tow GMC SAFARI 2000 Owner's Guide

3-3
BI-LEVEL: This setting brings in outside air and
blows it out through the heater floor vents and the
instrument panel vents. If you move the temperature
knob between hot and cold, cooler air will come out of
the upper vents while warmer air comes out of the floor
vent. The air conditioning compressor may operate in
this setting to cool the air.
VENT: The air comes out at the vents on your
instrument panel. The air conditioning compressor will
not run in this position. Adjust the temperature knob for
warmer or cooler air.
HEATER: Most of the air comes out near the
floor. The rest comes out from the defroster vents under
the windshield and at the front side windows.
BLEND: With this setting, the heated outside air
comes out of both the heater vents and defroster vents.
Adjust the temperature knob for warmer or cooler air.
The air conditioning compressor may operate in this
setting to dehumidify the air.
DEFROST: This setting operates the defroster.
Most of the air comes out near the windshield, with
some going to the floor vents and front side windows.
The air conditioning compressor may operate in this
setting to dehumidify the air.
Heating System
If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, your
heater controls will look like this.
Fan Knob
This control has four positions. To increase airflow,
turn the knob toward HI. To decrease airflow, move it
toward LO.
Temperature Knob
This knob is next to the fan knob. It controls the
temperature of the air flowing into your vehicle. Turn
the knob clockwise for warmer air. Turn the knob
counterclockwise for cooler air.

3-4
Function Knob
This knob is next to the temperature knob. The function
knob allows you to choose the direction of air delivery.
OFF: This setting turns the system off.
VENT: The air comes out at the vents on your
instrument panel.
BI-LEVEL: With this setting, the heated outside
air comes out both the instrument panel vents and heater
vents. Adjust the temperature knob for warmer or
cooler air.
HEATER: Most of the air comes out near the
floor. The rest comes out from the defroster vents under
the windshield and at the front side windows.
BLEND: With this setting, the heated outside air
comes out both the heater vents and defroster vents.
Adjust the temperature knob for warmer or cooler air.
DEFROST: This setting operates the defroster.
Most of the air comes out near the windshield, with
some going to the floor vents and front side windows.
Rear Heating System (Option)
You may have the optional rear heater. The three-speed
fan switch is to the right of the radio. Turn the switch
toward HIGH for higher airflow in the rear area. Turn
the switch to the OFF position to turn the system off.

3-5 Rear Air Conditioning System (Option)
You may have rear air conditioning. The rear air
conditioning switch is located to the right of the heater
controls. Turn the switch toward HIGH for higher
airflow in the rear area. Turn the switch to the OFF
position to turn the system off.
Air Conditioning
Before using your vehicle's air conditioning, open the
windows to clear the vehicle of hot air. This reduces the
time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. Then keep
your windows closed for the air conditioner to work at
its best.
You can use MAX A/C with the temperature knob in the
blue area when it's really hot outside and you need to
cool the inside air quickly. MAX A/C lets in only a little
air from the outside.
If you first use MAX A/C, you can then use A/C with
the temperature knob in the blue are as soon as the
vehicle has cooled down, so outside air will be going
through your vehicle.
If your vehicle has rear air conditioning, setting it on
LOW may enhance the front A/C performance by
allowing trapped refrigerant in the rear lines to circulate.
The rear air conditioning system will only send cooled
air if the front system is on. It can still be used to
circulate air, even if the front system is off.
When the air conditioning, DEFROST or BLEND is on,
you may notice a slight increase or decrease in engine
speed, due to compressor operation. This is normal
because the system is designed to cycle the compressor
on and off to keep the desired temperature.

3-6 Heating
On cold days, use HEATER with the temperature knob
in the red area. Outside air will be brought in through
the floor outlets. The heater works best if you keep your
windows closed while using it.
If you use the optional engine coolant heater before
starting your engine, your heating system will produce
warmer air faster to heat the passenger compartment in
cold weather. See ªEngine Coolant Heaterº in the Index.
Defrosting
Use DEFROST to remove fog or ice from the
windshield quickly in extremely cold conditions. The
temperature knob should be in the red area and the fan
control toward high. The air conditioning compressor
may operate in this setting to dehumidify the air.
The BLEND setting is useful for cold weather with a
large number of passengers or very humid conditions to
help keep the windshield clear.
Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT to direct outside air
through your vehicle. Air will flow through the
instrument panel vents.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air to the inside of your vehicle when it is
moving. With the side windows closed, air will flow into
the front air inlet grilles at the base of the windshield,
through the vehicle and out the rear air exhaust valve.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or
the air conditioning fan is running.

