2007 gmc yukon, yukon xl owner manual m - vaden … gmc yukon, yukon xl owner manual m 1. ......

Seats and Restraint Systems ........................ 1Front Seats ............................................... 9Rear Seats .............................................. 19Safety Belts ............................................. 38Child Restraints ....................................... 61Airbag System ......................................... 90Restraint System Check ........................ 106

Features and Controls ............................... 111Keys ...................................................... 111Doors and Locks ................................... 120Windows ................................................ 130Theft-Deterrent Systems ........................ 132Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ...... 136Mirrors ................................................... 157OnStar® System .................................... 167Universal Home Remote System ........... 169Storage Areas ....................................... 174Sunroof ................................................. 181

Instrument Panel ........................................ 186Instrument Panel Overview .................... 186Climate Controls .................................... 210Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ..... 224Driver Information Center (DIC) ............. 244Audio System(s) .................................... 274

Driving Your Vehicle .................................. 340Your Driving, the Road, and

Your Vehicle ...................................... 340Towing .................................................. 400

Service and Appearance Care ................... 426Service .................................................. 426Fuel ....................................................... 428Checking Things Under the Hood .......... 434Rear Axle .............................................. 472Four-Wheel Drive .................................. 473Front Axle ............................................. 474Headlamp Aiming .................................. 475

2007 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Owner Manual M

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Bulb Replacement ................................. 478Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement .... 481Tires ...................................................... 482Appearance Care .................................. 527Vehicle Identification .............................. 538Electrical System ................................... 539Capacities and Specifications ................. 548

Maintenance Schedule ............................... 552Maintenance Schedule ........................... 552

Customer Assistance Information ............. 572Customer Assistance and Information .... 572Reporting Safety Defects ....................... 588

Index ........................................................... 593

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GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,GMC, the GMC Truck Emblem, and the nameYUKON are registered trademarks of GeneralMotors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at thetime it was printed. We reserve the right to makechanges after that time without further notice. Forvehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name“General Motors of Canada Limited” for GMCwhenever it appears in this manual.

Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be thereif it is needed while you are on the road. If thevehicle is sold, leave this manual in the vehicle.

Canadian OwnersA French language copy of this manual can beobtained from your dealer or from:

Helm, IncorporatedP.O. Box 07130Detroit, MI 48207

How to Use This ManualMany people read the owner manual frombeginning to end when they first receive their newvehicle. If this is done, it can help you learn aboutthe features and controls for the vehicle. Picturesand words work together in the owner manual toexplain things.

IndexA good place to quickly locate information aboutthe vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual.It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manualand the page number where it can be found.

Litho in U.S.A.Part No. 15854793 A First Printing ©2005 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Safety Warnings and SymbolsThere are a number of safety cautions in thisbook. We use a box and the word CAUTION totell about things that could hurt you if you were toignore the warning.

{CAUTION:

These mean there is something that couldhurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.Then we tell you what to do to help avoid orreduce the hazard. Please read these cautions.If you do not, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find acircle with a slashthrough it in this book.This safety symbolmeans “Do Not,” “DoNot do this” or “Do Notlet this happen.”

4

Vehicle Damage WarningsAlso, in this manual you will find these notices:

Notice: These mean there is somethingthat could damage your vehicle.

A notice tells about something that can damagethe vehicle. Many times, this damage would not becovered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it couldbe costly. But the notice will tell what to do to helpavoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might seeCAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colorsor in different words.

There are also warning labels on the vehicle. Theyuse the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle SymbolsThe vehicle has components and labels that usesymbols instead of text. Symbols are shown alongwith the text describing the operation or informationrelating to a specific component, control, message,gage, or indicator.

If you need help figuring out a specific name of acomponent, gage, or indicator, reference thefollowing topics:

• Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1

• Features and Controls in Section 2

• Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3

• Climate Controls in Section 3

• Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators inSection 3

• Audio System(s) in Section 3

• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

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These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:

6

Front Seats ......................................................9Manual Seats .................................................9Power Seats ................................................10Power Lumbar .............................................11Heated Seats ...............................................12Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals ...............13Reclining Seatbacks .....................................15Head Restraints ...........................................18Center Seat .................................................19

Rear Seats .....................................................19Heated Seats ...............................................1960/40 Split Bench Seat (Second Row) .........20Bucket Seats (Second Row) .........................26Third Row Seat ............................................33

Safety Belts ...................................................38Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ............38Questions and Answers About Safety

Belts .........................................................42How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ..............43Driver Position .............................................44Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment ..................51

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ...............52Right Front Passenger Position ....................52Center Front Passenger Position ..................53Rear Seat Passengers .................................54Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides .................56Safety Belt Pretensioners .............................60Safety Belt Extender ....................................60

Child Restraints .............................................61Older Children ..............................................61Infants and Young Children ..........................64Child Restraint Systems ...............................68Where to Put the Restraint ...........................72Lower Anchors and Tethers for

Children (LATCH) .....................................73Securing a Child Restraint in a

Rear Seat Position ....................................83Securing a Child Restraint in the

Center Front Seat Position ........................85Securing a Child Restraint in the

Right Front Seat Position ..........................86

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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Airbag System ...............................................90Where Are the Airbags? ...............................93When Should an Airbag Inflate? ...................96What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ....................98How Does an Airbag Restrain? ....................98What Will You See After an Airbag

Inflates? ....................................................99

Passenger Sensing System ........................100Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .....104Adding Equipment to Your

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .........................105Restraint System Check ..............................106

Checking the Restraint Systems .................106Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ..........................................107

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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Front Seats

Manual Seats

{CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if youtry to adjust a manual driver’s seat whilethe vehicle is moving. The suddenmovement could startle and confuse you,or make you push a pedal when you donot want to. Adjust the driver’s seat onlywhen the vehicle is not moving.

If your vehicle has a manual bucket or a splitbench seat, you can adjust the seat forward orrearward with the bar located under the front of theseat cushion.

Lift the bar to unlock the seat. Slide the seat towhere you want it and release the bar. Try to movethe seat with your body to be sure the seat islocked in place.

9

Power Seats

If the vehicle has power seats, the controls usedto operate them are located on the outboardside of the seats.

To adjust the seat, do any of the following:

• Move the seat forward or rearward by slidingthe control forward or rearward.

• Raise or lower the front part of the seatcushion by moving the front of the control upor down.

• Raise or lower the rear part of the seatcushion by moving the rear of the control upor down.

• Raise or lower the entire seat by moving theentire control up or down.

If the seats have power reclining seatbacks, thecontrol is located behind the power seat control onthe outboard side of the seats. See “PowerReclining Seatbacks” under Reclining Seatbackson page 15.

Your vehicle may have a memory function whichallows seat settings to be saved and recalled.See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals on page 13for more information.

Driver’s Seat with Power Seat Control, PowerRecline, and Power Lumbar shown

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Power Lumbar

If the seats have power lumbar, the controls usedto operate this feature are located on theoutboard side of the seats.

• To increase lumbar support, press and holdthe front of the control.

• To decrease lumbar support, press and holdthe rear of the control.

• To raise the height of the lumbar support,press and hold the top of the control.

• To lower the height of the lumbar support,press and hold the bottom of the control.

Release the control when the lower seatbackreaches the desired level of lumbar support.

Your vehicle may have a memory function whichallows seat settings to be saved and recalled.See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals on page 13for more information.

Keep in mind that as your seating positionchanges, as it may during long trips, so should theposition of your lumbar support. Adjust the seatas needed.

11

Heated Seats

If the seats have theheated seat feature, thebuttons used tocontrol this feature arelocated on the frontdoors near thedoor handle.

I (Heated Seatback): Press this button to turnon the heated seatback.

The light on the button will come on to indicatethat the feature is working. Press the buttonto cycle through the temperature settings of high,medium, and low and to turn the heat to theseatback off. Indicator lights below the button showthe level of heat selected: three for high, two formedium, and one for low.

J (Heated Seat and Seatback): Press thisbutton to turn on the heated seat and seatback.

The light on the button will come on to indicate thatthe feature is working. Press the button to cyclethrough the temperature settings of high, medium,and low and to turn the heat to the seat off.Indicator lights above the button will show the levelof heat selected: three for high, two for medium,and one for low.

