service GMC SIERRA 1995 User Guide

The brake system warning light will also come on when you set your
parking brake, and
it will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully.
If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a
brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
ANTI-
LOCK
With the anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when you start your
engine and may stay on for several seconds. That‘s normal.
If the light
doesn’t come on, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
If the light stays on. or comes on when you’re driving, your vehicle needs
service.
If the regular brake system warning light isn‘t on, you still have
brakes, but you don‘t have anti-lock brakes.
If the regular brake system
warning light is
also on, you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a
problem with your regular brakes. See “Brake System Warning Light”
earlier
in this part.
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Water in Fuel Light
I.
This red light will come on to warn you if there is water in the diesel fuel
system. For more information on how this light works. see "Diesel Fuel
Requirements
and Fuel System" in the Index.
Service Throttle Soon Light
SERVICE
THROTTLE
SOON
On diesel engines, a computer monitors the operation of the electronic
accelerator.
As a check to show you it's working, this orange light comes on
for
a few seconds after the ignition is turned on. Normally, it will not come
back
on unless the ignition has been off' for SO seconds or more. If the light
does not come on at all, and the ignition has been off for 30 seconds or
more, have the light fixed right away. If the light stays on after the engine
starts, or comes on while you are driving. the computer
is indicating that
your vehicle has
a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service
soon.
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Charging System Warning Light
The red Charging System Warning light should come on briefly when you
turn on
the ignition, before starting the engine, as a check to show you it is
working. After the engine starts, the light should
go out. If it stays on or
comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem
with your
charging system. It could indicate a problem with the alternator drive belt,
or
some other charging system problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light
is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance
with this light on, it helps to turn off all
your accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator (Service Engine Soon) Lamp
I
A computer monitors the operation of your fuel, ignition and emission
control systems. This orange light should come on when
the ignition is on
but the engine is not running. as a check
to show you it’s working. If it does
not come on at all, have
it fixed right away. If it stays on, or comes on while
you are driving, the computer is indicating that you have
a problem. You
should take your vehicle
in for service soon.
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NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while
the emission controls
won’t work as well, your fuel economy
won’t
be as good, and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead
to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
Check Gages Light
This orange light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If
the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, it could indicate a
problem with your vehicle.
It could be a problem with your oil pressure.
coolant temperature, or some other problem. Check your various gages
to
see if they are in the warning zones. If they are, have your vehicle serviced
right away.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light
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Oil Pressure Gage
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure
in kPa (kilopascals). Oil pressure may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the
low pressure
zone indicate the norn~al opcrating ranse.
A reading in the low pressure zone may bc caused by a dangemusly low oil
level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon as
possible.
A CAUTION:
Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your
engine can become
so hot that it catches fire. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil
as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be
costly and is not covered by your warranty.
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Voltmeter
When your engine is not running. but the ignition is in the RUN position.
this
gage shows your battery’s state of charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the condition
of the charging
system. Readings between the low and high wat-ning
zones indicate the
normal operating range.
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 condilion is normal since the charging
system is
not able to provide full power at engine idlc. As engine speeds are
increased, this condition should correct itself
;IS higher engine speeds allow
the charging system
to create nwximum power.
You can only drive For a short time with the reading in either warning zone.
If you must drive, turn off all unnecessary accessories.
Readings
in either warning zone indicate a possible problcm in the electrical
system. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible.
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display an error and eject the cartridge. This is normal and is the result of an
added feature
in the tape player that detects broken tapes. If an e.rror occurs,
you
will need to insert the cleaning cassette at least 3 times to thoroughly
clean the tape player.
You may prefer to use
a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner. This type
of cleaner uses
a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaner
cassette will
not cause an error, but it may not clean the tape player as
thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
A scrubbing action cleaner cassette is available through your retailer (SPO
# 12344600).
Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time.
Always verify that the cassette tape is
in good condition and the tape player
is clean before obtaining service on your tape player.
NOTICE:
Cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will not work
in your cassette player. These adapters
will cause the radio to
display an error and the adapter cassette
will be ejected.
Care of Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective
cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface
of a disc is
soiled, dampen
a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean
it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs
by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without be.ing
damaged.
If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it
out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should
rep1 ace it.
Check every once
in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the
fender.
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Driving Guidelines
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-wheel Drive
Vehicle
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive.
Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes”
in the Index.
If your vehicle doesn’t have four-wheel drive, you shouldn’t drive off-road
unless you’re
on a level, solid surface.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards.
The greatest of these
is the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you’ve left the great North American road system
behind. Traffic lanes aren’t marked. Curves aren’t banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can
be slippery. rough, uphill or downhill. In short,
you’ve gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s why it’s very
important that
you read this guide. You’ll find many driving tips and
suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have
all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all
underbody shields
(if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read
all the information about your four-wheel drive vehicle in this manual.
Is
there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up
where they should be? What are
the local laws that apply to off-roading
where you’ll be driving?
If you don’t know, you should check with law
enforcement people in the area. Will you be
on someone’s private land? If
so, be sure to get the necessary permission.
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
There are some important things to remember about how to load your
vehicle.
The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of your
rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward
as you can.
doesn’t toss things around.
Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain
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After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody, chassis or
under the hood. These accumulations can be
a fire hazard.
After operation
in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body
structure, steering, suspension. wheels, tires, and exhaust system for
damage.
Also, check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle
will require more frequent service due to off-road use. Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some
drivers are likely
to be impaired - by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems,
or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
0 Drive defensively.
Don’t drink and drive.
Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps
Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more
behind
you.
space
between you and other vehicles.
a Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light
up only
so much road ahead.
0 In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.
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When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in
advance. If
you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on
to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The
exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to
think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re
not fresh
- such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many
miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive
in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip‘? If you keep it serviced and maintained,
it’s ready to go.
If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts
in GM dealers all
across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
0
0
0
0
0
a
0
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
FueZ, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance driving? Are
the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route?
Should
you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There
is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery,
along with the
hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush
of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
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