Definition of Caution, Notice, and Important
The diagnosis and repair procedures in the GM Service Manual contain both general and specific Cautions, Notices, and Importants. GM is dedicated to the presentation of service information that helps the technician to diagnose and repair the systems necessary for the proper operation of the vehicle, however, certain procedures may present a hazard to the technician if they are not followed in the recommended manner. Cautions, Notices, and Importants are elements designed to prevent these hazards, however, not all hazards can be foreseen. This information is placed at strategic locations within the service manual. This information is designed to prevent the following from occurring
- Serious bodily injury to the technician
- Damage to the vehicle
- Unnecessary vehicle repairs
- Unnecessary component replacement
- Improper repair or replacement of vehicle components. Any caution or notice that appears in general information is referenced from the individual service categories.
CAUTION Defined
When encountering a CAUTION, you will be asked to take a necessary action or not to take a prohibited action. If a CAUTION is not heeded, the following consequences may occur
- Serious bodily injury to the technician
- Serious bodily injury to other technicians in the workplace area
- Serious bodily injury to the driver and/or passenger(s) of the vehicle, if the vehicle has been improperly repaired
NOTICE Defined
Notices call special attention to a necessary action or to a prohibited action. If a NOTICE is not heeded, the following consequences may occur
- Damage to the vehicle
- Unnecessary vehicle repairs
- Unnecessary component replacement
- Improper operation or performance of the system or component under repair
- Damage to any systems or components which are dependent upon the proper operation of the system or component under repair
- Improper operation or performance of any systems or components which are dependent upon the proper operation or performance of the system or component under repair
- Damage to fasteners, basic tools, or special tools
- The leakage of coolant, lubricant, or other vital fluids
IMPORTANT Defined
IMPORTANT statements emphasize a necessary characteristic of a diagnostic or repair procedure. IMPORTANT statements are designed to do the following
- Clarify a procedure
- Present additional information for accomplishing a procedure
- Give insight into the reason or reasons for performing a procedure in the manner recommended
- Present information that will help to accomplish a procedure in a more effective manner
- Present information that gives the technician the benefit of past experience in accomplishing a procedure with greater ease
ABS Component Handling Caution
| CAUTION | Certain components in the Antilock Brake System (ABS) are not intended to be serviced individually. Attempting to remove or disconnect certain system components may result in personal injury and/or improper system operation. Only those components with approved removal and installation procedures should be serviced. |
Actions to Take When Working with Fuel Caution
| CAUTION | Fuel Vapors can collect while servicing fuel system parts in enclosed areas such as a trunk. To reduce the risk of fire and increased exposure to vapors: Use forced air ventilation such as a fan set outside of the trunk. Plug or cap any fuel system openings in order to reduce fuel vapor formation. Clean up any spilled fuel immediately. Avoid sparks and any source of ignition. Use signs to alert others in the work area that fuel system work is in process. |
Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Caution
| CAUTION | To avoid personal injury when exposed to welding flashes or to galvanized (Zinc Oxide) metal toxic fumes while grinding/cutting on any type of metal or sheet molded compound, you must work in a properly ventilated area, wearing an approved respirator, eye protection, earplugs, welding gloves, and protective clothing. |
Assistant Driving Caution
| CAUTION | An assistant should drive the vehicle while the technician checks for the location of the reported condition. Otherwise, personal injury could result. |
Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Caution
| CAUTION | The automatic transaxle range selector cable is made out of two cable sections. After initial connection never separate the two metal couplings from one another. Integrity of the connection of the two metal couplings will be lost if separation of the two metal couplings occurs. When servicing the transaxle remove the cable at the automatic transaxle range selector lever and at the automatic transaxle range selector cable bracket. If either section of the cable needs to be replaced, replace both of the cable sections. Loss of connection integrity of the two metal couplings can cause loss of transaxle shift control which could result in personal injury. |
Batteries Produce Explosive Gases Caution
| CAUTION | Batteries produce explosive gases. Batteries contain corrosive acid. Batteries supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of personal injury while working near a battery, observe the following guidelines: Always shield your eyes. Avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible. Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks. Do not allow battery acid to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush any contacted areas with water immediately and thoroughly. Get medical help. |
Battery Disconnect Caution
| CAUTION | Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components. |
Bleed Procedure Caution