The heated seats will be canceled ten secondsafter the ignition is turned off. If you want touse the heated seat feature after you restart yourvehicle, you will need to press the appropriateheated seat or seatback button again.

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Memory Seat, Mirrors, and PedalsYour vehicle may have the memory package.

The controls for thisfeature are located onthe driver’s doorpanel, and are used toprogram and recallmemory settings for thedriver’s seat, outsidemirrors, and theadjustable throttle andbrake pedal featureif your vehicle has it.

To save your positions in memory, do the following:

1. Adjust the driver’s seat, including theseatback recliner and lumbar, both outsidemirrors, and the throttle and brake pedals to acomfortable position.See Outside Power Mirrors on page 164 andAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal onpage 140 for more information.Some mirrors might not function with thememory feature.

2. Press and hold button 1 until two beepssound through the driver’s front speakerto let you know that the position has beenstored.

A second seating, mirror, and throttle and brakepedal position can be programmed by repeatingthe above steps and pressing button 2.

To recall the memory positions, the vehicle mustbe in PARK (P). Press and release either button 1or button 2 corresponding to the desired drivingposition. The seat, outside mirrors, and adjustablethrottle and brake pedals will move to the positionpreviously stored. You will hear a single beep.

If you use the remote keyless entry transmitter toenter your vehicle and the remote recall memoryfeature is on, automatic seat, mirror, andadjustable pedal movement will occur. See“MEMORY SEAT RECALL” under DIC VehicleCustomization (With DIC Buttons) on page 264for more information.

To stop recall movement of the memory feature atany time, press one of the power seat controls,memory buttons, power mirror buttons, oradjustable pedal switch.

13

If something has blocked the driver’s seat and/orthe adjustable pedals while recalling a memoryposition, the driver’s seat and/or the adjustablepedals recall may stop working. If this happens,press the appropriate control for the area thatis not recalling for two seconds, after theobstruction is removed. Then try recalling thememory position again by pressing the appropriatememory button. If the memory position is stillnot recalling, see your GM dealer for service.

Easy Exit SeatThe control for this feature is located on thedriver’s door panel between buttons 1 and 2.

With the vehicle in PARK (P), the exit position canbe recalled by pressing the exit button. You willhear a single beep. The driver’s seat willmove back.

If the easy exit seat feature is on in the DriverInformation Center (DIC), automatic seatmovement will occur when the key is removedfrom the ignition. See “EASY EXIT SEAT” underDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)on page 264 for more information.

Further programming for the memory seat featurecan be done using the DIC. You can select ornot select the following:

• The automatic easy exit seat feature

• The remote memory seat recall feature

For programming information, see DIC VehicleCustomization (With DIC Buttons) on page 264.

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Reclining Seatbacks

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

{CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if youtry to adjust a manual driver’s seat whilethe vehicle is moving. The suddenmovement could startle and confuse you,or make you push a pedal when you donot want to. Adjust the driver’s seat onlywhen the vehicle is not moving.

{CAUTION:

If the seatback is not locked, it couldmove forward in a sudden stop or crash.That could cause injury to the personsitting there. Always push and pull on theseatback to be sure it is locked.

If the seats have manual reclining seatbacks, thelever used to operate them is located on theoutboard side of the seat(s).

To recline the seatback, do the following:

1. Lift the recline lever.

2. Move the seatback to the desired position,then release the lever to lock the seatbackin place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure itis locked.

15

To return the seatback to an upright position, dothe following:

1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure tothe seatback and the seatback will return tothe upright position.


Power Reclining Seatbacks

If the seats have power reclining seatbacks, thecontrol used to recline them is located on theoutboard side of the seat behind the power seatcontrol.

• To recline the seatback, tilt the top of thecontrol rearward.

• To bring the seatback forward, tilt the top ofthe control forward.

Driver’s Seat with Power Seat Control, PowerRecline, and Power Lumbar shown

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{CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when yourvehicle is in motion can be dangerous.Even if you buckle up, your safety beltscannot do their job when you are reclinedlike this.

The shoulder belt cannot do its job. In acrash, you could go into it, receiving neckor other injuries.

The lap belt cannot do its job either. In acrash the belt could go up over yourabdomen. The belt forces would be there,not at your pelvic bones. This could causeserious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle isin motion, have the seatback upright.Then sit well back in the seat and wearyour safety belt properly.

Do not have a seatback reclined if your vehicle ismoving.

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Head Restraints

Adjust the head restraint so that the top of therestraint is at the same height as the top ofthe occupant’s head. This position reduces thechance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull the head restraintup to raise it. To lowerthe head restraint,press the releasebutton (A), located onthe top of the seatback,while you push thehead restraint down.

The front seats may have head restraints that alsotilt forward and rearward.

To tilt the head restraint, grasp the top of therestraint while pressing the button (B), located onthe right hand side of the head restraint, andmove it forward or rearward until the desiredlocking position is reached. Try to move the headrestraint after the button is released to makesure that it is locked in place.

The second row seats may have head restraintsthat can be adjusted up and down, but they donot tilt.

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Center SeatYour vehicle may have a front center seat. Theseatback doubles as an armrest and cupholder/storage area for the driver and passenger when thecenter seat is not used. Do not use it as a seatingposition when the seatback is folded down.For information on safety belts for this position,see Center Front Passenger Position on page 53.

Rear SeatsHeated Seats

If the rear seats havethe heated seat feature,the buttons used tocontrol this feature arelocated on the RearSeat Audio (RSA) panel.

M (Heated Seat): To heat the seat cushion,press the button with the heated seat symbol.

A heated seat symbol will be shown in the RSAdisplay to indicate that the feature is on. Press thebutton to cycle through the temperature settingsof high, medium, and low, and to turn it off.Indicator bars next to the symbol will designatethe level of heat selected: three for high,two for medium, and one for low.

The heated seats will be canceled ten seconds afterthe ignition is turned off. If the vehicle is restarted,the heated seat button will need to be pressedagain to restart the feature.

Driver’s Side RSAHeated Seat Button

Only shown

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60/40 Split Bench Seat(Second Row)If your vehicle has a 60/40 split bench, the seat(s)can be folded for additional cargo space orfolded and tumbled for easy entry and exit to thethird row seats, if your vehicle has them. Theseseats will have either the manual fold and tumblefeature or the automatic seat release fold andtumble feature.

Manual Fold and Tumble FeatureFolding and Tumbling the Seat(s)To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:

1. Make sure that there is nothing under, in frontof, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safetybelts still fastened may cause damage to theseat or the safety belts. Always unbucklethe safety belts and return them to their normalstowed position before folding a rear seat.

2. Lift the lever, located on the outboard side ofthe seat, to release the seatback.

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The seatback will fold forward automatically.Leaving the seatback in this position creates aflat load floor.If the seatback cannot fold flat, try moving thefront seat forward and/or put the frontseatback in the upright position.

3. Lift the same leveragain to release therear of the seatfrom the floor. Theseat will tumbleforward.

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Returning the Seat(s) to the SittingPositionTo return the seat to the sitting position, do thefollowing:

1. Pull the seat down until it latches to the floor.The seatback cannot be raised if the seat isnot latched to the floor.

{CAUTION:


2. Lift the seatback and push it rearward. Pushand pull on the seatback to make sure it islocked.

{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is improperly routed, notproperly attached, or twisted will notprovide the protection needed in a crash.The person wearing the belt could beseriously injured. After raising the rearseatback, always check to be sure that thesafety belts are properly routed andattached, and are not twisted.

3. Make sure the safety belt in the centerseating position is not caught between thetwo seats and is not twisted.

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Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s) from theThird Row Seats

{CAUTION:

Be sure to return the seat to the passengerseating position when finished. Push andpull on the seat to make sure it is locked inplace. Never use the third row seatingposition while the second row is folded orfolded and tumbled. This could causeinjury in a sudden stop or crash.

To fold and tumble the seat from the third rows, ifyour vehicle has them, do the following:

1. Make sure that there is nothing under, in frontof, or on the seat.


2. Lift the lever(s), located on the bottom rear ofthe second row seat(s) on the inboard side, torelease the seatback. The seatback will foldforward.

3. Lift the same lever again to release the rearof the seat from the floor. The seat willtumble forward automatically.

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Automatic Release Fold and TumbleFeatureThe transmission must be in PARK (P) for thisfeature to work.

Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s)

{CAUTION:

Automatically folding and tumbling theseat, when someone is sitting in the seat,could cause injury to the person sittingthere. Always make sure there is no onesitting in the seat before pressing theautomatic seat release button.

To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:1. Make sure that there is nothing under,

in front of, or on the seat.


2. From the frontseats, press one ofthe automaticseat release buttonslocated on theoverhead console.

When accessing the third row seats, if yourvehicle has them, from the outside of thevehicle, press the button on the panel behindeither rear door.One press of the button automatically folds theseatback flat and tumbles the seat forward.There will be a slight delay between the foldingof the seatback and the tumbling of the seat.

Overhead ConsoleButtons shown, Panel

Button similar

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{CAUTION:



{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is improperly routed,not properly attached, or twisted will notprovide the protection needed in a crash.The person wearing the belt could beseriously injured. After raising the rearseatback, always check to be sure that thesafety belts are properly routed andattached, and are not twisted.

3. Make sure that the safety belt in the centerseating position is not caught between thetwo seats and is not twisted.

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Folding and Tumbling the Second RowSeat(s) from the Third Row Seats orOutside

{CAUTION:

Be sure to return the seat to thepassenger seating position when finished.Push and pull on the seat to make sure itis locked in place. Never use the third rowseating position while the second row isfolded or folded and tumbled. This couldcause injury in a sudden stop or crash.

To fold and tumble the seat from the third rowseats, if your vehicle has them, do the following:

1. Make sure that there is nothing under,in front of, or on the seat.


2. Press the automaticseat release buttonlocated on thepanel behind therear doors.One press of thebutton automaticallyfolds the seatbackflat and tumblesthe seat forward.There will be a slightdelay between thefolding of theseatback and thetumbling of the seat.

Bucket Seats (Second Row)If your vehicle has bucket seats, the seatbackscan be reclined, the seats can be folded foradditional cargo space, or folded and tumbled foreasy entry and exit to the third row seats,if your vehicle has them. These seats will haveeither the manual fold and tumble feature orthe automatic seat release fold and tumble feature.

Driver’s Side Rear PanelButton shown

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Reclining SeatbacksTo recline the seatback, do the following:

1. Lift the lever located on the outboard side ofthe seat.

2. Move the seatback to the desired position,then release the lever to lock the seatbackin place.


To return the seatback to an upright position, dothe following:

1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure tothe seatback and the seatback will return tothe upright position.

{CAUTION:



27

Manual Fold and Tumble FeatureFolding and Tumbling the Seat(s)To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:



2. Lift the lever, located on the outboard side ofthe seat, to release the seatback.

The seatback will fold forward. Leaving theseatback in this position creates a flatload floor.If the seatback cannot fold flat, try moving thefront seat forward and/or put the frontseatback in the upright position.

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3. Lift the lever againto release the rearof the seat fromthe floor. The seatwill tumble forward.



{CAUTION:



29

Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s) from theThird Row Seats

{CAUTION:

Be sure to return the seat to the passengerseating position when finished. Push andpull on the seat to make sure it is locked inplace. Never use the third row seatingposition while the second row is folded orfolded and tumbled. This could causeinjury in a sudden stop or crash.




2. Lift the lever,located on thebottom rear of thesecond row seat onthe inboard side,to release theseatback. Theseatback will foldforward.

3. Lift the lever again to release the rear of theseat from the floor. The seat will tumbleforward.

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Automatic Release Fold and TumbleFeatureThe transmission must be in PARK (P) for thisfeature to work.

Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s)

{CAUTION:

Automatically folding and tumbling theseat, when someone is sitting in the seat,could cause injury to the person sittingthere. Always make sure there is no onesitting in the seat before pressing theautomatic seat release button.

To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:1. Make sure that there is nothing under,

in front of, or on the seat.


2. From the frontseats, press one ofthe automaticseat release buttonslocated on theoverhead console.

When accessing the third row seats, if yourvehicle has them, from the outside of thevehicle, press the button on the panel behindeither rear door.One press of the button automatically folds theseatback flat and tumbles the seat forward.There will be a slight delay between the foldingof the seatback and the tumbling of the seat.

Overhead ConsoleButtons shown

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{CAUTION:



Folding and Tumbling the Second RowSeat(s) from the Third Row Seats orOutside

{CAUTION:

Be sure to return the seat to thepassenger seating position when finished.Push and pull on the seat to make sure itis locked in place. Never use the third rowseating position while the second row isfolded or folded and tumbled. This couldcause injury in a sudden stop or crash.




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2. Press the automaticseat release buttonlocated on thepanel behind therear doors.One press of thebutton automaticallyfolds the seatbackflat and tumblesthe seat forward.There will be a slightdelay between thefolding of theseatback and thetumbling of the seat.

Third Row SeatIf the vehicle has a third row seat, the seatback(s)can be folded and the entire seat can betumbled, or removed from the vehicle.

Folding the Seatback(s)To fold the seatback, do the following:

1. Open the liftgate to access the controls forthe seat.

2. Remove all items on the seat cushion.


3. Lift the release lever,located on the bottomrear of the seatbackon the outboardside of the seat, andthe seatback willfold forward.

Driver’s Side Rear PanelButton shown

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Unfolding the Seatback(s)To return the seatback to the upright position, dothe following:


2. Pull up on the seatback until it locks into theupright position.

{CAUTION:



Tumbling the Third Row SeatThe seat can be tumbled forward for additionalcargo space.

To tumble the seat, do the following:


2. Make sure the head rests are completelylowered, there is nothing under, in front of,or on the seat, and all items are removed fromthe cupholder and storage bin, if the seat isa two-passenger seat.

3. Fold the seatbacks forward using theinstructions listed under “Folding theSeatbacks” previously. You will not be ableto unlatch the seat from the floor unlessthe seatback is folded down.

34

4. Unlatch the seat from the floor by lifting thelever located next to the carrying handle onthe rear of the seat near the bottom.

5. Lift the rear of the seat up from the floor.6. Tilt the seat fully forward to lock it into place.7. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it

is locked.

Put the seat in this position only when necessaryfor additional cargo space.

Returning the Third Row Seat from aTumbled PositionTo return the seat to the normal seating position,do the following:


2. Make sure there is nothing that could becometrapped under the seat.

3. Release the seat from the tumbled position bylifting the lever located next to the carryinghandle at the bottom rear of the seat.



{CAUTION:



35

Removing the Third Row SeatTo remove the seat, do the following:


2. Fold the seatback forward using theinstructions listed under “Folding theSeatbacks” previously. The seat cannot beremoved unless the seatback is folded.

3. Unlatch the seat from the floor by pulling thecarrying handle, located at the rear of theseat, rearward.

4. Roll the seat out of the vehicle. There is atrack in the floor to guide the seat wheelsout of the vehicle.

Installing the Third Row SeatTo install the seat, do the following:1. Open the liftgate to access the rear of the

vehicle.2. Slide the front outboard seat wheels into the

track on the floor and roll the seat forward.The front latches should lock into place. If thelatches do not lock, try tilting the rear ofthe seat upward slightly.

3. Lower the rear of the seat and push down onthe seat to engage the rear floor latches.

{CAUTION:

A seat that is not locked into placeproperly can move around in a collision orsudden stop. People in the vehicle couldbe injured. Be sure to lock the seat intoplace properly when installing it.

4. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it islocked into place. The seatback cannot beraised to the upright position unless the seat issecured to the floor.

36


{CAUTION:



{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is improperly routed, notproperly attached, or twisted will notprovide the protection needed in a crash.The person wearing the belt could beseriously injured. After raising the rearseatback, always check to be sure that thesafety belts are properly routed andattached, and are not twisted.

7. Make sure the safety belts are returned to theoriginal position over the seatbacks.

37

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for EveryoneThis part of the manual tells you how to usesafety belts properly. It also tells you some thingsyou should not do with safety belts.

{CAUTION:

Do not let anyone ride where he or shecannot wear a safety belt properly. If youare in a crash and you are not wearing asafety belt, your injuries can be muchworse. You can hit things inside thevehicle or be ejected from it. You can beseriously injured or killed. In the samecrash, you might not be, if you arebuckled up. Always fasten your safetybelt, and check that your passengers’belts are fastened properly too.

{CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in acargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle.In a collision, people riding in these areasare more likely to be seriously injured orkilled. Do not allow people to ride in anyarea of your vehicle that is not equippedwith seats and safety belts. Be sureeveryone in your vehicle is in a seat andusing a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a lightthat comes on as areminder to buckle up.See Safety BeltReminder Light onpage 226.

In most states and in all Canadian provinces, thelaw says to wear safety belts. Here is why:They work.

38

You never know if you will be in a crash. If you dohave a crash, you do not know if it will be abad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can beso serious that even buckled up, a person wouldnot survive. But most crashes are in between. Inmany of them, people who buckle up can surviveand sometimes walk away. Without belts they couldhave been badly hurt or killed.

After more than 30 years of safety belts invehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashesbuckling up does matter...a lot!

Why Safety Belts WorkWhen you ride in or on anything, you go as fastas it goes.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just aseat on wheels.

39

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle.The rider does not stop.

40

The person keeps going until stopped bysomething. In a real vehicle, it could be thewindshield...

or the instrument panel...

41

or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicledoes. You get more time to stop. You stopover more distance, and your strongest bonestake the forces. That is why safety beltsmake such good sense.

Questions and Answers AboutSafety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after anaccident if I am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are wearing asafety belt or not. But you can unbuckle asafety belt, even if you are upside down. Andyour chance of being conscious during andafter an accident, so you can unbuckle and getout, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should Ihave to wear safety belts?

A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will bein most of them in the future. But they aresupplemental systems only; so they work withsafety belts — not instead of them. Everyairbag system ever offered for sale hasrequired the use of safety belts. Even if youare in a vehicle that has airbags, you still haveto buckle up to get the most protection. Thatis true not only in frontal collisions, butespecially in side and other collisions.

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Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drivefar from home, why should I wearsafety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you arein an accident — even one that is not yourfault — you and your passengers can be hurt.Being a good driver does not protect youfrom things beyond your control, such as baddrivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)of home. And the greatest number ofserious injuries and deaths occur at speedsof less than 40 mph (65 km/h).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts ProperlyThis part is only for people of adult size.

Be aware that there are special things to knowabout safety belts and children. And thereare different rules for smaller children and babies.If a child will be riding in your vehicle, seeOlder Children on page 61 or Infants and YoungChildren on page 64. Follow those rules foreveryone’s protection.

First, you will want to know which restraintsystems your vehicle has.

We will start with the driver position.

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Driver Position

Lap-Shoulder BeltThe driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how towear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight.To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt acrossyou. Do not let it get twisted.The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the beltacross you very quickly. If this happens, letthe belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pullthe belt across you more slowly.

44

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle untilit clicks.Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it issecure. If the belt is not long enough,see Safety Belt Extender on page 60.Make sure the release button on the buckle ispositioned so you would be able to unbucklethe safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. Move the shoulder belt height adjuster to theheight that is right for you. Improper shoulderbelt height adjustment could reduce theeffectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. SeeShoulder Belt Height Adjustment on page 51.

6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on theshoulder belt.

45

The lap part of the belt should be worn low andsnug on the hips, just touching the thighs. Ina crash, this applies force to the strong pelvicbones. And you would be less likely to slide underthe lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt wouldapply force at your abdomen. This could causeserious or even fatal injuries. The shoulderbelt should go over the shoulder and across thechest. These parts of the body are best ableto take belt restraining forces.

The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop orcrash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of theretractor.

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Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not givenearly as much protection this way.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulderbelt is too loose. In a crash, you wouldmove forward too much, which couldincrease injury. The shoulder belt shouldfit against your body.

47


A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt isbuckled in the wrong place like this. In acrash, the belt would go up over yourabdomen. The belt forces would be there,not at the pelvic bones. This could causeserious internal injuries. Always buckleyour belt into the buckle nearest you.

48


A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm.It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if you wearthe shoulder belt under your arm. In acrash, your body would move too farforward, which would increase the chanceof head and neck injury. Also, the beltwould apply too much force to the ribs,which are not as strong as shoulderbones. You could also severely injureinternal organs like your liver or spleen.

49


A: The belt is twisted across the body.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twistedbelt. In a crash, you would not have thefull width of the belt to spread impactforces. If a belt is twisted, make it straightso it can work properly, or ask your dealerto fix it.

50

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on thebuckle. The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is outof the way. If you slam the door on it, you candamage both the belt and your vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height AdjustmentBefore you begin to drive, move the shoulder beltadjuster to the height that is right for you.Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of thebelt is centered on your shoulder. The belt shouldbe away from your face and neck, but not falling offyour shoulder. Improper shoulder belt heightadjustment could reduce the effectiveness of thesafety belt in a crash.

To move it down,squeeze the buttons (A)on the sides of theheight adjuster andmove the height adjusterto the desired position.

You can move the adjuster up just by pushing upon the shoulder belt guide.

After you move the adjuster to where you want it,try to move it down without squeezing thebuttons to make sure it has locked into position.

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Safety Belt Use During PregnancySafety belts work for everyone, including pregnantwomen. Like all occupants, they are more likelyto be seriously injured if they do not wearsafety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulderbelt, and the lap portion should be worn as low aspossible, below the rounding, throughout thepregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect themother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it ismore likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash.For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key tomaking safety belts effective is wearing themproperly.

Right Front Passenger PositionTo learn how to wear the right front passenger’ssafety belt properly, see Driver Position onpage 44.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works thesame way as the driver’s safety belt — exceptfor one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portionof the belt out all the way, you will engage thechild restraint locking feature which may turn offthe passenger’s frontal airbag. If this happensunintentionally, just let the belt go back all the wayand start again.

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Center Front Passenger Position

Lap BeltIf your vehicle has a front bench seat, someonecan sit in the center position.

When you sit in the center front seating position,you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor.To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate andpull it along the belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end asshown until the belt is snug.

Buckle, position and release it the same way asthe lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt is notlong enough, see Safety Belt Extender onpage 60.

Make sure the release button on the buckle ispositioned so you would be able to unbuckle thesafety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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Rear Seat PassengersIt is very important for rear seat passengers tobuckle up! Accident statistics show that unbeltedpeople in the rear seat are hurt more often incrashes than those who are wearing safety belts.Rear passengers who are not safety beltedcan be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. Andthey can strike others in the vehicle who arewearing safety belts.

Lap-Shoulder BeltAll rear seat positions have lap-shoulder belts.Here is how to wear one properly.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt acrossyou. Do not let it get twisted.The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the beltacross you very quickly. If this happens, letthe belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pullthe belt across you more slowly.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle untilit clicks.Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it issecure.When the shoulder belt is pulled out all theway, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all theway and start again.

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If the belt is not long enough, see Safety BeltExtender on page 60.Make sure the release button on the buckle ispositioned so you would be able to unbucklethe safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

3. To make the lap part tight, pull up on theshoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low andsnug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In acrash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones.And you would be less likely to slide under the lapbelt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force atyour abdomen. This could cause serious or evenfatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over theshoulder and across the chest. These parts of thebody are best able to take belt restraining forces.

55

The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or acrash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out ofthe retractor.

{CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulderbelt is too loose. In a crash, you wouldmove forward too much, which couldincrease injury. The shoulder belt shouldfit against your body.

To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort GuidesRear shoulder belt comfort guides may provideadded safety belt comfort for older childrenwho have outgrown booster seats and for someadults. When installed on a shoulder belt, thecomfort guide positions the belt away fromthe neck and head.

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There is one guide for each outside passengerposition in the second row seat and the third row,if your vehicle has one. Here is how to install acomfort guide and use the safety belt:

1. For the second row, remove the guide from itsstorage clip on the interior body.

If your vehicle has a third row, remove theguide from its storage pocket on the side ofthe seat.

Second Row

Third Row

57

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt.The elastic cord must be under the belt.Then, place the guide over the belt, and insertthe two edges of the belt into the slots ofthe guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it liesflat. The elastic cord must be under the beltand the guide on top.

