2003 Chevrolet Suburban Owners Manual

New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-21 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ........... 5-1 09

Odometer ...................... Off -Road Recovery ............. Oil

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

3-37 .......................... 4-19

Engine ....................................................... Pressure Gage ............................................ OIL PRESSURE LOW ..................................... ................................ Older Children. Restraints Online Owner Center Onstar@ Personal Calling ................................. Onstar@ Services ............................................ Onstar@ Steering Wheel Controls ...................... Onstar@ System ......................................... Onstar@ Virtual Advisor ................................ Operating Your AII-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off

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

5-1 7 3-49 3-63 1-44 7-4 2-52 2-51 2-52 2-51 2-52

Paved Roads ..............................................

Other Warning Devices ...................................... Outlet Adjustment Outside

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

4-22 3-6 3-23, 3-29

Automatic Dimming Mirror ............................. 2-49 Camper-Type Mirrors .................................... 2-48 Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-50 .............................. 2-50 Curb View Assist Mirrors

Outside (cont.)

Heated Mirrors ............................................ Manual Mirrors ............................................ Power Foldaway Mirrors ............................... Power Mirrors .............................................

2-50 2-48 2-49 2-48 Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror ................... 2-49 Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode (V8 Engines Only) .......................................

5-30 Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii Owner’s information ..................................... 7-12

Panel Doors ................................................... Park (P)

2-14

Shifting Out of

~~~~~~

Parking

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

Brake ...................................... Over Things That Burn ......................

Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission

Park (P) Mechanism Check

........................... Parking on Hills .............................................. Park( P)

....... 2-38 ... 2-35 ... 2-39

6-13 4-69

Shifting Into ................................................

2-36 Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services ............ 6-4 Part 6 - Owner Checks and Services ................ 6-10 Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections .......... 6-14 Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .... 6-16 Part E - Maintenance Record 6-18

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

11

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

Passenger Air Bag Indicator ................. 2.44. 2-47 Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator ................... 3-38 3-68 PASSENGER DOOR AJAR 1-76 Passenger Sensing System Passing ................................................. 4.19. 4-68 Passlock@ ...................................................... 2-20 Pedals .......................................................... 2-23 Personalization Button ..................................... 3-56 Plan Ahead When Possible ................................ 7-8 Playing a Cassette Tape .................................. 3-94 Playing a Compact Disc 3-108 Playing a Specific Loaded

................. 3.83. 3.96.

Compact Disc ............................................

Playing the Radio ................. 3.71. 3.75. 3.86. Power

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

Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-1 8 Door Locks 2-9 Electrical System ......................................... 5-97 Lumbar Controls ........................................... 1-4 Seat ............................................................ 1-4 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-38 Windows .................................................... 2-1 6 Power Steering ............................................... 4-14 Power Winches .............................................. 4-73 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-1 0 Programming the HomeLink Transmitter ............. 2-54

3-109 3-100

QUADRASTEERTM ......................................... 4-16 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-26

3.73. 3.80. 3-91 Radio Messages ......................... Radios .......................................................... 3-70 AM-FM ...................................................... 3-71 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-126 ................ 3-127 Care of Your CD and DVD Player Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-127 ........................ DAB Radio Antenna System 3-128 ......................... Radio with Cassette and CD 3-85 Radio with CD ............................................ 3-74 Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................ 3-99 Rear Seat Audio ........................................ 3-122 Setting the Time for Radios with Radio

Data Systems (RDS)

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

3-71

Setting the Time for Radios without

Radio Data Systems (RDS)

Theft-Deterrent .......................................... Understanding Reception ............................

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

3-70 3-1 24 3-1 25 ............... 3-79, 3-90. 3-104 3-65 .. 3-31

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

RDS and DAB Messages REAR ACCESS OPEN Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System

12

Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System and

Electronic Climate Controls

Locking ...................................................... ...................... ........................................... ............................... .....................

........................... 3-33 Rear Air Conditioning System ........................... 3-30 Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-51 4-1 1 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-41 Rear Seat Audio 3-122 Rear Seat Audio Controls 3-123 Rear Seat Entertainment System 3-1 13 Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-8 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............. 1-38 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-38 Rear Storage Area .......................................... 2-59 Rear Window Defogger ............................ 3-23, 3-28 Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with

Compass and Temperature Display ................ 2-45

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with

Onstar@, Compass and Temperature Display ... 2-42 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-42 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-5 Reclining the Seatbacks ................................... 1-19 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-53 REDUCED BRAKE POWER ............................. 3-65 ........................... REDUCED ENGINE POWER 3-63 Remote Alarm .................................................. 2-6 Remote Control ............................................. 3-1 16 Remote Keyless Entry System 2-4 Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-5 Removing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat ................ 1-12

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

1-17

Removing the Bench Seat ................................ Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the

Spare Tire ..................................................

5-78 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-71 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-59 Replacing Brake System Parts .......................... 5-44 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

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

1-81 Replacing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat ................ 1-13 Replacing the Bench Seat ................................ 1-18 Reporting Safety Defects

Canadian Government .................................. General Motors ........................................... United States Government ............................

7-11 7-11 7-10 Reprogramming a Single HomeLinkO Button ....... 2-56 Resetting Defaults ........................................... 2-56 Restraint System Check ................................... 6-10 Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-80 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

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

............ 1-81

Restraint Systems

Checking .................................................... 1-80 Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-81 Restraints, Head ............................................... 1-7 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-22 RFA # BATTERY LOW .................................... 3-68 Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-36 RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR .............................. 3-68

