GMC SIERRA 2002 Owner's Manual

6-34
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

6-35
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.

6-36
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this
manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
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 brakingsystem
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you need 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 a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-37 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.
Bulb Replacement
For any bulb changing procedure not listed here, contact
your dealer.
For the proper types of bulbs to use, see ªReplacement
Bulbsº in the Index.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

6-38 Headlamps
1. Remove the two pins on the top of the headlamp
assembly. To remove the pins, turn the outer pin
outward and pull it straight up. To remove the inner
pin, turn it inward and pull it straight up.
A. Low-Beam Headlamp
B. High
-Beam Headlamp
2. Pull the headlamp assembly out.
3. Unplug the electrical connector.
4. Turn the old bulb counterclockwise and remove it
from the headlamp lens assembly.
5. Put the new bulb into the lens assembly and turn it
clockwise until it is tight. Use care not to touch the
bulb with your fingers or hands.
6. Plug in the electrical connector.
7. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle.
Re
-install and tighten the two pins.

6-39 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps
A. Sidemarker Lamp
B. Retainer Clip
C. Front Turn Signal Lamp
D. Daytime Running Lamp (DRL)
1. Remove the headlamp assembly as mentioned
previously.2. Press the retainer clip (B), located behind the turn
signal housing, towards the outside of the vehicle.
3. Pull the turn signal housing out of the vehicle.
4. Press the locking release lever, turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove it from the turn signal
housing.

6-40
5. Remove the old bulb from the bulb socket.
6. Put a new bulb into the bulb socket. Use care not to
touch the bulb with your fingers or hands.
7. Put the bulb socket back into the turn signal housing
and turn it clockwise until it locks.
8. Put the turn signal housing back into the vehicle
placing the hook and posts on the inner side into the
alignment holes first, then the outer side into the
retainer bracket until you hear a click.
9. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle.Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp
1. Remove the screws and lift off the lamp assembly.

6-41
A. Cargo Lamps
B. Center High
-Mounted Stoplamps (CHMSL)
2. Remove the CHMSL bulb holder back plate from the
housing by pressing the release tabs.
3. A CHMSL bulb is removed by pulling the bulb
straight out from the holder back plate. A cargo bulb
is removed by turning the socket counterclockwise
and pulling the bulb straight out.
4. If a CHMSL bulb is replaced, put the new bulb into
the socket and press it in until it is tight. If a cargo
lamp is replaced, put a new cargo lamp bulb into the
socket and press it in until it is tight before turning
the socket clockwise.
5. Put the bulb holder back plate into the lamp housing.
6. Reinstall the lamp assembly and tighten the screws.

6-42 Pickup Box Identification/Fender
Marker Lamps
1. Remove the screws and lamp assembly.
2. Unplug the lamp assembly harness.
3. Gently pry the individual lamp from the lamp
housing.
4. Unplug the lamp.
5. Plug in a new lamp and snap it into the housing.
6. Reinstall the lamp housing.
Taillamps
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Remove the two rear lamp assembly screws near the
tailgate latch and pull out the lamp assembly.

6-43
A. Stoplamp
B. Turn Signal Lamp
C. Back
-Up Lamp
3. Press the release tab and turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise to remove it from the taillamp
housing.
4. Pull the old bulb straight out from the socket.
5. Press a new bulb into the socket and turn the socket
clockwise into the taillamp housing until it clicks.
6. Reinstall the rear lamp assembly and tighten
the screws.
7. Close the tailgate.