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{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is not properly worn maynot provide the protection needed in acrash. The person wearing the belt couldbe seriously injured. The shoulder beltshould go over the shoulder and acrossthe chest. These parts of the body are bestable to take belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release the safety beltas described in Rear Seat Passengers onpage 54. Make sure that the shoulderbelt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeezethe belt edges together so that you can takethem out of the guides. Slide the guide into itsstorage pocket.

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Safety Belt PretensionersYour vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for thedriver and right front passenger. Although youcannot see them, they are located on the retractorpart of the safety belts. They help the safetybelts reduce a person’s forward movement in amoderate to severe frontal, near frontal, rearor side crash, or a rollover.

Pretensioners work only once. If they activate ina crash, you will need to get new ones, andprobably other new parts for your safety beltsystem. See Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash on page 107.

Safety Belt ExtenderIf the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealerwill order you an extender. It is free. When yougo in to order it, take the heaviest coat youwill wear, so the extender will be long enough foryou. To help avoid personal injury, do not letsomeone else use it, and use it only for the seat itis made to fit. The extender has been designedfor adults. Never use it for securing child seats. Towear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.For more information, see the instruction sheet thatcomes with the extender.

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Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seatsshould wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

If you have the choice, a child should sit in a seatthat has a lap-shoulder belt and get the additionalrestraint a shoulder belt can provide.

Q: What is the proper way to wearsafety belts?

A: If possible, an older child should wear alap-shoulder belt and get the additionalrestraint a shoulder belt can provide. Theshoulder belt should not cross the faceor neck. The lap belt should fit snugly belowthe hips, just touching the top of the thighs.It should never be worn over the abdomen,which could cause severe or even fatal internalinjuries in a crash.

Accident statistics show that children are safer ifthey are restrained in the rear seat.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up canstrike other people who are buckled up, or can bethrown out of the vehicle. Older children needto use safety belts properly.

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{CAUTION:

Never do this.

Here two children are wearing the samebelt. The belt can not properly spread theimpact forces. In a crash, the two childrencan be crushed together and seriouslyinjured. A belt must be used by onlyone person at a time.

Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulderbelt, but the child is so small that theshoulder belt is very close to the child’sface or neck?

A: If the child is sitting in a rear seat outsideposition, move the child toward the centerof the vehicle. If the child is sitting in thesecond row center position, move the childtoward the safety belt buckle. In either case, besure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’sshoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upperbody would have the restraint that beltsprovide. See Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guideson page 56. If the child is so small that theshoulder belt is still very close to the child’s faceor neck, you might want to place the child in arear seat that has a lap belt, if your vehiclehas one.

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{CAUTION:

Never do this.

Here a child is sitting in a seat that has alap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part isbehind the child. If the child wears thebelt in this way, in a crash the child mightslide under the belt. The belt’s forcewould then be applied right on the child’sabdomen. That could cause serious orfatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the beltshould be worn low and snug on the hips, justtouching the child’s thighs. This applies belt forceto the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

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Infants and Young ChildrenEveryone in a vehicle needs protection! Thisincludes infants and all other children. Neither thedistance traveled nor the age and size of thetraveler changes the need, for everyone, to usesafety restraints. In fact, the law in every statein the United States and in every Canadianprovince says children up to some age must berestrained while in a vehicle.

{CAUTION:

Children can be seriously injured orstrangled if a shoulder belt is wrappedaround their neck and the safety beltcontinues to tighten. Never leave childrenunattended in a vehicle and never allowchildren to play with the safety belts.

Every time infants and young children ride invehicles, they should have the protection providedby appropriate restraints. Young children shouldnot use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone,unless there is no other choice. Instead, they needto use a child restraint.

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{CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in theirarms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesnot weigh much — until a crash. During acrash a baby will become so heavy it is notpossible to hold it. For example, in a crashat only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg)baby will suddenly become a 240 lb(110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A babyshould be secured in an appropriaterestraint.

65

{CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very closeto, any airbag when it inflates can beseriously injured or killed. Airbags pluslap-shoulder belts offer protection foradults and older children, but not foryoung children and infants.

CAUTION: (Continued)


Neither the vehicle’s safety belt systemnor its airbag system is designed forthem. Young children and infants need theprotection that a child restraint systemcan provide.

Q: What are the different types of add-onchild restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchasedby the vehicle’s owner, are available in fourbasic types. Selection of a particular restraintshould take into consideration not only thechild’s weight, height and age but also whetheror not the restraint will be compatible withthe motor vehicle in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child restraints, thereare many different models available. Whenpurchasing a child restraint, be sure it isdesigned to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is,the restraint will have a label saying that itmeets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

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The restraint manufacturer’s instructions thatcome with the restraint, state the weight andheight limitations for a particular child restraint.In addition, there are many kinds of restraintsavailable for children with special needs.

{CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support,including support for the head and neck.This is necessary because a newborninfant’s neck is weak and its head weighsso much compared with the rest of itsbody. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facingseat settles into the restraint, so the crashforces can be distributed across thestrongest part of an infant’s body, theback and shoulders. Infants alwaysshould be secured in appropriate infantrestraints.

{CAUTION:

The body structure of a young child isquite unlike that of an adult or older child,for whom the safety belts are designed. Ayoung child’s hip bones are still so smallthat the vehicle’s regular safety belt maynot remain low on the hip bones, as itshould. Instead, it may settle up aroundthe child’s abdomen. In a crash, the beltwould apply force on a body area that isunprotected by any bony structure. Thisalone could cause serious or fatal injuries.Young children always should be securedin appropriate child restraints.

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Child Restraint Systems

An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for usein a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint systemdesigned to restrain or position a child on acontinuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’shead rests toward the center of the vehicle.

A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint withthe seating surface against the back of theinfant. The harness system holds the infant inplace and, in a crash, acts to keep the infantpositioned in the restraint.

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A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraintfor the child’s body with the harness and alsosometimes with surfaces such as T-shapedor shelf-like shields.

A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designedto improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety beltsystem. Some booster seats have a shoulder beltpositioner, and some high-back booster seatshave a five-point harness. A booster seat can alsohelp a child to see out the window.

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Q: How Should I Use a Child Restraint?

A: A child restraint system is any device designedfor use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, orposition children. A built-in child restraintsystem is a permanent part of the motorvehicle. An add-on child restraint system is aportable one, which is purchased by thevehicle’s owner. To help reduce injuries, anadd-on child restraint must be secured inthe vehicle. With built-in or add-on childrestraints, the child has to be secured withinthe child restraint.

When choosing an add-on child restraint, besure the child restraint is designed to beused in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a labelsaying that it meets federal motor vehiclesafety standards. Then follow the instructionsfor the restraint. You may find theseinstructions on the restraint itself or in abooklet, or both.

Securing an Add-on Child Restraint inthe Vehicle

{CAUTION:

A child can be seriously injured or killedin a crash if the child restraint is notproperly secured in the vehicle. Make surethe child restraint is properly installed inthe vehicle using the vehicle’s safety beltor LATCH system, following theinstructions that came with that restraint,and also the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the childrestraint must be secured in the vehicle. Childrestraint systems must be secured in vehicle seatsby lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulderbelt, or by the LATCH system. See LowerAnchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) onpage 73 for more information. A child canbe endangered in a crash if the child restraint isnot properly secured in the vehicle.

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When securing an add-on child restraint, refer tothe instructions that come with the restraintwhich may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet,or both, and to this manual. The child restraintinstructions are important, so if they are notavailable, obtain a replacement copy from themanufacturer.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint canmove around in a collision or sudden stop andinjure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properlysecure any child restraint in your vehicle — evenwhen no child is in it.

Securing the Child Within the ChildRestraintThere are several systems for securing the childwithin the child restraint. One system, thethree-point harness, has straps that come downover each of the infant’s shoulders and buckletogether at the crotch. The five-point harnesssystem has two shoulder straps, two hip straps,and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place ofhip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulderstraps that are attached to a flat pad which restslow against the child’s body.

A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that areattached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swingsup or to the side.

{CAUTION:

A child can be seriously injured or killedin a crash if the child is not properlysecured in the child restraint. Make surethe child is properly secured, followingthe instructions that came with thatrestraint.

Because there are different systems, it is importantto refer to the instructions that come with therestraint. A child can be endangered in a crash ifthe child is not properly secured in the childrestraint.

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Where to Put the RestraintAccident statistics show that children are safer ifthey are restrained in the rear rather than thefront seat. General Motors recommends that childrestraints be secured in a rear seat, includingan infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a childriding in a forward-facing child seat and anolder child riding in a booster seat.Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodatea rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sunvisor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seatin the front.” This is because the risk to therear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint canbe seriously injured or killed if the rightfront passenger’s airbag inflates. This isbecause the back of the rear-facing childrestraint would be very close to theinflating airbag. Even though thepassenger sensing system is designed toturn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if thesystem detects a rear-facing child restraint,no system is fail-safe, and no one canguarantee that an airbag will not deployunder some unusual circumstance, eventhough it is turned off. We recommend thatrear-facing child restraints be secured inthe rear seat, even if the airbag is off.

If you need to secure a forward-facing childrestraint in the right front seat, alwaysmove the front passenger seat as far backas it will go. It is better to secure the childrestraint in a rear seat.

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Do not use child restraints in the center front seatposition. The restraints will not work properly.Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the childrestraint properly.Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint canmove around in a collision or sudden stop andinjure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properlysecure any child restraint in your vehicle — evenwhen no child is in it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH)Your vehicle has the LATCH system. The LATCHsystem holds a child restraint during driving orin a crash. This system is designed to makeinstallation of a child restraint easier. The LATCHsystem uses anchors in the vehicle andattachments on the child restraint that are madefor use with the LATCH systemMake sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraintis properly installed using the anchors, or use thevehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint,following the instructions that came with thatrestraint, and also the instructions in this manual.When installing a child restraint with a top tether,

you must also use either the lower anchors or thesafety belts to properly secure the child restraint.A child restraint must never be attached using onlythe top tether and anchor.In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle,you need a child restraint that has LATCHattachments. The child restraint manufacturer willprovide you with instructions on how to usethe child restraint and its attachments. Thefollowing explains how to attach a child restraintwith these attachments in your vehicle.

Your vehicle has lower anchors and top tetheranchors. Your child restraint may have lowerattachments and a top tether.

Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraintshave lower anchors and attachments or top tetheranchors and attachments.

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Lower Anchors

Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into thevehicle. There are two lower anchors for eachLATCH seating position that will accommodate achild restraint with lower attachments (B).

Top Tether Anchor

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the childrestraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is builtinto the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B)on the child restraint connects to the top tetheranchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forwardmovement and rotation of the child restraintduring driving or in a crash.

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Your child restraint may have a single tether (A)or a dual tether (C). Either will have a singleattachment (B) to secure the top tether tothe anchor.

Some child restraints with top tethers are designedfor use with or without the top tether being attached.Others require the top tether always to be attached.In Canada, the law requires that forward-facingchild restraints have a top tether, and that the tetherbe attached. In the United States, some childrestraints also have a top tether. Be sure to readand follow the instructions for your child restraint.

If the child restraint does not have a top tether,one can be obtained, in kit form, for manychild restraints. Ask the child restraintmanufacturer whether or not a kit is available.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether AnchorLocations

j (Lower Anchor):Seating positions withtwo lower anchors.

i (Top Tether Anchor):Seating positions withtop tether anchors.

j (Lower Anchor):Seating positions withtwo lower anchors.


Second Row — 60/40

Second Row — Bucket

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For models with a three passenger third row seat,see the information following for installing a childrestraint with a top tether in the third row, if yourvehicle has one. Never install two top tethers usingthe same top tether anchor.

For models with 60/40 second row seating, therear right side passenger and center seatingpositions have exposed metal anchors located inthe crease between the seatback and the seatcushion.

For models with second row bucket seats, bothrear seating positions have exposed metal anchorslocated in the crease between the seatback andthe seat cushion.

Third Row — TwoPassenger

Third Row — ThreePassenger

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For models with bucket second row seating, thetop tether anchors are located at the bottom rear ofthe seat cushion for each seating position in thesecond row. Be sure to use an anchor locatedon the same side of the vehicle as the seatingposition where the child restraint will be placed.

For models with 60/40 second row seating, the toptether anchors are located at the bottom rear ofthe seat cushion for each seating position inthe second row. Be sure to use an anchor locatedon the same side of the vehicle as the seatingposition where the child restraint will be placed.

Second Row Seat — Bucket Second Row Seat — 60/40

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For vehicles with a two passenger third row seat,there is one top tether anchor located at thebottom rear of the seat cushion that can be usedfor the rear driver side seating position in thethird row. Never install two top tethers using thesame top tether anchor.

Third Row Seat — Two or Three Passenger

78

For vehicles with a three passenger third row seat,there is one top tether anchor located at thebottom rear of the seat cushion that can be usedfor the third row center or driver side seatingpositions. Never install two top tethers using thesame top tether anchor.

Do not secure a child restraint in the right frontpassenger position or the third row passenger sideseating position if your vehicle has a third row seat,if a national or local law requires that the top tetherbe attached, or if the instructions that come with thechild restraint say that the top tether must beattached. There is no place to attach the top tetherin these positions.

Accident statistics show that children are safer ifthey are restrained in the rear rather than the frontseat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 72for additional information.

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Securing a Child Restraint Designed forthe LATCH System

{CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint is notattached to anchors, the restraint will notbe able to protect the child correctly. In acrash, the child could be seriously injuredor killed. Make sure that a LATCH-typechild restraint is properly installed usingthe anchors, or use the vehicle’s safetybelts to secure the restraint, following theinstructions that came with that restraint,and also the instructions in this manual.

{CAUTION:

Each top tether anchor and lower anchorin the vehicle is designed to hold only onechild restraint. Attaching more than onechild restraint to a single anchor couldcause the anchor or attachment to comeloose or even break during a crash.A child or others could be injured if thishappens. To help prevent injury to peopleand damage to your vehicle, attach onlyone child restraint per anchor.

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{CAUTION:

Children can be seriously injured orstrangled if a shoulder belt is wrappedaround their neck and the safety beltcontinues to tighten. Secure any unusedsafety belts behind the child restraint sochildren cannot reach them. Pull theshoulder belt all the way out of theretractor to set the lock, if your vehiclehas one, after the child restraint has beeninstalled. Be sure to follow theinstructions of the child restraintmanufacturer.

Notice: Contact between the child restraint orthe LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’ssafety belt assembly may cause damage tothese parts. Make sure when securing unusedsafety belts behind the child restraint thatthere is no contact between the child restraintor the LATCH attachment parts and thevehicle’s safety belt assembly.

Folding an empty rear seat with the safetybelts secured, may cause damage to the safetybelt or the seat. When removing the childrestraint, always remember to return the safetybelts to their normal position before foldingthe rear seat.

1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments tothe lower anchors. If the child restraint doesnot have lower attachments or the desiredseating position does not have lower anchors,secure the child restraint with the top tetherand the safety belts. Refer to your childrestraint manufacturer instructions and theinstructions in this manual.

1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desiredseating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat.1.3. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments on the child restraint to thelower anchors.

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2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommendsthat the top tether be attached, attach andtighten the top tether to the top tether anchor,if the vehicle has one. Refer to the childrestraint instructions and the following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.2.2. Route, attach and tighten the top tether

according to your child restraintinstructions and the followinginstructions:

If the position you areusing does not have ahead rest/restraintand you are using asingle tether, route thetether over theseatback.

If the position you areusing does not have ahead rest/restraint andyou are using a dualtether, route the tetherover the seatback.

If the position you areusing has an adjustablehead rest/restraintand you are using adual tether, routethe tether around thehead rest/restraint.If the position you areusing has an adjustablehead rest/restraint andyou are using a singletether, raise the headrest/restraint and routethe tether under thehead rest/restraint and inbetween the headrest/restraint posts.

3. Push and pull the child restraint in differentdirections to be sure it is secure.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a RearSeat PositionIf your child restraint has the LATCH system, seeLower Anchors and Tethers for Children(LATCH) on page 73.

If your vehicle has a third row, there is notop tether anchor in the passenger-side seatingposition. Do not secure a child restraint inthis position if a national or local law requires thatthe top tether be anchored or if the instructionsthat come with the child restraint say that thetop tether must be anchored.

If your child restraint does not have the LATCHsystem, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt tosecure the child restraint in this position. Be sure tofollow the instructions that came with the childrestraint. Secure the child in the child restraint whenand as the instructions say.

