fuel cap CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1995 Owners Manual

It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gage indicated.
For example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half
full, but it
actually took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the
tank.
The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or speed up.
0 The gage doesn’t go back to empty when you turn off the ignition.
None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gage.
For information on how to fill your fuel tank, see “Fuel
- Filling Your
Tank”
in the Index.
For your
fuel tank capacity, see “Fuel -Tank Capacity” in the Index.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. Most of the time, the gage
pointer will show your coolant temperature at 210°F (99”C), or less. But,
if
you are pulling a heavy load or driving up hills, your coolant temperature
may rise and fall near
the red 260°F (1 28°C) mark. This is normal. If the
gage pointer moves
to the red 260°F (1 28°C) mark, your engine is too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated. You should pull off the
road, stop
your vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Hot Coolant Can Burn You Badly!
In “Problems on the Road,” this manual shows what to do. See “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
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Loading Your Vehicle
I
PSI/KPA (COLD)
~ SEE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The CertificatiodTire label is found on the rear edge of the driver's door.
The label shows the size
of your original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
The Certificatiodl'ire label
also tells you the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find
out
the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both sides
of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR
for your vehicle, or the GAWR for either the front
or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out.
.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.
If your vehicle is equipped for front-end equipment (a snow plow, for
example), the front suspension may have been adjusted (raised) to level the
vehicle when the equipment was installed. If the front suspension was
adjusted, you must re-adjust the front suspension after the equipment is
removed to avoid possible front suspension damage. Adjust the front
suspension
to original design specifications for your particular model.
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h
9. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows
on the pressure
cap line up like
this.
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 every day
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 partially 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 “blow out” 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 “blowout,” 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, 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, the next part shows how to use your jacking equipment to
change a flat tire safely.
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Hesitation or “flat” performance at high speed or during hard acceleration
may be an indication of premature fuel filter plugging due
to dirty or
contaminated fuel. The filter element may need to be changed
if this
happens. See your dealer for assistance.
To drain water:
I. Stop and park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off the engine and apply
the parking brake.
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
3. Place a fuel-resistant container under the filter drain hose.
4. With the engine
off? open the
water drain valve
2 to 3 turns.
When standing
in
front of the
vehicle, the valve is located
on the
right side of the
thermostat housing.
5. Start the engine and allow it to idle until clear fuel is observed.
6. Stop the engine and close the water drain valve.
7. Remove the fuel-resistant container and properly dispose of the
contaminated fuel.
To find out how to properly dispose of contaminated
diesel fuel see “What to Do
with Used Oil” in the “Engine Oil (Diesel
Engines)” part, later
in this section.
8. Install the fuel tank cap.
If the WATER IN FUEL light comes on again after driving a short distance
or the engine runs rough or stalls-a large amount of water has probably
been pumped
into the fuel tank. The fuel tank should be purged.
6% CAUTION:
Diesel he1 containing water is still flammable. You could be
burned. If you ever try to drain water from
your fuel, keep
sparks, flames and smoking materials away
from the mixture.
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3. Close the air bleed valve.
4. Turn the ignition key to START for 10 to 15 seconds at a time until
your engine starts.
Fuel Filter Replacement (Diesel Engines)
If you want to change the fuel filter yourself, here's how to do it:
First, drain any water from the filter following the procedure for draining
water listed previously.
Your vehicle's engine should be off until the end of the following procedure.
r.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Take off the fuel tank cap. This releases vacuum in the tank.
3. Unscrew and
remove the ring
nut from the top
of the filter head.
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4. Lift the element
out
of the filter
head.
5. If there is any dirt
on the element
sealing surface
of
the filter head,
clean
it off.
6. Line up the
widest slot
in the
top
of the new
element with the
widest key on
then top of the
filter head. Push
the element
in
until the mating
surfaces touch.
7. Replace and tighten the ring nut to the top of'the filter head
8. With the air bleed valve open, turn your ignition key to START for 10
to 15 seconds, Wait one minute for your starter to cool. Do this until
you can see clear fuel coming from the air bleed valve.
9. Close the air bleed valve and replace the fuel cap.
10. Start your engine and let it idle for five minutes. Check your fuel filter
and air bleed valve for leaks.
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Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline
Engines)
If you plan on driving in another country outside the U.S. or Canada,
unleaded
fuel may be hard to find. Do not use leaded gasoline. If you use
even one tankful, your emission controls won’t work well or at all. With
continuous use, spark plugs can get fouled, the exhaust system can corrode,
and your engine oil can deteriorate quickly. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor
will be damaged. All of that means costly repairs that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business
in the country where you’ll be driving.
You can
also write us at the following address for advice. Just tell us where
you’re going and give your Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN).
General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation,
North American Export Sales
(NAES)
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario
LIH 8P7
Filling Your Tank
The fuel cap is behind
a hinged door on the
left side of your
vehicle.
A CAUTION:
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that
can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasol\
ine
or refueling your vehicle.
Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from gasoline.
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While refueling, hang the cap inside the fuel
door.
To take off the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as
soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right until
you hear a clicking
noise.
1 NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer
can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit or
have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emissions system
might be damaged.
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Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Pull down
the hood and close it firmly.
Cleaning Your Diesel Engine
NOTICE:
If you spray or pour water or any other liquid on your engine
when it is warm or hot, or when
it is running, you could cause
serious damage
to it. If you ever clean the engine, clean it only
when it
is cold.
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to
get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on
level ground.
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NOTICE:
Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is
all right. It’s not.
If your tires don’t have enough air
(underinflation) you can get:
Too much flexing
0 Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
0 Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation), you can get:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the tire pressure of the
spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. Simply looking
at the tires will not tell you the pressure, especially if you have radial tires
- which may look properly inflated even if they’re underinflated.
If your tires have valve caps, be sure
to put them back on. They help prevent
leaks by keeping
out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be inspected every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10 000 to 13 000 km)
for any signs
of unusual wear. If unusual wear is present, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires
or wheels. See “When it’s Time for New Tires’’ and “Wheel Replacement”
later
in this section for more information.
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