brake CHEVROLET C3500 HD 2002 4.G Owner's Guide

4-25
What's the worst time for this? ªWet ice.º Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the
least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it's about
freezing (32F; 0C) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition
-- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.Accelerate gently. Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and
polish the surface under the tires even more.
Your anti
-lock brakes improve your vehicle's stability
when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even
though you have an anti
-lock braking system, you'll
want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry
pavement. See ªAnti
-Lockº in the Index.

Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be
fine until you hit a spot that's covered with ice.
On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear
in shaded areas where the sun can't reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass
may remain icy when the surrounding roads are
clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you,
brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while
you're actually on the ice, and avoid sudden
steering maneuvers.

4-30
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
-- 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.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
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.
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.

4-34 Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes
-- and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system only if:

The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.

The trailer's brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of fluid from your
vehicle's master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking
systems won't work well. You could even lose
your brakes.
If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
the port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid to
the rear brakes. But don't use copper tubing for this.
If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel
brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
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.

4-36 Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can tow in
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
). 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 FIFTH (5) gear. Just drive
in FOURTH (4) gear (or, as you need to, a lower gear).
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal altitudes. If you
turn your engine off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show
signs similar to engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked (preferably on level
ground) with the automatic transmission in PARK (P)
(or the manual transmission out of gear and the
parking brake applied) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If you do get the overheat
warning, see ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Parking on Hills
CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People can
be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer
can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's how
to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet for an automatic transmission,
or into gear for a manual transmission.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission, or REVERSE (R) for a
manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.

4-37 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

start your engine,

shift into a gear, and

release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid
(don't overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system and brake system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help you find them
quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review
these sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Power Winches
If you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle,
only use it when your vehicle is stationary or anchored.
NOTICE:
Using a power winch with the transmission in gear
may damage the transmission. When operating
a power winch, always leave the transmission
in NEUTRAL (N).
Use the regular brakes, set the parking brake, or block
the wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling.

4-38 Power Take-Off (PTO) Engine Speed
Control (If Equipped)
NOTICE:
If you have a PTO that will exceed 35 hp
installed on your vehicle, it could damage the
transmission. When having a PTO installed
on your vehicle, make sure that it will not
exceed 35 hp.
Before using a PTO, refer to the manufacturer's or
installer's instructions.
NOTICE:
Using a PTO while operating in one place
before the vehicle has reached normal operating
temperature can damage the transmission.
If you will be using the PTO while operating in
one place, drive and warm up the vehicle before
using the PTO.
To engage PTO for stationary applications
(manual transmission):
1. Hold the clutch pedal down.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
4. Engage the PTO. Refer to the manufacturer's or
installer's instructions on electrically engaged PTOs.
5. For mobile operations, shift the transmission into the
gear you want, apply the regular brakes and release
the parking brake. For stationary operations, leave
the parking brake applied.
6. Release the clutch and regular brakes as you
normally would. When the clutch is released,
the PTO will start.
7. Turn the PTO rotary switch to ON.

4-39
NOTICE:
Using a PTO for more than four hours without
driving your vehicle can damage the transmission.
If using a PTO for more than four hours without
driving your vehicle, drive your vehicle for a while
to allow the transmission to cool.
Preset Mode: PTO speed control mode is used for
stationary applications. This mode provides a default
standby speed of 850 rpm (800 rpm with automatic
transmission) and two default PTO operation speeds
which follow:
1. PTO Set Speed of 1250 rpm, or
2. PTO Resume Speed of 1700 rpm.
The standby speed (800/850 rpm) is not to be used
as a PTO control speed. Vehicles not equipped with
cruise control will not have the resume speed capability.Using PTO speed control in Preset Mode
(Factory Setting):
1. Engage the PTO.
2. Select PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) range.
Apply the parking brake if NEUTRAL (N)
is selected.
3. Make sure your foot is off the brake pedal
(and off the clutch on vehicles equipped with
a manual transmission). Select the desired
engine speed for PTO operation. Be sure to
read the following Preset Mode information
regarding operation.
To engage PTO for mobile applications
(manual transmission):
If you are going to drive the vehicle, shift the
transmission into the gear you want, apply the
regular brakes and release the parking brake.
Release the clutch (and the regular brakes) as you
normally would. When you release the clutch,
the PTO will start.

4-40
To engage a PTO while the vehicle is moving:
1. Hold the clutch pedal down.
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Engage the PTO.
4. Shift the transmission into the gear you want.
5. Release the clutch as you normally would.
When you release the clutch, the PTO will start.
Variable Mode: PTO speed control mode can be used
for both stationary and mobile applications. This mode
allows PTO to be controlled in a fashion similar to how
cruise control sets vehicle speed. The operator can set an
rpm (between 800 and 2200) with the cruise control
feature or with the SET position on the PTO switch.
The operator is then able to increase rpm in increments
of 100, or ªtap,º with the resume position on the
cruise control. Or, the operator can decrease rpm in
increments of 100 with either of the SET switches on
the PTO or the cruise control. Vehicles not equipped
with cruise control will not be able to increase in
100 rpm increments.Using PTO speed control in Variable Mode:
1. Engage the PTO.
2. Make sure your foot is off the brake pedal
(and off the clutch for vehicles equipped with
a manual transmission).
3. Select the desired engine speed (with the foot pedal)
and select SET on the PTO switch or with the
cruise control.
Engine speed will be governed to the PTO maximum
engine speed (2,200 rpm) while in either the preset or
variable PTO modes. All engine speed values listed
above are factory preset values. With the exception of
the ªtapº increment (100 rpm), all of these values are
programmable and can be adjusted by your GM dealer
or body upfitter. If the PTO software settings do not
match the settings shown here, then they may have
already been altered in order to satisfy the requirements
of the installed PTO system and body equipment.

5-4
If your vehicle has more than one battery, use the
battery that's closer to the starter
-- this will reduce
electrical resistance.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
3. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlets. Turn off the radio
and all lamps that aren't needed. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries. And it could
save your radio!
5. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (
-) terminal locations
on each vehicle. On vehicles equipped with dual
batteries, make any battery connections to the
primary battery located on the passenger's side of the
vehicle. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for more information on location.
CAUTION:
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary
electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.

5-21
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages. So you may
hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should
not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning
properly. The fan will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº 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 flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
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 flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and turn on your
hazard warning flashers. The next part tells you what
to do.