User manual GMC SONOMA 2003

[. . . ] The 2003 GMC Sonoma Owner Manual Seats and Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-55 Air System Bag Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40 Storage Areas 2-50 Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] Put heavier items as far forward as you can. 0 Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on the off-road terrain doesn't toss things around. 4-14 Environmental Concerns Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. GM recognize these concerns and urge every off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting the environment: e 0 Cargo on the load floor piled higher than the seatbacks can be thrown forward during a sudden stop. Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle's center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. Keep cargo in the cargoarea as far forward and low as possible. Always use established trails, roads and areas that have been specially set aside for public off-road recreational driving; obey all posted regulations. Avoid any driving practice that could damage the environment - shrubs, flowers, trees, grasses - or disturb wildlife (this includes wheel-spinning, breaking down trees or unnecessary driving through streams or over soft ground). Always carry a litter bag. . . make sure all refuse is removed from any campsite before leaving. Take extreme care with open fires (where permitted), camp stoves and lanterns. Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other combustible materials that could catch fire from the heat of the vehicle's exhaust system. 0 0 e You'll find other important information in this manual. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-49, Luggage Carrier on page 2-48and Tires on page 5-64. e 4-1 5 Traveling to Remote Areas It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area. But you'll want to know how to use it properly. Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. At higher speeds: you approach things faster and you have less time to scan the terrain for obstacles. you'll need more distance for braking, especially since you're on an unpaved surface. Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving It's a good idea to practice in an area that's safe and close to home before you go into the wilderness. Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. With your arms, hands, feet and body, you'll need to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce. 4-16 When you're driving off-road, bouncing and quick changes in direction can easily throw you out of position. So, whether you're driving on or off the road, you and your passengers should wear safety belts. Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain and its many different features. Surface Conditions: Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different ways. Depending upon the kind of surface you are on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction and longer braking distances. A rock, log, hole, rut or bump can startle you if you're not prepared for them. [. . . ] Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 4-9 Steering Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storage Areas Front Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 T Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]