1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Owners Manual

Filter, Engine Oil ............................... Finish Care .................................... Finish Damage ................................. First Gear, Automatic Transmission Flashers, Hazard Warning .......................... 9-4

6-52 6-5 6-16 6- 15 6-56 6-58 ................ 2-16 5- 1

Flat Tire. Changing ............................. 5- 19 Fluid Capacities ................................. 6-72 Fluid Leak Check ............................... 6-34 Fluids and Lubricants ............................ 7-48 Folding the Rear Seat (2-Door Utility) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Folding the Rear Seat (+Door Utility) ............... 1-9 Folding the Second Seat (Suburban) ................ 1-11 Foreign Countries. Fuel ........................... 6-4 Four-wheel Drive ......................... 2-17. 6-22 .. FrenchLanguageManual 11 FrontAxle ..................................... 6-23 Front Axle Locking Feature ....................... 2-17 Front Park/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 6-38, 6-39 Front Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement ............. 6-40 FrontTowing ................................... 5-8 Fuel .......................................... 6-3 Canada ...................................... 6-3 Filling Your Tank ............................... 6-5 Gage ........................................ 2-68 ........................... In Foreign Countries 6-4 System Chart ................................. 6-73 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 6-62

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

G a g e s

Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-62 i .......................... Engine Oil Pressure 2-65 Fuel ....................................... 2-68 Speedometer ................................. 2-57 Tachometer .................................. 2-57 Voltmeter ................................... 2-60 Garage Door Opener. ............................ 2-44 GAWR ....................................... 4-42 Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

..

.

~~~~

~~

Glove Box .................................... Gross Axle Weight Rating ........................ ..................... Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Guide . GVWR .......................................

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

2-42 4-42 4-41 .. 11 4-41

. Head Restraints

6.36. 6.37

6-35 5- 1 2-35

Halogen Bulbs ................................ Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... Headlamps .................................... Bulb Replacement ....................... ...................... 2-30 HighLow Beam Changer On Reminder ................................. 2-36 Wiring ...................................... 6-61 ................................. 1-5 Hearing Impaired. Customer AssistAnce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Heating ........................................ 3-7 High-Beam Headlamps .......................... 2-30 Highway Hypnosis .............................. 4-35 Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . i .................... 4-35 Hitches. Trailer ................................. 4-, 48 Hood Checking Things Under ......................... 6-6 Release ....................................... 6-7 Horn ......................................... 2-28 Hydroplaning .................................. 4-3 1 Ignition Positions .............................. I. . 2-10 Illuminated Entry ................................ 2-38 Inflation, Tire .................................. 6-44 Inside Rearview Mirror .......................... 2-39 Inspections . . . . . . . . ........................... 7-46 Brakesystem ................................ 7-47

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

: . . . . 7-46 Exhaust System Radiator and Heater Hose .' ..................... 7-46 RearAxle ................................... 7-47 Steering .................................... 7-46 Suspension .................................. 7.46 . Throttle Linkage .............................. 7-46 Transfer Case (Four-wheel Drive) ................ 7-47 ............................... 2-54 Brightness Control ............................. 2-38 Cleaning ...................................... 6-54 Cluster ..................................... 2-56 FuseBlock .................................. 6-63 Interior Lamps ................................. 2-38

Instrumerit Panel

Jack, Tire ............................... Jump Starting ...................................

5-22, 5-23 5-2

K e y Lock Cylinders Service . . . . . . . Keyless Entry System ............................ Keys ...........................................

(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43 2-4 2-1

Labels

Certificationnire .............................. 4-41 Service Parts Identification ..................... 6-60 . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41 Tire-Loading Information Vehicle Identification Number . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60 Lamps ........................................ 2-35 Dome ...................................... 2-38 Interior ..................................... 2-38 On Reminder ................................ 2-36 UnderhoodReel .............................. 2-37

9-5

Latches. Seatback ................................ 1-5 Leaving Your Vehicle ............................. 2-3 Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running . . . . . . . 2-23 Lighter ....................................... 2-52 Lights

Air Bag Readiness ....................... 1.30. 2.59 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.62. 4.6 Brake System Warning ......................... 2-61 Charging Warning System ...................... 2-59 CheckGages ................................. 2-67 Daytime Running Lamps Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66 Headlamp High-Beam Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-67 Safety Belt Reminder ..................... 1 - 17. 2-58 Service Engine Soon ........................... 2-63 Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator ........... 2-67 ........................... Loading Your Vehicle 4-41 Lockoutswitch ................................ 2-27 Locks .......................................... 2-2 Cylinder ..................................... 7-43 Door ........................................ 2-2 Key Lock Cylinder Service ..................... 7-43' Power Door .................................. 2-3 Rear Door Security ............................. 2-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-45 Steering Column Lock Check Window .................................... 2-27 Lubricants and Fluids ............................. 7-48 Lubrication Service, Body ........................ 7-43 Luggage Carrier . . . . . . . . : ....................... 2-50 Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts ............ 6-7 1 Maintenance Record ............................ 7-5 1 Maintenance Schedule .............................. 7-1 Long TripMighway Definition ................... 7-5 Long TripMighway Intervals ..................... 7-5

9-6

Owner Checks and Services ..................... 7-42 Periodic Maintenance Inspections ................ 7-46 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 7-48 Scheduled Maintenance Services ................... 7-3 Short TripKity Definition ....................... 7-4 Short TriplCity Intervals ......................... 7-4 Maintenance. Underbody ......................... 6-58 Maintenance When Trailer Towing .................. 4-53 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ...................... 2-63 Manual Front Seat ............................... 1-1 Manual Mirror .................................. 2-41 Manualwindows ............................... 2-27 Methanol ...................................... 6-4 Mirrors ........................................ 2-39 Convex Outside .............................. 2-42 Electrochromic DayNight Rearview .............. 2-39 ; ... 2-39 Inside Rearview .......................... Manual ...................................... 2-41 Power Remote Control ........................... 2-41 MMT ......................................... 6-3 .................................. vi Model Reference MountainRoads ................................ 4-35 Multifunction Lever ............................. 2-29

N e t , Convenience ............................... Neutral, Automatic Transmission ............................ New Vehicle Break-In Nightvision ...................................

