suspension CHEVROLET BLAZER 2003 2.G Owners Manual

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the
underbody, chassis or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a ®re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired Ð by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
4-28

{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. 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.
Notice:Your warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because of overloading.
If you put things inside your vehicle±like suitcases, tools,
packages, or anything else±they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or
if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
·Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
·Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
·Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
·When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
·Don't leave a seat folded down unless you
need to.
There's also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See
ªLoading Your Vehicle
for Off-Road DrivingºunderOff-Road Driving with Your
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle on page 4-15.
4-53

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Don't use tire chains. There's not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash. Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on your vehicle and tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels. If you do ®nd traction
devices that will ®t, install them on the
rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblowoutº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the ¯at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel ®rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes ¯at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a ¯at tire safely.
5-62

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-18
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-26
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-26
At Least Once a Month.................................6-26
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-27At Least Once a Year...................................6-28
Part C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections.........6-31
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-31
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-31
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-31
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-31
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-32
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel
Drive) Inspection.......................................6-32
Brake System Inspection................................6-32
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-33
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-35
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Footnotes
²The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines,
universal joints and brake pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-32.
**
Drive axle service. See Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-33for proper lubricant
to use:
·Check ¯uid level and add ¯uid as needed. If driving
in dusty areas or when towing a trailer, drain ¯uid
and re®ll every 15,000 miles (25 000 km).
·If your vehicle has a locking differential, drain ¯uid
and re®ll at ®rst engine oil change.
·More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty or off-road use.
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
(See footnote **.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
qChange engine oil and ®lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).An Emission Control Service.
qLubricate chassis components (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs ®rst).(See footnote #.)
qCheck rear/front axle ¯uid level and add ¯uid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
(See footnote **.)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-56for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-7

150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
qDrain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs ®rst).
See
Engine Coolant on page 5-22for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and
pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
qInspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
See
Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-26andPart C: Periodic MaintenanceInspections on
page 6-31.
Footnotes
²The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering
linkage, parking brake cable guides, propshaft splines,
universal joints and brake pedal springs.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-32.
**
Drive axle service. See Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-33for proper lubricant to use.
·Check ¯uid level and add ¯uid as needed.
·If your vehicle has a locking differential, drain ¯uid
and re®ll at ®rst engine oil change.
6-18

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).
You should let your dealer's
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, cha®ng, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-39.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-31

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and speci®cations for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-11

Inspection......................................................6-32
Brake System.............................................6-32
Engine Cooling System................................6-31
Exhaust System..........................................6-31
Fuel System...............................................6-31
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-31
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-31
Throttle System...........................................6-32
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(Four-Wheel Drive)...................................6-32
Installing a Garage Door Opener.......................2-49
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-86
Instrument Panel.............................................3-22
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrumental Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-28
Key Release Button........................................2-20
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-12
Lamps...........................................................3-11
Exterior......................................................3-11
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lap Belt................................................1-22, 1-27
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-15
LATCH System...............................................1-44
Child Restraints...........................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-46
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-37
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Light.............................................................3-25
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-29
Brake System Warning.................................3-28
Charging System.........................................3-26
Check Gages Warning.................................3-35
8

Light (cont.)
Gate Ajar...................................................3-35
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-36
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-30
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-25
Security.....................................................3-34
Service Four-Wheel-Drive Warning Light.........3-34
Tow/Haul Mode...........................................3-35
Up-Shift.....................................................3-27
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-16
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-52
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-10
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks............................................................. 2-7
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Long Trip/Highway De®nition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-18
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-36
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-56
Lumbar........................................................... 1-4
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
Power Controls............................................. 1-4M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-92
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-26
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-26
At Least Once a Month................................6-26
At Least Once a Year..................................6-28
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-27
Brake System Inspection..............................6-32
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-31
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-31
Fuel System Inspection................................6-31
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-18
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-26
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-31
Part D - Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants.........................................6-33
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-35
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-31
Throttle System Inspection............................6-32
Transfer Case and Front Axle (Four-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-32
9