jump start GMC SIERRA 1999 Owner's Manual

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If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But
you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.
Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet.
You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in
front of you.
You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one
of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will
separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at
both rear wheels.

5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating (Gasoline Engine)5
-11 Cooling System (Gasoline Engine)
5
-19 Engine Fan Noise
5
-19 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-20 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

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5-3
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can use them to
warn others. Set one up at the side of the road about
300 feet (100 m) behind your vehicle.
Jump Starting
If your battery (or batteries) have run down, you may
want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables
to start your vehicle. But please use the following steps
to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:

They contain acid that can burn you.

They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or
all of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built
-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

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2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL (N). If you have a four
-wheel-drive
vehicle, be sure the transfer case is not in
NEUTRAL (N).
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlets. Turn off all lamps
that aren't needed as well as radios. This will avoid
sparks and help save both batteries. In addition, it
could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (
-) terminals on each battery.
CAUTION:
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary
electric fan under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.

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6-38 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top
-quality GM
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we
recommend an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one
that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

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Roadside Assistance
GMC's Roadside Assistance provides stranded owners
with over
-the-phone roadside repairs, location of the
nearest GMC dealer or the following special services:
Flat Tire Change: Installation of spare tire will be
covered at no charge (customer is responsible for repair
or replacement of tire).Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the customer
to get to the nearest service station (up to $4.00) will
be covered.
Jump Start: No
-start situations which require a battery
jump start will be covered at no charge.
Lock Out: Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain entry
into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement key will
be covered at no charge within 10 miles (16 km).
Emergency Towing Service: Towing to the nearest
GMC dealer for warranty related disablements will
be covered.
Deluxe Trip Routing: Custom
-made, computerized
highlighted maps using the most direct or scenic route
are provided free of charge. Maps include points of
interest and a list of GMC dealers along the route. Also
included is a list of hotels along the route that are
discounted through affiliation with ªQuest
International.º Trip Routing is available through
Roadside Assistance by calling 1
-800-GMC-8782
(462-8782). Please be prepared to provide your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). Allow five working days
for fulfillment.

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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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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .