service GMC JIMMY 1997 User Guide

Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light 011 the instrument
panel, which shows
AIR RAG. The system checks the
air bag's electrical system for ~~~alfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The syslem
check includes the air bag sensors. the air
bag module,
the wiring and the diagnostic module. For n~ore
information
on the air bag system. sec .'Air Rag" in
the Index.
AIR
BAG
This light will ~0111e on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then thc light
should go out. This means
the system
is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays 011 after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your ail- bag
system
may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right
away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to
RUN. If the
light doesn't
co111e on then. have it fixed so it will be
re.ady
to warn you if there is a problem.
_. -
lrging System Indicator Light
II
The charging system light
will come on brietly when
you turn on the ignition,
but the engine is not
running, as
a check to
show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on. or comes on while you are driving. you may have
a problem with the. charging system. It could indicate
that
you have problem with a generator drive belt. or
another electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light
is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light 011, be
certain to turn off
all your accessories. such as the radio
and air conditioner.
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Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is not
running. but the ignition is
on (in the RUN position).
this gage shows
your
battery’s state of charge in
DC volts.
VOLTS
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition
of the. charging system. Readings between the
low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range. Readings
in the
low warning mne may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since
the
charging system is not able to provide full power at
engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself
as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.
You can only drive for a short time with the reading in
either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off all
unnecessary accessories.
Readings
in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem
in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced
as soon as possible.
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Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts.
If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be
a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
I
This light should come on
briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it
doesn’t come on then, BRAKE
(a) (@)
:;;::::$d;:n1::: if
have it fixed so it will be
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to
the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle“
in the Index.)
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve
pulled
off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will
also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on
if your parking brake doesn’t release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released,
it means you have a brake problem.
2-75

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after
a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel econonly may not be as
good and your engine may not run
as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that
may not be
covered
by your warranty.
This light should
come on. as ;I check to show you it is
working, tvhen the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. It' the light doesn't conw on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two t1;ays:
2-77

If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
Avoiding steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer. reduce the anlount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains
on steady. see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues t.o flash, when it is safe to do so.
stop the \?el?ic&~. Find a safe place to park your vehiclc.
Turn the key off,
wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine.
If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did
you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making s111-e to fully install
the cap. The diagnostic system can cleter~nine
if the fuel cap
has been left off
or improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap
will allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn
the light off,
Did you *just drive through a deep puddle of water’!
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out.
A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
I1 so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with cpality fuel (see
“Fuel”
in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to
r11n as e,fficiently as designed. You may
notice this
as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle
into gear, mistlring, hesitation on acceleration
or
stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go
away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be detected
by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use.
It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light. turn off.
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic
tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problcnls that may have developed.

Engine Oil Pressure Gage
Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kPa (kilopascals). Don't keep driving
if the oil pressure is
low. If'
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil
as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
1 NOTICE: I
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
2-79

If the water isn't too deep, then drive through it slowly.
At fast speeds, water splashes on your ignition system
and
your vehicle can stall. Stalling can dso occur if you
tailpipe is under water, yo~l*II never be able to start your
engine. When
you go through water. remember that
when your brakes get
wet. it nay take you longer
to stop.
2 wt your tailpipe under water. And. as long as your
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and
you and your passengers could drown. If it's
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Don't drive
through rushing water.
After Off-Road Driving
Relmove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody. chassis or 11nder the hood. These
accumulations CUI be a fire hazard.
After operation
in mud or sand. have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can C~LIS~
glazing and 1111even braking. Check the body structure.
steering. suspension. wheels, tires and exlxwst system
for damage.
Also. check the fuel lines and cooling
system for any leakage.
Your
vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for
additional information.
4-27

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to IIIOVC
slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move
to the proper
lane well
in advance. If you miss your exit, do not.
under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to
the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to
think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh
-- such as after a day's
work
-- don't plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip'! If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs
service, have
it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll find experienced and able service experts
in GM
dealerships all across North America. They'll be ready
and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Wldwr Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper. Blcrd~s: Are they in good shape?
F~lel, EI1girw Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
LUIII~S: Are they all working'? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Wecrtlwr For-cxmts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Mclps: Do you have up-to-date maps'?
4-34

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as "highway hypnosis'"?
Or is
it just plain falling asleep at the wheel'? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There
is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine. and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let
it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road
in less than cf soc-ond, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you
do about highway
aware that
it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
0 Make sure your vehicle is we1
comfortably cool interior. 1ypmsis'?
First. be
0
0
I ventilated. with a
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest. service
or parking area and take
a nap, get some exercise, or
both.
For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or nlountains is different from
driving
in flat or rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're
planning
to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer
and more enjoyable. (See "Off-Road
Driving"
in the Index for information about driving
off-road.
)
4-35

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on
a Hill
I, Apply your reg~~lar brakes and lwld the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear: and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service nlore often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on
this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation
are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine
oil. ~~xle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and
brakc adjustment. Each of these is covered in this
manurd.
and the Index will help you find then] quickly.
If you're trailering. it's a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically
to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
4-54