check engine light GMC SIERRA 1999 User Guide

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4-40
CAUTION:
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 a while.
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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5-5
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the batteries have enough water.
You don't need to add water to the ACDelco
Freedom

battery (or batteries) installed in
every new GM vehicle. But if a battery has filler
caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that first.
If you don't, explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
5. Check that the jumper cables don't have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) and negative (
-) will go to a heavy
unpainted metal engine part. Don't connect positive
(+) to negative (
-) or you'll get a short that would
damage the battery and maybe other parts too.
On vehicles equipped with dual batteries, make any
battery connections to the primary battery located on
the passenger's side of the vehicle.
CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.

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6-24
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch system in your vehicle is
self
-adjusting. A slight amount of play (1/4 inch to
1/2 inch or 6 mm to 12 mm) in the pedal is normal.
It isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your clutch fluid.
Adding fluid won't correct a leak. A fluid loss in this
system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.

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6-73
Fuse/Circuit
Breaker Usage
20 PRNDL, Automatic Transmission,
Speedometer, Check Gages
Warning Light
21 Security/Steering
22 Not Used
23 Not Used
24 Front Axle, 4WD Indicator Lamp,
TP2 Relay (Gasoline Engine)
A Power Door Lock, Six
-Way Power
Seat, Keyless Entry Module
B Power WindowsUnderhood Fuse/Relay Center
The underhood fuse/relay center is located in the rear of
the engine compartment near the brake fluid reservoir.
Move the retainer clips for the cover to access the
fuse block.
You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor. The fuse
extractor is mounted to the interior fuse block. To
remove fuses if you don't have a fuse extractor, hold the
end of the fuse between your thumb and index finger
and pull straight out.

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7-42 At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check
Your vehicle has an indicator located on the air cleaner in
the engine compartment that lets you know when the air
cleaner filter is dirty and needs to be changed. Check
indicator at least twice a year or when your oil is changed,
whichever occurs first. See ªAir Cleanerº in the Index for more information.
Inspect your air cleaner filter restriction indicator more
often if the vehicle is used in dusty areas or under off
road conditions.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.)
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªManual Transmission Fluidº in the Index. Check for
leaks. A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.

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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlet 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment 1-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Light 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off Switch 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-25, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check 7-42 . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-3, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-28, 6-76, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appearance Care 6
-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Materials, GM Vehicle Care/ 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest Storage Compartment 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transmission
Check 7
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Front 6-27, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Locking Rear 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle, Rear 6-25, 7-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Keyless Entry 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-3
Wheels 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2, 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch Fluid, Hydraulic 6-24, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch, System Check 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Guides, Rear 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-17, 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player Care 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass, Rearview Mirror with 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-28, 6-76, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-53, 2-54, 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defects, Reporting Safety 8
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging and Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby Noise Reduction 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Pocket 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downshifting 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dual Tire Operation 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-6
Jack, Tire 5-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Release Button 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry System 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-28 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Off 2
-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag Readiness 1-25, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-69, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Check Gages 2
-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-9, 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift 2-21, 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Information, Truck-Camper 4-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving 4-14 . . . . . . . . . .
Lockout Switch 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks
Cylinders 7
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication, Weatherstrips 6-64, 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar Controls 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-78 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .