charging GMC C-SERIES 1999 Owners Manual

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v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
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2-14

The charging system light should come on when the
ignition switch key is turned to RUN or START and
should go out when the engine is running above idle.
If the light doesn't go out or comes back on during
normal engine operation, have the charging system
checked right away. (This light tells you if the
generator is not charging; it doesn't reflect the
condition of the battery.)

The voltmeter charge indicator gage tells you the
condition of your battery's charge. The gage should
be in the center area during engine operation. The
red area on the left indicates an undercharge
condition; the red area on the right indicates an
overcharge. If the gage is in either red area, have the
battery and charging system checked right away.
NOTICE:
Don't allow the engine to operate at low idle for
more than five minutes. This can cause low
engine operating temperatures which can affect
engine operation and reduce engine life. Engine
idle speed should be increased to 1200 rpm
whenever extended idle is required. Once started,
the engine should be placed under load to allow
the engine coolant temperature to reach
150F (66C) before shutting off the engine.
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2-27
If your vehicle has air
brakes, you will have this
control. Pulling it out
applies the parking brake.
The PARK BRAKE light
will come on when the air
parking brake is applied.
Vehicles built for use as tractors or towing vehicles have
one or two more air brake controls. They look like this:To charge a trailer's air brake system:
1. Move your tractor into the proper position. Apply the
parking brake by pulling the yellow SYSTEM PARK
knob out.
2. Hook up the trailer air system properly.
3. Get into the tractor. Push and hold down the regular
brake pedal.
4. Push in both the yellow SYSTEM PARK and the red
TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knobs. This will charge
your trailer's air system.
If you have the blue TRACTOR PARKING knob,
pull it out to set the tractor brakes while the air system
is charging.
After a few minutes, the trailer system should be fully
charged. When it is, the air pressure gage will show
about 125 to 135 psi (862 to 931 kPa) and you may hear
the ªpop offº valve operate.
For driving with a trailer, the yellow, red and blue
(if equipped) knobs all must be pushed in. It's the same
when you're not pulling a trailer except that the red
TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knob must be out.
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2-56 Charging System Indicator Light
CAUTION:
If your vehicle has an electric/hydraulic parking
brake, do not drive if the charging system light is
on. If the battery drains too much, the parking
brake can suddenly come on and stop the vehicle.
This can cause severe injury to you and others.
The charging system light is
located in the center of the
instrument cluster just
above the odometer.
It should come on briefly when you turn on the ignition,
before the engine is running, as a check to show that it
is working.If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, have it
checked right away. You could have a loose generator
drive belt or some other problem.
Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If
you must drive a short distance with the light on, turn
off your radio and other accessories.
Sustained driving with a generator failure could result in
a lack of back
-up braking if the engine quits or the
power steering pump should fail.
Voltmeter
When your engine is
running, the voltmeter gage,
at the lower left of the
instrument cluster, shows
the charging system voltage.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system.
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2-57
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating
in the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system may not be able to provide full
power at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased,
this condition should correct itself because higher
engine speeds allow the charging system to create
maximum power.
You can only drive a short time on the battery. Be sure
to shut off the radio, the fan or any unnecessary
accessories and have the system serviced.
Do Not Shift Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
Allison MD automatic
transmission, certain
transmission malfunctions
will turn this light on.If this light comes on while you are driving, do not use
the transmission shift control. Using the transmission
shift control will result in the loss of forward gears. The
computer for the transmission senses a problem and
chooses a gear to stay in so that you can drive the
vehicle in that gear. You may not be able to drive as fast
or back up when this light is on.
NOTICE:
If the DO NOT SHIFT warning light comes on
while you are driving, it is a warning that making
a transmission ªrangeº change could leave you
stranded. The vehicle may not continue to move
if you change gears with the transmission shift
control. The transmission can't operate in all
gears because something is wrong. Leave the shift
control alone and drive directly to a GM dealer
for service. If you can't go in for service
immediately, have the vehicle towed.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle has either hydraulic or air brakes. Each
system has different warning lights.
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9-2
Brake (Continued)
Four-Wheel and Six-Wheel Drum 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Disc 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Systems 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Propshaft Brake Burnish Procedure 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Releasing Air-Operated Parking Brakes 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Lights 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-29, 2-30 , 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-28, 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chassis Lubrication 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Child Restraints 1
-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breaker Block, Instrument Panel 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Fabric 6
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belts 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch Pedal Free Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Component Box 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connections, Trailer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank 5-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-6
Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Brake System Warning 2
-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-61, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Apply Park Brake Warning 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Indicator 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diff Lock Indicator 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do Not Shift Warning 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydraulic Brake System Warning 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intake Heater Indicator 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp and Bulb Data 6-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake Warning 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake Indicator 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-7, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Park Brake Warning 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Trans Filter Indicator 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Fast Idle Indicator Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Locks
Door 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Fast Idle Indicator Light 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission Fluid 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marker and Clearance Lamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maxi-Fuse Block 6-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors
Convex Outside 2
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Outside 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Rearview 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model Reference vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Moisture Ejector 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Muffler/Catalytic Converter Assembly 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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