1998 Chevrolet Blazer Owners Manual

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 CHEVROLET OWNER’S INFORMATION Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 5.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00 CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS Service Publications are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.

TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the 1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $40.00 SERVICE BULLETINS Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:

Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207

OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356

Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)

ORDER TOLL FREE

(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) (Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM EST)

1-800-782-4356

FAX Orders Only

1-31 3-865-5927

service. If further information is needed, write to the address s a own below or call

Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow ade uate time for postal 1-800-782-4356. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied against the original order.

VEHICLE MODEL

NAME

PRICE TOTAL EACH*

QTYm

YEAR

PUBLICATION FORM

NUMBER

Manual

ITEM DESCRIPTION

Service Car & Light Truck Transmission Unit Repair Owner's Manual In Portfolio

Owner's Manual Without Podfolio

8 .

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. Mail completed order form to:

HELM, INCORPORATED P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.

(CUSTOMERS NAME)

(ATENTION)

(STREET ADDRESS-NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)

(CITY)

(STATE)

DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.

(ZIP CODE)

AREA CODE

1998

1998

$1

1998

$40.00

$1 5.00 0.00

TOTAL MATERIAL

Michigan Purchasers add 6% sales tax

~~

~~

Processing

U.S. Order Canadian Postaee See Note Beiovij ( GRANDTOTAL

$5.00

Check here if your billing address is different from your shipping address shown.

Order payable to Helm. Inc. (USA funds

only - do 'not send cash.) 0 Mastercard 0 VISA - Expiration m ml

U Discover

Number:

Date mo/yr:

GM-CHE-ORD98

'(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE

Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $1 1.50 plus the US. order processing.

&I NOTES

8-14

Section 9 Index

1.25. 2.69

1-30 1-28 1-26 1-26

Accessory Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-58 Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . . . . . . 6-3 Adding Sound Equipment ........................ 3-28 Add-on Equipment ............................. 4-42 Air Bag Adding Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How Does it Restrain .......................... How it Works ................................ Location .................................... Readiness Light ......................... Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-27 What You See After it Inflates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-27 Aircleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Air Conditioning ................................ 3-7 Refrigerants ................................. 6-65 Alignment and Balance, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47 Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning ...................... 6-55 Antenna, Fixed ................................. 3-30 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 2-72, 4-7 Appearancecare ............................... 6-49 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-57 Arbitration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Armrest, Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57 Audio Systems ............................. 3- 1, 3- 10 Automatic Headlamp System ...................... 2-41

Automatic Transmission

Check ...................................... 7-40 Fluid ....................................... 6-15 Operation ................................... 2-18 Park Mechanism Check ........................ 7-42 Shifting ..................................... 2-18 Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-16 Front ....................................... Rear .......................................

6-23 6-21

Axle

Backglass Wiper. Blade Replacement .............. 6-40 Battery ....................................... 6-32 ChargeLight ................................ 2-69 Jump Starting ................................. 5-3 Replacement, Keyless Entry ..................... 2-8 Warnings ................................ 5-3, 5-4 Battery Run-Down Protection ..................... 2-44 BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9 Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-9 Blizzard, Driving In ............................. 4-38 Brake Fluid .................................... 6-29 Brake, Parking ................................. 2-22 Brake System Warning Light ...................... 2-71 Brakes Adjustment .................................. 6-32 Anti-Lock ................................... 4-7 Master Cylinder .............................. 6-29 9-1

Brakes (Continued)

