brake light CHEVROLET CLASSIC 2004 User Guide

Braking
Braking action involvesperception timeand
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That isperception time.Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That isreaction time.
Averagereaction timeis about 3/4 of a second. But that is
only an average. It might be less with one driver and as
long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age,
physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But
even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph
(100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of
distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space
between your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement
or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts−heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between
hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you
do a lot of heavy braking.If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes. ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has anti-lock
brakes, this warning light
on the instrument panel will
come on briefly when
you start your vehicle.
4-6

Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation
that requires hard braking.
If you have anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the
same time. However, if you do not have anti-lock, your
first reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and hold
it down — may be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels
can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can not
respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it
in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels
stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very
thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.If you do not have anti-lock, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this by
pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing
pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If youdohave
anti-lock, it is different. See “Anti-Lock Brake System”
in this section.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
4-8

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you can not, try to slow down before you
hit them.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
4-16

When your brake fluid falls
to a low level, your brake
warning light will come
on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on
page 3-27.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-22.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. SeeAppearance
Care on page 5-80.
5-35

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal firmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Your rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the
rear brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brake pads replaced, have the
rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-21.
5-36

Relays Usage
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Headlamp System
20 Automatic Headlamp System
21 Horn
22 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Fuses Usage
23–32 Spare Fuse Holder
33 Rear Defogger
34Accessory Power Outlets, Cigar
Lighter
35 Not Used
36 Not Used
37Air Conditioning Compressor, Body
Function Control Module
38 Automatic Transaxle
39Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
Ignition
40 Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Fuses Usage
41 Ignition System
42Back-Up Lamps, Shift Lock Control
System
43 Horn
44 PCM
45 Parking Lamps
46 Climate Control System
47Canister Purge Valve, PCM,
Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Heated
Oxygen Sensor
48 Fuel Pump Injectors
49 Not Used
50 Right Headlamp
51 Left Headlamp
52 Cooling Fan
53 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
54 Not Used
55 Not Used
56 Fuse Puller
57 Not Used
5-94

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-33
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-89
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-40, 3-45
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS).............................................1-56
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
AM ...............................................................3-54
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-56
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...............3-28
Appearance Care............................................5-80
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-83
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-86
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-80
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-83
Finish Damage............................................5-85
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-86
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-86
Weatherstrips..............................................5-83
Ashtrays........................................................3-17Audio System(s).............................................3-36
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-55
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-56
Care of Your CDs........................................3-56
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-56
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-56
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-43
Radio with CD............................................3-38
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-37
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-37
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-54
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-54
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-13
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-20
Automatic Transaxle Inspection.........................6-17
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System
Check........................................................6-18
B
Backing Up....................................................4-42
Battery..........................................................5-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-20
1

Body Lubrication Service..................................6-17
Brake
Parking......................................................2-23
System Inspection.......................................6-21
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brake Adjustment............................................5-37
Brake Fluid....................................................5-34
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-37
Brake Wear...................................................5-36
Brakes..........................................................5-34
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-45
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-47
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Headlamps.................................................5-45
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-48
Buying New Tires...........................................5-62
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Capacities and Specifications............................5-95
Carbon Monoxide...................4-23, 4-38, 2-11, 2-27Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-83
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-55
Your CD Player...........................................3-56
Your CDs ...................................................3-56
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-50
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-16
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-51
CD Messages........................................3-42, 3-53
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-31
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-47
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-27
Chains, Tires..................................................5-66
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check Engine Light.........................................3-30
Checking Coolant............................................5-21
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-62
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-86
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-45
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-50
2

Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-21
Engine Cooling System................................6-21
Exhaust System..........................................6-20
Fuel System...............................................6-20
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-20
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-20
Throttle System...........................................6-21
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Passenger’s Side).......................................5-92
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Driver’s Side).............................................5-91
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-39
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-17
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-13
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-28
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-14, 1-24
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-48
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-11
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-25
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Charging System.........................................3-27
Door Ajar...................................................3-34
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-29
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-34
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-30
Oil Pressure...............................................3-33
Passlock
®Warning.......................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-25
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-35
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-32
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
7

Locks
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-11
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Long Trip/Highway Definition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-29
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-34
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-96
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-16
At Least Once a Month................................6-16
At Least Once a Year..................................6-17
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-17
Brake System Inspection..............................6-21
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-21
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-20
Fuel System Inspection................................6-20Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.......6-12
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-16
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-20
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-22
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-23
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-20
Throttle System Inspection............................6-21
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-44
Making Turns.................................................4-42
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands) – Customer
Assistance................................................... 7-5
8