13

Roadside

Assistance Program ......................

......... 7-6 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out ................... 4-51 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-40

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

3-37

Safety Belt

Reminder Light ......

Safety Belts

and Small Adults

Care of ...................................................... 5-91 Center Passenger Position ............................ 1-36 Driver Position ............................................ 1-28 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-27 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-26 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children ...................................... 1-41 ................................. 1-38 Rear Seat Passengers Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-36 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-43 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-35 Safety Belts Are for Everyone 1-22 4-66 ... ............ 111 .......... 6-5

....................... Safety Chains ............................................. Safety Warnings and Symbols Scheduled Maintenance Seats

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

..........

50/50 Split Bench Seat ................................. .................................. 60/40 Split Bench Seat ................................................ Bench Seat

1-10 1-8 1-14

Seats (cont.)

Bucket Seats. Rear ...................................... 1-19 Head Restraints ............................................ 1-7 ............................................... 1-5 Heated Seats Manual ........................................................ 1-3 Memory ..................................................... 2-61 Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-4 Power Seats ................................................. 1-4 ...................................... Rear Seat Operation 1-8 Reclining Seatbacks ............................ , 1 - 5 .. 1-62 ..... 5-73

Second Row Secondary Latch System Securing a Child Restraing Center Front Seat Position Securing a Child Restraint Center Rear Seat Position Designed for the LATCH System Rear Outside Seat Position ....................... Right Front Seat Position .......................... Select Button ................................................. Self-Adjusting ................................................. Service ...........................................................

1-61 ................... 1-59 1-59 1-64 3-62 4-57 5-3

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

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

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

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

1-63

Adding Equipment to the Outside

of Your

Vehicle ..................................................... ................................... .......................................

5-4 Doing Your Own Work 5-4 Engine Soon Light 3-46 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-11 3-64 3-65

............................. SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER SERVICE 4WD ...............................................

14

SERVICE AIRBAG .......................................... 3-63 ........................... 3-64 SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER ............................. SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM 3-63 Service Bulletins ............................................. 7-1 2 Service Manuals ............................................. 7-1 1 SERVICE RIDE CONTROL 3-65 SERVICE STABILITY 3-69 Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) ..... 3-79, 3-90, 3-104 .......... 3-72, 3-77, 3-88, 3-102 Setting Preset Stations Setting the Time

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

Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)

......... 3-71 ..... 3-70

Setting the lone

(BassDreble) .................... 3-73, 3-77, 3-88, 3-102 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-93 Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-36 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-38 Side Impact Air Bags ....................................... 1-73 Skidding ..................................................... 4-21 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips .................... 4-40 Spare Tire ..................................................... 5-87 Spare Tire Check ............................................ 6-1 1 ..................... Special Fabric Cleaning Problems 5-89 Specifications, Capacities ............................... 5-1 06 Speedometer .............................................. 3-37 ................. 1-10 Split Bench Seat Split Bench Seat (60/40) 1-8

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

(50/50) .........

System

Stabilitrak@ Stabilitrak@

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

... 4-11

All-Wheel Drive ........................................... 2-32 STABILITY SYS ACTIVE .................................. 3-69 STABILITY SYS DISABLED .............................. 3-69 Starter Switch Check ....................................... 6-12 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-22 Steering ........................................................ 4-14 Steering and Suspension Inspection .................. 6-14 Steering in Emergencies .................................. 4-15 Steering Tips .................................................. 4-14 ....................... Steering Wheel Controls. Audio 3-124 Step-Bumper Pad ........................................... 4-73 Stereo RCA Jacks ......................................... 3-1 19 Storage Areas

Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-57 Convenience Net ..................................... 2-59 ...................... Cupholder(s) .............. 2-57 Front Storage Area ................................... 2-57 Glove Box .................................................. 2-57 Luggage Carrier .......................................... 2-57 Rear Storage Area ....................................... 2-59 Storing a Flat Tire and Tools ............................ 5-84 Ice or Snow ...................... 4-50 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-17 Sunroof ...................................................... 2-60

15

Tachometer ................................................. Taillamps ....................................................... .................... Temperature and Compass Display Temperature Display ........................................ Testing the Alarm ............................................ Theft-Deterrent, Radio .................................... Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ Passlock@ ................................................... Third Row ...................................................... Throttle ......................................................... Throttle. Adjustable .......................................... Tilt Wheel ........................................................ ..................... Tilting the 50/50 Split Bench Seat Tilting the Bench Seat ..................................... Tire Inflation Check ......................................... Tires .....................................................

3-37 5-58 2-42 2-45 2-19 3-1 24 2-1 8 2-1 8 2-20 1-62 2-23 2-23 3-6 1-1 1 1-15 6-10 5-61 , 5-93 Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-64 Chains ....................................................... 5-68 .................................... Changing a Flat Tire 5-70 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-69 Inflation -- Tire Pressure ............................... 5-62 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-62 Spare Tire .................................................. 5-87 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-65 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-66 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-67

16

Tires (cont.)

When It Is Time for New Tires

...................... 5-64 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-24 Top of the Instrument Panel ............................. 5-90 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-53 ............................... Top Strap Anchor Location 1-54 Torque Lock ................................................... 2-38 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires .................. 4-65 Tow/Haul Mode ............................................... 2-27 ....................................... Tow/Haul Mode Light 3-50 Towing Recreational Vehicle ................................. .............................. Towing a Trailer ............................................... Your Vehicle

4-53 4-59 4-53

....

Traction

...................................... Assist System (TAS) Off Light ..................................................... Stabilitrak@ System ...................................... TRACTION ACTIVE ........................................ Traction Control Operation ................................ Trailer

4-9 3-43 4-11 3-67 4-13

Recommendations ....................................... 4-59 Trailer Brakes ................................................. 4-66 Trailer Wiring Harness ..................................... 4-71 Transfer Case ................................................ 5-50 Transfer Case and Front Axle

(Four-wheel

Drive) Inspection .........................................

6-15

Transmission

Fluid, Automatic ................................... Temperature Gage .......................................

5-25 3-44

3-67 2-25

TRANSMISSION HOT ..................................... .................... Transmission Operation. Automatic Transmission. Transaxle. Transfer Case Unit

Repair Manual ........................................

...................................... Transportation Options .................................... Trip Information Button Trip Odometer ................................................ Turn and Lane-Change Signals TURN SIGNAL ON Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

7-1 1 7-9 3-53 3-37 3-7 3-65 3-7 .................. 4-68

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

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

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

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

Underbody Flushing Service Underhood Fuse Block ................................... Understanding Radio Reception ....................... Uniform Tire Quality Grading United States ................................................... Used Replacement Wheels .................................. Using Cleaner on Fabric Using HomeLink@ ........................................... ................................... Using Song List Mode Using the Recovery Hooks ...............................

6-1 3 5-101 3-1 25 ............................ 5-65 7-4 .............................. 5-68 5-89 2-56 3-1 11 4-51

Vehicle

Control .................................................... Damage Warnings ...........................................

4-6 iv

Vehicle (cont.)

Loading .................................................. 4-56 Symbols ......................................................... iv

Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN) ............................................. Service Parts Identification Label

5-96 ................... 5-96

Vehicle Personalization

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

........................... Memory Seat ................................... Vehicle Storage ..................................... Video Screen ... ................................... Vinyl ............... Visors ........................................................... .............................................. Voltmeter Gage

2-61 5-44 3-1 16 5-90 2-17 3-40

Warning Lights. Gages Warnings

and Indicators ............

3-35

DIC Warnings and Messages ..................... Hazard Warning Flashers ........................... .............................. Other Warning Devices Safety and Symbols ......................... Vehicle Damage ..............................................

3-62 3-5 3-6 ... ........ 111 iv Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... 5-91 Weatherstrip Lubrication ................................... 6-11 Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-62 ............................. 4-64 Weight of the Trailer Tongue ........................ What Kind of Engine Oil to Use 5-20 What to Add .................................................. 5-42 What to Do with Used Oil ................................ 5-22 17

What to Use .................................. Wheels

Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... Replacement ............................................... When to Add Engine Oil .................................. When to Change Engine Oil

5-28, 5-39, 5-51

5-66 5-67 5-19

(GM Oil Life SystemTM) ................................ 5-21 When to Check .............................................. 5-62 ............................ When to Check and Change 5-25 When to Check Lubricant ................................. 5-51 When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-39 When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill ......................................................... Where to Put the Restraint ............................... Why Safety Belts Work .................................... Windows ....................................................... Manual ...................................................... Power ........................................................

4-70 1-52 1-23 2-1 5 2-1 6 2-16 Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades ........... 5-92

Windshield Washer ...........................................

3-9 Fluid .......................................................... 5-39 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ................ 6-10 Windshield Wiper

Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-60 Fuses ........................................................ 5-97 3-8 4-46 6-11

Windshield Wipers ............................................ Winter Driving ................................................ Wiper Blade Check .........................................

XMTM Satellite Radio Antenna System XMTM Satellite Radio Service

...........

.............. 3-128 ........ 3-126

Your Vehicle and the Environment .......................

6-2

18

r

The 2003 Chevrolet TahoeEuburban Owner Manual

~~

Seats and Restraint Systems

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

Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Air Bag Systems Restraint System Check

........................... ............................................... ............................................... ............................................. ....................................... ...................................... ............................ Features and Controls ..................................... ........................................................ .......................................

1-1 1-3 1-8 1-22 1-44 1-68 1-80 2-1 2-3 2-8 2-1 5 2-1 8 ........... 2-21 .................................................... 2-42 2-51 2-53 2-57 2-60 2-61 3-1 3-4 3-20 ......... 3-35 .................. 3-52 3-70

Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors Onstar@ System HomeLink@ Transmitter Storage Areas Sunroof Vehicle Personalization

...................................... ............................. ......................................... .................................................. ............................. Instrument Panel ............................................. .......................... ......................................

Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages and Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s)

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

Indicators

Vehicle

Driving Your Vehicle

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

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Towing

................................................... Service and Appearance Care .......................... ..................................................... .........................................................

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

Service Fuel Checking Things Under the Hood All-Wheel Drive Rear Axle Four-wheel Drive Front Axle Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care Vehicle Identification Electrical System Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement

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

4-1 ..... 4-2 4-53 5-1 5-3 5-5 ............... 5-12 5-50 5-51 5-52 5-53 5-54 ......... 5-60 5-61 5-88 5-96 5-97 ................... 5-1 06 .... 5-1 09 6-1 6-2 7-1 .................. 7-2 7-10

Maintenance Schedule ..................................... ................................ Customer Assistance Information ....................

Maintenance Schedule

Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects

lnex ..................................................................

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

Parts

Canadian Owners

You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 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.

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.

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the name TAHOE and the name SUBURBAN 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 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. Part No. C2316 A First Edition

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 06/24/02 All Rights Reserved

ii

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.

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.”

I These mean 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.

... II’

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice will 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 Symbols Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage or indicator. If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage or indicator reference the following topics in the Index:

Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1 Features and Controls in Section 2 Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3 Climate Controls in Section 3 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Audio Systems in Section 3 Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

in Section 3

iv

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

48: @

LATCH BOTH LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS TO PROTECT OCCUPANT

DO NOT TWIST SAFETY BELT WHEN ATTACHING

MOVE SEAT

FULLY \vs

/z

REARWARD+ SECURE CHILD SEAT

PULL BELT

COMPLETELY rHEN SECURE CHILD SEAT

DO NOT INSTALL A REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION

DO NOT INSTALL A FORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT f i

EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY 4CID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVO ID

SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR

COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

WINDOW l h

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

LAMPS

LIGHTING -

TURN SIGNALS

LAMPS Pf

FLASHER

ENGINE

COOLANT cc

TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

ACCESS

ENGINE COOLANT FAN

COOLANT GI

FUEL

OWNER'S MANUAL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE w

# 0

FOG

ANTI-LOCK

SERVICE

(@)

BRAKES

MANUAL

l.fd

F E

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Tahoe

Suburban

vi

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats

...........

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

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

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

Rear Seats ......................................................

....... 1-3 Manual Seats ............................. -1 -3 Power Seats ................................................. -1-4 Power Lumbar ............................................... 1-4 Heated Seats ................................................. 1-5 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................ 1-5 Head Restraints ............................................. 1-7 -1-8 Rear Seat Operation ....................................... 1-8 1-8 60/40 Split Bench Seat 50/50 Split Bench Seat .................................. 1-10 Bench Seat .................................................. 1-1 4 Bucket Seats ............................................... 1-1 9 Safety Belts ................................................... 1-22 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................ 1-22 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ...... 1-26 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................. 1-27 Driver Position .............................................. 1-28 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .................. 1-35 Right Front Passenger Position ....................... 1-36 Center Passenger Position ............................. 1-36 .................................. 1-38 Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults .......................................

1-41 Safety Belt Extender ............................. 1-43

1-44 Child Restraints ............................................. Older Children .............................................. 1-44 Infants and Young Children ............................ 1-46 Child Restraint Systems ................................. 1-49 Where to Put the Restraint ............................. 1-52 Top Strap .................................................... 1-53 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................. 1-54 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) ........................... 1-56

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the

LATCH System ......................................... Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........................................... Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear

1-59

-1 -59

Seat Position ............................................ 1-61

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front

Seat Position ............................................ 1-63

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front

Seat Position ............................................ 1-64 Air Bag Systems ............................................ 1-68 1-70 Where Are the Air Bags? ............................... Inflate? .................... When Should an Air Bag 1-72 What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ..................... 1-74 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? ..................... 1-74

1-1

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Inflates? ... 1-74 What Will You See After an Air Bag Passenger Sensing System ............................ 1.76 Servicing Your Air

Bag-Equipped Vehicle ................................ 1.79

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped

Vehicle ....................................................

1.79

Restraint System Check .................................. 1.80 ................... 1.80

Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a

Crash ............................................

...... 1-81

1 -2

Front Seats

Manual Seats

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.

If your vehicle has a manual bucket or a split bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever located at the front of the seat. Lift the lever to unlock the seat. Using your body, slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.

1-3

Power Seats

If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with these controls located on the outboard sides of the seats.

Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the forward edge of the horizontal control. Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the whole horizontal control forward or rearward.

1 -4

Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the rear edge of the horizontal control. Moving the whole horizontal control up or down raises or lowers the entire seat cushion.

If your vehicle has power reclining seats, you can use the vertical control to adjust the angle of the seatback. Move the reclining front seatback rearward or forward by moving the control toward the rear or the front of the vehicle. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-5. Power Lumbar

If your vehicle has this feature, the four-way control is located on the outboard side of the seat.

=g . .. :@ .. . ,. Xr e4

To increase or decrease support, press and hold the front or rear of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.

You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower seatback for more lateral support. To increase or decrease support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support. Heated Seats

If your vehicle has this feature, the button used to control the driver’s heated seat is located on the driver’s door panel. The button used to control the passenger’s heated seat is located on the passenger’s door panel.

To heat the entire seat, press the horizontal button. Press the button to cycle through the temperature settings of high, medium, and low. The indicator light will glow to indicate the level of heat selected. To heat only the seatback, press the vertical button with the heated seatback symbol. An indicator light on the button will glow to designate that only the seatback is being heated.

The engine must be running for them to operate. The heated front seats will be canceled after the ignition is turned off. If you still want to use the heated front seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need to press the heated seat button again.

Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust the front seatback, lift the manual lever located on the outboard side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lift the lever again without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will go to an upright position.

1 -5

If your vehicle has power seats with a power recliner, see Power Seats on page 1-4 for further information on how to operate the reclining seatback feature,

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

1 -6

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. 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.

Head Restraints

Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. To raise the head restraint pull up on the head restraint. On some models the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also. The rear seat head restraints in your vehicle may be adjustable. They work the same as the front seat head restraints, except they do not tilt forward and rearward.

1-7

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats

it caw., ...- ~e

I. _.le seatb--k isn’t lock,,, 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.

SuburbanNukon XL: The passenger’s side of the second row 60/40 or rear bucket seats has an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the third seat, if your vehicle has one.

To operate the easy entry seat turn the release lever, located on the back of the seat upward. Tilt the seatback toward the front of the vehicle by pulling the top of the seat forward. When you do the seat bottom will release. Pull the seat forward until it stops. Be sure to return the seat to the passenger position when finished. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked in place. 60/40 Split Bench Seat

TahoeNukon: The rear seat may have a 60/40 split seat which may be folded down to give you more cargo space.

SuburbanNukon XL: The second row rear seat of SuburbanNukon XL models may have a 60/40 split seat. Either side of the rear seat my be folded down to provide more cargo space.

