weight CHEVROLET BLAZER 2003 2.G User Guide

Payload
This is the maximum load capacity that your vehicle can
carry. Be sure to include the weight of the occupants
as part of your load. If you added any accessories
or equipment after your vehicle left the factory,
remember to subtract the weight of these things from
the payload. Your dealer can help you with this.
Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable items, you may need to put
a limit on how many people you carry inside your
vehicle. Be sure to weigh your vehicle before you buy
and install the new equipment.
Notice:Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well Ð or
even at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps in this section. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage
your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance
is required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your
vehicle, you should read the information in ªWeight of
the Trailerº that appears later in this section.
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If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of
these are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
If You Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
·There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you'll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
·Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh 3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg) or less. You should
always use a sway control if your trailer will weigh
more than 3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg). You can ask a
hitch dealer about sway controls.
·Don't tow a trailer at all during the ®rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
·Then, during the ®rst 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
·If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow
in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). If
you have a manual transmission and you are
towing a trailer, it's better not to use the highest
gear. See
Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-35.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
·the weight of the trailer,
·the weight of the trailer tongue
·and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
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Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may be equipped with a tow/haul feature.
The tow/haul mode is a feature that assists when
pulling a heavy trailer. The purpose of the tow/haul
mode is:
·Reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a
heavy trailer,
·provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy
trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded, and
·reduce the need to change throttle position when
pulling a heavy trailer.
This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on
the ¯oor console or the shift knob. When the feature
is on, a light located on the instrument panel cluster will
illuminate to indicate that the tow/haul mode has
been selected.
See
Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-35. The tow/haul
mode is automatically turned off each time the vehicle is
started.
The tow/haul mode is most effective when the vehicle
and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the Gross
Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).The tow/haul mode for hauling a heavy trailer is most
useful under the following conditions:
·When driving through hilly terrain at speeds below
55 mph (88 km/h),
·when driving in low speed or stop and go traffic
below 55 mph (88 km/h), and
·when driving in parking lots.
Operating in the tow/haul mode when not pulling a
heavy trailer will not cause damage to the vehicle, but
you may experience reduced fuel economy and
undesirable performance from the engine and
transmission. The tow/haul mode should be used only
when pulling a heavy trailer.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.
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The following chart shows how much your trailer can weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Max. Trailer Wt. *GCWR
Two-Wheel Drive, Two Door Auto. Trans. 3.42 5,700 lbs. (2 587 kg) 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
Two-Wheel Drive, Two Door Xtreme Blazer
Auto Trans.3.42 2,000 lbs. (90 kg) 6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
Two-Wheel Drive, Two Door Manual Trans. 3.42 4,200 lbs. (1 906 kg) 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
Two-Wheel Drive, Two-Door Xtreme Blazer
Manual Trans.3.42 2,000 lbs. (908 kg 6,500 lbs. (2 951 kg)
Two-Wheel Drive, Four Door Auto. Trans 3.42 5,500 lbs. (2 497 kg 9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
Four-Wheel Drive, Two Door Auto. Trans.3.42
3.735,400 lbs. (2 451 kg)
5,400 lbs. (2 451 kg)9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
Four-Wheel Drive, Two Door Manual Trans. 3.42 3,900 lbs. (1, 770 kg) 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
ZR2, Auto Trans. 3.73 4,700 lbs. (2 132 kg) 9,000 lbs. (4 086 kg)
ZR2, Manual Trans. 3.73 4,200 lbs. (1 905 kg) 8,000 lbs. (3 632 kg)
Four-Wheel Drive, Four Door Auto. Trans.3.42
3.735,000 lbs. (2 768 kg)
5,000 lbs. (2 768 kg)9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
9,500 lbs. (4 313 kg)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight
of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the
maximum trailer weight. The weight of the trailer tongue
also affects the maximum trailer weight. See ª Weight
of the Trailer Tongue º later in this section.* The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment
and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle should
not be exceeded.
4-57

You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at the address listed in
your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information
Booklet.
In Canada, write to:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. And if you will tow a trailer, you must add
the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-52for more information about your vehicle's
maximum load capacity.If you're using a weight-carrying or a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for your vehicle.
After you've loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights
are proper. If they aren't, you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items around in the
trailer.
4-58

Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are in¯ated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You'll ®nd these numbers on the
Certi®cation label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52. Then be
sure you don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
·If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 3,500 lbs. (1 589 kg), be sure to
use a properly mounted, weight-distributing
hitch and sway control of the proper size. This
equipment is very important for proper vehicle
loading and good handling when you're driving.
·Will you have to make any holes in the body of
your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them,
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust
can get into your vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-39andªDriving with a Trailerºlater in this
section. Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your rig. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
4-59

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-61

Stalling on an Incline.......................................4-25
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-28
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-21
Starting Your V6 Engine..................................2-21
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-11
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-31
Steering Tips..................................................4-11
Steering........................................................4-10
Storage Areas................................................2-57
Convenience Net.........................................2-57
Front Storage Area......................................2-55
Glove Box..................................................2-48
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-56
Overhead Console.......................................2-48
Rear Convenience System............................2-59
Storage.........................................................2-56
Garment Hooks...........................................2-56
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...............5-72
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-42
Sun Visors.....................................................2-16
Sunglasses Storage Compartment.....................2-52
Swing-Out Windows........................................2-13
T
Tachometer....................................................3-24
Tailgate Release.............................................2-14
Tailgate-Mounted Spare...................................2-16Taillamps.......................................................5-51
Temperature and Compass Display....................2-51
Testing the Alarm............................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-17
Passlock
ž...................................................2-18
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-32
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-4
Time Delay....................................................2-41
Tire In¯ation Check.........................................6-26
Tires.............................................................5-54
Buying New Tires........................................5-58
Chains.......................................................5-62
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-63
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-75
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-62
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-55
Inspection and Rotation................................5-56
Spare Tire..................................................5-76
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-59
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-60
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-57
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-43
Top Strap......................................................1-42
Torque Lock...................................................2-37
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires..................4-59
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-35
14

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-21
Warnings......................................................... 3-3
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-3
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-79
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-27
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-58
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-56
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-13
What to Add..................................................5-38
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-15
What to Use..................5-23, 5-35, 5-36, 5-45, 5-47
Wheels and Tires............................................5-91
Wheels..........................................................5-60
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-60
Replacement...............................................5-60
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-12
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-14
When to Check and Change Lubricant.......5-45, 5-46
When to Check and Change............................5-17
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-21
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-35
When to Check......................................5-20, 5-56
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter..............................................5-16When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-64
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-41
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-10
Window Lockout.............................................2-12
Windows.......................................................2-11
Power........................................................2-12
Rear Window..............................................2-13
Swing-Out Windows.....................................2-13
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-26
Windshield Washer.........................................5-36
Fluid..........................................................5-36
Windshield Wiper............................................5-52
Blade Replacement......................................5-52
Fuses........................................................5-85
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-6
Winter Driving................................................4-38
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-27
Y
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle............. 4-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
16