| CAUTION | Remove all the air from the hydraulic brake system anytime the hydraulic brake system is opened for repair. The entire bleeding procedure must be followed. Failure to remove all the air in the hydraulic brake system will result in reduced braking performance and possible personal injury. |
Brake Dust Caution
| CAUTION | Avoid taking the following actions when you service wheel brake parts: Do not grind brake linings. Do not sand brake linings. Do not clean wheel brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air. Some models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers which can become airborne in dust. Breathing dust with asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. Use a water-dampened cloth in order to remove any dust on brake parts. Equipment is available commercially in order to perform this washing function. These wet methods prevent fibers from becoming airborne. |
Brake Fluid Caution
| CAUTION | Use only Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid could result in damage to components, or loss of braking, with possible injury. |
DOT 4 Brake Fluid Caution
| CAUTION | Use only GM Vehicle Care Brake and Clutch Fluid Super DOT-4, GM P/N 88958860 (Canadian P/N 88901244), or equivalent DOT-4 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. This polyglycol brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid could result in system failure, loss of vehicle control, and possible injury. |
Brake Fluid Irritant Caution
| CAUTION | Brake fluid may irritate eyes and skin. In case of contact, take the following actions: Eye contact-rinse thoroughly with water. Skin contact-wash with soap and water. If ingested-consult a physician immediately. |
Brake Pipe Replacement Caution
| CAUTION | Always use double-walled steel brake pipe when replacing brake pipes. The use of any other pipe is not recommended and may cause brake system failure. Carefully route and retain replacement brake pipes. Always use the correct fasteners and in the original location for replacement brake pipes. Failure to properly route and retain brake pipes may cause damage to the brake pipes and brake system resulting in personal injury. |
Breathing R-134a Caution
| CAUTION | Avoid breathing the A/C Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) and the lubricant vapor or the mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Work in a well ventilated area. In order to remove R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment that is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J 2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If an accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before continuing service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers. |
Caliper Piston Removing Caution
| CAUTION | Do not place fingers in front of the caliper piston(s) in an attempt to catch or protect it when applying compressed air. The piston(s) can fly out with force and could result in serious bodily injury. |
Camshaft Holding Tool Caution
| CAUTION | The camshaft holding tools must be installed on the camshafts to prevent camshaft rotation. When performing service to the valve train and/or timing components, valve spring pressure can cause the camshafts to rotate unexpectedly and can cause personal injury. |
Camshaft Position Actuator Removal and Installation Caution
| CAUTION | Do not push or pull on the reluctor wheel of the camshaft position (CMP) actuator during removal or installation. The reluctor wheel is retained to the front of the CMP actuator by 3 roll pins. Pushing or pulling on the wheel may dislodge the wheel from the front of the actuator. The actuator return spring is under tension and may rotate the dislodged reluctor wheel, causing personal injury. |
Checking Hot Transmission Fluid through Drain Plug Hole Caution
| CAUTION | The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening. |
Cleaning Solvent Caution
| CAUTION | Bodily injury may occur if the cleaning solvent is inhaled or exposed to the skin. |
Clutch Dust Caution
| CAUTION | When servicing clutch parts, do not create dust by grinding or sanding the clutch disc or by cleaning parts with a dry brush or with compressed air. A water-dampened cloth-NOT SOAKED-should be used. The clutch disc contains asbestos fibers which can become airborne if dust is created during servicing. Breathing dust containing asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. |
Collision Sectioning Caution
| CAUTION | Sectioning should be performed only in the recommended areas. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and cause personal injury if the vehicle is in a collision. |
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Flammability Caution
| CAUTION | Natural gas is highly flammable. In order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury, keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from the vehicle while you perform the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel system service. |
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fuel Pressure Relief Caution
| CAUTION | The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) system operates at pressures up to 24820 kpa (3600 psi). Relieve the CNG fuel system pressure before servicing CNG fuel system components in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. |
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) O-Ring Caution
| CAUTION | Natural gas is stored under high pressure. If a leak occurs, the high pressure could cause a personal injury. In order to prevent Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel leaks, always replace the CNG fuel system O-rings during service. |
Compressed Valve Spring Caution
| CAUTION | Compressed valve springs have high tension against the valve spring compressor. Valve springs that are not properly compressed by or released from the valve spring compressor can be ejected from the valve spring compressor with intense force. Use care when compressing or releasing the valve spring with the valve spring compressor and when removing or installing the valve stem keys. Failing to use care may cause personal injury. |
Cracked Window Caution
| CAUTION | If a window is cracked but still intact, crisscross the window with masking tape in order to reduce the risk of damage or personal injury. |
Damaged Fan Blade Caution
| CAUTION | To help avoid personal injury or damage to the vehicle, a bent, cracked, or damaged fan blade or housing should always be replaced. |
Defroster Outlet Caution
| CAUTION | If broken glass falls into the defroster outlets, it can be blown into the passenger compartment and cause personal injury. |
Differential Case Removal Caution
| CAUTION | To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case. |
Door Outer Panel Replacement Caution
| CAUTION | Inspection of the door guard beam for damage must be performed before replacement of the door outer panel. If damage to the door guard beam is found the door must be replaced. Failure to do so may compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and may cause personal injury if the vehicle is involved in a collision. |
Do Not Overcompress the Spring Caution
| CAUTION | Do not over compress the spring. Severe overloading may cause tool failure which could result in bodily injury. |
Dual Stage Inflator Module Handling Caution
| CAUTION | A deployed dual stage inflator module will look the same whether one or both stages were used, always assume a deployed dual stage inflator module has an active stage 2. Improper handling or servicing can activate the inflator module and cause personal injury. |
Electric Coolant Fan Caution
| CAUTION | An electric fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. |
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Caution
| CAUTION | Avoid breathing fumes and swallowing EGR exhaust deposits when removing components for cleaning as bodily injury may result. |
Exhaust Service Caution
| CAUTION | In order to avoid being burned, do not service the exhaust system while it is still hot. Service the system when it is cool. |
Express Down Feature Caution
| CAUTION | Disconnect the power window switch when working inside the driver's door. When operated, the Express Down Feature allows the door window to drop very quickly, without stopping, which could cause personal injury. |
Express Window Down Caution
| CAUTION | Disconnect the power window switch when working inside the driver door. When operated, the Express Up/Down Feature allows the door window to move very quickly, without stopping, which could cause personal injury. |
Eye Protection Caution
| CAUTION | Approved safety glasses and gloves should be worn when performing this procedure to reduce the chance of personal injury. |
Failure to Prep Primer Caution
| CAUTION | Failure to prep the area prior to the application of primer may cause insufficient bonding of urethane adhesive. Insufficient bonding of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury. |
Firm Brake Pedal Caution
| CAUTION | Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Failure to obtain a firm pedal before moving vehicle may result in personal injury. |
Floor Jack Caution
| CAUTION | Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury. |
Foam Sound Deadeners Caution
| CAUTION | Foam sound deadeners must be removed from areas within 152.4 mm (6 in) of where flame is to be used for body repairs. When reinstalling foam sound deadeners, avoid inhaling fumes as bodily injury may result. |
Folding Top Hydraulic Pressure Caution
| CAUTION | In order to reduce hydraulic pressure, ensure that the folding top has not been operated for 6 minutes before performing this procedure. Failure to do so may result in personal injury. |
Fuel and Evaporative Emission Pipe Caution
| CAUTION | In order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury observe the following items: Replace all nylon fuel pipes that are nicked, scratched or damaged during installation, do not attempt to repair the sections of the nylon fuel pipes Do not hammer directly on the fuel harness body clips when installing new fuel pipes. Damage to the nylon pipes may result in a fuel leak. Always cover nylon vapor pipes with a wet towel before using a torch near them. Also, never expose the vehicle to temperatures higher than 115°C (239°F) for more than one hour, or more than 90°C (194°F) for any extended period. Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the male pipe ends before connecting fuel pipe fittings. This will ensure proper reconnection and prevent a possible fuel leak. (During normal operation, the O-rings located in the female connector will swell and may prevent proper reconnection if not lubricated.) |
Fuel Gage Leak Caution
| CAUTION | Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure connection in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. The towel will absorb any fuel leakage that occurs during the connection of the fuel pressure gage. Place the towel in an approved container when the connection of the fuel pressure gage is complete. |
Fuel Pipe Fitting Caution
