towing CHEVROLET VENTURE 2004 1.G Owner's Manual

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you do the following:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
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 are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid, engine oil, belts,
cooling system, and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you nd
them quickly. If you are trailering, it is 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
Your vehicle has a trailer wiring harness located at the
rear of your vehicle. To use the trailer wiring harness,
you need a converter kit. Contact your dealer for more
information.
4-48

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher
In hilly or mountainous terrain
When doing frequent trailer towing
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service
If you do not use your vehicle under any of
these conditions, change the uid and lter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for more
information.
How to Check Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
uid could come out and fall on hot engine or
exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too little uid
could cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check the transaxle
uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C)
At high speed for quite a while
In heavy traffic – especially in hot weather
While pulling a trailer
5-20

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
5-26

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. If your vehicle has a built-in
child restraint, make sure the harness straps, latch
plates, buckle, clip, child head restraint 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.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch
assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor
and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding
seats, liftgate hinges, fuel door hinge, power sliding door
cable and sliding door track(s). More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosiveenvironment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-22for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-8

D
Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Headlamp
System......................................................3-17
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-28
Delayed Illumination and Exit Lighting................2-63
Delayed Lighting.............................................3-19
Dinghy Towing................................................4-34
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-28
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-28
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-35
Dome Lamp...................................................3-18
Door
Ajar Warning Message.................................3-55
Dual Sliding Doors.......................................2-13
Last Door Closed Locking.............................2-11
Locks.......................................................... 2-9
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Power Sliding Door......................................2-16
Power Sliding Warning Message....................3-54
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-32
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-58
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-17
City...........................................................4-22
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-19
Winter........................................................4-28
Driving on Grades...........................................4-47
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-29
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-21
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-21
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-45
Dual Trip Odometers.......................................3-39
DVD
Entertainment System.................................3-108
DVD Distortion..............................................3-115
DVD Player..................................................3-112
5

M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-14
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using Your................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-48
Making Turns.................................................4-46
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-45
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Manual Windows............................................2-24
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-7Message
All-Wheel Drive Disable Warning....................3-57
Center.......................................................3-50
Change Engine Oil......................................3-54
Charging System Indicator............................3-52
Door Ajar Warning.......................................3-55
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-52
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-57
Low Oil Pressure.........................................3-53
PASS-Key
®III Security.................................3-56
Power Sliding Door Warning.........................3-54
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning..............................3-56
Service Traction System Warning...................3-50
Traction Active............................................3-51
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-45
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-46
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-46
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-45
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
10

RDS Messages..............................3-70, 3-82, 3-98
Rear Climate Control System...................3-29, 3-32
Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message....................3-56
Rear Reading Lamps......................................3-20
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-50
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)........................3-116, 3-118
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-6
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-46
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-46
Rear Seat Radio Controls...............................3-116
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-58
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-28
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-45
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-34
Remote Alarm.................................................. 2-6
Remote Control.............................................3-113
Remote Driver Unlock Control...........................2-66
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Lock and Unlock Conrmation...............2-67
Remote Power Sliding Door Operation................. 2-7
Removing the Bucket Seats.............................1-16Removing the Captain’s Chairs.........................1-21
Removing the Child from the Built-In Child
Restraint....................................................1-89
Removing the Convenience Center....................2-60
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-85
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-80
Removing the Split Bench Seat........................1-10
Removing the Stowable Seat............................1-25
Removing the Wheel Covers............................5-85
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-56
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-42
Replacing the Bucket Seats..............................1-18
Replacing the Captain’s Chairs.........................1-22
Replacing the Convenience Center....................2-60
Replacing the Split Bench Seats.......................1-12
Replacing the Stowable Seat............................1-26
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-12
General Motors...........................................7-12
United States Government............................7-12
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
®Button.......2-52
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-52
Resetting the Power Sliding Door......................2-21
13

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...............5-91
Storing the Built-In Child Restraint.....................1-90
Stowable Seat................................................1-24
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-32
Sun Visors.....................................................2-26
Switchbanks...................................................3-21
Overhead Console.......................................3-22
Switchbanks, Instrument Panel..........................3-21
T
Tachometer....................................................3-40
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-54
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-43
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-119
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-27
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-27
PASS-Key
®III .............................................2-29
PASS-Key®III Operation..............................2-29
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-58
Tire Size.......................................................5-63
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-65Tires.............................................................5-58
Buying New Tires........................................5-71
Chains.......................................................5-75
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-78
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-96
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-78
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-68
Inspection and Rotation................................5-69
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-74
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-74
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-71
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-35
Top Strap......................................................1-64
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-65
Torque Lock...................................................2-42
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-44
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-34
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-41
Your Vehicle...............................................4-33
Traction
Active Message...........................................3-51
Control System (TCS)..................................4-10
Control System Warning Light.......................3-43
Service Traction System Warning Message.....3-50
16

Trailer Brakes.................................................4-44
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-48
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-20
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-36
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)..................5-48
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-13
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Computer................................................3-60
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-8
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-46
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-22
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-109
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-121
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-72
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-5
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-75
Using an MP3 CD..........................................3-88
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-98
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-51
Using Song List Mode...................................3-106
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-35
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders..................................................7-10
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-104
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-105
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-62
Arming and Disarming the Content
Theft-Deterrent System.............................2-69
Automatic Door Locks..................................2-64
Content Theft-Deterrent System.....................2-68
Delayed Illumination and Exit Lighting.............2-63
Entering Programming Mode.........................2-62
Exiting Programming Mode...........................2-71
Last Door Locking and Lockout Deterrent........2-65
Remote Driver Unlock Control.......................2-66
Remote Lock and Unlock Conrmation...........2-67
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-42
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-29
Video Screen................................................3-111
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-26
Visors...........................................................2-26
17