check CHEVROLET C/K 2003 User Guide

2-26 If Your Diesel Engine Won't Start
If you've run out of fuel, look at ªRunning Out of Fuel.º
See ªDiesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel Systemº in
the Index.
If you're not out of fuel, and your engine won't start,
do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. IMMEDIATELY
after the wait to start light goes off, turn the ignition
key to START.
If the light doesn't go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting your engine again. And, see your dealer as soon
as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know
your batteries are charged, but your engine still won't
start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
your vehicle needs service.If your batteries don't have enough charge to start your
engine, see ªBatteryº in the owner's manual.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that
you've changed the oil at the proper times. If you use
the wrong oil, your engine may be harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing
weather conditions. See ªDiesel Fuel Requirements and
Fuel Systemº in the Index.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops, your
vehicle needs service.
CAUTION:
Do not use gasoline or starting ªaids,º such as
ether, in the air intake. They could damage your
engine. There could also be a fire, which could
cause serious personal injury.

2-27
Engine Checks Before Operating
When you've started your engine, let it run for 20 to
30 seconds before you put a load on the engine. But
don't leave the vehicle while the engine is running.
Avoid unnecessary idling of diesel engine equipped
vehicles.
If the engine idles too long, the temperature of the
engine coolant will fall below the normal operating
range. Low engine operating temperature causes several
conditions which affect engine operation and reduce
engine life.
The engine should be permitted to go through a
warm
-up period. Operate the vehicle at a minimum of
600 rpm during the warm
-up period. During this period
and during operation, the following observations should
be made.
During this warm
-up period, check your warning lights
and gages:

If oil pressure doesn't begin to rise within
15 seconds of starting, stop the engine and
find the cause.
If the engine coolant temperature gage needle goes
into the hot area on the gage, stop the engine and
find the cause of the overheating.

If you have air brakes, the dual
-needle air pressure
gage should read at least 115 psi (790 kPa) for both
service systems before you try to move the vehicle.
When air pressure is below 60 psi (420 kPa), the
LOW AIR light will come on and you will hear a
tone alarm. If the pressure doesn't build up or
drops during warm
-up, stop the engine and find
the cause before you try to move the vehicle.
Recommended air pressure before actually driving
away is 120 psi (830 kPa).

The charging system light should come on when
the ignition key is turned to RUN or START and
should go out when the engine is running above idle.
If the light doesn't go out or comes back on during
normal engine operation, have the charging system
checked right away. (This light tells you if the
generator is not charging; it doesn't reflect the
condition of the battery.)

2-28

The voltmeter charge indicator gage tells you the
condition of your battery's charge. The gage should
be in the center area during engine operation. The
red area on the left indicates an undercharge
condition; the red area on the right indicates an
overcharge. If the gage is in either red area, have the
battery and charging system checked right away.
NOTICE:
For diesel engines, don't allow the engine to
operate at low idle for more than five minutes.
This can cause low engine operating
temperatures which can affect engine operation
and reduce engine life. Engine idle speed should
be increased to 1200 rpm whenever extended idle
is required. Once started, the engine should be
placed under load to allow the engine coolant
temperature to reach 150F (66C) before
shutting off the engine.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped
with this feature, the plug
-in
receptacle is located under
the driver's door.
In very cold weather, 0F (
-18C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

2-41
To set the hand lever parking brake, pull up on the
handle with your right hand, until it stops.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is set, the
brake system warning light will come on.
To release the foot pedal parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down. Pull the brake release handle, located
just above the parking brake pedal, to release the
parking brake.
To release the hand lever parking brake, push down on
the handle until it stops.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle. Always check to be sure
your parking brake is fully released before
you drive.
Propshaft Park Brake Burnish Procedure
It is recommended that the propshaft-mounted parking
brake be burnished as part of the new vehicle break
-in.
The parking brake will work best after it has been
burnished following these instructions:
Make 10 stops, using the parking brake hand lever or
foot pedal, from 20 mph (32 km/h) about 2 1/2 miles
(4 km) apart. Between stops, drive the vehicle at
20 mph (32 km/h).

