tow GMC SIERRA 1996 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: GMC, Model Year: 1996, Model line: SIERRA, Model: GMC SIERRA 1996Pages: 404, PDF Size: 21.57 MB
Page 96 of 404

’hrn Signal and Lane Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These po.sitions allow you
to signal a turn
or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or
down. When the turn is finished, the lever will
return automatically.
An arrow
on the instrument
panel will flash in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever
until.the arrow starts
to flash. Hold it there until you
complete your lane change. The lever will return by
itself when you release
it.
.,
If you move the lever all the way up or down, and the
arrow flashes at twice the normal rate, a signal bulb
may be burned out and other drivers may
.ot see your
turn signal.
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and a blown
fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index).
Headlamp HighLow Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high
to low, pull
the multifunction lever all the way toward
you. Then release it.
When
the high beams
are
on, this light on the
instrument panel also will be
on.
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Page 106 of 404

Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror
with Compass (Option)
Your vehicle may have an electrochromic inside
rearview mirror.
When on, the mirror automatically dims to the proper
level
to minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror also includes an eight point compass
display
in the upper right
corner of the mirror face.
When
on, the compass
automatically calibrates
as the vehicle
is driven.
To use the electrochromic mirror only, move the switch
at the bottom
of the mirror to the M position. To use the
electrochromic mirror
as well as the compass. move the
switch to the
C/M position. To turn both features off,
move the switch to the
OFF position. When
the ignition is on and the mirror switch is
in the
CIM position, the compass display'will show two
character boxes for approximately two seconds. If, after
two seconds, the display does
not show a compass
heading
(N for North, for example), there may be a
strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Such
interference may include magnetic antenna mounts,
a
magnetic note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item. If
removing these items does not correct the condition, see
your
GM dealer for assistance.
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened
with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror
as that may cause
liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Compass Varia~ 3
Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance
cross-country trip,
it will be necessary to adjust the
compass
to compensate for compass variance. Compass
variance
is the difference between earth's magnetic
north and true geographic north.
If not adjusted to
account for compass variance, your compass
could give
hlse readings.
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Page 108 of 404

Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror may be convex. A convex
mirror’s surface
is curved so you can see more from the
driver’s seat.
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Storage Compartments
Your vehicle has a variety of storage compartments
designed to store
small items.
Center Overhead Console (Option)
Your vehicle may have an overhead console. It has
storage compartments inside
it.
Installing a Garage Door Opener
If you have a gamge door opener, the front overhead
compartment can be used
to conveniently store the opener.
To install the garage
door opener,
first open
the compartment door by
pressing the release
button forward.
Glove Box
To open your glove box, move the button toward the
passenger side and pull the door open.
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Page 114 of 404

Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Front Ashtray
The front ashtray is located at the bottom of the instrument
panel. Pull
on the notch in the ashtray door to open it.
NOTICE:
If you store paper or other things that burn in
your ashtrays, they could be set on fire by
cigarettes
or other smoking materials. That could
cause
a fire and possibly damage your vehicle. Do
not store papers and other things that burn in
your ashtrays.
To remove the front ashtray, press the retainer spring
and pivot
the ashtray toward you. To replace the ashtray.
place
the bottom part of the ashtray on the pivot bar at
the bottom
of its mounting on the instrument panel.
Then rotate the ashtray
back to its original position.
Rear Ashtray
To use a rear ashtray, if you have them, pull at the top of
the ashtray door to flip the door open.
To remove a rear ashtray. press down on the inside tabs
and open the door fully.
NOTICE:
If you store paper or other things that burn in
your ashtrays, they could be
set on fire by
cigarettes or other smoking materials. That could
cause a fire and possibly damage your vehicle.
Do
not store papers and other things that burn in
your ashtrays.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and let
go. When it’s ready, it will pop back by itself.
NOTICE:
Holding a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating can make it overload,
damaging the lighter and the heating element.
Just
push the lighter all the way in and let go.
When it’s done, it
will pop back by itself.
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Page 123 of 404

Brake System Warning Light r
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two
parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there could be a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
BRAKE
This light should come
on briefly when
you turn
the ignition key to
RUN.
If it doesn’t come on then,
have
it fixed so it will be
ready to
warn you if there’s
a problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If
the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing Your Vehicle”
in the Index.)
I! CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light
is still on after you’ve
pulled
off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light 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.
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Page 126 of 404