2-47 .................. 2-15 2-9 4-28

Odometer .................................... Odometer, Trip ................................ Off-Road Driving ..............................

2-57 : 2-57 4-14

f-Road Recovery ............................. 4- 10 I. Engine .................................... 6-12 bener, Garage Door ............................ 2-44 rerdrive, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 rerheating Engine .............................. 5-9 dner Checks and Services ....................... 7-42 k n e r Publications, Ordering ...................... 8-9

... . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58 2- 14 2-22

aint Spotting, Chemical rk Automatic Transmission ........................ Shifting Into ................................. Parking "-AtNight ..................................... 2-9 Brake ........................................ 2-21 .Brake Mechanism Check ....................... 7-45 Lots ........................................ 2-9 Over Things That Burn ........................ 2-24 With a Trailer . ..... ., ........................ 4-52 Ssenger Position ............................... 1-36 sing ....................................... 4-11 :iodic Maintenance Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46 wer Auxiliary Outlet .............................. 2-53 DoorLocks ................................... 2-3 Lumbar Adjustment ............................ 1-3 ................................ 6-62 Option Fuses ......................... 2-41 Seat ......................................... 1-2 Steering ..................................... 4-8 Steering Fluid ................................ 6-29 Take-Off .................................... 4-54

-Remote Control Mirror

Winches ..................................... 4-54 Windows ................................... 2-27 Power Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . : ................ 1-3 .................... Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-35 ............................ Problems on the Road 5-1 .Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts ............... 6-57 PTO ......................................... 4-54 Publications, Service and Owner .................... 8-9

Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16 Radiator Pressure Cap ........................... 6-28 Radio Reception ................................ 3-26 Radios ........................ 3-10, 3-12; 3-14, 3-20 Rain. Driving In ................................. 4-29 Reading Lamps ................................. 2-39 Rear Axle ........................................ 6-22 ........................... 2-3 Door Security Locks Lamp Bulb Replacement ....................... 6-41 Outside Seat Position .......................... 1-38 Seatpassengers .............................. 1-38 Window Defogger ............................. 3-9 Windshield Washer . . . . . , ...................... 2-32 Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 RearTowing .................................... 5-8 Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-39 Electrochromic Daymight ...................... 2-39 Inside ...................................... 2-39 Reclining Front Seatbacks ......................... 1-4 Recovery Hooks ................................. 5-37 Recovery Tank, Coolant .......................... 5-13 .................... 6-73 Refrigerants, Air Conditioning Removing the Rear (Third) Seat (Suburban) . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 9-7

Replacement

6.68. 6.69

Bulbs ................................. Parts ....................................... 6-71 Wheel ...................................... 6-49 Wheel. Used ................................. 6-50 Replacing Safety Belts ........................... 1-56 Replacing the Rear (Third) Seat (Suburban) .......... I . 16 Reporting Safety Defects .......................... 8-8 Restraints Checking ................................... 1-55 Child ........................................ 1-45 Head ........................................ 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-56 Replacing Parts After a Crash Systemcheck ................................ 7-43 Reverse. Automatic Transmission . . . . . ' . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 15 Right Front Passenger Position .................... 1-36 Roadside Assistance .............................. 8-4 Roadside Assistance. Canadian ..................... 8-6 ........................... 5-37 Rocking Your Vehicle Roof Marker Lamp Bulb Replacement .............. 6-41 Rotation. Tires ................................. 6-45 Safety Belt Extender ............................ Safety Belts ................................... Adults ...................................... Care ....................................... Center Passenger Position ...................... Children .................................... Driver Position ................................ Extender .................................... How to Wear Properly ......................... Incorrect Usage .................... LapBelt .................................... Lap-Shoulder . :. ......................... 9-8

1-55 1 - 16 1-21 6-55 1-36 1-43 1-21 1-55 1-21

1-36 1-21. 1-38

1-24. 1-53. 1-54

.............................. Larger Children 1-52 Passenger Position ............................ 1-36 ........................ 1-20 Questions and Answers Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38 Rear Seat Passengers ........................... 1-38 Reminder Light ......................... 1 - 17. 2-58 Replacing After a Crash ........................ 1-56 Right Front Passenger Position .................. 1-36 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23, 1-42 Smaller Children and Babies .................... 1-43 Use During Pregnancy ......................... 1-35 WhyTheyWork .............................. 1-17 Safety Chains ................................... 4-48 ......................... Safety Defects. Reporting 8-8 ... Safety Warnings and Symbols. ....................... 111 Scheduled Maintenance Services .................... 7-3 Seatback Latches ...................................... 1-5 ........ 1-4 Reclining Front Easy Entry (2-Door Utility) ...................... 1-6 Entry to the Rear (Suburban Second Seat) . . . . . . . . . . 1 -13 Folding the Rear (2-Door Utility) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Folding the Rear (&Door Utility) ................. 1-9 Folding the Second (Suburban) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 -11 Lumbar Adjustment ............................ 1-3 ManualFront ................................. 1-1 Power ....................................... 1-2 Rear .......................................... 1-7 Removing the Rear (Third) Seat (Suburban) . . . . . . . . 1 -14 Replacing the Rear (Third) Seat (Suburban) . . . . . . . . 1 -16 Restraint Systems .............................. 1-1 Seat Controls ................................. 1-1 Securing a Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-46. 1-48. 1-50

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

Seats

Second Gear. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2- 16 SecurityShade ................................. 2-48 Service ........................................ 6-1 Bulletins. Ordering ............................. 8-9 Engine Soon Light ............................ 2-63 Manuals, Ordering ............................. 8-9 Parts Identification Label ....................... 6-60 Publications, Ordering .......................... 8-9 ......................... Work, Doing Your Own 6-2 Service and Appearance Care ...................... 6-1 .................... 8-9 Service and Owner Publications Service Publications .............................. 8-9 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34 ............................ 6-58 Sheet Metal Damage Shifting ....................... 2- 14 Automatic Transmission Into Park (P) ................................. 2-22 ShiftLever ..................................... 2-14 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23. 1-42 SignalingTurns ................................ 2-29 SIR .......................................... 1-29 Skidding ...................................... 4-12 Sound Equipment, Adding ........................ 3-26 Specifications and Capacities ....................... 6-70 Specifications, Engine ........................... 6-70 Speech Impaired, Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Speedometer ................................... 2-57 Stains, Cleaning ................................ 6-53 Starter Switch Check ............................ 7-43 Starting Your Engine ............................ 2-1 1 Steam ......................................... 5-9

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

Steering ....................................... 4-8 : . . . . . 7-45 Column Lock Check In Emergencies ................................ 4-9 Power ....................................... 4-8 Tips ......................................... 4-8 Wheel, Tilt .................................. 2-28 Step-Bumper Pad ............................... 4-56 Storage Compartments ........................... 2-42 Storage, Overhead .............................. 2-46 . . . . 6-35 Storage, Vehicle ........................... Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36 Sunglasses Storage .............................. 2-46 SunVisors .................................... 2-53 Supplemental Inflatable Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 Symbols, Vehicle ..................................

Tachometer .................................. 2-57 Tailgate ........................................ 2-7 Glass Release ................................ 2-27 TapePlayerCare ............................... 3-27 Theft .......................................... 2-8 Theft-Deterrent Feature. CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-241 THEFTLOCK TM ................................ 3-24 Thermostat ..................................... 6-28 Third Gear. Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Tilt Steering Wheel ............................. 2-28 Time. Setting the ............................... 3-10 Tire Chains .................................... 6-51 TireLoading ................................... 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41 Tire-Loading Information Label

9-9

Tires .......................................... 6-43 Alignment and Balance ........................ 6-49 BuyingNew ................................. 6-47 Chains ..................................... 6-51 .............................. Changing a Flat 5-19 Cleaning ..................................... 6-57 Inflation .................................... 6-44 Inflation Check ............................... 7-42 Inspection and Rotation ........................ 6-45 Loading ...................................... 4-41 Pressure ..................................... 6-44 Temperature ................................. 6-49 Traction .................................... 6-48 Treadwear ................................... 6-48 Uniform Quality Grading ....................... 6-48 ...................... 6-50 Used Wheel Replacement .............................. 6-46 Wear Indicators Wheel Replacement ........................... 6-49 ........................ 6-46 When It's Time for New TopStrap ..................................... 1-45 Torque Lock ................................... 2-24 Torque, Wheel Nut ......................... 5-30, 6-70 Towing

From the Front ................................ From 'the Rear ................................ Trailer ...................................... Yourvehicle .................................. Brakes ...................................... 4-49 Driving on Grades ............................. 4-51 Drivingwith ................................. 4-49 Engine Cooling When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44. 4-53 Hitches ..................................... 4-48 Maintenance When Towing ...................... 4-53 9-10

5-8 5-8 4-43 5-6

Trailer

Parking on Hills .............................. 4-52 Safety Chains ................................ 4-48 Tongueweight ............................... 4-47 Total Weight on Tires .......................... 4-47 Towing ..................................... 4-43 Turn Signals ................................. 4-51 Weight ...................................... 4-45 Wiring Harness ............................... 4-53 Transfer Case .................................. 6-23 Transfer Case, Electronic ......................... 2-19 Transfer Case, Manual ........................... 2-17 Transmission Fluid, Automatic .................... 6-18 Transmitters, Keyless Entry ........................ 2-4 Transportation, Courtesy .......................... 8-6 Trip Odometer .I .................................. 2-57 TTYUsers ..................................... 8-3 Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals ............... 2-29 Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer ................ 4-51

