Chevrolet GMC 2002 Configuration guide

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The2002GM6.5LDieselEngineOwner’sManualSupplementforTrucks
2-1Features and Controls
This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
5-1Problems on the Road
This section tells what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as an overheated engine, etc.
6-1Service and Appearance Care
Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly.

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This supplement contains information that pertains to
the operation of your diesel engine. The sections in
this supplement correspond to the sections in your
owner’s manual.
Please keep this supplement with the owner’s manual in
your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it while
you’re on the road. If you sell your vehicle, leave the
owner’s manual supplement and the owner’s manual
with the vehicle.
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 notice.
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
French Language Manual:
Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous
procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
votre concessionaire ou au:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
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Copyright 2002 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved. General Motors, GM, GMC,
CHEVROLET, SIERRA and the corresponding emblem SAVANA and CHEVY EXPRESS are registered
trademarks of General Motors Corporation.
Part No. 15061585 A First Edition

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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about starting your diesel engine. Also explained are the instrument panel clusters and the warning
systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem. Use this section along
with the information in Section 2 of your owner’s manual.
2-2 Starting Your Diesel Engine
2-4 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2-6 Instrument Panel Cluster
2-9 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-9 Low Coolant Warning Light
2-10 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Service Engine Soon Light)
2-12 Water in Fuel Light
2-12 Service Throttle Soon Light
2-13 Wait To Start Light
2-13 Fuel Gage

2-2
Starting Your Diesel Engine
Your diesel engine starts differently than a
gasoline engine.
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s
a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
Move your shift lever to neutral and hold the clutch
pedal to the floor while starting the engine. Your vehicle
won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way
down -- that’s a safety feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. Turn your ignition key to RUN.
Observe the WAIT TO START light. (This light may
not come on if the engine is hot.)
2. As soon as the WAIT TO START light goes off,
IMMEDIATELY turn the ignition key to START.
When the engine starts, let go of the key.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor.
NOTICE:
If the WAIT TO STARTlight stays on, it meansthat
your vehicle could have one of several problems,
so you should have it serviced right away.

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3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of
cranking, turn the ignition key to OFF. Wait
one minute for the starter to cool, then try the
same steps again.
If you’re trying to start your engine after you’ve run
out of fuel, follow the steps in “Running Out of Fuel.”
See “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System” in
the Index.
When your engine is cold, let it run for a few minutes
before you move your vehicle. This lets oil pressure
build up. Your engine will sound louder when it’s cold.
NOTICE:
If you’re not in an idling vehicle and the engine
overheats, you wouldn’t be there to see the
coolant temperature gage. This could damage
your vehicle. Don’t let your engine run when
you’re not in your vehicle.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel Engine)
The following tips will help you get good starting in
cold weather.
Use the recommended engine oil when the outside
temperature drops below freezing. See “Engine Oil”
in the Index. When the outside temperature drops
below 0 _ F (-18
_ C), use of the engine coolant heater
is recommended.
If you experience longer cranking times, notice an unusual
amount of exhaust smoke or are at higher altitudes
(over 7,000 ft. or 2,135 m), you may use your engine
coolant heater. See “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
See “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System”
in the Index for information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.

2-4
If Your Diesel Engine Won’t Start
If you’ve run out of fuel, look at “Running Out of Fuel.”
See “Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System” in
the Index.
If you’re not out of fuel, and your engine won’t start,
do this:
Turn your ignition key to RUN. IMMEDIATELY after
the WAIT TO START light goes off, turn the ignition
key to START.
If the light doesn’t go off, wait a few seconds, then try
starting your engine again. And, see your dealer as soon
as you can for a starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes off and you know
your batteries are charged, but your engine still won’t
start, your vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when the engine is cold,
your vehicle needs service.
If your batteries don’t have enough charge to start your
engine, see “Battery” in the owner’s manual.
Be sure you have the right oil for your engine, and that
you’ve changed the oil at the proper times. If you use
the wrong oil, your engine may be harder to start.
Be sure you are using the proper fuel for existing
weather conditions. See “Diesel Fuel Requirements
and Fuel System” in the Index.
If the engine starts, runs a short time, then stops,
your vehicle needs service.
CAUTION:
Do not use gasoline or starting “aids,” such as
ether, in the air intake. They could damage your
engine. There could also be a fire, which could
cause serious personal injury.
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
On 3500HD models, the engine coolant heater electrical
cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment, near the power steering reservoir.
On full-size van models, the cord for the engine coolant
heater is located on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment and is attached to the hose for the power
steering reservoir.

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In very cold weather, 0 _ F (-18 _ C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32 _ F (0 _ C), use of the coolant heater is
not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature.
From 32 _ F to -10
_ F (0 _ C to -23 _ C), keep
the coolant heater plugged in at least two hours.
Below -10 _ F (-23 _ C), keep the coolant heater
plugged in for a minimum of eight hours or overnight.
It will not harm either the coolant heater or the vehicle
to leave the coolant heater plugged in longer than
the times stated. Be sure to remove and store the
cord before starting the engine. See “Diesel Fuel
Requirements and Fuel System” in the Index for
information on what fuel to use in cold weather.

2-6
Instrument Panel Cluster
3500HD model United States version shown, Canada similar

2-7
Full-Size Van model United States version shown, Canada similar
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know
how fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely
and economically.