heater GMC SIERRA 1997 Owners Manual

Section 2 Features and Controls
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Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained
are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
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2-3
2-4
2-5
2-7 2-9
2- 10
2-11
2- 13
2- 14
2- 15
2- 19
2-22
2-22
2-27
2-28
2-30
Keys
Tailgate
Third Door
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System
Theft
New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions
Starting Your Gasoline Engine
Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transmission Operation
Manual Transmission Operation
Locking Rear Axle
Four-wheel Drive
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK
(P) (Automatic
Transmission Models Only)
Shifting Out
of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission) 2-3
1
2-3 1
2-32
2-32
2-33
2-36
2-36
2-43 2-48
2-52
2-59
2-6
1
2-62
2-64 2-66 Parking
Your Vehicle (Manual
Transmission Models Only)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
Windows
Tilt Wheel
Turn SignalAUultifunction Lever
Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
Sun Visors
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Cluster
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more
seconds, or until
it starts.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), wait
15 seconds and start over.
When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle.
If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer.
If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part
of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0°F
(- 18°C) or colder, the
.A engine coolant heater
can help.
You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting
your vehicle.
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To Use the Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord,
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
I
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Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind
of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt
AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least
15 amps.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends
on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your
GM dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that
particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as
it was before to keep it away from moving
engine
parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged. There are
several different positions for your shift lever.
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Comfort Controls
Heater Control System
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.
Mode Knob
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.
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/J VENT: This setting directs air through the
instrument panel outlets.
+# VENTEEAT: Use this setting to divide airflow
+0
between the floor outlets and instrument panel outlets.
HEATER: This setting directs air through the
floor outlets.
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DEFOG: This setting directs air to the heater
outlets and toward the windshield.
DEFROST This setting directs air toward
the windshield.
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.
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
3-2
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Heater and Air Conditioning Control
System
(If Equipped)
Fan Knob
The knob on the le.ft 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.
In
OFF, while driving, ram airflow will vent to the floor
outlets. The mode knob will not redirect ram airflow
to
other selected outlet positions. This is normal operation
for the
OFF position.
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.
Mode Knob
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.
e0
/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.
+’ HEATER: This setting directs air through the
heater floor outlets.
+’ DEFOG: This setting directs air to the heater
outlets and toward
the windshield.
*.
w.
DEFROST This setting directs air toward
the windshield.
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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 its 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.
The
A/C button, between the temperature and mode
knobs, allows the air coming into your vehicle to be
cooled. This setting is useful for normal cooling on hot
days. When you use A/C with
the recirculation button
pushed in, turn
off recirculation as soon as the vehicle
reaches
a comfortable interior temperature. With the
A/C on,
move the temperature knob to MAX
for maximum cooling. This setting also puts the system
in the recirculation mode and helps to maximize your
air conditioner’s performance and your vehicle’s fuel
economy. This setting also cools the air the fastest. After
the vehicle’s interior reaches a comfortable temperature,
move the temperature knob clockwise to place the air
conditioning system in the normal mode.
Heating
The heater works best if you keep your windows closed
while using it. On cold days, use the HEATER
or
VENTMEAT setting with the temperature knob in
the red area.
If you use the engine coolant heater before starting your
engine in cold weather,
20°F (-8OC) or lower, your
heating system will produce warmer air faster, to heat
the passenger compartment in cold weather.
The use of an engine coolant heater also reduces the ,
time it takes for the engine to reach normal operating
temperature, and shortens the time it takes the heater to
reach full output. For more information, see “Engine
Coolant Heater” in the Index.
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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 outlets.
Your vehicle’s 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 grrlles,
through the vehicle, and out the
air exhaust valves.
Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or
the air conditioning fan is running, unless you have the
recirculation button pushed in. For more information on
the recirculation button, see “Air Conditioning” earlier
in this section.
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.
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Ventilation Tips
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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.
The use of hood air deflectors may adversely
affect the performance of the heating and air
conditioning system.
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.
Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)
If you see lines running across the rear window, you
have a rear window defogger. The lines warm the glass.
To turn
on the rear window
defogger, press this button
next to
the fan control knob.
The rear window defogger
will only work if the
ignition switch is turned
to RUN. For best results,
clear
the window of as
much snow or ice as
possible first.
The defogger will shut itself off after several minutes.
If you need additional warming time, press the button
again. You can turn the defogger off at any time by
pressing the button.
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A CAJTldN:
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 (or batteries) charged. You will need a
well-charged battery (or batteries) to restart
the vehicle,
and possibly for signaling later on with your headlamps.
Let the heater run for awhile.
If you have
a diesel engine, you may have to run it at a
higher speed to get enough heat. 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.
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If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or
so:
1. If you have an air conditioner, turn it off.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the window
as necessary.
3. If you’re in a traffic jam, shift to NEUTRAL (N);
otherwise, shift to the highest gear while
driving
-- AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (@)
for automatic transmissions.
If you no longer have
the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just
to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning doesn’t come back
on, you can
drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there’s still no sign of steam, push the accelerator until
the engine speed is about twice as fast as normal idle
speed. Bring the engine speed back to normal idle speed
after two or three minutes. Now see if the warning stops.
But then, if
you still have the warning, turn oflthe
engine and get everyone out
of the vehicle until it
cools down.
Cooling System -- Gasoline Engines
When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what
you’ll see:
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Engine Fan(s)
You may decide
not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
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