PedalTravel ................................. 6-32 Replacing System Parts ........................ 6-32 Trailer ...................................... 4-46 Wear ....................................... 6-31 Brake-Transmission Shift Interlock Check ........... 7-41 Braking ........................................ 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ................... ....... 4-8 Break-In, New Vehicle .......................... 2- 13 Brightness Control .............................. 2-43 BTSICheck ................................... 7-41 Bulb Replacement ......................... 6-33, 6-62 Canadian Roadside Assistance .................... 8-7 Capacities and Specifications ................. 6.64. 6.65 Carbon Monoxide ................ 2.9.2.27.4.38. 4.45 Cargocover ................................... 2-54 Cargo Tie Downs ............................... 2-55 Center Front Passenger Position ................... 1-30 Certificatioflire Label .......................... 4-40 Chains Safety ...................................... 4-46 Tire ........................................ 6-48 Changing a Flat Tire ............................. 5 -2 1 Charging System Light .......................... 2-69 Check 4WD Light .............................. 2-77 Check Gages Light .............................. 2-77 Checking Your Restraint Systems .................. 1-56 Chemical Paint Spotting .......................... 6-56 Child Restraints ................................ 1-42 Center Seat Positions .......................... 1-50 Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-48 Securing in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-50

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

TopStrap ................................... 1-47 Where Not to Put ............................. 1-50 Where to Put 1-46 Cigarette Lighter ............................... 2-57 Circuit Breakers and Fuses ....................... 6-59 Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-14 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels ............................ 6-55 Exterior Lamps and Lenses ..................... 6-54 Fabric ...................................... 6-50 Glass ....................................... 6-53 Inside of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-50 InstrumentPanel ............................. 6-52 Interior Plastic Components ..................... 6-52 Leather ..................................... 6-52 Outside of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-54 Stains ...................................... 6-51 Tires ....................................... 6-55 Vinyl ....................................... 6-51 Weatherstrips ................................ 6-53 Wheels ..................................... 6-55 Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades .......... 6-53 Climate Control System ....................... 3-2, 3-3 Clock, Setting .................................. 3-10 Clutch, Hydraulic ............................... 6-20 Comfort Controls ................................ 3-1 ............................. 3-30 Compact Disc Care Control of a Vehicle .............................. 4-5 ConvenienceNet ............................... 2-54 Convex Outside Mirror .......................... 2-46 Coolant .................................. 5-14, 6-23 Coolant Heater, Engine .......................... 2-17 Courtesy Transportation ........................... 8-8 Cruise Control ................................. 2-37

9-2

Customer Assistance Information ................... 8-1 Customer Satisfaction Procedure .................... 8-2

Damage. Finish ............................... 6-56 Damage. Sheet Metal ............................ 6-55 Daytime Running Lamps ......................... 2-42 Dead Battery ................................... 5-3 Defects. Reporting Safety ........................ 8-10 Defensive Driving ............................... 4-2 Defogging ..................................... 3-8 Defrosting ..................................... 3-8 ............................ 6-66 Dimensions. Vehicle DomeLamps .................................. 2-43 Door Locks ....................................... 2-4 Storage ..................................... 2-52 Drive ........................................ 2-20 Drive. Automatic Transmission .................... 2-20 Drive Axle Service .............................. 7-44 Driver Information System ....................... 2-50 DriverPosition ................................. 1-15 Driving City ........................................ 4-31 Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Drunken ..................................... 4-3 Foreign Countries .............................. 6-5 Freeway .................................... 4-32 Guidelines .................................. 4- 14 Hill and Mountain Roads ....................... 4-34 InaBlizzard ................................. 4-38 Night ...................................... 4-27 Off-Road ................................... 4-14 On Curves ................................... 4-9

Engine ........................................

Rainy Conditions ............................. 4-28 Snowy and Icy Conditions ...................... 4-36 Through Deep Standing Water ................... 4-30 WetRoads .................................. 4-28 Winter ...................................... 4-36 With a Trailer ................................ 4-47 Driving On Grades While Towing a Trailer ........... 4-48 DrunkenDriving ................................ 4-3 E a s y Entry Seat ................................ 1-7 Electrical Equipment. Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28. 6-58 Electrical System ............................... 6-58 Endgate ....................................... 2-9 Emergency Release ........................... 2-11 ManualRelease .............................. 2-10 Remote Release .............................. 2-11 6-9 Coolant Heater ............................... 2-17 Coolant Level Check .......................... 7-39 Coolant Temperature Gage ..................... 2-72 Exhaust ..................................... 2-27 FanNoise ................................... 5-20 Identification ................................ 6-58 OilLevelCheck .............................. 7-39 Overheating ................................. 5-12 Running While Parked ......................... 2-28 Specifications ................................ 6-64 Starting ..................................... 2-16 Engine Compartment Fuse Block .................. 6-62 Engine Coolant ................................. 6-23 Engineoil .................................... 6-10 Adding ..................................... 6-11 Additives ................................... 6-13 9-3

Engine Oil (Continued)

Checking ................................... 6-1 1 KindtoUse ................................. 6-12 Pressure Gage ................................ 2-75 Used ....................................... 6-14 When to Change .............................. 6- 13 Exhaust. Engine ................................ 2-27 Exit Lighting .................................. 2-43 Express-Down Window .......................... 2-32 Fabric Cleaning ............................... 6-50 Fifth Gear. Manual Transmission ................... 2-21 Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 6-7 Filling Your Tank ................................ 6-5 Filter Air ........................................ 6-14 Remote Oil .................................. 6-14 Finishcare .................................... 6-54 Finish Damage ................................. 6-56 First Gear Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-20 Manual Transmission .......................... 2-2 1 Flashers. Hazard Warning ......................... 5-2 Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5-21 Fluids and Lubricants ....................... 6-65. 7-45 FogLampSwitch ...............................

2-42 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-5 Fourth Gear. Manual Transmission ................. 2-21 Four-wheel Drive ......................... 2-29. 6-22 .. FrenchLanguage Manual 11 FrontAxle .................................... 6-23 Front Map Lamps ............................... 2-43 Front Reading Lamps ....................... 2-43. 2-47 9-4

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

Franqais

Front Storage Area .............................. 2-53 Front Towing .................................. 5-10 Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement .......... 6-36 Fuel .......................................... 6-3 Filling a Portable Container ...................... 6-7 Filling Your Tank .............................. 6-5 Foreign Countries .............................. 6-5 Gage ....................................... 2-78 Engine Compartment .......................... 6-62 ............................. 6-60 Instrument Panel ....................... 6-59

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Fuse Block

Gages

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-72 Engine Oil Pressure ........................... 2-75 Fuel ....................................... 2-78 Garage Door Opener ....................... 2.47. 2.60 GasCap ....................................... 6-5 Gate Ajar Light ................................ 2-77 GAWR ....................................... 4-40 GearPositions ................................. 2-18 GloveBox .................................... 2-46 Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ 4-40 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ...................... 4-40 .. ................................. Guide en 11 GVWR ....................................... 4-40

Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-33 Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 5-2 Head Restraints ................................. 1-7 Headlamps .................................... 2-40

Bulb Replacement ............................ 6-34 HighLow Beam Changer ...................... 2-35 OnReminder ................................ 2-41 Wiring ..................................... 6-59 Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance .............. 8-4 Heated Front Seats ............................... 1-5 Heated Outside Mirrors .......................... 2-46 Heating ........................................ 3-7 Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-34 Hill and Mountain Roads ......................... 4-34 Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-45 Hood .......................................... 6-8 Horn ......................................... 2-33 Hydraulic Clutch ............................... 6-20 Check ...................................... 7-40 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-30

Ignition

Positions .................................... 2-14 Transmission Lock Check ...................... 7-42 Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42 Illuminated Entry ............................... 2-43 Inflation. Tire ............................. Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-44 Inspections Brakesystem ................................ 7-44 Engine Cooling System ........................ 7-43 ............................. Exhaust Systems 7-43 Front Drive Axle Boot Seal ..................... 7-43 Steering .................................... 7-43 Suspension .................................. 7-43 Throttle System .............................. 7-43 Transfer Case ................................ 7-44

6.41. 7.39

2.65. 2.66

5-22 5-3

Instrument Panel ............................... 2-64 Cleaning .................................... 6-52 Cluster ................................ Fuse Block .................................. 6-60 2-43

Interior Lamps ................................. Jacking Equipment ............................. Jump Starting ................................... K e y in the Ignition ............................. 2-12 Key Lock Cylinders Service ...................... 7-40 Key Release Button ............................. 2-15 Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-6 Keys .......................................... 2-2 Labels

Certificatioflire ............................. 4-40 Fuse .................................. Safety Belt .................................. 1-57 ..................... Service Parts Identification 6-58 Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-58 Lamps ........................................ 2-40 Dome ...................................... 2-43 FrontMap ................................... 2-43 Front Reading ........................... 2.43. 2.47 Interior ..................................... 2-43 OnReminder ................................ 2-41 Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-7 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-5 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-25 Lighter ....................................... 2-57 Lights 1.25. 2.69

Air Bag Readiness ....................... Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ............ 2.72. 4.7

6.60. 6.62

Lights (Continued)

Brake System Warning ......................... 2-71 Charging System ............................. 2-69 Check4WD ................................. 2-77 Check Gages ................................ 2-77 GateAjar ................................... 2-77 LowFuel ................................... 2-78 Safety Belt Reminder ..................... 1 - 10. 2.68 Security Warning ............................. 2-76 Service Engine Soon .......................... 2-73 Shift .................................. 2-22. 2.70 ........................... 4-40 Loading Your Vehicle Locking Rear Axle .............................. 2-29 LockoutPrevention .............................. 2-5 LockoutSwitch ................................ 2-32 Locks Door ........................................ 2-4 Ignition Transmission Check .................... 7-42 Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-40 PowerDoor .................................. 2- 5 Rear Door Security ............................. 2-5 Loss of Control ................................ 4- 13 LowFuelLight ................................ 2-78 Lubricants and Fluids ....................... 6-65, 7-45 Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-40 Luggagecarrier ................................ 2-55 Lumbar Controls ............................ 1-3, 1-4

Maintenance Record ........................... 7-48 Maintenance Schedule ............................ 7-1 Long Tripmighway ....................... 7-6, 7-27 Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-39 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-43 9-6

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-45 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................. 7-4 Short TripKity ............................ 7.5. 7.7 Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-56 Maintenance When Trailer Towing ................. 4-50 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-73 Manual Front Seat ............................... 1-2 .......................... 1-3 Manual Lumbar Support Manual Transmission Check ...................................... 7-40 Fluid ....................................... 6-19 Operation ................................... 2-21 Shifting ..................................... 2-21 Starting Your Engine .......................... 2-16 Methanol ...................................... 6-4 Mirrors ....................................... 2-44 Convex Outside .............................. 2-46 Heated Outside ............................... 2-46 Illuminated Visor Vanity ....................... 2-58 Inside Daymight Rearview ..................... 2-44 Outside ..................................... 2-45 Visorvanity ................................. 2-58 Model Reference ................................. vi MountainRoads ................................ 4-34 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-34

N e t , Convenience .............................. Neutral Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-19 Manual Transmission .......................... 2-22 New Vehicle “Break-In” ......................... 2-13 Nightvision ................................... 4-27 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............. 6-65

2-54

Odometer .................................... 2-67 Off-Road Driving .............................. 4- 14 Off-Road Recovery ............................. 4- 11 Oil. Engine .................................... 6-10 Opener. Garage Door ....................... 2.47. 2.60 Ordering Owner and Service Publications ....... 8- 1 1. 8. 12 Outside Mirror ManualAdjust ............................... 2-45 Power Remote Control ......................... 2-45 Convex ..................................... 2-46 Overhead Console .............................. 2-46 Overheating Engine ............................. 5- 12 Owner Checks and Services ....................... 7-39 Owner Publications ........................ 8- 1 1. 8- 12

6-56

Parking

Paint Spotting. Chemical ........................ Park Automatic Transmission ....................... 2- 18 Shifting Into ................................. 2-23 Shifting Out of ............................... 2-26 AtNight .................................... 2-12 Brake ...................................... 2-22 Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-42 Lots ....................................... 2-12 On Hills with a Trailer ......................... 4-49 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-27 Your Vehicle. Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26 Passing ....................................... 4-11 .................................... Passlock" 2-12 Payload ....................................... 4-42 Periodic Maintenance Inspections .................. 7-43