Underbody Maintenance ........................ Underhood Fusemelay Center ............................ ReelLamp .................................. Storage Area ..................................

Vehicle

Control ....................................... Damage Warnings .............................. Identification Number ............................ Loading .................................... Storage ..................................... Ve. ntilation System ...............................

6-58

6-66 2-37 2-47

4-5 iv 6-60 4-41 6-35 3-7

Visors. Sun .................................... Voltmeter ......................................

2-53 2-60

warning Devices ............................... 5-2 Warning Lights. Gages and~hdicators ............... 2-58 Washer Fluid. Windshield ........................ 6-30 Washing Your Vehicle ............................. 6-56 Weatherstrips ..... : ............................. 6-55 Wheel Alignment .................................. Nut Torque ............................. Replacement ................................. Used Replacement ............................ Wrench ................................ Window Lock ..................................

6-49 5-30, 6-70 6-49 6-50 5-22. 5-23 2-27

Windows ..................................... 2-27 LockoutSwitch .............................. 2-27 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Power ....................................... 2-27 WindshieEd Washer ............................. 2-31 Fluid .................................. 2-31, 6-30 : . . . 7-42 Fluid Level Check ......................... Rear ....................................... 2-32 Windshield Wipers .............................. 2-30 Blade Replacement ...................... 6-42, 6-71 Fuses ...................................... 6-61 Rear ....................................... 2-32 Winter Driving . . I .............................. 4-37 : . . . 6-61. Wiring, Headlamp .......................... WreckerTowing .................................. 5-6 Wrench, Wheel ............................ 5-22, 5-23

9-11

NOTES

9-12

T

The 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban Owner’s Manual

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly.

Here you’ll find helpful infomation and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

Seats and Restraint Systems ............................................................... It also explains the “SIR’ system. FeaturesandControls .................................................................. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. ProblemsontheRoad ................................................................... Service and Appearance Care ... .’. ....................................................... Maintenanceschedule..................... ............................................. This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. ........................................................ Customer Assistance Information Index ................................................................................

This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance ahd how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you, information on “Reporting Safety Defects’’ on page 8-8.

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

1-1

2-1

3-1

4-1

5-1

6-1

7-1

8-1

9-1

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

AUTOMOTIVE

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 proprigtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franGais chez votre’concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario L5T IC7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1995 All Rights Reserved

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the name TAHOE and the name SUBURBAN are registered trademarks ofGenera1 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 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. C9609 €3 First Edition

ii

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 the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’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.

I A CAUTION:

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.

iii

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, youpmight 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.

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

safety

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.

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

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

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

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

,\I/,

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

TURN SIGNALS

e e A HAZARD $0

DAYTIME -.

RUNNING * ' LAMPS ' * *

WARNING FLASHER

FOG LAMPS

a* FAN -d

VENTILATING

BRAKE

COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

FUSE t LIGHTER n (0) HORN )tr SPEAKER b p3 ENGINE OIL w, (a)

PRESSURE

COOLANT

FUEL

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

,Model Reference This manual covers these models:

2-Door Utility

Vi

4-DOOr Utility

Suburban

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 nut do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them and fold them up and down. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks and head restraints.

Manual Front Seat

A CAUTION:

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.

1-1

If your vehicle has a manual 1 bucket, split bench or full bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever at the front of the seat.

Power Driver’s Seat (Option)

Slide the lever at the front of the seat toward the passenger’s side to unlock it. Using your body, 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 in place.

If your vehicle has a power seat on the driver’s side, you can adjust it with these controls at the outside edge of the seat.

1-2

You can use the round center knob to move the seat where you want it. To raise the seat, move the knob up. To lower the seat, move the knob down. To move the seat forward, move the knob toward the front of the vehicle. To move the seat rearward, move the knob toward the rear of the vehicle. You can also raise and lower the front and rear of the seat. To raise the front of the seat, move the'.front lever up. To lower the front of the seat, move the front lever down. To raise the rear of the seat, move the rear lever up. To lower the rear of the seat, move the rear lever down.

