trailer CHEVROLET VENTURE 2004 1.G Owner's Manual

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

{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” underEngine Overheating on page 5-25
for information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. See “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” underEngine
Overheating on page 5-25for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day
Stop after high-speed driving
Idle for long periods in traffic
Tow a trailer
5-27

Fuse Usage
PWR LOCK Power Door Locks
HTD MIRROR Heated Mirrors
RH T/LP Not Used
RR FOG LP Not Used
CIGAR/DIC/
APO FRTCigarette Lighter, DIC, Front
Auxiliary Power Outlets, Data Link
T/SIG Turn Signal Switch
PWR QTR
VENTInterior Lamp and Multifunction
Switch (Power Vent Switch), Auto
Level
FRT/WPR/
WSHRWindshield Wiper/Washer Motor and
Switch
HAZARD Hazard Switch
RR PWR SCKTRear Electric Accessory Plug
Housing
DRLDaytime Running Lamp Control
Module
LH T/LP Not Used
RR
DEFOG/HTD
MIRRORRear Window Defogger Relay,
Heated Mirrors
ON STAR OnStar
®
SIR Inatable Restraint Control Module
HVAC
BLOWERHeater-A/C Control
Fuse Usage
MALL
CLUSTERInstrument Cluster, Body Control
Module, Electronic Level Control
(ELC) Sensor and Relay, Theft,
Door Ajar
STOP LAMP Stoplamp Switch
CLUSTER
BATTModule/Electronic Brake Control
Module/Electronic Brake Traction
Control Module (EBCM/EBTCM)
ENHANCED
EVAP/AWDEvaporative Emissions (EVAP)
Canister Vent Solenoid Valve,
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Blank Not Used
ELC/TRAILERELC Air Compressor and ELC
Height Sensor, Trailer Harness
CTSY LAMP Courtesy Lamp
IGN 1BCM, Electronic Brake Control
Indicator Lamp Driver Module,
Instrument Panel Cluster, Rear Side
Door Actuator Control Module, Rear
Windows, Rear Parking Aid
RR HVAC
TEMP CONTRear HVAC-A/C Control
RR
WPR/WSHRRear Window Wiper Motor, Rear
Window Wiper/Washer and
Multifunction Switch (Rear Window
Wiper/Washer Switch)
5-108

To remove the cover, turn the knob counterclockwise
and lift up.
When nished, to put the cover back on, turn the knob
clockwise to tighten it. Make sure that the remote
positive (+) terminal cover is on correctly.Fuse Usage
1 Coolant Fans
2 Not Used
3Circuit Breakers: Front Comfort
Controls Hi Blower, and Headlamp
Fuses (Instrument Panel): Hazard
and Stoplamp, PASS-Key
®
4Circuit Breaker: Power Seat and
Power Sliding Door. Fuses
(Instrument Panel): Electronic Level
Control and Rear Defogger, Trailer,
Fog Lamps
5Ignition Switch to Fuses (Instrument
Panel): ABS/TCS Ignition, Cruise,
DRL, Electronic PRNDL, Ignition 1,
AWD, PSD, Air Bag, Turn Signal
and Powertrain Control Module [IGN
MAIN Relay (Underhood Fuse
Block: A/C Clutch, Electronic
Ignition, Ignition 1-U/H, INJ, TCC)]
6 Coolant Fans
5-110

(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

Headlamps....................................................5-50
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-50
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Parking
Lamps....................................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-50
Headphones.................................................3-109
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-26
Hitches..........................................................4-44
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-48
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-49
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Works...................................3-24
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery
Tank ..........................................................5-30
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator..................5-32
How to Add Fluid Automatic Transaxle Fluid.......5-22
How to Check................................................5-69
How to Check Automatic Transaxle Fluid............5-20
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-32
Hydroplaning..................................................4-21
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-27
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-26
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-47
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-47
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-30
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-32
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-42
Ignition Positions.............................................2-32
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-56
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-68
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-37
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Switchbank.................................................3-21
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-18
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-107
Interior Lamps................................................3-18
Interior Lamps Control.....................................3-18
Interior Lamps Override...................................3-18
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
8

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

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