Power

............................ 2-58 Accessory Outlets Door Locks ................................... 2-5 Remote Control Mirror ........................ 2-45 Steering ..................................... 4-9 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-27 Windows ................................... 2-31 Power Seat ..................................... 1-3 Lumbar Controls .............................. 1-4 Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-22 ............................ Problems on the Road 5-1 Publications. Service and Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1 1. 8- 12

Radiator. Adding Coolant ....................... Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... Radio Reception ................................ Radios

5-17 6-26 3-28 AM-€34 Stereo .............................. 3-10 Cassette Tape Player ..................... 3- 12. 3. 15 Cassette Tape Player Care ................. 3.29. 7.39 Compact Disc Player .......................... 3-20 Compact Disc Player Care ...................... 3-30 Remote Cassette Player ........................ 3-24 Setting the Clock ............................. 3-10 Theft-Deterrent Feature ........................ 3-26 Rain. Driving .................................. 4-28 RAP ......................................... 2-16 Rear Axle ....................................... 6-21 ........................... 2-5 Door Security Locks Safety Belt Comfort Guides ..................... 1-35 Seat Passengers .............................. 1-32 Seats ........................................ 1-8 9-7

Rear (Continued)

Towing ..................................... 5- 11 Window Defogger ............................. 3-9 Window Washerwiper ........................ 2-37 Rearseats ...................................... 1-8 Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-44 Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-5 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . 6-65. 7-45 RecoveryHooks ................................ 5-36 Recovery Tank. Coolant .......................... 5- 14 Recreational Vehicle Towing ...................... 4-39 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 6-64 Parts ....................................... 6-65 Wheel ...................................... 6-45 Reporting Safety Defects ......................... 8-10 Restraints Check ...................................... 7-40 Checking ................................... 1-56 Child ....................................... 1-42 Head ........................................ 1-7 Replacing Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-57 Retained Accessory Power ........................ 2- 16 Reverse Automatic Transmission ....................... 2- 19 Manual Transmission .......................... 2-22 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-23 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-5 Canadian .................................... 8-7 Rocking Your Vehicle ........................... 5-36 Rotation. Tires ................................. 6-42 1 - 10 safety Belts .................................. Adults ...................................... 1-15

9-8

Care ....................................... 6-52 Center Front Passenger Position ................. 1-30 Center Rear Passenger Position .................. 1-38 Children ............................... 1-39. 1-53 DriverPosition ............................... 1-15 Extender .................................... 1-56 ......................... How to Wear Properly 1-15 Lap Belt ............................... 1-30. 1-38 Lap-Shoulder ........................... 1-15. 1-32 Questions and Answers ........................ 1-14 Rear Comfort Guides .......................... 1-35 Rear Seat Passengers .......................... 1-32 Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-57 .................. 1-23 Right Front Passenger Position Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1-22 WhyTheyWork .............................. 1-11 Safety Chains .................................. 4-46 ........................ 8-10 Safety Defects. Reporting Safety Warnings and Symbols ....................... iii Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-4 Seatback Latches ...................................... 1-7 Reclining Front ............................... 1-5 Seats and Restraint Systems ........................ 1-1 Second Gear Automatic Transmission ....................... 2-20 ManualTransmission .......................... 2-21 Security Warning Light .......................... 2-76 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 Service and Owner Publications .............. 8- 1 1. 8- 12 Service Engine Soon Light ....................... 2-73 Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 .................... 6-2 Service Work. Doing Your Own Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ........... 1-28

6-55

2.22. 2.70 2- 18. 2.21

Sheet Metal Damage Shift Light ............................... Shifting ..................................

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

IntoPark .................................... 2-23 Out of Park .................................. 2-26 Signaling Turns ................................ 2-34 SIR .......................................... 1-23 Skidding ...................................... 4-13 Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.64. 6.65 Speech Impaired. Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Speedometer ................................... 2-67 Stains. Cleaning ................................ 6-5 1 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-41 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2- 16 Steam ........................................ 5-12 Steering In Emergencies ............................... 4- 10 Power ....................................... 4-9 Steering Wheel. Tilt ............................. 2-33 Storage Compartments ........................... 2-46 Storage. Vehicle ................................ 6-33 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30 Stuck: In Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35 SunVisors .................................... 2-57 Sunglasses Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-52 Sunroof ....................................... 2-59 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint .................. 1-23 Symbols. Vehicle ..................................