4-
4-1
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
Here you'll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We've also
included many other useful tips on driving.
4
-2 Defensive Driving
4
-3 Drunken Driving
4
-6 Control of a Vehicle
4
-6 Braking
4
-9 Steering
4
-11 Off-Road Recovery
4
-12 Passing
4
-13 Loss of Control
4
-14 Driving at Night
4
-16 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads4
-19 City Driving
4
-20 Freeway Driving
4
-21 Before Leaving on a Long Trip
4
-22 Highway Hypnosis
4
-22 Hill and Mountain Roads
4
-23 Winter Driving
4
-27 Recreational Vehicle Towing
4
-28 Loading Your Vehicle
4
-31 Towing a Trailer

4-27
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground will damage drivetrain components.

4-30 Payload
The Payload Capacity is shown on the Certification/Tire
label. This is the maximum load capacity that your
vehicle can carry. Be sure to include the weight of the
people inside as part of your load. If you added any
accessories or equipment after your vehicle left the
factory, remember to subtract the weight of these things
from the payload. Your dealer can help you with this.
Trailering Package
If your vehicle is equipped with the trailering package,
there is also a load rating which includes the weight of
the vehicle and the trailer it tows. This rating is called
the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
When you weigh your trailer, be sure to include the
weight of everything you put in it. And, remember to
figure the weight of the people inside the vehicle as part
of your load.
Your dealer can help you determine your GCWR.
Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable items, you may need to put a
limit on how many people you carry inside your vehicle.
Be sure to weigh your vehicle before you buy and install
the new equipment.

4-31
Towing a Trailer
CAUTION:
If you don't use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well
-- or even at all.
You and your passengers could be seriously
injured. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
NOTICE:
Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by
your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be able to tow a trailer. To identify
what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle,
you should read the information in ªWeight of the
Trailerº that appears later in this section.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are,
it's ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering
means changes in handling, durability and fuel
economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That's the reason for this part. In it are many
time
-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.

4-32 If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you'll be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control if your trailer will
weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less. You should always
use a sway control if your trailer will weigh more
than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg). You can ask a hitch dealer
about sway controls.

Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and
don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your
engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.

You should use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a
lower gear) when towing a trailer. Operating your
vehicle in THIRD (3) when towing a trailer will
minimize heat buildup and extend the life of your
transmission. See ªTow/Haul Modeº in the Index.Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer,

the weight of the trailer tongue

and the weight on your vehicle's tires.
Tow/Haul Mode
The Tow/Haul Mode is a feature that assists when
pulling a heavy trailer. The purpose of the Tow/Haul
Mode is:

Reduce the frequency of shifts when pulling a
heavy trailer.

Provide the same shift feel when pulling a heavy
trailer as when the vehicle is unloaded.

Reduce the need to change throttle position when
pulling a heavy trailer.
This feature is turned on or off by pressing a button on
the floor console. When the feature is on, a light on the
instrument panel will illuminate to indicate that the
Tow/Haul Mode has been selected.
See ªTow/Haul Mode Lightº in the Index. The
Tow/Haul Mode is automatically turned off each time
the vehicle is started.

4-33
The Tow/Haul Mode is most effective when the vehicle
and trailer combined weight is at least 75% of the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the maximum
trailer weight rating for the vehicle. See ªGross Vehicle
Weight Ratingº and ªTrailer Weightº in the Index.
The Tow/Haul Mode for hauling a heavy trailer is most
useful under the following conditions

When driving through hilly terrain at speeds below
55 mph (88 km/h).

When driving in low speed or stop and go traffic
below 55 mph (88 km/h).

When driving in parking lots.
Use the Tow/Haul Mode instead of the previous
recommendation to shift to THIRD (3) gear to improve
fuel economy at highway speeds and shift performance
at lower speeds. Operating in the Tow/Haul Mode when
not pulling a heavy trailer will not cause damage to the
vehicle, but you may experience reduced fuel economy
and undesirable performance from the engine and
transmission. The Tow/Haul Mode should be used
only when pulling a heavy trailer.Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example,
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and
how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. And, it can also depend on any special
equipment that you have on your vehicle.
The following chart shows how much your trailer can
weigh, based upon your vehicle model and options.
VehicleAxle
Ratio Max. Trailer Wt.
Tw o
-Wheel Drive3.23
3.42
3.735,100 lbs. (2 315 kg)
5,600 lbs. (2 542 kg)
6,000 lbs. (2 724 kg)
All
-Wheel Drive3.42
3.735,300 lbs. (2 406 kg)
5,800 lbs. (2 633 kg)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the
driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it
has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.