ESP GMC SIERRA 1994 Owners Manual

or the safety belts i
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to
stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces.
That’s
why safety belts make such good sense.
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About
Safety Belts
- and the Answers
Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident ifI’m wearing a
safety belt?
A: You could be - whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you
can easily unbuckle a safety belt, even
if you’re upside down. And
your chance
of being conscious during and after an accident, so you
can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
Q Why don’t they just put in air bags so people won’t have to wear
safety belts?
A: Air bags are in some vehicles today and will be in more of them in the
future. But they are supplemental systems only - so they work with
safety belts, not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for
sale has required
the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that
has air bags. you still have to buckle
up to get the most protection.
That’s true not only
in frontal collisions, but especially in side and
other collisions.
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With the tailgate at a slight upward
angle, pull back
on the tailgate at
the right edge and
then move the
tailgate to the
right,
to release
the
left edge.
Reverse the above procedure to re-install. Make sure the tailgate is secure.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your
vehicle has a number of
theft deterrent features, we know that nothing we
put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can
help.
Key in the Ignition
If you walk away from your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target
for joy riders or professional thieves
- so don’t do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a tone
reminding
you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
Always
do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transmission, taking your
key out also
locks your transmission. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember
to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them
with you.
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FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound. But FM signals can only reach
about
10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). And, tall buildings or hills can interfere
with
FM signals, causing the sound to come and go.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night.
The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere
with each other.
AM
can pick up noise from things like electrical storms and power lines. If
the noise interferes with your listening, try reducing the treble to lessen the
noise.
AM Stereo
This means the Delco@ system can receive C-QUAM@ stereo broadcasts.
Many AM stations around
the country use C-QUAM@ to produce stereo,
though some
do not. If your Delco@ system can get C-QUAM@, your
“STEREO” light will come on when you’re receiving it. (C-QUAM’ is a
registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.).
NOTICE:
Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle - like a
tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio - be
sure you can add what you want. If you can,
it’s very important
to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation
of your vehicle’s engine, Delco@ radio or other
systems, and even damage them. And, your vehicle’s systems
may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has
been added improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and
be sure to check Federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units.
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But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected
well below a BAC
of 0. I0 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of
many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the
effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above
0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident
increases sharply for drivers who have
a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A
driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a
180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an
accident. At
a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having
an accident
is six times greater; at a level of 0. IS percent, the chances are
twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of
the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers
will speed that up.
“1’11 be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need
to take sudden action,
as when a child darts into the street? A person with a
higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t
know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make
crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart
injuries. That means that
if anyone who has been drinking - driver or
passenger
- is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently
disabled is higher than
if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve
already seen that
the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, and judgment
will be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol.
You could have a serious - or even fatal -
accident if you drive after drinking. Please don’t drink and
drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride
home in
a cab; or if you’re with a group, designate a driver who will not
drink.
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I- .,
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on rear wheel speed
and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need to get your foot up
to the brake pedal. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you
won't have time to apply your brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or
stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti-lock brakes.
To Use Anti-Lock
Use rear-wheel anti-lock like regular brakes. You may feel the brakes
vibrate, or
you may notice some noise outside your vehicle, but this is
normal. Let anti-lock work for
you, but remember: Your front wheels can
still stop rolling.
If that happens, release enough pressure on the brakes to
get the wheels rolling again
so that you can steer.
With the four-wheel drive option, you won't have anti-lock braking when
you shift into four-wheel drive. But you will have regular braking. When
you shift back into two-wheel drive, you
will have anti-lock again.
Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard
braking.
You have the rear-wheel anti-lock braking system.
Your front wheels can
stop rolling
when you brake very hard. Once they do, the vehicle can't
respond
to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it
was headed when the front wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the
road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.
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Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines. If you can see a
sign
up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your
pass.
A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass
(providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross
a solid line on your
side of the lane or
a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of
approaching traffic.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re
awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following
too closely reduces
your area of
vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle.
Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly
slows or stops. Keep back
a reasonable distance.
When
it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but
stay
in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move so you
will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane.
If the way is clear to pass,
you will have a “running start” that more
than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And
if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only
slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity.
If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But
take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you
as you pull out to pass
the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check
the blind spot.