If the Light Is Flashing If the Light Is On Steady
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
0 If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled
as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops flashing and remains
on steady, see “If
the Light
Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Put your vehicle in PARK (P). Turn the
key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine.
If the light remains
on steady, see “If the Light Is On
Steady” following.
If the light is still flashing follow the
previous steps, and drive the vehicle
to your dealer or
qualified service center for service.
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you just put fuel
into your vehicle?
If so7 reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel
cap has been left off or improperly installed. This will
allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few
driving trips should turn the light off.
Did
you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will
usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out.
A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Are you low on fuel?
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make
sure to install the fuel cap properly. it
will take a few driving trips to turn the light off.
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Page 131 of 404

Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
In this section you’ll find out how to operate the comfort
control and audio systems offered
with your vehicle. Be
sure
to read about the particular systems supplied with
your vehicle.
Comfort Controls
Standard Climate Control System
Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the heating system control
panel controls the fan speed.
The knob has four speed
positions. To increase airflow, move
the knob toward
HI. To decrease airtlow, move it toward LO. To turn the
fan
off, move the knob to OFF.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
relative temperature
of the air flowing into the passenger
area of your vehicle. This knob will allow you to adjust
the relative air temperature independently
of the
function
knob setting. Move the knob clockwise
toward the red area for warmer air. Move the knob
counterclockwise toward the
blue area for cooler air.
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Mode Knob Optional Climate Control System
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose
the direction of air delivery. The control knob
can be placed in any position between two mode settings
to blend the
flow of air.
+e
/J VENT: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
+’ VENT/HEAT Use this setting to divide airflow
between
the floor outlets and instrument panel outlets.
+iJ HEATB; This setting directs air through the
floor outlets.
6fl DEFOG: This setting directs air to the heater
outlets and toward the windshield.
9 DEFROST: This setting directs air toward
the windshield.
+*
e
(ii3, Fan Knob
The knob on the left side of the heating system control
panel controls the fan speed. The knob has four speed
positions. To increase airflow, move the knob toward
HI. To decrease airflow, move it toward LO. To turn the
fan off, move the knob to
OFF. If you have the air
conditioner on. moving
the fan knob to OFF also turns
off the A/C compressor.
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Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the
relative temperature
of the air flowing into the passenger
area of your vehicle. This knob will allow you to adjust
the relative air temperature independently
of the
function knob setting. Move the knob clockwise
toward
the red area for warmer air. Move the knob
counterclockwise toward the blue area for cooler air.
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery. The control knob
can be placed
in any position between two mode settings
to blend the flow of air.
/J VENT: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
+H VENT/HEAT Use this setting to divide airflow
between the floor outlets and instrument panel outlets.
+’ HEATER: This setting directs air through the
heater floor outlets.
+e
+.
0
Qe
+’ DEFOG: This setting directs air to the heater
outlets and toward
the windshield.
DEFROST This setting directs air toward the
windshield.
Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
air inside escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle
to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for
the air conditioner to work it’s best.
The recirculation button, between the fan and
temperature knobs, allows the air inside your vehicle to
be recirculated. This setting helps
to maximize your air
conditioner’s performance and your vehicle’s fuel
economy. This setting also
cools the air the fastest and
can be used
to keep unwanted odors and/or dust from
entering the vehicle. When using the air conditioner,
turn off recirculation after the vehicle reaches a
comfortable interior temperature. When the right knob
on the control panel is between HEATER and
DEFROST, the recirculation feature will
not function.
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Page 135 of 404

Ventilation Tips
Your vehicle has air outlets in the center and on the sides
of your instrument panel. You can move the outlets from
side to side or up and down to direct the
flow of air, or
close the outlets altogether. When
you close an outlet, it
will increase the flow of air coming out of any outlets
that are open. These outlets do not completely
shut off
airflow when
in the closed position.
0
0
0
Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or
any other obstruction (such
as leaves). The heater
and defroster
will work far better, reducing the
chance of fogging the inside
of your windows.
When you enter
a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
blower fan to HI for a few moments before driving.
This helps clear the intake ducts
of snow and
moisture, and reduces the chance
of fogging the
inside
of your windows.
Keep the air path under the front seats clear
of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.
Defogging and Defrosting
On cool, humid days, use DEFOG to keep the
windshield and side windows clear.
Use DEFROST
to remove fog or ice from the windshield in extremely
humid or cold conditions. Use DEFROST
with the
temperature knob toward
the red area and the fan control
toward
HI.
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