Tachometer .................................. 2-67 Taillamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-38 TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-29 Temperature and Compass Display ................. 2-49

Theft ......................................... 2-12 ............................... THEFTLOCK 3-26 Thermostat .................................... 6-27 Third. Automatic Transmission .................... 2-20 Third Gear. Manual Transmission .................. 2-21 ............................. Tilt Steering Wheel 2-33 .................................. Time. Setting 3-10 Tire Chains .................................... 6-48 Tire Inflation Check ............................. 7-39 Tires Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-47 Buying New ................................. 6-44 Changing a Flat .............................. 5-21 Cleaning .................................... 6-55 Inflation ............................... 6-41. 7-39 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-42 Pressure .................................... 6-41 Temperature ................................. 6-46 Traction .................................... 6-46 Treadwear ................................... 6-46 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-45 .............................. Wear Indicators 6-44 When It’s Time for New ....................... 6-44 TopStrap ..................................... 1-47 TorqueLock ................................... 2-26 Torque. Wheel Nut ......................... 5-30. 6-64 Towing a Trailer ................................ 4-42 4-39 Towing. Recreational Vehicle Towing Your Vehicle 5-7 Trailer Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46 Driving on Grades ............................ 4-48 Driving with a Trailer .......................... 4-47 Hitches ..................................... 4-45 9-9

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

Trailer (Continued)

Maintenance When Towing ..................... 4-50 Parking on Hills .............................. 4-49 Safety Chains ................................ 4-46 Tongueweight ............................... 4-44 Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-45 Towing ..................................... 4-42 Turnsignals ................................. 4-48 Weight ..................................... 4-44 WiringHarness ............................... 4-50 2-29, 6-22

Transfer Case ............................. Transmission Fluid

Automatic ................................... Manual .....................................

6- 15 6-19 Transmitters, Keyless Entry ........................ 2-6 Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-8 Trip, Before Leaving ............................ 4-33 Trip Odometer ................................. 2-67 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-4 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-34 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-48 Underbody Maintenance ........................ Universal Transmitter ............................ Accessories ................................. Erasing Channels ............................. Operation ................................... Programming ................................ Rolling Code Openers ......................... Used Replacement Wheels ........................ Vehicle control ............................... Vehicle Damage Warnings ..........................

6-56 2-60 2-63 2-63 2-62 2-61 2-62 6-48

-4-5 iv

Vehicle Dimensions ............................. Vehicle Identification Number ..................... Vehicle Loading ................................ Vehicle Storage ................................ Ventilation System ............................... Visors. Sun .................................... Voltmeter .....................................

6-66 6-58 4-40 6-33 3-7 2-57 2-70

6-47

5.2. 5.3

5.30. 6.64

w a r n i n g Devices ........................... Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-68 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................ 6-28 Washing Your Vehicle ........................... 6-54 Weatherstrips .................................. 6-53 Wheel Alignment ............................... 6-47 Wheel Nut Torque ......................... Wheel Replacement ............................. Windows Express-Down ............................... 2-32 LockoutSwitch .............................. 2-32 Manual ..................................... 2-31 Power ...................................... 2-31 Swing-Out .................................. 2-33 ............................. 2-36 Fluid ....................................... 6-28 FluidLevelCheck ............................ 7-39 Windshield Wiper .............................. 2-36 Bladecheck ................................. 7-40 ........................... 6-38 Blade Replacement Fuses ...................................... 6-59 Rear ....................................... 2-37 Winter Driving ................................. 4-36 Wiring, Headlamp .............................. 6-59 WreckerTowing ................................. 5-7

Windshield Washer

. .>

3057

- la-

24-hour

1

Wearin!. safety belt correctly is one of the most important

-2- .. .$ ri' q _.I' ri, ,.e

f'

3 Q $ :' .

..<. v I T 0 set the clock on systems without Automatic Tone Control, press 9

I, ares and hold the SEEK right arrow until the correcg

Supplement to the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada Owner’s Manuals

This information replaces the Heated Front Seats text in the “Seats and Restraint Systems” section of your owner’s manual. Heated Front Seats (If Equipped)

If you have this feature, the control is located on the side of the seat. This feature will quickly heat the lower cushion and lower back of the driver and front passenger seats for added comfort.