| CAUTION | Always apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the male pipe ends before connecting the fuel pipe fittings in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. This will ensure proper reconnection and prevent a possible fuel leak. During normal operation, the O-rings located in the female connector will swell and may prevent proper reconnection if not lubricated. |
Fuel Rail Stop Bracket Installation Caution
| CAUTION | The fuel rail stop bracket must be installed onto the engine assembly. The stop bracket serves as a protective shield for the fuel rail in the event of a vehicle frontal crash. If the fuel rail stop bracket is not installed and the vehicle is involved in a frontal crash, fuel could be sprayed possibly causing a fire and personal injury from burns. |
Fuel Storage Caution
| CAUTION | Do not drain the fuel into an open container. Never store the fuel in an open container due to the possibility of a fire or an explosion. |
Fuel Vapors in Evaporative Emission Components Caution
| CAUTION | Do not breathe the air through the EVAP component tubes or hoses. The fuel vapors inside the EVAP components may cause personal injury. |
Fuel Ventilation Caution
| CAUTION | Provide proper ventilation when working with fuel in enclosed areas where fuel vapors can collect. The lack of adequate ventilation may result in personal injury. |
Gasoline/Gasoline Vapors Caution
| CAUTION | Gasoline or gasoline vapors are highly flammable. A fire could occur if an ignition source is present. Never drain or store gasoline or diesel fuel in an open container, due to the possibility of fire or explosion. Have a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher nearby. |
Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Caution
| CAUTION | When working with any type of glass or sheet metal with exposed or rough edges, wear approved safety glasses and gloves in order to reduce the chance of personal injury. |
Halogen Bulb Caution
| CAUTION | Halogen bulbs contain gas under pressure. Handling a bulb improperly could cause it to shatter into flying glass fragments. To help avoid personal injury: Turn off the lamp switch and allow the bulb to cool before changing the bulb. Leave the lamp switch OFF until the bulb change is complete. Always wear eye protection when changing a halogen bulb. Handle the bulb only by its base. Avoid touching the glass. Keep dirt and moisture off the bulb. Properly dispose of the used bulb. Keep halogen bulbs out of the reach of children. |
Handling Preheated Parts Caution
| CAUTION | When handling parts that have been preheated for installation purposes, always wear leather welding gloves with a minimum amount of handling time. Failure to wear leather gloves may result in severe skin burns or personal injury. |
High Voltage Caution
| CAUTION | DC and AC high-voltage is present. To reduce the risk of severe shocks and burns, the high-voltage system should be disabled any time service work is being performed on or around the high-voltage system. When in doubt, always disable the high-voltage system. The 12-volt system will still be active after the high-voltage system has been disabled. |
Hood Hold-Open Device Caution
| CAUTION | When a hood hold open device is being removed or installed, provide alternate support to avoid the possibility of damage to the vehicle or personal injury. |
Hot Exhaust System Caution
| CAUTION | While engine is operating, the exhaust system will become extremely hot. To prevent burns avoid contacting a hot exhaust system. |
Knock Sensor Service Caution
| CAUTION | Hot engine coolant may cause severe burns. Although the cooling system has been drained, coolant still remains in the engine water jacket. This coolant will drain with the removal of the knock sensor. |
Lower O-Ring Removal Caution
| CAUTION | Verify that the lower (small) O-ring of each injector does not remain in the lower manifold in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. If the O-ring is not removed with the injector, the replacement injector with new O-rings will not seat properly in the injector socket. Improper seating could cause a fuel leak. |
Moving Parts and Hot Surfaces Caution
| CAUTION | Avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces while working around a running engine in order to prevent physical injury. |
On-Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Caution
| CAUTION | Place a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher nearby before performing any on-vehicle service procedures. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury. |
Park Brake Cable to Caliper Caution
| CAUTION | The cable conduit end fitting must remain in its seated position in the caliper bracket as the park brake cable is being tightened at the equalizer. Ensure that the fitting remains in this position during and after installation or adjustment. Failure to do so may result in damage to the cable conduit causing loss of park brake reliability and possible personal injury. |
Prevent Accidental Deployment of the Head Restraint Retractor Assembly Caution
| CAUTION | Ensure that the head restraint retractor assembly is in an unloaded or released position after you remove the head restraint from the rear seat back. Accidental deployment of the head restraint retractor assembly may cause personal injury. |
Protective Goggles and Glove Caution
| CAUTION | Always wear protective goggles and gloves when removing exhaust parts as falling rust and sharp edges from worn exhaust components could result in serious personal injury. |
Radiator Cap Removal Caution
| CAUTION | To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot. |