1-8

Folding the Seatbacks

If the seatbacn m ’ t locked, it could mlude 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.

To fold, pull up on the strap loop at the rear of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up and fold it forward.

Make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat and that the head restraints are completely lowered. On TahoeNukon models the rear seatbacks may be equipped with rearward folding head restraints. When the seatback is being folded down, the head restraint will automatically fold rearward to allow a flat load floor for cargo or entry to the third row seat (if equipped).

After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the seat forward and/or bring the front seatback more upright. On the passenger side of the SuburbanNukon XL models, the lever at the base of the seat must be turned rearward to release the seatback.

1-9

3. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into position. 4. Pull forward on the seatback and up on the seat

cushion to make sure the seat is securely in place.

Make sure that the buckles on the driver's side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions. On TahoeNukon models make sure the head restraints are returned to the upright position. 50/50 Split Bench Seat If your vehicle has a 50/50 split bench, the seatback(s) can be folded and the entire seat(s) tilted or removed from the vehicles.

To create a load floor release the panels from the seatback by pushing forward on the latch. Then fold the panels back to cover the rear seat footwell area. To return the seat to the passenger position on a SuburbanNukon XL do the following:

1 . Lift the floor load panels and latch them into the

seatback.

2. Lift the seatback up and push rearward all the way.

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Folding the Seatbacks

Tilting the 50/50 Split Bench Seat

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.

If the seatback isn’t locked, it c-Ad 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.

To fold the seatbacks do the following:

Pull up on the release lever, labeled 1, located on the rear of the seatback, and push the seatback forward. To return the seat to the passenger position, pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback until the seatback locks into the upright position.

Push forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked into position.

If the support rod isn’t properly engaged, the folded third row seat could come loose in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to people and damage to your vehicle. Always be sure the support rod is properly engaged when the third row seat is folded forward.

Once the third seatback has been folded down, the entire seat can be tilted forward to create a flat load floor. To do this, do the following: 1. Enter the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

4. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat

is locked in place.

5. Return the seatback to the upright position by

pulling up on the release lever labeled 1 before the back can be folded upright.

6. Pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked

in place.

Removing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat To remove the 50/50 split bench seat, do the following:

1. Open the rear doors and enter the rear of the

vehicle.

2. Fold the seatback

forward onto the seai cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded.

2. Make sure the head restraints have been lowered

completely.

3. With the seat folded, unlatch the seat from the floor

by pulling up on the lever located under the carrying handle at the rear of the seat labeled 2.

4. Lift the rear of the seat up, off the floor. You will not be able to unlatch the seat from the floor unless the seatback is folded down.

5. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place using the support rod located on the underside of the seat on the passenger’s side. Make sure the rod pin is fully engaged in the lock.

6. Push and pull on the seat. Make sure the support rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in this position only when necessary for additional cargo space.

To return the seat to the seating position do the following:

1. Push forward on the seat and release the support

lock rod.

2. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the

underside of the seat.

3. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop

into place.

1-12

3. To unlatch the seat

from the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2, located at the rear of the seat, and lift the rear of the seat up off the floor.

Replacing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat

If the seatback L.’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.

4. Squeeze the release lever, located in the lower middle to unlatch the seat from the floor, while pulling the seat out.

5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat

out of the vehicle.

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

1-13

Bench Seat If your vehicle has a full bench seat, the seatback can be folded and the seat can be tilted or removed from the vehicle. FolAing the Seatback

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.

A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.

To reinstall the 50/50 split bench, do the following:

1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front wheels into the slots on the floor. The front latches should lock into place. If the latches do not lock, try tilting the rear of the seats upwards.

2. Once the latches are engaged, let the seat drop into place. Release the lever labeled 1 to return the seat to its upright position.

3. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked

into place. The seatback cannot be raised to the upright position unless the seat is secured to the floor.

1-14

To fold the seatback on the bench seat, do the following: Tilting the Bench Seat

1. Pull up on the release

lever, labeled 1, located on the rear of the seatback and push the seatback forward.

2. To return the seat to an upright position, pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback until the seatback locks into the upright position.

Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked into place.

isn’t lockeb, it could move

If the seat..,ck 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.

If the support rod isn’t properly engaged, the folded third row seat could come loose in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to people and damage to your vehicle. Always be sure the support rod is properly engaged when the third row seat is folded forward.

Once the third seatback has been folded down, the entire seat can be tilted forward to create a flat load floor. To do this, do the following: 1. Enter the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

1-15

2. Make sure the head restraints have been lowered

completely.

3. With the seat folded, unlatch the seat from the floor by pulling up on the lever located under the carrying handle at the rear of the seat labeled 2.

4. Lift the rear of the seat up, off the floor. You will not be able to unlatch the seat from the floor unless the seatback is folded down.

5. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place using the support rod located on the underside of the seat on the passenger’s side. Make sure the rod pin is fully engaged in the lock.

6. Push and pull on the seat. Make sure the support

rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in this position only when necessary for additional cargo space.

To return the seat to the seating position do the following:

1. Push forward on the seat and release the support

lock rod.

2. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the

underside of the seat.

3. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop

into place.

4. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat

is locked in place.

5. Return the seatback to the upright position by

pulling up on the release lever labeled 1 before the back can be folded upright.

6. Pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked

in place.

1-16

Removing the Bench Seat To remove the full bench seat, do the following: 1. Open the rear doors and enter the rear of the

vehicle.

2 Fold the seatback

forward onto the seat cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded.

3. To unlatch the seat

from the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2, located at the rear of the seat, and lift the rear of the seat up off the floor.

4. Squeeze the release lever, located in the lower middle to unlatch the seat from the floor while pulling the seat out.

5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat

out of the vehicle.

1-17

Replacing the Bench Seat

t could move

If the seatback isn’t locket 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.

luted, not

A safe-, .- _It that is improperly properly attached, or twisted won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.

A CAUTION:

.,. .

that isn’t locked int- >lace properly can

A ,,at move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

To reinstall the full bench seat, do the following:

1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front wheels into the slots on the floor. The front latches should lock into place. If the latches do not lock, try tilting the rear of the seats upwards.

2. Once the latches are engaged, let the seat drop into place. Release the lever labeled 1 to return the seat to its upright position.

3. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked

into place. The seatback cannot be raised to the upright position unless the seat is secured to the floor.

1-18

Bucket Seats

Folding the Seatbacks

If your vehicle has bucket seats, the seatbacks can be reclined and the seats can be folded to give you more cargo room. Reclining the Seatbacks On the SuburbanNukon XL models with bucket seats, the seatbacks can be reclined. To adjust the seatback do the following: 1. Pull forward the lever located at the base of

the seat.

2. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. If you pull the lever without pushing on the seatback, the seatback will go to an upright position.

locked, -: could n.- ve

__ -he seatbac- 't 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

The seatbacks on the bucket seats may be folded forward to give you more cargo space. On SuburbanNukon XL models with rear bucket seats, the head restraints need to be removed in order to fold the rear seats. To do this follow these directions: 1. Lift the head restraints up until they stop. 2. Press in the button on the side of the head restraint

guide cap and lift up on the head restraint.

3. Do the same for the other cap.

1-19

The head restraint can be removed and stored in the space provided in the folded up seat cushion. To fold the seatbacks on the bucket seats, do the following:

1. Pull up on the strap

loop located at the rear of the seat cushion and pull the seat cushion up. Then fold it forward.

" .. - . .. ." .. ... "

2. Pull the seatback

release lever up and pull the seatback forward. Then fold it until it is flat.

If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seatback more upright.

1-20

Once the seatbacks are folded down, the rear seat footwell area will be exposed and will have to be covered by the load floor panel. To create a load floor, do the following:

1. Release the panels from the seatbacks by pushing

forward on the latches.

2. Then fold the panels back to cover the rear seat

footwell area.

If you have removed the head restraints to fold the rear bucket seat, be sure to reinstall them on the seatback after it has been returned to the normal seating position.

1-21

It is extremely da -erous 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.

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are 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.

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.

1-22

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle UP. See When you Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-37.

it goes.

Why Safety Belts Work

ride in or on anything, you go as fast as

In most states and in all 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 most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

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

1-23

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

or the instrument panel ...

1-25

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an A: You could be - whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

wear safety belts?

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.

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.

1-26

home, why should I wear safety belts?

Q: 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 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 This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and chiidren. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-44 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-46. 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.

1-27

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 so you can sit up straight. To see

how, see “Seats” in the Index.

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.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-43. 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.

1-28

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

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 a crash.

1-29

Q: What's wrong with this?

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

' st Jlder belt

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

as much protection this way.

1-30

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

Ired if

belt is

_lus!y i

You can be se buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, 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.

1-31

You ca.. Je ser-- ---g ir -,-- red if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

1 1