-11 Noise Control System 6-55 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6- 12 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine) 6-56 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6- 16 Air Cleaner (Gasoline Engines) 6-57 Cleaning Tires
6- 17 Automatic Transmission Fluid 6-57 Sheet Metal Damage
6-2 1 Rear Axle 6-57 Finish Damage
6-2 1 Engine Coolant 6-59 Appearance Care Materials Chart
6-24 Radiator Pressure Cap 6-60 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6-25 Thermostat 6-61 Electrical System
6-25 Power Steering Fluid 6-66 Replacement Bulbs
6-26 Windshield WasherFluid 6-67 Capacities and Specifications
6-27 Brakes 6-69 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
6-3 1 Battery

Service Doing Your Own Service Work

Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants ytou If you wantto do some of your own service work, you’ll
be happy with it.We hope you’llgo to your dealerfor want to use the properGM Service Manual. It tells you
all your service needs. You’ll get genuinGeM parts and much more about how to service your vehicle than this
GM-trained and supported service people. manual can.To order the proper service manuals,ee
We hope you’ll wantto keep your GM vehicle alGl M. “Service and Owner Publications”in the Index.
Genuine GM parts haveone of these marks:
Your vehicle may havean air bag system. If it does,
Genuine see “ServicingYour Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle”in the
Index before attemptingto do your own service work.

You should keep a record with all parts receipts alinsdt
the mileage and thedate of anyservice work you
perform. See “Maintenance Record” in the Index.

Parts

6-2

You can be injured and youverhicle could be Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough abouitt. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System” in the DieselEngine
0 Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, Supplement. For vehicles withgasoline engines,
experience, the proper replacement parts please read this.
and tools before you attempt anyvehicle
maintenance task. Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher. At a minimum, it should meetspecifications
0 Be sure touse the proper nuts, bolts and ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93
other fasteners. “English” and “metric” in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have
fasteners can beeasily confused.If you use been developed by the AmericanAutomobile
the wrong fasteners,parts can later break Manufacturers Association (AAMA)for better
or fall off. You could be hurt. vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting the AAMA specificationcould provide
L improved driveability andemission control system
protection compared to other gasolines.
Adding Equipment to the Outsideof
Your Vehicle Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
Things you might addto the outside of your vehicle can you drive. If it’s badenough, it can damage your engine.
affect the airflow around it.This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washerperformance. Check with If you’re usingfuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you
your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But
your vehicle. don’t worryif you hear a little pinging noise when
you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal,
and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid
of pinging. It’sthe heavy, constant knock that means
you have a problem.

1 If your vehicleis certified to meet California Emission To provide cleaner air,all gasolines inthe United States
Standards (inhcated on the underhoodemission control are now required to contain additives that will help

label), it isdesigned to operate on fuels that meet prevent depositsfrom forming in yourengine and fuel

California specifications. If such fuels are not available system, allowing your emissioncontrol system to

in states adopting California emissions standards, your function properly. Therefore, you should not haveto add

vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing

federal specifications,but emission control system oxygenates, such asethers and ethanol, and

performance maybe affected. The malfunction indicator reformulated gasolines may beavailable in your area to

lamp on your instrument panel matyurn on andor your help clean the air. General Motors recommends that you

vehicle mayfail a smog-check test. If this occursr,eturn use these gasolines if thecyomply with the

to your authorizedGM dealer for diagnosis to determine specificationsdescribed earlier.

1 the cause of failure. In theevent it isd.etermined that the NOTICE:
cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
, maynot be covered by your warranty.

Some gasolines that are not reformulatedfor low Your vehicle was not designedfor fuel that
contains methanol. Don’t .use it. It can corrode
emissions contain an octane-enhancingadditive called metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); be covered under your warranty.

ask your servicestation operator whether or not hisfuel

contains MMT. General Motors does notrecommend the

use of such gasolines.If fuels containing MMT are used,

spark plug life may be reduced and your emission

~

control system performance maybe affected. The

~ malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel

i may turn on. If this occurs, returnto your authorized

GM dealer for service.

6-4

I

Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank (Gasoline Engine)
(Gasoline Engines)
If your vehicle hasa diesel engine, see “Filling Your
If you planon driving in another country outside the Tank (“DieseEl ngine)” in theDiesel Engine Supplement.
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hardto
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not 1 1 The fuel cap is behind a
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn’t be hinged dooron the driver’s
covered by your warranty. side of your vehicle.

To check on fuel availability, ask anauto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you’ll be driving.

YOU can also write us at the following address for
advice. Just tell us where you’re going and give your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns
violently, and that can cause very bad injuries.
Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling
your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking
materials away from gasoline.

7A

6-5

While refueling your A CAUTION:
vehicle, hang thecap by
the tether from the hook If you get gasolineon yourself and then
on the filler door. something ignites iyt,ou could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray ouotn you if you open the
To remove thecap, turn it slowly to the left fuel filler cap toqouickly. This spray can happen
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let if your tankis nearly full, and is molrikeely in
go of the cap too soon, it will spring backto the right. hot weather. Open the fuel filler csalpowly and
wait for any“hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all thwe ay.

Be carefulnot to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning
the Outsideof Your Vehicle” in the Index.

When you putthe cap back on, turn itto the right Filling a Portable Fuel Container
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make

sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system /i\ CAUTIOlr:
can determine if the fuel cap has beenleft off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to

evaporate into the atmosphere. See “Malfunction Never filla portable fuel containewr hile it is in
Indicator Lamp” in theIndex.

your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the

NOTICE: container can ignite thgeasoline vapor.You can
be badly burned and yovuerhicle damaged if this

If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right occurs. To help avoid injury tyoou and others:
type. Your dealer can get one yfooru. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may Dispense gasoline only into approved
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light containers.
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be Do not fill a container while it is insidea
damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lampin” vehicle, in avehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
the Index. on any surface other than the ground.
Bring thefill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating

the nozzle. Contact should be maintained

until the filling is complete.

Don’t smoke while pumping gasoline.

Checking Things Under the Hood To open the hood,first
pull this handle inside the
A CAUTION: vehicle. It isjust in front of
the driver’s side doorframe
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary near the floor.
engine fan under thheood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothingand tools awayfrom any
underhood electric fan.

A CAUTION: I

Things that burn cagnet on hot engine parts
and starta fire. These includeliquids like
gasoline or diesel fuel,oil, coolant, brake fluid,
windshield washerand other fluids, and plastic
or rubber. You or others could be burneBde.
careful notto drop orspill things thatwill burn
onto a hot engine.

6-8

Lift the hood, release the
hood prop from its retainer
and putthe hood prop into
the slot in thehood hinge.
The underhood lamp
will automatically come
on and stay on until the
hood is closed.

Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the
secondary hood release.

When you lift thehood, you’ll see these items:

I

A. Battery D. Engine Oil Fill G . Power Steering Reservoir
B. Coolant Recovery Tank E. TransmissionDipstick H. Brake Master Cylinder
C . Engine Oil Dipstick E Air Cleaner I. WindshieldWasherFluid

6-10

If your vehicle has a 7.4 liter engine and air Tampering With Noise Control
conditioning, your vehicle will have aauxiliary System Prohibited
engine fanin addition to the belt driven fan.
Federal law prohibits the followingacts or the causing
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps thereof
are on properly.
1 . The removal or rendering inoperative by anyperson,
Then lift the hood torelieve pressure on the hood prop. other than for purposes of maintenance, repair or
Remove the hoodprop from the slot in the hoodand replacement, of any device or element of design
return the prop to its retainer. Then just let the hood incorporated into any new vehiclefor the purpose
down and close iftirmly. of noise control, prior to its saleor delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while itis in use; or
Noise Control System
2. The use ofthe vehicle after suchdevice or element
The following information relates to compliance with of design has been removedor rendered inoperative
Federal noise emission standards for vehicles with a by any person.
Gross Vehicle WeightRating (GVWR) of more than
10,000lbs. (4 536 kg). The Maintenance Schedule Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are
provides information on maintaining the noise control the acts listed below.
system to minimize degradation of the noiseemission
control system during the life of your vehicle. The Insulation:
noise control system warranty is given in your
Warranty booklet. Removal of the noise shields or underhood insulation.

These standards apply only to vehicles sold in the Engine:
United States.
Removal or rendering engine speed governor (if
equipped) inoperative so as to allow engine speed to
exceed manufacturer specifications.