towing GMC SAFARI 2003 Owner's Guide

15,000 Miles (25 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Inspect engine air cleanerlter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter 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 thefluid andfilter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
22,500 Miles (37 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and
repack the front wheel bearings (or at each
brake relining, whichever occursrst).
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
6-20
2003 - Safari OM

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 thefluid andfilter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
❑Replace fuellter.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote†).
❑Replace engine air cleanerlter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.
An Emission Control Service.37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-21
2003 - Safari OM

45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Inspect engine air cleanerlter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter 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 thefluid andfilter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
❑If you haven’t used your vehicle under severe
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven’t
changed your automatic transmissionuid, change
both theuid andlter.
❑Change transfer caseuid.
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-22
2003 - Safari OM

60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and
repack the front wheel bearings (or at each
brake relining, whichever occursrst).
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter 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 thefluid andfilter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
❑Replace fuellter.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote†).
❑Replace engine air cleanerlter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-23
2003 - Safari OM

75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Inspect engine air cleanerlter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote†.)
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter 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 thefluid andfilter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km).
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
82,500 Miles (137 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-24
2003 - Safari OM

90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles only: Clean and
repack the front wheel bearings (or at each
brake relining, whichever occursrst).
❑Change automatic transmissionuid andlter 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 thefluid andfilter every
50,000 miles (83 000 km).
❑Replace fuellter.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote†).
❑Replace engine air cleanerlter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21for more information.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
❑Change engine oil andlter (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months,
whichever occursrst).(See footnote #).
❑Check rear/front axleuid level and adduid as
needed. Check constant velocity joints and axle seals
for leaking.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-58for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +).
6-25
2003 - Safari OM

Roadside Assistance Program
GMC’s Roadside Assistance Provides stranded owners
with over-the-phone roadside repairs, location of the
nearest GMC dealer or the following special services:
Flat Tire Change:Installation of spare tire will be covered
at no charge (customer is responsible for repair or
replacement of tire).
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel for the customer
to get to the nearest service station (up to $5.00)
will be covered.
Jump Start:No-start situations which require a battery
jump start will be covered at no charge.
Lock Out:Replacement keys or locksmith service will be
covered at no charge if you are unable to gain entry
into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement key will be
covered within 10 miles (16 km).
Emergency Towing Service:Towing to the nearest GMC
dealer for warranty related disablements will be covered.
Trip Routing:Custom-made, computerized highlighted
maps using the most direct or scenic route are provided
free of charge. Maps include points of interest and a
list of GMC dealers along the route. Also included is a
list of hotels along the route that are discounted
through affiliation with“Quest International.”Trip Routing
is available through Roadside Assistance by calling
1-800-GMC-8782 (462-8782). Please be prepared to
provide your Vehicle Identication Number (VIN). Allow
ve working days for fulllment.Trip Interruption Assistance:GMC will reimburse any
reasonable trip interruption expenses (up to $500.00)
when directly associated with warranty disablement. Trip
interruption service covers expenses such as meals
and overnight lodging if vehicle disablement occurs at
least 150 miles (240 km) from your home or rental
property. You will be required to obtain prior approval
from GMC Roadside Assistance and pay for expenses
at the time of disablement. Original receipts should
be submitted to GMC Roadside Assistance for
reimbursement. A service representative will provide
assistance when you call.
The Roadside Assistance services listed are available to
retail lease customers operating 2003 GMC light duty
trucks for a period of 3 years/36,000 miles (60,000 km).
All services must be pre-arranged by GMC Roadside
Assistance.
Over-the-phone assistance, such as providing the name
of the closest dealer or minor technical advice, etc.,
is available to all owner/operators of GMC trucks,
regardless of vehicle or mileage.
Just dial GMC Roadside Assistance at 1-800-GMC-8782
(1-800-462-8782, Roadside Assistance prompt) to
reach a qualied representative who can assist you.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438.
7-6
2003 - Safari OM

M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-94
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-27
At Least Once a Month................................6-27
At Least Once a Year..................................6-29
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-28
Brake System Inspection..............................6-33
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-32
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-32
Fuel System Inspection................................6-32
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-19
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-27
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-32
PartD-Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
...............................................6-34
PartE-Maintenance Record
........................6-36
Selecting the Right Schedule
.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
............. 6-7
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
..........................6-32
Throttle System Inspection
............................6-33Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Transfer Case and Front Axle (All-Wheel
Drive) Inspection......................................6-33
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Windows............................................2-17
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands)................................. 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-32
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-33
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-32
Model Reference................................................ vi
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-94
9
2003 - Safari OM

R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-27
Radios..........................................................3-37
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-38
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-49
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-49
Radio with CD............................................3-40
Rear Seat Audio..........................................3-45
Setting the Time for Radios with HR and
MN Buttons.............................................3-37
Setting the Time for Radios with the Set
Button....................................................3-37
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-46
Understanding Reception..............................3-49
Reading Lamps..............................................2-40
Rear Air Conditioning System...........................3-20
Rear Axle......................................................5-49
Locking........................................................ 4-8
Rear Climate Control System............................3-21
Rear Doors....................................................2-13
Rear Heating System......................................3-19
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-32
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)....................................3-45
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-7
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-29
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-29
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-21Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-32
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-29
Reinstalling the Engine Cover...........................5-21
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Engine Cover.............................5-17
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-70
Removing the Rear Seats.................................. 1-7
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-66
Removing the Wheel Covers............................5-69
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-56
Replacing Brake System Parts
..........................5-42
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash
.....................................................1-69
Replacing the Rear Seats
.................................. 1-9
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government
..................................7-10
General Motors
...........................................7-10
United States Government
.............................. 7-9
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
®Button
.......2-37
Resetting Defaults
...........................................2-37
Restraint System Check
...................................6-28
Checking Your Restraint Systems
...................1-68
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash
..................................................1-69
11
2003 - Safari OM

T
Taillamps.......................................................5-54
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-46
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-18
Passlock
®...................................................2-18
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-33
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-5
Tire Inflation Check.........................................6-27
Tires.............................................................5-57
Buying New Tires........................................5-60
Chains.......................................................5-64
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-65
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-75
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-64
Inflation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-58
Inspection and Rotation................................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-61
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-63
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-60
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap
......................................................1-48Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-50
Torque Lock...................................................2-29
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-35
Tow/Haul Mode Button.....................................2-25
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-35
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-29
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-31
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-36
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-40
Trailering Package..........................................4-31
Transfer Case................................................5-48
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-23
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-25
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-38
14
2003 - Safari OM