fuel CHEVROLET BLAZER 1993 Owner's Manual

If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you still hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry
if 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’s the
heavy, constant knock that means you have
a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that contain oxygen,\
such as MTBE
or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is no more th\
an 15% MTBE is
fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel that is no more than
10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol,
NOTICE
Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for your vehicfe. Don’t use ‘A
It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic
and rubber
parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warri ’y.
And even at 5% or less, there must be “cosolvents” and corrosion
eventers
in this fuel to help avoid these problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help prevent depo\
sits from
forming in your engine and fuel system. That helps keep your engine in t\
une
and your emission control system working properly. It’s good \
for your vehicle,
and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials that called oxyge\
nates.
General Motors recommends that you use gasolines with these ble\
nding
materials, such as MTBE and ethanol. By doing
so, you can help clean the
air, especially in those parts of the country that have higher carbon monoxide
levels.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated \
gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed
to reduce vehicle
emissions. General Motors recommends that you use reformulated g\
asoline.
By doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the
country that have high
ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators if their gasolines co\
ntain
detergents and oxygenates, and if they have been reformulated to reduce
vehicle emissions.
6-5

Service & Appearance Care
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the US. or Canada,
unleaded fuel may be hard
to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tank full, your emission controls won’t work well \
or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system \
can corrode,
and your engine
oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s three-way catalytic
converter and oxygen sensor will be damaged.
All of that means costly
repairs that wouldn’t
be covered by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto 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 of Canada Ltd.
International Export Sales
Post Office Box 828
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7N1, Canada
Fi/ling Your Tank
I PO444
The fuel cap is behind a hinged door on the left side of your vehicle. To take
off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
6-6

A
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 materia\
ls
away from gasoline.
I.
c
PO485
A
If you get gasoline on you and then something ignites it, you\
could
be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you
if you open the fuel
filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly
full, and
is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly
and wait
for any “hiss” noise to stop.
I Then unscrew the cap all the way.
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right (clockwise) until you hear
a clicking noise.
I NOTICE
r
6-7

~AUTION
- Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These
include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber.
You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a
Before closing the hood, be sure
all the filler caps are on properly. Then just
pull the
hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to
get an accurate reading, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on
level ground.
Turn
off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to get back down into the
oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
6-9

These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 2OW-50.
Energy Conserving II
Oils with these words on the container will help you save fuel.
This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil contai\
ners to help
you select the correct oil,
You should look for this on the
oil container, and use only those oils that
display the logo.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the requirements
for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Addifives:
Don't add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you think
something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil:
See if any one of these is true for you;
Most trips are less than 4 miles (6 km).
It's below freezing outside and most trips are less than 10 miles (16 km).
The engine is at low speed most of the time (as in door to door
You tow a trailer often.
Most trips are through dusty places.
The vehicle is frequently operated off-road. delivery, or in stop-and-go
traffic),
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil
and filter every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months-whichever comes first.
Vehicles with Light Duty Emissions (8500 GVWR or less).
If none of them is true, change the oil every 7,500 miles (1 2 500 km) or 12
months-whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil change and at
every other oil change after that.
Vehicles with Heavy Duty Emissions (8501 GVWR or more).
If none of them is true, change the oil every 6,000 miles (1 0 000 km) or 12
months-whichever comes first. Change the filter at the first oil change and at
every other oil change after that if mileage determines when you change your
6-1 5

Windshield Wiper Blade lnserfs
J
PO232
To replace the windshield wiper blade insert, lift the wiper arm and rotate the
blade until
it is facing away from the windshield. Unlatch the end of the insert
from the holding clips. Remove the insert and slide a new one in place,
Make sure the blade
is secured in the clips.
Air Conditioning
Every now and then have your dealership check your air conditioning system
to be sure it has not lost any cooling ability,
If you think the system is not
working properly, have your dealership check
it out as soon as possible.
The air conditioning will not work when the temperature is below
40°F (4°C).
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for a while, inspect the su\
rface under the
vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after
it has been used is normal. If you notice fuel leaks
or fumes, the causes should be found and corrected at once.
Lubrication
Accelerator Control System
Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often the accelerator linkage
pivot points must be lubricated. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubric\
ants”
in
the Index for the proper lubricant to use.
Accelerator cables and cruise control cables should not be lubr\
icated. Any
cables that are worn or are hard to pull
should be replaced.
6-35

Exhaust System
To help prevent damage to your exhaust system, do not continue to drive
your vehicle
if you notice:
Engine misfiring
Loss of performance
Other unusual operating conditions
Have your engine and exhaust system serviced regularly.
Three- Way Catalytic Converter
Your vehicle’s three-way catalytic converter is designed to reduce the
pollutants in your vehicle’s exhaust. Use only unleaded fuel in your vehic\
le. If
you use leaded fuel, you could damage your three-way catalytic \
converter,
and other engine components.
Computer Command Control System
This system has an oxygen (OS) sensor that helps keep your engine’s
air-fuel mixture at a proper level. Use only unleaded fuel in your vehicle.
If
you use leaded fuel, you could damage your oxygen (OS) sensor and
three-way catalytic converter.
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(SERVICE ENGINE SOON) on your
instrument panel lets you know when your emission control syste\
m needs
service. The light will come on briefly when you start your e\
ngine to let you know that the system
is working. If it does not come on when you start your
engine, or
if it comes on and stays on while you’re driving your system may \
need service. Your vehicle should still be driveable, but you should have your
system serviced right away.
Secondary Air Injection (AIR) System
You may have this system. It lets you know if your engine control module,
wiring harness or solenoid need service.
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Englne Soon) comes on, you need service.
645

Loading Your Vehicle
MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP L-4
I
. , .. .-. .. ,. . ,FFECT
CROWN ABOVE.
1
TIRE SIZE
-EL XISPEED RIM PSVKPA (COLD)
SPA
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
K2134
The Certificationflire label is found on the rear edge of the driver's door. The
label shows the size of your original tires and the inflation \
pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight o\
f the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The Certificationnire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front
and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to\
a weigh station
and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to
spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline. \
Never exceed the GVWR
for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
And,
if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
A
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the I
maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on your vehicl\
e
can break, or
it can change the way your vehicle handles. These
could cause you
to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change your weight ratings. Ask your dealer to help you load your vehicle the
right way.
6-46

Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’-
9. If your tires don’t have enough air (underinflation) you can get
Too much flexing
Too much heat
tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
I If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards.
nth
or more. Also, check the
tire pressure of the spare tire.
How to Check: Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure.
Simply looking at the tires will not tell you the pressure, e\
specially if you
have radial tires-which may look properly inflated even
if they’re
underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure to put them back on. The\
y help
prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Special Tire Inflation
If you have 16 inch tires on your vehicle, and:
- You’ll be driving for very long at speeds of 66 mph (105 km/h) to 75
mph
(120 km/h) where legal, inflate tires 10 psi (70 kPa) more than
the recommended
cold inflation pressure,
- You’ll be driving for very long at speeds of 76 mph (120 kmih) to 85
mph (135 km/h) where legal, cold inflation pressure should be
increased
by 10 psi (70 kPa) and you must also reduce axle load
capacity by
10%. Do not drive over 85 mph (135 kmlh) even if
it’s legal.
- Inflation pressures should never exceed 10 psi (70 kPa) above the
inflation specified for the maximum
load of the tire.
6-50

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materia\
ls available
from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of fin\
ish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the
underbody.
If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system even though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody wi\
th plain
water. Clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect.\
Dirt packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your
dealer or an underbody washing system can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout.
Airborne pollutants fall upon and attack painted surfaces on yo\
ur vehicle. This
damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations\
, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint
job causes this, General Motors will repair, at
no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by \
this fallout
condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever comes first.
6-63