transmission GMC ENVOY 1999 Owners Manual

2-
yellowblue
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-6 Keyless Entry System
2
-9 Liftgate/Liftglass
2
-10 Theft
2
-11 Content Theft-Deterrent
2
-12 Passlock

2-13 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-14 Ignition Positions
2
-16 Starting Your Engine
2
-17 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-18 Automatic Transmission Operation
2
-21 Tow/Haul Selector Switch
2
-21 Four-Wheel Drive
2
-25 Parking Brake
2
-26 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-28 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-29 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-30 Engine Exhaust
2
-30 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-31 Locking Rear Axle
2
-31 Windows
2
-33 Tilt Wheel
2
-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-40 Exterior Lamps
2
-42 Interior Lamps
2
-44 Mirrors
2
-46 Storage Compartments
2
-54 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-55 Sun Visors
2
-55 Accessory Power Outlets
2
-58 Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-58 Universal Transmitter
2
-62 Instrument Panel
2
-64 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-66 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-7 Operation
UNLOCK: Pressing this button once will unlock the
driver's door. The parking lamps will flash and the
interior lights will come on. Pressing this button once
also unlocks the rear liftglass. Pressing UNLOCK again
within three seconds will cause the remaining doors,
including the liftgate, to unlock. The parking lamps will
flash and the interior lights will come on.
LOCK: Pressing this button once will lock all of the
doors and the liftglass. Press LOCK again within three
seconds and the horn will chirp.
REAR: Press this button twice within three seconds to
release the liftglass. The parking lamps will flash and
the interior lights will come on. The transmission must
be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Remote Panic Alarm
When the button with the horn symbol on the remote
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound
and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to
30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the
horn button again, waiting for 30 seconds, or
starting the vehicle.
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any
remaining transmitters with you when you go to your
dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your
vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters
matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won't
work at the normal range in any location. If you have to
get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it's probably time to change the battery.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-11 Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition and transmission. Also remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it's best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if
you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle?

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle is equipped with a Content Theft-Deterrent
alarm system.
With this system, the
SECURITY light will flash
as you open the door (if
your ignition is off).
This light reminds you to activate the theft
-deterrent
system. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY
light should come on and stay on.
3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off
after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the SECURITY light goes off.
If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle's
high
-beam headlamps will flash and the horn will sound
for 110 seconds, then will turn off to save the
battery power.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-15
NOTICE:
Don't operate accessories in the ACCESSORY
position for long periods of time. Prolonged
operation of accessories in the ACCESSORY
position could drain your battery and prevent
you from starting your vehicle.
LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transmission. It's a theft
-deterrent feature.
You will only be able to remove your key when the
ignition is turned to LOCK.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. Use OFF if you must have
your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for
example, if your vehicle is being towed).
RUN (D): This is the position for driving.
START (E): This position starts your engine.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Retained Accessory Power
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain features
on your vehicle to continue to work up to 20 minutes
after the ignition key is turned to OFF.
Your radio, power windows, sunroof and overhead
console will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from RUN to
OFF, these features will continue to work for up to
20 minutes or until a door is opened.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-16
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn't start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more
seconds, unless it starts sooner.
3. If your engine still won't start (or starts but then
stops), wait 15 seconds and start over.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-18
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index. If
you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-19
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a
Brake
-Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to
fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever
-- press the button on the shift lever and push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into the
gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in
the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your
transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
ªStuck In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is ªracingº (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-20
DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you
need more power for passing, and you're:

Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
DRIVE (D) should not be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for
off
-road driving. Select THIRD (3) when operating the
vehicle under any of these conditions.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3)
when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on
steep hills or winding roads or for off
-road driving.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.
You can also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle
from a stop on slippery road surfaces.FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
selector lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission won't shift into
FIRST (1) until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transmission. Use your brakes or shift into
PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on
a hill.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-23
AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road
conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in
AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle's
power is sent to the rear wheels. When the vehicle
senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically
engage four
-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in
slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI.
4HI: Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such as
on snowy or icy roads or in most off
-road situations.
This setting also engages your front axle to help drive
your vehicle.
4LO: This setting also engages your front axle and
delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It sends
maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose
4LO if you are driving off
-road in deep sand, deep mud,
and climbing or descending steep hills.
NEUTRAL: Shift the vehicle's transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº or ªTowing Your
Vehicleº in the Index for more information.
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission
is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking
brake before placing the transfer case in
NEUTRAL. See ªParking Brakeº in the Index.
Indicator lights in the switches show which setting you
are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when
you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the
lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle to
your dealer for service. An indicator light will flash
while shifting the transfer case. It will remain
illuminated when the shift is complete. If for some
reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it
will return to the last chosen setting.
If the SERVICE 4WD light stays on, you should take
your vehicle to your dealer for service. See ªService
4WDº in the Index for further information.
ProCarManuals.com

yellowblue
2-24
Shifting to 4HI or AUTO 4WD
Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This
can be done at any speed and the indicator light will
flash while shifting. It will remain illuminated when the
shift is complete.
Shifting to 2HI
Press and release the 2HI switch. This can be done at
any speed.
Shifting to 4LO
To shift to 4LO, the vehicle's engine must be running
and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3
mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL
(N). The preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to
have your vehicle moving 1 or 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h).
Press and release the 4LO switch. You must wait for the
4LO indicator light to stop flashing and remain
illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear.
If the 4LO switch is pressed when your vehicle is in
gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will flash
for 30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds, the
transfer case will return to the setting last chosen.Shifting Out of 4LO
To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your
vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph
(4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and
the engine running. The preferred method for shifting
out of 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 or 2 mph
(1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4HI, AUTO
4WD or 2HI switch. You must wait for the 4HI, AUTO
4WD or 2HI indicator light to stop flashing and remain
illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear.
If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when
your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI, AUTO
4WD or 2HI indicator light will flash for 30 seconds but
will not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving
less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting to NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL first make sure
the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com