Power Lumbar Adjustment

If you have power lumbar adjustment, you can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback.

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

Reclining Front Seatbacks

To adjust the seatback, lift the front of this lever.

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

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

1-4

Head Restraints Slide the 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. Seatback Latches (2-Door Utility) The front seatback folds forward to let you access the rear of the vehicle.

To fold a seatback forward, pull this lever forward and fold the seatback forward.

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 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.

1-5

To return the seatback to the upright position, just push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked.

A CAUTION:

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 Utility) The driver and passenger front bucket seat and the 60/40 split bench seat of your vehicle has an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the rear seat.

To operate the seat, pull forward on the top of the lever, located at the side of the seatback, and tilt the back forward toward the front of the vehicle.

When you do, the seat bottom will release. Just pull or push the seat forward until it stops. To return the seat to its regular position, return the seatback to its upright position, then push the whole seat rearward until it latches.

1-6

After returning the seat to its regular position, try to move the seat with your body, to. make sure the seat is locked into place.

b, CAUTION: -

If any easy entry seat isn’t locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. And, even if there is no crash or sudden stop, a driver,sitting in an unlocked easy entry seat could be startled by the sudden movement and hit the wrong control or pedal, causing an accident. After you’ve used it, be sure to push rearward on any easy entry seat to be sure it is locked.

Rear Seats

If a head restraint is not installed on.the seatback or stored in the vehicle properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Remove the head restraints only when you need to fold the seat, and be sure that the head restraints are stored securely in the storage bag and placed under the rear seat. When the seat is returned to the passenger position, be sure the head restraints are installed properly.

1-7

Folding the Rear Seat (2-Door Utility Model) If your vehicle has a rear seat, the seat can be folded flat for more cargo space. Before.folding, make sure nothing is under or in front of the seat. When the seat is folded, it will lay almost flat on the floor.

When folding the seat, first remove the head restraints. Push the release button at the top of the seat back and slide the head restraint out of the height adjust tubes.

Detach the stowage bag from the back of the rear seat. Then, put the head restraints in the stowage bag and place the bag in the rear seat foot well, under the seat.

1-8

To fold the seat, pull on the' release handle at the bottom of the seat cushion marked RELEASE.

Folding the Rear Seat (4-Door Utility Model) If your vehicle has a 60/40 rear seat, either side may be folded down to give you more cargo space. Before folding, place the latch plate portion of the center safety belt in the center arm rest. That way, the center safety belt will be out of the way when the seat is folded and also will be easily available for passengers to use when the seat is returned to the passenger position. Also, make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat. When the seat is folded, it will lay flat on the floor.

First, remove the head restraints. Push the release buttons at the bottom of each head restraint height adiust Dost and slide the head restraint out of the height adjust tubes.

Set the head restraints aside for now. You will stow them in their proper position after you are done folding the seat.

1-9

When you release the seat cushion, the seatback is automatically released. Pull the loop on the seatback forward and fold the seatback onto the seat cushion. While the seat is in the folded position, hang the latch plate end of the outer passenger position safety belts on the hooks at the top of each retractor cover, out of the way. To return the seat to the passenger position, just lift up on the seatback and push it rearward until it latches. After returning the seat to the passenger position, pull forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked in place. Also, return the safety belts and head restraints to their original positions, so they will be available for rear seat passengers to use.

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

After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat.

Then, stow the head restraints by sliding them into the rear of the seatback. Make sure the posts go in all the way.

To return the seat to the passenger position, first remove the head restraints by sliding them out of the seat cushion. Lift the seatback up and push rearward all the way. Then, lower the seat cushion until it latches in position. After returning the seat to the passenger position, return the head restraints to the top of each seatback. Pull forward on the seatback and up on the seat cushion to make sure the seat is securely in place. If the latch plate portion of the center safety belt was put in the center armrest when the seat was folded, take the latch plate portion out and place it on the seat. That way, the center seat position safety belt will be available for the center rear seat passenger to use.

1-10

Folding Second Seat (Suburban) If your vehicle has a 60140 second seat, either side may be folded down to give you more cargo space. Before folding, push the buckle portion of the safety belt down into the seat cushion pockets, out of the way. Also, make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat. When the seat is folded, it will lay flat on the floor.

First, remove the head restraints. Push the release button at the top of the seatback and slide the head restraint out of the height

Set the head restraints aside for now. You will stow them in their proper position after you are done folding the seat;

To fold the seat, pull up on the strap loop at the rear outer edge of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up.

After folding the seat cushion fully forward, push down on the lever at the side of the seatback and fold the seatback forward until it is flat.

Then, stow the head restraints by sliding them into the rear of the seatback. Make sure the posts go in all the way.

1-11

To create a load floor, release the panels from the seatback by pushing rearward on the latch and fold them out to cover the rear seat footwell.

A CAUTION:

A seat that isq’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.

To return the seat to the passenger position, lift the load floor panels and latch them into the seatback. Then, lift the seatback up and push rearward until it latches. Return head restraints to their original position and lower the seat cushion until it latches in position. After returning the seat to the passenger position, pull forward on the seatback and up on the seat cushion to make sure the seat is locked in place. Also, pull the safety belt buckles out of the seat cushion pockets, so they will be available for rear seat passengers to use.

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

1-12

Entry to the Rear Seat (Suburban Second Seat) The right side of the rear 60140 split folding bench seat, available in the Suburban, has an easy entry feature. When That makes it easy to get in and out of the third seat, if you have one.

There is a foot operated release lever for rear seat passengers to use when getting out of the third seat.

Tilt the seatback toward the front of the vehicle by pulling the top of the seatback forward.

you do, the seat bottom will release. Just pull the

seat forward until it stops. To release the easy entry second seat, lift up on the top of the release lever with your foot. Push the top of the seatback forward and tilt it toward the front of the vehicle. To return the seat to its regular position, return the seatback to its upright position, then push the whole seat rearward until it latches. After returning the seat to its regular position, try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

To operate the seat, move the lever at the side of the seat down.

1-13

Removing the Rear (Suburban Third Seat) If your vehicle has a rear seat, it can be taken out for more cargo space. Before removing the seat, unlatch the outside passenger position safety belts from the seat frame.

To unlatch the safety belt, press the tip 0f.a key into the release hole of the safety belt attachment while pulling up on the safety belt.

Then, hang the latch plate end of the belt on the hook at the top of the retractor cover, out of the way.

To remove the seat, fully open the rear load doors and enter the back of the vehicle.

Move the seatback release lever, at the right rear of the seat, toward the vehicle.

center

the

of

To unlatch the seat from the floor, pull up on the center release handle at the rear of the seat and lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor.

Then, fold the seatback forward into the seat cushion.

Turn the seat sideways and take it out of the vehicle.

1-15

Replacing the Rear Seat To put the seat back in, hold the seat sideways and put it into the vehicle. Turn the seat to the forward position and set it down, with the latches at the bottom of the seat over the hooks in the floor. Pull up on the center ,release handle and let the seat drop into place. Release the handle to let the seat latch close and make sure it locks into place. Then, move the seatback release lever at the right rear of the seat toward the center of the vehicle and raise the seatback. After returning the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback forward to make sure it is locked in place. Then, return the outside passenger position safety belts to the seat frame buckles, so they will be available for rear seat passengers to use.

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.

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.

1-16

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

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

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 25 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.

1-17

Put someone on it.

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

1-18

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

or the instrument panel ...

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers e= A:

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? 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. If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to wear safety belts? 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.

Q: A:

or the safety belts! With safety belts, yor J 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.

1-20

@ If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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 drivei- doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 krn) 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 . i n 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 up straight.

1-21

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

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” 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. 1-22

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.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

To move it down, push in at the word PRESS and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

1-23

I A CAUTION:

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.

Q." What's wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

1-24

Q: What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriously injured if your belt is 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.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-25

- A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured 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.

&= What's wrong,with this?

A:' The belt is over an armrest.

1-26

Q.’ What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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.

I 1-27

What’s wrong with this?

You can be seriousl, 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.

1-28

Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system. Your vehicle has an air bag for Here are the most important things to know about the air

the driver.

3ag system: A CAUTION: - you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if have an air bag. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. The air bag is only a “supplemental restraint.” That is, it works with safety belts but doesn’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. should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver, not there’s an air bag for that person.

1-2.9

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.

A 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. Safety belts help keep you in position for an air bag inflation in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with an air bag, and sit as far back as you can while still maintaining control of your vehicle.

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

AIR BAG

I The system checks the air bag’s 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.

1-30

How the Air Bag System Works

A CAUTION:

Don’t put anything on, or attach anything to, the steering wheel. Also, don’t put anything (such as pets or objects) between the driver and the steering wheel. If something is between an performance of the air bag -- or worse, it could occupant and an air bag, it could affect the cause injury.

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

1-31

When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. 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 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/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 the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one indication of this. 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.

1-32

What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag module packed inside the steering wheel. How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel. The air bag supplements 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 the air bag. 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 the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub will be hot for a short time. The part of the bag that comes into contact with you may be warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bag. Air bag inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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.

The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it inflates, 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 the air bag module 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. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systemAmproper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

I NOTICE:

If you damage the cover for the driver’s air bag, it may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module. Do not open or break the air b,ag cover.

1-33

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle The air bag affects 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 GM dealer and the 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.

For up to two minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape, or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

1-34

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Q.’ If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bag from working properly?

A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is

attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash. What if I add a snow plow? Will it keep the air bag from working properly?

A: We’ve designed our air bag systems to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including snow plowing with vehicles equipped with the optional Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO VYU). But don’t change or defeat the snow plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can damage your snow plow and your vehicle, and it may cause an air bag inflation.

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.

Q:

A:

Is there anything I might add to the front of the vehicle that could keep the air bag from working properly? Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle's frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag sensors. If you have-any question about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. (The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See "Customer Satisfaction Procedure" in the Index.)

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.

1-35

Center. Passenger Position

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 The right front passenger’s s,afety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position’’ earlier in this When the lap belt i s pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does,, let it go back all the way and start again.

section.

Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

1-36

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. 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.

1-37

Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

2-Door Utility and Suburban

1-38

4-Door Utility

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not 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.

1-39

2-Door Utility and Suburban

4-DOOr Utility 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

1-40

f

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.

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.

~~~~~

On four-door utility models, move the shoulder belt height adjuster to the height that is right for you.

1-41

2-Door Utility and Suburban

To move the height adjuster down, push in at the word PRESS and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushmg up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

1-42

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. smaller Children and Babies

A CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is’always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

1-43

4-DOOr Utility To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

CAUTION: (Continued)

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued)

1-44

Child Restraints Be sure the child 'restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in the rear seat unless the child is an infant and you're the .only adult in the vehic1.e. In that case, you might want to secure the restraint in the front seat where you can keep an eye on the baby. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

Top Strap

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor instalIed, you can ask your GM dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.

1-45

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

2.

3.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1.

Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions for the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint as the instructions say. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through pr around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of