Under the Hood
General Motors offers a selection of five engines to accommodate a variety of cargo- and passenger-hauling requirements. Choices begin with a 200-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 for the G1500 van. Depending on the model, a 220-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 or a 255-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 are the standard powerplants for G2500/3500 vans. Options for heavy-duty models include a new 340-hp, 8.1-liter Vortec 8100 V-8, replacing the 7400 engine. GMC claims that the new 8100 engine is more economical than its predecessor. A 195-hp, 6.5-liter diesel V-8 also is available.
All models have a four-speed-automatic transmission. When properly equipped, a G1500 van can tow as much as 7,300 pounds, while the G3500 diesel can pull as much as 10,000 pounds. This year’s engines have a new powertrain control module and a more efficient alternator, and automatic transmissions for heavier-duty models have received some internal enhancements.
Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard, and side-impact airbags are not available.
See also:
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid level. If readings are still inconsiste ...
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels.
Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as ...
Using Softkeys to Control a USB Storage Device or iPod
The five softkeys below the radio display are used to control the functions listed below.
To use the softkeys:
1. Press the first or fifth softkey below the radio display to display the functions li ...