GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Five-Speed


Object Number: 812497  Size: A2

This is your shift pattern.

Here's how to operate your transmission:

FIRST (1):  Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you slowly press down on the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you're going less than 20 mph (30 km/h). If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).

SECOND (2):  Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH (3, 4 and 5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.

NEUTRAL:  Use this position when you start or idle your engine.

REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal. After the vehicle stops, shift into REVERSE (R). For vehicles equipped with the VORTEC 4300 V6 engine, you must wait six seconds before shifting into REVERSE (R). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

Use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle.

Up-Shift Light


Object Number: 805673  Size: A1

If you have a manual transmission, you have a SHIFT light.

This light will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for best fuel economy.

When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions let you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on.

While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on and off if you quickly change the position of the accelerator. Ignore the SHIFT light when you downshift.

If your vehicle has four-wheel-drive and is equipped with a manual transmission, disregard the SHIFT light when the transfer case is in 4LO.

Shift Speeds

Caution: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of the vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift.