belt GMC C-SERIES 1999 Owner's Guide

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2-55
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light (Option)
When the key is turned to
RUN or START, a light will
come on for about eight
seconds to remind people
to fasten their safety belts.
Safety Belt Reminder Tone (Option)
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a tone will
sound for about eight seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts.
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2-56 Charging System Indicator Light
CAUTION:
If your vehicle has an electric/hydraulic parking
brake, do not drive if the charging system light is
on. If the battery drains too much, the parking
brake can suddenly come on and stop the vehicle.
This can cause severe injury to you and others.
The charging system light is
located in the center of the
instrument cluster just
above the odometer.
It should come on briefly when you turn on the ignition,
before the engine is running, as a check to show that it
is working.If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, have it
checked right away. You could have a loose generator
drive belt or some other problem.
Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If
you must drive a short distance with the light on, turn
off your radio and other accessories.
Sustained driving with a generator failure could result in
a lack of back
-up braking if the engine quits or the
power steering pump should fail.
Voltmeter
When your engine is
running, the voltmeter gage,
at the lower left of the
instrument cluster, shows
the charging system voltage.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
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3-12 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and
extreme heat. If they aren't, they may not operate
properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound
quality, try a known good cassette to see if it is the tape
or the tape player at fault. If this other cassette has no
improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.
The recommended cleaning method for your cassette
tape player is the use of a scrubbing action,
non
-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub
the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn.
The recommended cleaning cassette is available through
your dealership (GM Part No. 12344789).
When using a scrubbing action, non
-abrasive cleaning
cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because
your unit is equipped with a cut tape detection feature
and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape.
If the cleaning cassette ejects, insert the cassette at least
three times to ensure thorough cleaning.You may also choose a non
-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean
the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not
eject on its own. A non
-scrubbing action cleaner may
not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
The use of a non
-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning
cassette is not recommended.
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may
degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape
is in good condition before you have your tape
player serviced.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most vehicle
washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever
become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand.
If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you
should replace it.
Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still
tightened to the cowl.
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4-2
Defensive Driving
The best advice anyone can give about driving is:
Drive defensively.
Please start with a very important safety device in your
vehicle: Buckle up. (See ªSafety Beltsº in the Index.)Defensive driving really means ªbe ready for anything.º
On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means
ªalways expect the unexpected.º
Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might
do. Be ready for their mistakes.
Rear
-end collisions are about the most preventable of
accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough
following distance. It's the best defensive driving
maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never
know when the vehicle in 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, reading, or reaching for something on
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
pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself.
These simple defensive driving techniques could save
your life.
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4-11 Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of 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.
In emergencies like these, first apply your brakes
-- but
unless you have anti
-lock, not enough to lock your
wheels. (See ªBraking in Emergenciesº earlier in this
section.) It is better to remove as much speed as you can
from a possible collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right depending on the space
available. If your vehicle has anti
-lock brakes, you don't
need to release the brakes to maintain steering control.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you may be
able to turn it just enough to miss the object without
removing either hand. But you must act fast, steering
precisely. The more sharply you turn, the greater the
chance of a skid, a rollover or a ªjackknifeº with a
tractor
-trailer. Just as quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at
all times and wear safety belts properly.
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6-51 When It's Time for New Tires
Replace your tires when the tread depth is down to
1/8 of an inch (3.2 mm) for the front tires, or 1/16 of
an inch (1.6 mm) for a rear tire. Also, you need a new
tire if:

You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.

The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.

The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different types
-- like
radial and bias
-belted tires -- the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Be sure to use the same type of tires all around.
When you replace tires, make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned at the
factory to give you the longest tire life and best
overall performance.
Proper front wheel alignment must be maintained in
order to ensure efficient steering, good directional
stability, and prevent abnormal tire wear. If you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle is pulling one way or
the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your wheels may need to be balanced.
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6-61 Fabric Protection
Your vehicle has upholstery that has been treated with
Scotchgard Fabric Protector, a 3M product. It protects
fabrics by repelling oil and water, which are the carriers
of most stains. Even with this protection, you still need
to clean your upholstery often to keep it looking new.
Further information on cleaning is available by calling
1
-800-433-3296 (in Minnesota, 1-800-642-6167).
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.

Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to do it more than once.

Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain
if you don't get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth
and a vinyl/leather cleaner. See your dealer for
this product.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
lukewarm water.
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6-70
Name Circuits Protected
HYD BRK Brake Pump Motor Relay
HYD BRK Brake Alarm ModuleName Circuits Protected
B/U IGN3 Fuel Filter Relay, Blower Motor
Relays, ABS Power Relay,
Back
-Up Lamps, Auxiliary Wiring
Relay, IGN 3 Relay, Power
Window Relay, Vehicle Interface
Module, Transmission
Temperature Gage
STOP Stoplamps
WASH/WIPE Windshield Wipers/Washer,
Accessory Relay
DOME/PNL Dome Lamp, Radio Receiver,
Instrument Panel Lights,
A/C Controller,
Headlamp/Seatbelt Module
BLOWER Blower Motor
A/C A/C Clutch Compressor,
A/C Controller
TRN/HAZ Turn Signals, Hazard Flashers
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7-6 12,000 Miles (20 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Check air brake relay valve operation and check for
leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Steering system service. (13)

Front and rear suspension service. (14)

Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts service. (16)

Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)

Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Inspect door hinge pins and bushings and replace as
necessary. Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with
engine oil.
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7-7

Replace air conditioning filter dryer (or every
18 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
refrigerant charge is lost for any reason).

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic brake caliper service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (22)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Clean air brake application valve (or every 3 months,
or every 300 hours, whichever occurs first);
lubricate linkage.
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
24,000 Miles (40 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheel bearing (grease type) service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
hubs are removed). (23)

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Air intake system service (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). (4)(5)(24)

Thermostatically controlled air cleaner service
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
(3)(4)(25)

(Continued)
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