ECU CHEVROLET TAHOE 2003 2.G Workshop Manual

And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Your warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of overloading.
The label will help you decide how much cargo and
installed equipment your truck can carry.
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 you put things inside your vehicle ± like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else ± they go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they'll keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
·Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
·Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
·Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in
your vehicle.
·When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
There's also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See²Loading Your Vehicle
for Off-Road Driving²in the Index.
4-63

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.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel steering and
if you use it while backing your trailer the same rules
apply. However, with four-wheel steering your rig
will respond more quickly and it may take additional
practice to get used to backing up with four-wheel
steering.
4-74

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (12 500 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires
as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-70andWheel Replacement
on page 5-74for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves,
use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-77.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The ®rst rotation
is the most important. See ªPart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services,º in Section 6, for scheduled
rotation intervals.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
5-69

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P265/75R16, LT265/75R16,
P265/70R16 or P265/70R17 size tires, don't use
tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there's not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause
you to lose control of your vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do ®nd traction devices that will ®t,
install them on the rear tires.
Notice:If you have a tire size other than
P265/75R16, LT265/75R16, P265/70R16 or
P265/70R17 use tire chains only where legal and
only when you must. Use chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the rear tires
only.
Don't use chains on the front tires.
Tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblowoutº 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 ¯at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel ®rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
5-76

4. Insert the hoist end (F)
through the hole (G) in
the rear bumper and
into the hoist shaft.
5. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure the
retainer is seated in the wheel opening.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise
until you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice. You
cannot overtighten the cable.A. Push and Pull
B. Rotate Tire
7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If the tire
moves, use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
Reinstall the spare tire lock (if equipped).
5-92

To store the tools, follow these procedures:
For Tahoe/Yukon, do the following:
1. Put the tool kit, with the jack tools and gloves, in
the tool bag and place in the retaining clip above
the jack.
2. Tighten down with the wing nut.
3. Then, assemble wheel chocks and bottle jack
together with the wing nut and retaining hook.
4. Position behind the jack storage cover in the left
rear side panel and tighten, adjusting clockwise
until the jack is secured tight in the mounting
bracket. Be sure to position the holes in the base of
the jack onto the pin in the mounting bracket.For Suburban/Yukon XLdo the following:
1. Return the tool kit (jack tools and gloves) to the
tool bag.
2. Assemble wheel chocks and bottle jack together
with the wing nut and retaining hook.
3. Position under the jack storage tray in the left rear
side panel below the wheelbase and tighten,
adjusting clockwise until the jack is secured tight in
the mounting bracket. Be sure to position the
holes in the base of the jack onto the pin in the
mounting bracket.
4. Use the retaining clip to fasten the tool kit on the
stud in the storage compartment in the rear left
trim panel and turn the wing nut clockwise to
secure.
5. Return the storage tray.
5-93

4. Repeat this procedure at least two times. If the
spare tire lowers to the ground, continue with
Step 5 of ªRemoving the Spare Tire and Toolsº
earlier in this section.
5. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until
approximately six inches (15 cm) of cable is
exposed.
6. Stand the wheel blocks
on their shortest ends,
with the backs
facing each other.
7. Place the bottom edge of the jack on the wheel
blocks, separating them so that the jack is
balanced securely.
5-96

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-102.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to
the correct tire in¯ation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/ratchet to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat
Tire on page 5-77.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-18.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-26. A ¯uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
6-12

Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-105
Child Restraints..............................................1-53
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-53
Infants and Young Children...........................1-49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-62
Older Children.............................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-64
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-66
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-64
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center
Front Seat Position...................................1-68
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-69
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-59
Top Strap...................................................1-57
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-56
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-129
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . 5-104
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses......................5-103
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-99
Cleaning Glass Surfaces................................5-101
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components...............5-101Cleaning Leather...........................................5-101
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-48
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel.........5-101
Cleaning the Windshield, Backglass
and Wiper Blades......................................5-103
Cleaning Tires..............................................5-104
Cleaning Vinyl..............................................5-101
Cleaning........................................................5-99
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-99
Outside of Your Vehicle..............................5-102
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-105
Video Screen............................................3-129
Weatherstrips............................................5-102
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Dual Automatic............................................3-25
Dual..........................................................3-21
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Electronic................................................3-34
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System......3-32
Rear Air Conditioning System........................3-31
Compact Disc Messages..............3-86, 3-100, 3-113
Compass Calibration...............................2-48, 2-50
Compass Operation.........................................2-49
Compass Variance..................................2-47, 2-50
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-64
4

Coolant.........................................................3-45
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-45
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-32
Cooling System..............................................5-36
Cruise Control Light........................................3-51
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-61
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-8
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
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................................................ 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-23, 3-29
Delayed Locking.............................................2-10
Dinghy Towing................................................4-60
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-61
Dome Lamps.................................................3-18
Door.............................................................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-13
DRIVER DOOR AJAR.....................................3-66
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-53
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-54
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-64
Driver............................................................1-30
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-30
Driving Across an Incline..................................4-36
Driving Downhill..............................................4-34
5