Press the lower part of the switch to turn the heater on low. Press the upper part of the switch to turn the heater on high. Put the switch in the center position to turn the heater off. The passenger’s safety belt musI oe engaged for the heated seat feature to work on the passenger’s seat.

STFFO4-01

NOTES

Supplement to the 1998 Chevrolet SlO (with ZR2 Suspension) and Chevrolet Blazer (with ZR2 Suspension) Owner’s Manuals

This information should be included with the “Daytime Running Lamps (Dm)” information located in Section 2 in your owner’s manual. Vehicles built for the U.S. domestic market are not equipped with Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).

This information should be included with the “Engine Compartment Fuse Block” information located in Section 6 in your owner’s manual. DRL Not used for Daytime Running Lamps in

vehicles built for the U.S. domestic market.

Part Number 15040820

“Copyxight General Motors Corporation 1998 All Rights Reserved

. ',

. . . . .

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. . . . ,., * .., _ . - . . : , . . . .

.. ..

Tk:: 1998 Chevrolet Blazer Owner’s Manual

1-1

2- 1

3-1

4- l

5-1

6-1

7-1

8- 1

9- 1

Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the “SIR’ system. Features and Controls This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and Problems on the Road This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good. Maintenance Schedule This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-10. Index Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

how to drive under different conditions.

3

CHEVROLET

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name BLAZER are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. C98 11 B First Edition

ii

We support voluntary technician certification.

L . . J

C E R T I F I E D

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National institute for

A U T O M O T I V E

S E R V I C E

E X C E L L E N C E

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propribtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en frangais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauqa, Ontario L5T 1B9

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1997 All Rights Reserved

About Driving Your Vehicle As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read the “on-pavement” and “off-road” driving guidelines in this manual. (See “Driving Guidelines” and “Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle” in the Index.) How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

The! !an there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

iii

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

I NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

iv

Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BURNS

,111,

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

SIGNALS e

TURN

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

WINDOW DEFOGGER

RUNNING *

DAYTIME . . . FOG LAMPS # 0

LAMPS "'

VENTILATING FAN

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

FUSE -%-

(a)

LIGHTER m HORN b SPEAKER b e, FUEL 93

COOLANT TEMP

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK (@)

BRAKES

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Two-Door Utility

Four-Door Utility

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

1-2 1-10 1-14

1-15 1-15 1-22 1-23 1-23

1-30

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System Center Front Passenger Position (4-DOOr Models)

1-32 1-35

1-38

1-39 1-42 1-53 1-56 1-56 1-57

Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults (4-DOOr Models) Center Rear Passenger Position (4-Door Models) Children Child Restraints Larger Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and fold them up and down. Manual Front Seat

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

1-2

Move the lever under the front of the manual seat up to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.

Manual Lumbar Support

If you have this feature, there will be a knob on the outside of the driver and passenger bucket seats. Turn the knob to the left to increase lumbar support and to the right to decrease lumbar support.

Power Driver’s Seat (If Equipped) If you have this feature, there will be a control pad on your driver’s seat.

Horizontal Control: Raise the front of the seat by raising the forward edge of the button. Lower the front of the seat by lowering the forward edge of the button. Move the seat forward by moving the whole button toward the front of the vehicle.

1-3

Raise the rear of the seat by raising the rear edge of the button. Lower the rear of the seat by lowering the rear edge of the button. Move the seat rearward by moving the whole button toward the rear of the vehicle. Moving the whole button up or down raises or lowers the whole seat. Vertical Control: Move the reclining front seatback rearward by moving the button toward the rear of the vehicle. Move the seatback forward by moving the button toward the front of the vehicle.

Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

If you have this control, it is located on the side of the driver’s seat.

Press and hold the front of the control until you have the desired lumbar support. To decrease lumbar support, press and hold the rear of the control.

1-4

Heated Front Seats (If Equipped)

Reclining Front Seatbacks

If you have this feature, the control is located on the side of the seat. This feature will quickly heat the lower cushion and lower back of the driver and front passenger seats for added comfort.

Press the lower part of the switch to turn the heater on low. Press the upper part of the switch to turn the heater on high. Put the switch in the center position to turn the heater off.

Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position.

1-5

if you buckle job when

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even up, your safety belts can’t do their you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined is moving.

if your vehicle

1-6

Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. The head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. Seatback Latches

The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the back seat or to access the storage area behind the seat. To fold the front seatback forward, rotate the handle on the side of the seat rearward and pull the seatback forward.

To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback all the way back until the latch catches. If the seatback was reclined before being folded forward, it will return to the reclined position.

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

Easy Entry Seat (2-Door Models) The right front seat of your vehicle makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat.

Tilt the right front seatback completely forward and the whole seat will slide forward.

0 Move the seatback to its original position after

someone gets into the rear seat area. Then move the seat rearward until it locks.

1-7

’ /d CAUTION:

If an easy entry right front seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on an easy entry seat to be sure it is locked.

0 Tilt the seatback completely forward again to

get out.

Rear Seats Your vehicle has a’folding rear seat which lets you fold the seatbacks down for more cargo space.

1-8

The rear seat release handles are on the rear of the seatbacks. Push back on the seatbacks as you pull up on the handles. The head restraint will automatically fold out of the way when the seatback is folded down. To raise the seatbacks, just lift up the seatbacks and push until they lock in the upright position. Push and pull on the seatbacks to check that the latches have locked in the upright position. If they haven’t, have them fixed immediately.

On two-door models with an inside mounted spare tire, the driver’s side rear seat head restraint must be lifted and held upright as the seatback is raised. Otherwise, the head restraint will hit the spare tire and prevent the seatback from properly latching. Push and pull on the head restraints to check that they have locked in the upright position. If they haven’t, have them fixed immediately. The rear seat head restraints are adjustable. Push the button located under the head restraint to raise or lower it. Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the head restraint is closest to the top of your ears. After releasing the button, push and pull on the head restraint to make sure it’s locked in place.

To return the head restraints to the upright position, reach behind the seats and pull the head restraint up until it locks into position.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system.

A CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

A CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

1-10

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In m . ~ ~ t crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot! Why Safety Belts Work When YOU ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

1-11

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.

1-12

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel . . .

1-13

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

1-14

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

&: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an

home, why should I wear safety belts?

accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit UD straight.

1-15

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle the shoulder belt.

end of the belt as you pull up on

1-16

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

1-17

What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly

as much protection this way.

1-18

[ON:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is In a crash, buckled in the wrong place like this. the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

@ What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-19

@ What's wrong with this?

r'

23

You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

1-20

What's wrong with this?

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

1-21

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

1-22

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother, When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system. Your vehicle has “Next Generation” reduced-force frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Reduced-force frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

1-23

Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with reduced-force frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with reduced-force air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

I if

!d or killed in a cr;

YOI :an be severely i: -

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety

belts. All air bags -- even reduced-force air bags -- are designed to work with safety belts,

but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, reduced-force air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a

safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an

air bag for that person.

1-24

A

Children who are up against, or very close to, an air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has reduced-force frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neitherthe vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol.

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

1-25

How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering. wheel.

The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

1-26

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 14 to 18 mph (23 to 29 k d h ) . The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such

as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. The air bag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See “Off-Road Driving’’ in the Index for more tips on off-road driving. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger.

1-27

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

1-28

When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.

0 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

or the

If you damage the covering for the driver’s right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the GM Service Manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications’’ in the Index.

/A CAUTION:

a lot of water -- such as water up

If your vehicle ever gets into to the carpeting or higher -- or if water enters your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace the air bags as well as the