steering wheel CHEVROLET BLAZER 1997 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How the Air Bag System Works
Where is the air bag?
The driver's air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
A CAUTION:
If something is between the driver and the air
bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person. The path
of' an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don't
put anything between an occupant and the air
bag, and don't attach
or put anything on or near
the steering wheel
hub.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When should an air bag inflate?
An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near-frontal crash. 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 kmh). 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
how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and
near-frontal impacts.
What makes an air bag inflate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is
in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag module 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.
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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What will you see after an air bag inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, 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 parts
of the bag that come into contact with you may be
warm, but not too
hot to touch. There will be some
smoke and dust coming from vents
in the deflated air
bag. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from
seeing or from being able to steer
the vehicle. nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.
A CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the 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 opening a window or door.
0
0
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
it 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,
the bag may not work properly. You may have to
replace the air bag module.
Do not open or break
the
air bag cover.
1-24

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’II 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.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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:
0 Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the
first 500 miles (805 km).
0 Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don’t make full-throttle starts.
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.
See “Towing
a Trailer’’ in the Index for
more information.
0 Avoid making hard stops for the first
0 Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the ignition switch to five different
positions.
A
C
E
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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 starts your engine.
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^^' Y!’> .‘sa !-
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.
2-14

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 coiunm 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.
A 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
vehicie 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 (Nj. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in
the Index.
If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing
a Trailer” in the Index.
2-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Lockout Switch
Four-door vehicles have a lockout feature to prevent
passengers from operating power windows.
It is located
on
the driver's door. Press LOCK to activate this feature.
Press NORM and the windows return to normal operation.
Swing-Out Windows (2-Door Only)
If your vehicle has rear
swing-out windows, unlatch
them at their
clasps and
push out
on the glass to
open them.
When you close
the window, be sure the latch catches.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the horn symbols on the
steering wheel pad.
2-37

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
I
If you have the tilt steering
wheel.
you should adjust
the steering wheel before
you drive.
You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs
more room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever toward
you. Move the steering wheel to a
comfortable level. then release the lever to lock the
wheel
in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
The level- on the left side of the steering column
includes
your:
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator
0 Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
2-38

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also
included many other useful tips on driving.
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Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of
a Vehicle
Braking
Steering
Off-Road Recovery
Passing
Loss
of Control
Driving Guidelines
Driving at Night
Driving
in Rain and on Wet Roads
City Driving
Freeway Driving Before
Leaving
on a Long Trip
Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Winter Driving
Recreational Vehicle Towing
(Four-wheel Drive with the
Manual Shift Transfer Case Only)
Recreational Vehicle Towing (Except
Four-wheel Drive with
the Manual Shift
Transfer Case)
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer
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