GMC SIERRA 1995 Owners Manual

Turn Signal and Lane Change lndicator Lights
Gasoline Engine Diesel Engine
The fuel gage, when the ignition is on. tells you about how much fuel you
have left
in your tank. The gage will first indicate empty before you are out
of fuel. and you should get nmre fuel as soon as possible.
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Listed are four situations you may experience with your f~~el gage:
At the gas station. the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
It lakes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gage indicated.
For example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half
full, but it
actually took a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill the
, tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up.
The gage doesn't go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
None of these indicate
a problem with the fuel gage.
For information on how to fill your fuel tank, see "Fuel - Filling Your
Tank"
in the Index.
For your fuel tank capacity, see "Fuel -Tank Capacity" in the Index.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. Most of the time. the gage
pointer
will show your coolant temperature at 2 10°F (99"C), or less. But, if
you are pulling a heavy load or driving LIP hills, your coolant temperature
may rise and
fall near the red 260°F ( 128°C) mark. This is normal. If the
gage pointer moves to the red 260°F
(128°C) mark, your engine is too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. You should pull off the
road,
stop your vehicle. and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Hot Coolant Can Burn You Badly!
In "Problems on the Road," this manual shows what to do. See "Engine
Overheating"
in thc Index.
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Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure
in kPa (kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the
low pressure
zone indicate the norn~al opcrating ranse.
A reading in the low pressure zone may bc caused by a dangemusly low oil
level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as
possible.
A CAUTION:
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.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be
costly and is not covered by your warranty.
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Voltmeter
When your engine is not running. but the ignition is in the RUN position.
this
gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the condition
of the charging
system. Readings between the low and high wat-ning
zones indicate the
normal operating range.
Readings
in the low warning zone 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 condilion is normal since the charging
system is
not able to provide full power at engine idlc. As engine speeds are
increased, this condition should correct itself
;IS higher engine speeds allow
the charging system
to create nwximum 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 problcm in the electrical
system. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.
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Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
I window.
If equipment such as a cap or camper is installed, your Center High Mount
Stoplamp (CHMSL) will no longer be visible from behind. You should
select a cap or camper with a CHMSL on it or, if one is not available, have
one installed. See your GM dealer about how to connect your vehicle’s
wiring to a cap or camper CHMSL.
Camper Wiring Harness (Option)
An optional 5-wire harness is stored in the front stake pocket on the driver’s
side of the bed. The harness has
no connector, and should be wired by a
qualified electrical technician.
It must be routed out of your vehicle and securely attached so that it won’t
be pulled or rubbed while you’re using it.
Store the harness
in its original position. Wrap the harness together and tie it
neatly so it won’t be damaged.
If a camper is installed, your Center High Mount Stoplamp (CHMSL) will
no longer be visible from behind. You should select a camper with a
CHMSL on
it or, if one is not available, have one installed. See your GM
dealer about how to connect your vehicle’s wiring to a camper CHMSL.
Trailer Wiring Harness
7-wire harness is stored under your vehicle along the rear frame
crossmember. The harness connects to the underhood electrical center and
no connector, and should be wired by a qualified electrical technician.
Securely attach the harness to the trailer, then tape or strap it to your
vehicle’s frame rail. Be sure
you leave it loose enough so the wiring won’t
bind or break when turning with the trailer, but
not so loose that it drags on
the ground.
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Store the harness in its original position. Wrap the harness together and tie it
neatly so it won’t be damaged.
If you do tow a trailer, your Center High Mount Stoplamp (CHMSL) may
not be properly visible from behind.
You should select a trailer with a
CHMSL on
it or, if one is not available, have one installed. See your GM
dealer about how
to connect your vehicle’s wiring to a trailer CHMSL.
Step-Bumper Pad
If your vehicle has a rear step bumper, it may be equipped with a rear step
pad at the center
of the bumper. Use this pad to improve footing when you
are stepping on the bumper step.
remove the center
cutout circle to install
the trailer ball.
You
must also remove both
outer cutouts
to attach
the trailer safety
chains.
To remove the pad, lift
the edge of the pad
from the rear
of the
bumper and swing it
forward. When the
pad releases from the
bumper holes,
lift the
pad
off.
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Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
Secfion
In this section you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control systems
and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the
particular system supplied with your vehicle.
Comfort Controls
Heater Controls
If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, your heater controls will look
like this.
The knob on the left side of the heating system control panel controls the
fan speed. The knob has four speed positions. To increase the air flow, move
the
knob toward HI. To decrease the air flow, move it toward LO. To turn
the fan off, move the knob to
OFF.
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The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the relative
temperature
of the air flowing into the passenger area of your vehicle. This
knob will allow you to adjust the relative air temperature independently of
the function knob setting. Move the knob right toward the red area
for
warmer air. Move the knob left toward the blue area for cooler air.
The right knob on the control panel changes the heater setting.
VENT -This setting, with the arrow pointing at
the figure’s head, directs
air through the instrument panel vents.
VENT/HEAT
- Use this setting, with the arrows pointing at the figure’s
feet and head, to divide airflow between the heater floor vents and
instrument panel vents.
HEAT - This setting, with the arrow pointing at the figure’s feet, directs air
through the heater floor vents. This setting is useful for cold weather.
HEAT/DEFROST
- Use this setting, with the arrow pointing at the figure’s
feet and the defroster symbol near the figure’s head, to divide airf-low
between the heater floor vents and windshield.
DEFROST
- This setting with the defrost symbol directs air through the
windshield defroster vents. This setting is useful when
you have fog or ice
on the windshield.
The control knob can be placed
in any position between two heater settings
to blend the flow
of air. The closer the knob is to a setting symbol, the more
the air flow will represent that symbol’s air
flow arrows.
Heater/Air Conditioning Controls
If your vehicle has air conditioning, your heatedair conditioning controls
will
1,ook like this.
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Before using your vehicle's air conditioning. open the windows to clear the.
vehicle of hot air.
Using the recirculation function can also help. See "Recirculation Buttor:"
in this section for more information.
The knob on the left side of the heating system control panel controls the
fan speed. The knob has four speed positions. To increase the air
flow. move
the knob toward
HI. To decrease the air flow. move it toward LO. To turn
the fan off. move the knob
to OFF. If you have the air conditioner on.
moving the fan knob
to OFF also turns off' the A/C compressor.
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the relative
temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
area of your vehicle. This
knob
will allow you to adjust the relative air temperature independently of'
the function knob setting. Move the knob right toward the red area for
warmer air. Move the knob left toward the blue area for cooler air. With
A/C
on, move the knob to MAX for maximum cooling.
This setting puts the system
in the recirculation mode and helps to maximize
your air conditioner's performance and your vehicle's fuel economy. This
setting also cools the air the fastest. After the vehicle's interior reaches
a
comfortable temperature, move the knob clockwise to place the air
conditioning system
in the normal mode.
The right knob
on the control panel changes the heatedair conditioning
setting.
VENT - This setting, with the arrow pointing at the figure's head. directs
air through the instrument panel vents.
VENT/HEAT
- Use this setting, with the arrows pointing at the figure's
feet and head, to divide airflow between the heater floor vents and
instrument panel vents.
HEAT
- This setting. with the arrow pointing at the figure's feet. directs air
through the heater floor vents. This setting is useful for cold weather.
HEAT/DEFROST
- Use this setting, with the arrow pointing at the figure's
feet and the defroster symbol near the figure's head. to divide airflow
between the heater floor vents and windshield.
DEFROST
- This setting with the defrost symbol directs air through the
windshield defroster vents. This setting is useful when you have fog
or ice
on the windshield.
The control knob can be placed
in any position between two heatedair
conditioning settings to blend the flow
of air. The closer the knob is to a
setting symbol, the more the air flow will represent that symbol's air flow
arrows.
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON - This button, between the left and middle
knobs, allows the air inside your vehicle
to be recirculated. This setting
helps to maximize your air conditioner's performance and your vehicle's
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fuel economy. This setting also cools the air the fastest and can be used to
keep “unwanted odors” and/or dust from entering the vehicle. When using
the air conditioner, turn off recirculation after the vehicle reaches
a
comfortable interior temperature.
When
the right knob on the control panel is between HEAT and DEFROST,
the recirculation feature will not function.
A/C - This button, between the middle and right knobs. allows the air
coming into your vehicle
to be cooled and directed through the instrument
panel vents. This setting is useful for normal cooling
on hot days. When you
first use
A/C with the recirculation button pushed in, turn off recirculation
as soon as the vehicle reaches a comfortable interior temperature.
Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, it is equipped with an engine coolant
heater.
An engine coolant heater is optional on gas engine vehicles. If you
use the engine coolant heater before starting your engine
(in cold weather
(20” F, (-8” C), or lower) your heating system will produce warmer air
faster, to heat the passenger compartment
in cold weather.
The use
of an engine coolant heater also reduces the time it takes for the
engine to reach normal operating temperature. and shortens the time it takes
the heater
to reach full output. For more information, See “Engine Coolant
Heater” in the Index.
Diesel Engine Heater Output
If you idle your diesel engine for a long time when it’s cold outside, your
heater may blow out cool air. This is normal. When you increase the engine
speed, your heater should blow out warmer air.
If it doesn’t, your coolant
level may be too low. See “Engine Coolant”
in the Index to see how to
check your coolant level.
Rear Window Defogger (Option)
You can tell if your vehicle has this option by looking at the rear window. If
you see lines running across the glass, you have it. These are the wire-like
elements which heat your window.
I NOTICE:
Scraping the inside of your rear window could cut and damage
the defogger.
Your warranty would not cover this damage. And,
don’t put decals there, you might have to scrape them off.
For best results, clear the window of as much snow or ice as possible first.
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