warning CHEVROLET CLASSIC 2004 Owner's Guide

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

Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco®battery. When it is time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
®
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-39for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, seeTheft-Deterrent
Feature (Non-RDS Radios) on page 3-54or
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios) on page 3-54.
5-38

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
5-64

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning flashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t
move, you can put blocks at the front and rear
of the tire farthest away from the one being
changed. That would be the tire on the other
side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
5-68

Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flames if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed
space. When you use anything from a container to clean
your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s
warnings and instructions. And always open your doors
or windows when you are cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
•Gasoline
•Benzene
•Naphtha
•Carbon Tetrachloride
•Acetone
•Paint Thinner
•Turpentine
•Lacquer Thinner
•Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous — some more than
others — and they can all damage your vehicle, too.Do not use any of these unless this manual says you
can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
•Alcohol
•Laundry Soap
•Bleach
•Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and
loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted
surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet
Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric and
carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains very well.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance Materials on
page 5-86.
5-80

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

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-52
Top Strap...................................................1-43
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-45
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-56
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-80
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-86
Weatherstrips..............................................5-83
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-85
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-84
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-80
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-82
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-82
Cleaning Leather............................................5-82
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-82
Cleaning Tires................................................5-85
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-82
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-84
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21Compact Spare Tire........................................5-79
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Low Warning Light.......................................3-29
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-22
Cooling System..............................................5-25
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-31
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks................ 2-9
3

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Garment Hooks..............................................2-31
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-31
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-89
Headlamps......................................3-7, 3-13, 5-45
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-45
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-14
Headlamps On Reminder................................... 3-8Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
Hitches..........................................................4-41
Hood
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-27
How to Check................................................5-60
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-32
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-13
Hydroplaning..................................................4-17
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-24
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-23
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-31
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-31
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-26
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-28
If You Do Decide To Pull a Trailer.....................4-39
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-19
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-35
Inflation - Tire Pressure...................................5-59
6