2-49 Turn and Lane-Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you
to signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is finished, the lever will return
automatically.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster will flash in
the direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release it.As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows don't
flash but just stay on, check the turn signal flasher and
circuit breaker. See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in
the Index.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check the circuit breaker and for
burned
-out bulbs. (See ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº
in the Index.)
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low to high beam or high
to low beam, pull the multifunction lever all the way
toward you, then release it.
When the high beams are
on, this light on the
instrument panel cluster
will also be on.

2-58
The exterior lamp control has four positions:
OFF: Turning the control to this position turns off all
lamps except the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
(Parking Lamps): Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps, together with the
following:

Marker Lamps

Taillamps

License Plate Lamps

Instrument Panel Lights
(Headlamps): Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
You can switch your headlamps from low to high
beam by pulling the turn signal/multifunction lever
toward you. Pull the lever toward you again to return
to low beam.
A circuit breaker protects your headlamps. If you have
an electrical overload, your headlamps will flicker on
and off. Have your headlamp wiring checked right away
if this ever happens.
Headlamps On Reminder (If Equipped)
If you have this system, a tone will sound when your
headlamps and/or parking lamps are turned on and your
ignition is in LOCK or ACCESSORY.
Daytime Running Lamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the
short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully
functional daytime running lamps are required on all
vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will make your headlamps come
on at reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:

The ignition is on,

the exterior lamp control is off, and

the parking brake is released.
When the DRL are on, only your headlamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won't be on.
Your instrument panel won't be lit up either.

2-63 Convex Outside Mirrors
Your vehicle has convex mirrors on the lower quarter of
both the driver's and passenger's side rearview mirrors.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so you can see more
from the driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right or left lane,
you could hit a vehicle. Check your regular
outside mirrors (or your inside mirror, if you
have one) before changing lanes.
Storage Compartments
Your vehicle includes a number of storage
compartments for storage of often
-used items.
Some vehicles have storage areas in the instrument
panel. Use these spaces for items such as gloves or
small books. Another small storage area may be
located overhead. This area can be used to store
your sunglasses.
Some vehicles have a storage area behind the rear seat.
Other models may have more storage areas underneath
the front passenger's bench seat.
All models have storage pockets and cupholders on each
of the doors. Some models may have additional
cupholders in the center floor console.
All models also have storage compartments located
beneath the floorboard on both sides of the vehicle.

2-66
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information on
accessory power outlets.
NOTICE:
Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle
can damage it or keep other things from working
as they should. This wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Check with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment, and never use anything that
exceeds the amperage rating.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the equipment.
NOTICE:
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs
only. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of
the power outlet can cause damage not covered
by your warranty.
Trailer Connections (C4/C5 Models
Only) (If Equipped)
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Package
Your vehicle may be equipped with an eight-wire trailer
towing harness. This harness, with a seven
-pin universal
heavy
-duty trailer connector, is attached to a bracket on
the platform hitch.
The Center High
-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) wire is
tied next to the trailer wiring harness for use with a trailer.

2-67
The eight-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:

Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal

Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal

Brown: Taillamps

White: Ground

Light Green: Back
-up Lamps

Light Blue: CHMSL

Red: Battery Feed

Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
Trailer Connections (C6/C7/C8
Models Only) (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has these trailer connections, they are
located at the rear of the cab for a tractor and at the rear
of the chassis when towing a trailer. There will be an air
connection and an electrical connection.
Be sure that the couplings to the trailer are
made correctly.
Air Connections
If you are not connecting the trailer air line connections
to another piece of equipment, be sure to replace their
protective caps.
Electrical Connections
This system is a seven-wire cable that will connect to
the trailer, supplying power to the trailer's lighting
system. When not in use, it is stored in the trailer
air
-hose storage bracket.
NOTICE:
Starting in 1998, the center pin (also known as
the auxiliary circuit) of the seven
-pin trailer
electrical connector will be wired to provide
continuous power for the trailer anti
-lock brake
systems when the ignition key is in the on
position. Care should be taken to insure that
continuous power on this circuit will not cause
damage to the trailer electrical system.
Consult with the trailer manufacturer for the
proper operation and checking procedures for
the trailer anti
-lock brake systems.

2-74
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a light will
come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds.
Safety Belt Reminder Tone (Option)
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a tone will
sound for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts.