steering wheel CHEVROLET BLAZER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This information replaces the “Recreational Vehicle
Towing”
portion located in Section 4 in your
owner’s manual.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
(Four-wheel Drive with the Manual
Transfer Case
Only)
1. Set the parking brake fiily.
2. Place an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a
manual transmission
in FIRST (1).
3. Firmly attach the vehicle being towed to the tow
vehicle.
Do not tow the vehicle by the rear bumper
bar. Refer to the hitch manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Place the manual shift transfer case shift lever in
NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting the transfer case into NEUTRAL (N) can
cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission
is in PARK (P), for an automatic transmission,
or if your vehicle is in gear, for a manual
transmission. You
or others could be injured.
Make
sure the parking brake is firmly set before
you
shift the transfer case into NEUTRAL (N).
5. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the tow vehicle.
6. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and
turn it one notch forward of the LOCK position. This
places the key in the
OFF position, which unlocks
the steering column while preventing battery drain.
Unlocking the steering column will allow
for proper
movement of the front wheelskires during towing.
2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How the Air Bag System Works
I
Where is the air bag?
The driver's air
bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
A CAUTION:
Don't put anything on, or attach anything to, the
steering wheel. Also, don't put anything (such as
pets or objects) between the driver and the
steering wheel. If something is between an
occupant and an air bag, it could affect the
performance of the air bag
-- or worse, it could
cause injury.
1-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When should an air bag inflate?
The air bag is designed to inflate in moaerate to severe
frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate
only if
the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is
about
14 to 18 mph (23 to 29 km/h). The threshold level
can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that
it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your
vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such
as
a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The .
air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side
impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant.
In any particular crash,
no one can say whether an air
bag should have inflated simply because
of the damage
to
a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and
the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage
is only one
indication
of this.
The air bag system is designed to work properly under a
wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Observe safe driving speeds, especially
on rough terrain.
As always, wear your safety belt. See “Off-Road
Driving” in the Index for more tips
on off-road driving.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity,
the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is
suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing
system triggers
a chemical reaction of the sodium azide
sealed in
the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen
gas, which inflates
the air bag. The inflator, air bag and
related hardware are all part of the air bag module
packed inside the steering wheel.
How does an air bag restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel.
The air bag supplements the protection provided by
safety belts. Air bags distribute the force
of the impact
more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not
help you
in many types of collisions, including
rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily
because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air
bag.
Air bags should never be regarded as anything more
than a supplement
to safety belts, and then only in
moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.
1-21

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs
so quickly that some people may not even realize the air
bag inflated. Some components
of the air bag module in
the steering wheel hub will be hot for a short time. The
part
of the bag that comes into contact with you may be
warm, but it will never be
too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bag. Air bag inflation will
not prevent the driver
from seeing or from being able
to steer the vehicle, nor
will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
A CAUTION:
I
When an air bag inflates, 1 !re is du in 1 ! air.
This dust could cause breathing problems for
people with a history
of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out
as soon as it is safe to do so.
If you have breathing problems but can’t get out
of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get
fresh air by obening a window or door.
0
e
e
The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it
inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag
system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system
won’t be there
to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include the air bag module and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module,
which records information about the air bag system.
The module records information about the readiness
of the system, when the sensors are activated and
driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.
Let only qualified technicians work
on your air
bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer
for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag,
it may not work properly.
You may have to
replace the air bag module.
Do not open or break
the air bag cover.
-
1-22

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Theft Parking at Night
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put
on it can make
it impossible
to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
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 tone 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. If you have an automatic transmission, taking
your key
out also locks your transmission. And
remember to lock the doors. 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.
0 Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
2-10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ’ , ‘J’ =
New Vehicle “Break-In”
i
NOTICE:
Your modern vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break-in.” But
it will perform better in the long
run
if you follow these.guidelines:
e
e
e
e
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first
500 miles (804 km).
Don’t drive at any one speed
-- fast or
slow -- for the first 500 miles (804 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
Avoid making hard stops for the
first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time’
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
, .
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow
a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.
Ignition Positions
USE the key to turn the ignition switch to five
different positions.
C
I
ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things
like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine
is off. Push in the key and-turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was
before you inserted the key.
2-11

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I.
u.
.NOTICE.:
I
Don’t operate accessories in the ACCESSORY
positio; 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).
I
RUN (D): This is the position for driving.
START (E):. This starts your engine.
I .. , . . ..
A CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability
to steer the vehicle. This could
cause
a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to
OFF. Don’t press the key, release button while
the vehicle
is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure it is all the way in:If itis, 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission may have a shift lever
located
on the console between the seats or on the
steering column.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
If your vehicle is equipped with a column shift lever,
it
features an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument cluster. This display must be powered
anytime
the shift lever is capable of being moved out
of the PARK (P) position. This means that if your key is
in the
OFF position, but not locked, there will be a small
current drain
on your battery which could discharge
your battery over
a period of time. If you need to leave
your key
in the ignition in the OFF position for an
extended period, it is recommended that you disconnect
the battery cable from the battery
to prevent discharging
your battery.
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.
D
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).
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will
be free to roll
-- even if your shift lever is in
PARK (P) -- if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL (N). So, be sure the transfer case is
in
a drive gear, two-wheel high (2HI) or four-wheel
high (4HI) or four-wheel low
(4LO) -- not
in
NEUTRAL (N). See “Shifting Into PARK (P)”
in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a
’Ikailer” in the Index.
2-16

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Swing-Out Wind'ows (2-Door Only) Tilt Wheel (Option)
If you have the tilt steering
wheel, you should adjust
the steering wheel before
'you drive.
,
When you close the window, be sure the latch catches. You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs
Horn
- more room,when you enter and exit the vehicle.
To sound the horn, press the horn symbols on the lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a
steering wheel pads. copfortable level, then release.the lever
to lock the
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
2-35

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need
to get your foot up
to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If
you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though
you have
anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the brakes
vibrate, or
you may notice some noise, but this is normal.
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, your anti-lock brakes
work at all times
-- whether you are in two-wheel drive
or four-wheel
drive.
Braking in Emergencies
Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to.
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen
on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each
of us is subject to
the same laws
of physics when driving on curves. The
traction
of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible
for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels.
If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going
in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, yodll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition
of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve
is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in
a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
4-8