Definition of Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note

The diagnosis and repair procedures in a GM Service Manual contain both general and specific Dangers, Warnings, Cautions, Notes or 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. Dangers, Warnings, Cautions and Notes or 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 or death to the technician
• Damage to the vehicle
• Unnecessary vehicle repairs
• Unnecessary component replacement
• Improper repair or replacement of vehicle components.
• Any warning or caution that appears in this service category is referenced from the individual service categories

DANGER Defined

When encountering a DANGER, you will be asked to take a necessary action or not to take a prohibited action. If a DANGER is not heeded, the following consequences may occur:

• Serious bodily injury or death to the technician
• Serious bodily injury or death to other technicians in the workplace area

WARNING Defined

When encountering a WARNING, you will be asked to take a necessary action or not to take a prohibited action. If a WARNING 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

CAUTION Defined

CAUTIONS call special attention to a necessary action or to a prohibited action. If a CAUTION 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

NOTE or IMPORTANT Defined

NOTE and IMPORTANT statements emphasize a necessary characteristic of a diagnostic or repair procedure. NOTE or 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 Warning

Warning: 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 Warning

Warning: 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 Warning

Warning: 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 Warning

Warning: An assistant should drive the vehicle while the technician checks for the location of the reported condition. Otherwise, personal injury could result.