Rear Compartment Lid Hold-Open Device Caution
| CAUTION | When a rear compartment lid hold open device is being removed or installed, provide alternate support to avoid the possibility of damage to the vehicle or personal injury. |
Relieving Fuel Pressure Caution
| CAUTION | Remove the fuel tank cap and relieve the fuel system pressure before servicing the fuel system in order to reduce the risk of personal injury. After you relieve the fuel system pressure, a small amount of fuel may be released when servicing the fuel lines, the fuel injection pump, or the connections. In order to reduce the risk of personal injury, cover the fuel system components with a shop towel before disconnection. This will catch any fuel that may leak out. Place the towel in an approved container when the disconnection is complete. |
Repair Material Curing Caution
| CAUTION | At least 24 hours are required for complete curing of repair material. The repair area should not be physically distrubed until after that time. Insufficient curing of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury. |
Replacement Carpet Caution
| CAUTION | In order to avoid personal injury or vehicle damage when you repair or replace the carpet, use the same thickness and material size as the original installation. Always return the carpet to the original location. |
Road Test Caution
| CAUTION | Road test a vehicle under safe conditions and while obeying all traffic laws. Do not attempt any maneuvers that could jeopardize vehicle control. Failure to adhere to these precautions could lead to serious personal injury and vehicle damage. |
Safety Glasses Caution
| CAUTION | Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage. |
Safety Glasses and Compressed Air Caution
| CAUTION | Wear safety glasses when using compressed air in order to prevent eye injury. |
Safety Goggles and Fuel Caution
| CAUTION | Always wear safety goggles when working with fuel in order to protect the eyes from fuel splash. |
Sensing and Diagnostic Module Voltage after Ignition is Turned Off Caution
| CAUTION | The sensing and the diagnosis module (SDM) can maintain sufficient voltage to deploy the airbags and pretensioners for up to 1 minute after the ignition has been turned OFF and the fuse has been removed. If the airbags and pretensioners are not disconnected, do not begin service until one minute has been passed after disconnecting power to the SDM. Failure to do so may cause personal injury. |
Seat Belt Replacement Caution
| CAUTION | To help avoid personal injury from unrepaired crash damage to a restraint system, perform the seat belt check for each seat belt system. Replace the seat belt system if there is any doubt about the condition of system components. |
Sensing and Diagnostic Module Handling Caution
| CAUTION | Be careful when you handle a sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). Do not strike or jolt the SDM. Before applying power to the SDM: Remove any dirt, grease, etc. from the mounting surface Position the SDM horizontally on the mounting surface Point the arrow on the SDM toward the front of the vehicle Tighten all of the SDM fasteners and SDM bracket fasteners to the specified torque value Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs. |
Servicing Electrical Components Caution
| CAUTION | The ignition must be in the off position and all electrical loads must be turned off before servicing any electrical component. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or damage to the vehicle. |
Servicing the SIR System Caution
| CAUTION | When performing service on or around the SIR components or the SIR wiring, follow the procedures listed below in order to temporarily disable the SIR system. Failure to follow the procedures could result in the following: Air bag deployment Personal injury Otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs |
Shop Towel Fuel Leak Caution
| CAUTION | Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure connection in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. The towel will absorb any fuel leakage that occurs during the connection of the fuel pressure gage. Place the towel in an approved container when the connection of the fuel pressure gage is complete. |
SIR Caution
| CAUTION | When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Refer to SIR DISABLING AND ENABLING . Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs. |
SIR Deployed Inflator Modules Are Hot Caution
| CAUTION | After deployment, the metal surfaces of the SIR component may be very hot. To help avoid a fire or personal injury: Allow sufficient time for cooling before touching any metal surface of the SIR component. Do not place the deployed SIR component near any flammable objects. |
SIR Inflatable Module Deployment Outside Vehicle Caution
| CAUTION | When deploying a SIR component for disposal, perform the deployment procedures in the order listed. Failure to observe the procedures in the order listed may result in personal injury. |
SIR Inflator Module Coil Caution
| CAUTION | Improper routing of the wire harness assembly may damage the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. This may result in a malfunction of the coil, which may cause personal injury. |
SIR Inflator Module Disposal Caution
| CAUTION | In order to prevent accidental deployment and the risk of personal injury, do not dispose of an undeployed inflator module as normal shop waste. Undeployed inflator modules contain substances that could cause severe illness or personal injury if their sealed containers are damaged during disposal. Use the following deployment procedures to safely dispose of an undeployed inflator module. Failure to observe the following disposal methods may be a violation of federal, state, or local laws. |
SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution
| CAUTION | When carrying an undeployed inflator module: Do not carry the inflator module by the wires or connector. Make sure the air bag opening points away from you. When storing an undeployed inflator module: Make sure the air bag opening points away from the surface on which the inflator module rests. Provide free space for the air bag to expand in case of an accidental deployment. When storing a steering column, do not rest the column with the air bag opening facing down and the column vertical. Lay the column on its side. Failure to observe these guidelines may result in personal injury. |
SIR Seatbelt Pretensioner Handling Caution
| CAUTION | When carrying an undeployed inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioner: Do not carry the seat belt pretensioner by the wires or connector. Carry the seat belt pretensioner by the piston tube, keeping hands and fingers away from the cable. Make sure the open end of the seat belt pretensioner piston tube points away from you and other people. Do not cover the seat belt pretensioner piston tube opening with your hand. Failure to observe these guidelines may result in personal injury. |
SIR Special Tool Caution
| CAUTION | Failure to observe the special tool recommendations and instructions could cause SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs. |
Valve Springs Can Be Tightly Compressed Caution
| CAUTION | Valve springs can be tightly compressed. Use care when removing retainers and plugs. Personal injury could result. |
Vehicle Lifting Caution
| CAUTION | To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist. |
Window Retention Caution
| CAUTION | When replacing stationary windows, use Urethane Adhesive Kit GM P/N 12346392 (Canadian P/N 10952983), or a urethane adhesive system meeting GM Specification GM3651G, to maintain original installation integrity. Failure to use the urethane adhesive kit will result in poor retention of the window which may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury. |
Work Stall Test Caution
| CAUTION | One or more of the following guidelines may apply when performing specific required tests in the work stall: When a test requires spinning the drive wheels with the vehicle jacked up, adhere to the following precautions: Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) when spinning one drive wheel with the other drive wheel stopped. This limit is necessary because the speedometer indicates only one-half the actual vehicle speed under these conditions. Personal injury may result from excessive wheel spinning. If all of the drive wheels are spinning at the same speed, do not exceed 112 km/h (70 mph). Personal injury may result from excessive wheel spinning. All persons should stay clear of the rotating components and the balance weight areas in order to avoid possible personal injury. When running an engine in the repair stall for an extended period of time, use care not to overheat the engine and the transmission. When a test requires jacking up the vehicle and running with the wheels and brake rotors removed, adhere to the following precautions: Support the suspension at normal ride height. Do not apply the brake with the brake rotors removed. Do not place the transmission in PARK with the drive axles spinning. Turn Off the ignition in order to stop the powertrain components from spinning. When running an engine in the work stall, use the exhaust removal system to prevent breathing dangerous gases. |
Anti-Corrosion Materials Notice
Note. Anti-corrosion compounds have been applied to the interior surfaces of some metal panels to provide rust resistance. When servicing these panels in areas on which this material has been disturbed, or when installing new panels, avoid corrosion damage by coating with anti-corrosion compound.
Belt Dressing Notice
Note. Do not use belt dressing on the drive belt. Belt dressing causes the breakdown of the composition of the drive belt. Failure to follow this recommendation will damage the drive belt.
Brake Caliper Notice
Note. Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.
Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice
Note. Avoid spilling brake fluid onto painted surfaces, electrical connections, wiring, or cables. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion to electrical components. If any brake fluid comes in contact with painted surfaces, immediately flush the area with water. If any brake fluid comes in contact with electrical connections, wiring, or cables, use a clean shop cloth to wipe away the fluid.
Clearcoat/Ultraviolet Screeners Notice
Note. Removing more than 0.5 mils of the clearcoat can result in early paint failure. The clearcoat contains ultraviolet screeners. Do not finesse sand more than what is required to remove the defect.
Component Fastener Tightening Notice
Note. Replacement components must be the correct part number for the application. Components requiring the use of the thread locking compound, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors, or sealants are identified in the service procedure. Some replacement components may come with these coatings already applied. Do not use these coatings on components unless specified. These coatings can affect the final torque, which may affect the operation of the component. Use the correct torque specification when installing components in order to avoid damage.
Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Notice
Note. When removing the differential case from the axle housing, do not damage the cover gasket surface. If the cover gasket surface is damaged, lubricant may leak from the axle and cause premature failure of the axle assembly.
Engine Lifting Notice
Note. When raising or supporting the engine for any reason, do not use a jack under the oil pan, any sheet metal, or the crankshaft pulley. Lifting the engine in an unapproved manner may cause component damage.
Engine Mounting Notice
Note. Broken engine mountings can cause misalignment of certain drive-train components. Misalignment of drive-train components causes eventual destruction of the drive-train components. If one engine mount breaks, the rest of the engine mounts will have increased stress put on them. This could cause the rest of the engine mounts to break.
Excessive Force and Oxygen Sensor Notice
Note. The oxygen sensor may be difficult to remove when the engine temperature is below 48°C (120°F). Excessive force may damage threads in the exhaust manifold or the exhaust pipe.
Exhaust System Inspection Notice
Note. When inspecting or replacing exhaust system components, make sure there is adequate clearance from all points on the underbody to prevent overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and trim materials.
Exterior Trim Emblem Removal Notice
Note. Use a plastic, flat-bladed tool to prevent paint damage when removing an emblem/name plate.
Fastener Notice
Note. Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Fuel and Evaporative Emission Hose/Pipe Connection Cleaning Notice
Note. Clean all of the following areas before performing any disconnections in order to avoid possible contamination in the system: The fuel pipe connections The hose connections The areas surrounding the connections
Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice
Note. Do not remove the pigtail from either the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) or the oxygen sensor (O2S). Removing the pigtail or the connector will affect sensor operation. Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the HO2S. Keep the in-line electrical connector and the louvered end free of grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents of any type. Do not repair the wiring, connector or terminals. Replace the oxygen sensor if the pigtail wiring, connector, or terminal is damaged. This external clean air reference is obtained by way of the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, connectors, or terminals could result in the obstruction of the air reference and degraded sensor performance. The following guidelines should be used when servicing the heated oxygen sensor: Do not apply contact cleaner or other materials to the sensor or vehicle harness connectors. These materials may get into the sensor causing poor performance. Do not damage the sensor pigtail and harness wires in such a way that the wires inside are exposed. This could provide a path for foreign materials to enter the sensor and cause performance problems. Ensure the sensor or vehicle lead wires are not bent sharply or kinked. Sharp bends or kinks could block the reference air path through the lead wire. Do not remove or defeat the oxygen sensor ground wire, where applicable. Vehicles that utilize the ground wired sensor may rely on this ground as the only ground contact to the sensor. Removal of the ground wire will cause poor engine performance. Ensure that the peripheral seal remains intact on the vehicle harness connector in order to prevent damage due to water intrusion. The engine harness may be repaired using Packard's Crimp and Splice Seals Terminal Repair Kit. Under no circumstances should repairs be soldered since this could result in the air reference being obstructed.
Heated Oxygen Sensor Resistance Learn Reset Notice
Note. When replacing the HO2S perform the following: A code clear with a scan tool, regardless of whether or not a DTC is set HO2S heater resistance learn reset with a scan tool, where available Perform the above in order to reset the HO2S resistance learned value and avoid possible HO2S failure.
Machined Surface Damage Notice
Note. Do not nick, scratch or damage the sealing surface. The sealing surface is a machined surface. Damage to the machined surface can cause leakage.
Nylon Fuel Lines Notice
Note. Do not attempt to straighten any kinked nylon fuel lines. Replace any kinked nylon fuel feed or return pipes in order to prevent damage to the vehicle.
OBDII Symbol Description Notice
Note. The OBD II symbol is used on the circuit diagrams in order to alert the technician that the circuit is essential for proper OBD II emission control circuit operation. Any circuit which fails and causes the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to turn ON, or causes emissions-related component damage, is identified as an OBD II circuit.
Pinion Flange/Yoke Installation Notice
Note. Do not hammer the pinion flange/yoke onto the pinion shaft. Pinion components may be damaged if the pinion flange/yoke is hammered onto the pinion shaft.
Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice
Note. The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.
Power Steering Hose Disconnected Notice
Note. Do not start the vehicle with any power steering gear inlet or outlet hoses disconnected. When disconnected, plug or cap all openings of components. Failure to do so could result in contamination or loss of power steering fluid and damage to the system.
Powertrain Control Module and Electrostatic Discharge Notice
Note. Do not touch the connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the PCM.
Propeller Shaft Notice
Note. The propeller shaft must be supported carefully during handling to avoid jamming or bending of parts.
Ring Gear Removal Notice
Note. Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.
Sealant Notice
Note. Do not allow the RTV sealant to enter any blind threaded hole. RTV sealant that is allowed to enter a blind threaded hole can cause hydraulic lock of the fastener when the fastener is tightened. Hydraulic lock of a fastener can lead to damage to the fastener and/or the components. Hydraulic lock of a fastener can also prevent the proper clamping loads to be obtained when the fastener is tightened. Improper clamping loads can prevent proper sealing of the components allowing leakage to occur. Preventing proper fastener tightening can allow the components to loosen or separate leading to extensive engine damage.
Service Programming System (SPS) Notice
Note. Before programming a control module, the following must be observed, or control module damage may occur: The Tech 2 and the terminal must have the latest software. The vehicle battery must be fully charged. The battery voltage should be between 12-14 volts. The Tech 2 and the terminal cable connections must be secure. A battery charger must NOT be connected to the battery when programming a control module.
Silicon Contamination of Heated Oxygen Sensors Notice
Note. Contamination of the oxygen sensor can result from the use of an inappropriate RTV sealant (not oxygen sensor safe) or excessive engine coolant or oil consumption. Remove the HO2S and visually inspect the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream in order to check for contamination. If contaminated, the portion of the sensor exposed to the exhaust stream will have a white powdery coating. Silicon contamination causes a high but false HO2S signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The control module will then reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, causing a severe driveability problem. Eliminate the source of contamination before replacing the oxygen sensor.
Single Cylinder Flooding Notice
Note. In order to prevent flooding of a single cylinder and possible engine damage, relieve the fuel pressure before performing the fuel injector coil test procedure.
Steering Wheel in the Full Turn Position Notice
Note. Do not hold the steering wheel in the full turn position longer than 5 seconds, as damage to the steering pump may result.
Test Lamp to Ignition Control Module Circuit Connector Notice
Note. Do not leave the test lamp connected to the PCM IC circuit connector for longer than 5 seconds at a time. Failure to do so may damage the ignition coil and/or the Ignition Control Module.
Test Probe Notice
Note. Do not insert test equipment probes (DVOM etc.) into any connector or fuse block terminal. The diameter of the test probes will deform most terminals. A deformed terminal will cause a poor connection, which will result in a system failure. Always use the J-35616 GM-Approved Terminal Test Kit in order to front probe terminals. Do not use paper clips or other substitutes to probe terminals. When using the J-35616 GM-Approved Terminal Test Kit, ensure the terminal test adapter choice is the correct size for the connector terminal. Do not visually choose the terminal test adapter because some connector terminal cavities may appear larger than the actual terminal in the cavity. Using a larger terminal test adapter will damage the terminal. Refer to the J-35616 GM-Approved Terminal Test Kit label on the inside of the J-35616 GM-Approved Terminal Test Kit for the correct adapter along with the connector end view for terminal size.
Three-Way Catalytic Converter Damage Notice
Note. In order to avoid damaging the replacement three-way catalytic converter, correct the engine misfire or mechanical fault before replacing the three-way catalytic converter.
Transfer Case Seal Removal Notice
Note. Do not damage the sealing surfaces of the transfer cases or the shafts when prying the seals for removal. Damaging the sealing surface may cause leakage or require replacement of the damaged component.
Wheel Nut or Stud Notice
Note. Stud-piloted hubs' inner and outer stud nuts used on the right side of the vehicle have right-hand threads. Inner and outer nuts are stamped with the letter L to signify left or R to signify right. Care should be exercised to prevent trying to use the wrong thread nut as damage to the stud threads could occur.
Window Edge Damage Notice
Note. Avoid damage to the window from impacting objects due to an exposed edge. The window must be 1 mm (0.025 in) below the surface of the sheet metal to avoid window damage.
Windshield Installation Notice
Note. Do not use spacers when installing a windshield. The stress caused by the spacers may damage the windshield.