Check your mirrors
, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane
change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When
you
are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside
mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the
right lane. (Remember that
if your right outside mirror is convex, the
vehicle
you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it
really is.)
Try
not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads.
Reconsider before passing the
next vehicle.
Don’t overtake
a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the
brake lights are not flashing,
it may be slowing down or start
If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver
ahead
of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right. ;ing to turn.
to get
Loss of Control
Let’s
review what driving experts say about what happens when the three
control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough
friction where
the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek
an
escape route or area of less danger.
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Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid
most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by
not “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your Vehicle’s three control systems.
In the braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering
skid, too much speed or steering in
a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And
in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the
driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts
to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and
quickly steer the way
you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering
quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel,
or other
material is
on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your
driving to these conditions.
It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance
will be longer and vehicle control more
limited.
While driving
on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid
sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking by
shifting
to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding.
Learn to recognize warning clues
- such as enough water, ice or packed
snow
on the road to make a “mirrored surface” - and slow down when you
have any doubt.
Remember: The rear-wheel anti-lock braking system (RWAL) helps avoid
only
a rear braking skid. In a braking skid (where the front wheels are no
longer rolling), release enough pressure
on the brakes to get the front wheels
rolling again. This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down
steadily when you have
to stop suddenly. As long as the front wheels are
rolling, you
will have steering control.
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You’ll find other important information in this manual. See “Vehicle
Loading,” “Luggage Carrier’’ and “Tires”
in the Index.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area.
Know the terrain and plan your route. You are much less likely to get bad
surprises. Get accurate
maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn of any
blocked or closed roads.
It’s
also a good idea to travel with at least one other vehicle. If something
happens
to one of them, the other can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have a winch? If
so, be sure to read the winch
instructions. In a remote area, a winch can be handy
if you get stuck. But
you’ll want to know how
to use it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It’s a good idea to practice in an area that’s safe and close to home before
you
go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and
different driving skills. Here’s what we mean.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your eyes, for example, need
to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to
listen for unusual tire
or engine sounds. With your arms, hands, feet, and
body you’ll need to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce.
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Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some
things to keep in mind. At higher speeds:
you approach things faster and you have less time to scan the\
terrain for
obstacles.
0 you have less time to react.
0 you have more vehicle bounce when you drive over obstacles.
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially since you’re on an
unpaved surface.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You
need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Here are
some things to consider.
Surface Conditions. Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt,
gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each of these surfaces affects
the steering, acceleration, and braking of your vehicle in different ways.
Depending upon the kind of surface you are on, you may experience
slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor tra\
ction, and
longer braking distances.
Surface Obstacles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. A rock,
log, hole, rut, or bump can startle you if you’re not prepared for them. Often
these obstacles
are hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and fall of
the terrain itself. Here
are some things to consider:
Is the path ahead clear?
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There’s more discussion\

Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly?
of these subjects later.)
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When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm grip on the
steering wheel.
Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can jerk the wheel
out of your hands if you’re not prepared.
When
you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, your wheels can
leave
the ground. If this happens, even with one or two wheels, you can’t
control the vehicle
as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it’s especially important
to
avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns. or sudden braking.
In
a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of alertness from driving
on paved roads and highways. There are no road signs, posted speed limits
or signal lights.
You have to use your own good .judgment about what is safe
and what isn’t.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any road. And this
is
certainly true for off-road driving. At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can be
affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious - or
even
fatal - accident if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has
been drinking. (See “Drunken Driving”
in the Index.)
Driving On Off-Road Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across a hill. Driving safely
on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your vehicle
can and can’t do. There are some hills that simply can’t be driven, no matter
how well built the vehicle.
A CAUTION:
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. If you drive up
them, you will stall.
If you drive down them, you can’t control
yorrr speed. If you drive across them, you will roll over. You
could be seriously injured or killed.
If you have any doubt about
the steepness, don’t drive the hill.
Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one of those hills that’s
just too steep to climb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hard to judge.
Oil a very small hill, for example, there may be a smooth, constant incline
with only
a small change in elevation where you can easily see all the way
to
the top. On a large hill. the incline may get steeper as you near the top,
but
you may not see this because the crest of the hill is hidden by bushes,
grass, or shrubs.
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