1. Put the child restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap andshoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety beltthrough or around the restraint. The childrestraint instructions will show you how.

3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release buttonis positioned so you would be able to unbucklethe safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the wayout of the retractor to set the lock.

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the childrestraint, pull the shoulder portion of the beltto tighten the lap portion of the belt andfeed the shoulder belt back into the retractor.If you are using a forward-facing childrestraint, you may find it helpful to use yourknee to push down on the child restraintas you tighten the belt.

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6. If your child restraint manufacturerrecommends using a top tether, and theposition that you are using has a top tetheranchor, attach and tighten the top tether to thetop tether anchor. Refer to the instructionsthat came with the child restraint and to LowerAnchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)on page 73.


To remove the child restraint, if the top tether isattached to the top tether anchor, disconnectit. Unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it goback all the way. The safety belt will movefreely again and be ready to work for an adult orlarger child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in theCenter Front Seat Position

{CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the centerfront seat can be badly injured or killed bythe right front passenger’s airbag if itinflates. Never secure a child restraint inthe center front seat. It is always better tosecure a child restraint in the rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in this position. Therestraints will not work properly.

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Securing a Child Restraint in theRight Front Seat PositionYour vehicle has a right front passenger airbag.A rear seat is a safer place to secure aforward-facing child restraint. See Where to Putthe Restraint on page 72.

In addition, your vehicle may have a passengersensing system. The passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn off the right front passenger’sfrontal airbag when an infant in a rear-facing infantseat or a small child in a forward-facing childrestraint or booster seat is detected. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 100 andPassenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 228for more information on this including importantsafety information.

A label on your sun visor says, “Never put arear-facing child seat in the front.” This is becausethe risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if theairbag deploys.

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint canbe seriously injured or killed if the rightfront passenger’s airbag inflates. This isbecause the back of the rear-facing childrestraint would be very close to theinflating airbag.

Even though the passenger sensingsystem is designed to turn off thepassenger’s frontal airbag if the systemdetects a rear-facing child restraint, nosystem is fail-safe, and no one canguarantee that an airbag will not deployunder some unusual circumstance, eventhough it is turned off. We recommendthat rear-facing child restraints be securedin the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.

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If you need to secure a forward-facing childrestraint in the right front seat position, move theseat as far back as it will go before securingthe forward-facing child restraint. See Power Seatson page 10 or Manual Seats on page 9.

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCHsystem, see Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH) on page 73.

There is no top tether anchor at the right frontseating position. Do not secure a child seat in thisposition if a national or local law requires thatthe top tether be anchored or if the instructionsthat come with the child restraint say that the toptether must be anchored. See Lower Anchorsand Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 73 ifthe child restraint has a top tether.

You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to securethe child restraint in this position. Be sure to followthe instructions that came with the child restraint.Secure the child in the child restraint when and asthe instructions say.

1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’sfrontal airbag. See Passenger SensingSystem on page 100. General Motorsrecommends that rear-facing child restraintsbe secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag isoff. If your child restraint is forward-facing,move the seat as far back as it will go beforesecuring the child restraint in this seat.See Power Seats on page 10 or Manual Seatson page 9.When the passenger sensing system hasturned off the right front passenger’s frontalairbag, the off indicator in the passenger airbagstatus indicator should light and stay lit whenyou turn the ignition to RUN or START. SeePassenger Airbag Status Indicator onpage 228.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap andshoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety beltthrough or around the restraint. The childrestraint instructions will show you how.

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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release buttonis positioned so you would be able to unbucklethe safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the wayout of the retractor to set the lock.

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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the childrestraint, pull the shoulder portion of the beltto tighten the lap portion of the belt andfeed the shoulder belt back into the retractor.If you are using a forward-facing childrestraint, you may find it helpful to use yourknee to push down on the child restraintas you tighten the belt. You should not be ableto pull more of the belt from the retractoronce the lock has been set.


8. If your vehicle has the passenger sensingsystem and the airbag is off, the off indicatorin the instrument panel will be lit and staylit when the key is turned to RUN or START.

If a child restraint has been installed and the onindicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Removethe child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall thechild restraint.

If after reinstalling the child restraint and restartingthe vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check tomake sure that the vehicle’s seatback is notpressing the child restraint into the seat cushion.If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’sseatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible.Also make sure the child restraint is not trappedunder the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,adjust the head restraint.

If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in thechild restraint in a rear seat position in thevehicle and check with your dealer.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle thevehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.The safety belt will move freely again and beready to work for an adult or larger childpassenger.

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Airbag SystemYour vehicle has a frontal airbag for the driver and afrontal airbag for the right front passenger. Yourvehicle may also have roof-mounted rolloverairbags designed for either side impact or rolloverdeployment. Roof-mounted rollover airbags areavailable for the driver and the passenger seateddirectly behind the driver and for the right frontpassenger and the passenger seated directlybehind that passenger.

If your vehicle has roof-mounted rollover airbags,the word AIRBAG will appear on the airbagcovering on the ceiling above the sidewall trimnear the driver’s and right front passenger’swindow and the second row outside seatingpositions.

Also, if your vehicle has a third row passengerseat, you may have third row roof-mounted rolloverairbags.

Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce therisk of injury from the force of an inflatingfrontal airbag. But these airbags must inflate veryquickly to do their job and comply with federalregulations.

Here are the most important things to know aboutthe airbag system:

{CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in acrash if you are not wearing your safetybelt — even if you have airbags. Wearingyour safety belt during a crash helpsreduce your chance of hitting thingsinside the vehicle or being ejected from it.Airbags are “supplemental restraints” tothe safety belts. All airbags are designedto work with safety belts but do notreplace them.

Frontal airbags for the driver and rightfront passenger are designed to deploy inmoderate to severe frontal and near frontalcrashes.


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They are not designed to inflate inrollover, rear crashes, or in many sidecrashes. And, for some unrestrainedoccupants, frontal airbags may provideless protection in frontal crashes thanmore forceful airbags have provided inthe past.

Roof-mounted rollover airbags aredesigned to inflate in moderate to severecrashes where something hits the side ofyour vehicle, during a vehicle rollover, orin a severe frontal impact. They are notdesigned to inflate in rear crashes. If yourvehicle has roof-mounted airbags, theyare designed to provide both side impactprotection and rollover protection.Everyone in your vehicle should wear asafety belt properly — whether or notthere is an airbag for that person.

{CAUTION:

Both frontal and roof-mounted rolloverairbags inflate with great force, faster thanthe blink of an eye. If you are too close toan inflating airbag, as you would be if youwere leaning forward, it could seriouslyinjure you. Safety belts help keep you inposition for airbag inflation before andduring a crash. Always wear your safetybelt even with frontal airbags. The drivershould sit as far back as possible whilestill maintaining control of the vehicle.Occupants should not lean on or sleepagainst the door in the first or second rowseats, or the rear windows in the third rowseat, if your vehicle has roof- mountedrollover airbags.

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{CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very closeto, any airbag when it inflates can beseriously injured or killed. Airbags pluslap-shoulder belts offer the bestprotection for adults, but not for youngchildren and infants. Neither the vehicle’ssafety belt system nor its airbag system isdesigned for them. Young children andinfants need the protection that a childrestraint system can provide. Alwayssecure children properly in your vehicle.To read how, see Older Children onpage 61 or Infants and Young Childrenon page 64.

Occupants should not lean on or sleepagainst the door in the first or second rowseats, or the rear windows in the third rowseat, if your vehicle has roof-mountedrollover airbags.

There is an airbagreadiness light on theinstrument panel cluster,which shows theairbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag electrical system formalfunctions. The light tells you if there is anelectrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 227 for more information.

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Where Are the Airbags?

The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the steeringwheel.

The right front passenger’s airbag is in theinstrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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If your vehicle has a roof-mounted rollover airbagfor the driver and the person seated directlybehind the driver, it is located in the ceiling abovethe side windows.

If your vehicle has a roof-mounted rollover airbagfor the right front passenger and the persondirectly behind that passenger, it is located in theceiling above the side windows.

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If your vehicle has a roof-mounted rollover airbagand a third row passenger seat, the airbag islocated in the ceiling above the rear windows forthe outside passenger positions in the third row.

{CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant andan airbag, the bag might not inflateproperly or it might force the object intothat person causing severe injury or evendeath. The path of an inflating airbag mustbe kept clear. Do not put anythingbetween an occupant and an airbag, anddo not attach or put anything on thesteering wheel hub or on or near anyother airbag covering. And, if your vehiclehas roof-mounted rollover airbags, neversecure anything to the roof of yourvehicle by routing the rope or tiedownthrough any door or window opening.If you do, the path of an inflating sideimpact airbag will be blocked. The path ofan inflating airbag must be kept clear.

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When Should an Airbag Inflate?The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontalairbags are designed to inflate in moderate tosevere frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they aredesigned to inflate only if the impact exceeds apredetermined deployment threshold. Deploymentthresholds take into account a variety of desireddeployment and non-deployment events and areused to predict how severe a crash is likely to be intime for the airbags to inflate and help restrain theoccupants. Whether your frontal airbags will orshould deploy is not based on how fast your vehicleis traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, thedirection of the impact and how quickly your vehicleslows down.

In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontalairbags, which adjust the restraint accordingto crash severity. Your vehicle is equipped withelectronic frontal sensors, which help the sensingsystem distinguish between a moderate frontalimpact and a more severe frontal impact. Formoderate frontal impacts, these airbags inflate ata level less than full deployment. For moresevere frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.

If the front of your vehicle goes straight into awall that does not move or deform, the thresholdlevel for the reduced deployment is about9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h), and the thresholdlevel for a full deployment is about 18 to 25 mph(29 to 40 km/h). (The threshold level can vary,however, with specific vehicle design, so that itcan be somewhat above or below this range.)

Frontal airbags may inflate at different crashspeeds. For example:

• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, theairbags could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle hits a moving object.

• If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, theairbags could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle hits an object that does notdeform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole)the airbags could inflate at a different crashspeed than if the vehicle hits a wide object(like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle theairbags could inflate at a different crash speedthan if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

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The frontal airbags (driver and right frontpassenger) are not intended to inflate duringvehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many sideimpacts.

Your vehicle has a seat position sensor whichenables the sensing system to monitor thefore and aft position of the driver’s seat. Seatposition sensors provide information that is usedto determine if the airbags should deploy at areduced level or at full deployment.

Your vehicle may or may not have a roof-mountedrollover airbags and a rollover sensor. See AirbagSystem on page 90. These “rollover capable”airbags are intended to inflate in moderate tosevere side crashes, during a rollover or in a severefrontal impact. A roof-mounted rollover airbag willinflate if the crash severity is above the system’sdesigned “threshold level.” The threshold level canvary with specific vehicle design. Roof-mountedairbags are not intended to inflate in rear impacts.Both roof-mounted rollover airbags will deploy wheneither side of the vehicle is struck or during arollover, or in a severe frontal impact.

In any particular crash, no one can say whetheran airbag should have inflated simply becauseof the damage to a vehicle or because of what therepair costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation isdetermined by what the vehicle hits, the angleof the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slowsdown. For roof-mounted rollover airbags,inflation is determined by the location and severityof the impact or a rollover event.

The airbag system is designed to work properlyunder a wide range of conditions, including off-roadusage. Observe safe driving speeds, especiallyon rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt.See Off-Road Driving on page 356 for tips onoff-road driving.

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What Makes an Airbag Inflate?In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbagsensing system detects that the vehicle isin a crash. In the case of a roof-mounted rolloverairbag, the sensing system detects that thevehicle is about to roll over or has been in a severefrontal or side impact. The sensing systemtriggers a release of gas from the inflator, whichinflates the airbag. The inflator, airbag, and relatedhardware are all part of the airbag modulesinside the steering wheel and in the instrumentpanel in front of the right front passenger.For vehicles with roof-mounted rollover airbags,the airbag modules are located in the ceiling of thevehicle, near the side windows.

If your vehicle has a third row seat withroof-mounted rollover airbags, the airbag modulesare located inside the rear-most pillar trim andabove in the ceiling above the fixed rear glass.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?In moderate to severe frontal or near frontalcollisions, even belted occupants can contactthe steering wheel or the instrument panel.In moderate to severe side collisions, even beltedoccupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.The airbag supplements the protection provided bysafety belts. Airbags distribute the force of theimpact more evenly over the occupant’s upperbody, stopping the occupant more gradually.But the frontal airbags would not help you inmany types of collisions, including rollovers, rearimpacts, and many side impacts, primarily becausean occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag.Roof-mounted rollover airbags would not help youin many types of collisions, including manyfrontal or near frontal collisions, and rear impacts,primarily because an occupant’s motion is nottoward the airbag. Airbags should never beregarded as anything more than a supplementto safety belts, and then only in moderate tosevere frontal or near-frontal collisions for thedriver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags,and only in moderate to severe side impactsand rollover events.

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What Will You See After an AirbagInflates?After a frontal airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, soquickly that some people may not even realize theairbag inflated. Roof-mounted rollover airbagsdeflate more slowly and may still be at least partiallyinflated minutes after the vehicle comes to rest.Some components of the airbag module may be hotfor a short time. These components include thesteering wheel hub for the driver’s frontal airbagand the instrument panel for the right frontpassenger’s frontal airbag. For vehicles withroof-mounted rollover airbags, the ceiling of yourvehicle near the side windows may be hot. Theparts of the bag that come into contact with youmay be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will besome smoke and dust coming from the vents in thedeflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not preventthe driver from seeing out of the windshield or beingable to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop peoplefrom leaving the vehicle.

{CAUTION:

When an airbag inflates, there is dust inthe air. This dust could cause breathingproblems for people with a history ofasthma or other breathing trouble. Toavoid this, everyone in the vehicle shouldget out as soon as it is safe to do so. Ifyou have breathing problems but cannotget out of the vehicle after an airbaginflates, then get fresh air by opening awindow or a door. If you experiencebreathing problems following an airbagdeployment, you should seek medicalattention.

Your vehicle has a feature that may automaticallyunlock the doors and turn the interior lamps onwhen the airbags inflate (if battery power isavailable). You can lock the doors again and turnthe interior lamps off by using the door lockand interior lamp controls.

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In many crashes severe enough to inflate an airbag,windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.Additional windshield breakage may also occurfrom the right front passenger airbag.• Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After

an airbag inflates, you will need some newparts for your airbag system. If you do not getthem, the airbag system will not be there to helpprotect you in another crash. A new system willinclude airbag modules and possibly otherparts. The service manual for your vehiclecovers the need to replace other parts.

• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensingand diagnostic module which recordsinformation after a crash. See Vehicle DataCollection and Event Data Recorders onpage 583.

• Let only qualified technicians work on yourairbag system. Improper service can mean thatyour airbag system will not work properly. Seeyour dealer for service.

Passenger Sensing SystemYour vehicle has a passenger sensing system.The passenger airbag status indicator on theoverhead console will be visible when you turnyour ignition key to RUN or START. The words ONand OFF or the symbol for on and off, will bevisible during the system check. When the systemcheck is complete, either the word ON or theword OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol foroff will be visible. See Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator on page 228.

The passenger sensing system will turn off theright front passenger’s frontal airbag under certainconditions. The driver’s airbags are not part ofthe passenger sensing system.

United States Canada

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The passenger sensing system works with sensorsthat are part of the right front passenger’s seat andsafety belt. The sensors are designed to detect thepresence of a properly-seated occupant anddetermine if the passenger’s airbag should beenabled (may inflate) or not.Accident statistics show that children are safer ifthey are restrained in the rear rather than the frontseat. General Motors recommends that childrestraints be secured in a rear seat, including aninfant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a childriding in a forward-facing child seat and an olderchild riding in a booster seat.Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodatea rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sunvisor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seatin the front.” This is because the risk to therear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint canbe seriously injured or killed if the rightfront passenger’s airbag inflates. This isbecause the back of the rear-facing childrestraint would be very close to theinflating airbag.Even though the passenger sensingsystem is designed to turn off thepassenger’s frontal airbag if the systemdetects a rear-facing child restraint, nosystem is fail-safe, and no one canguarantee that an airbag will not deployunder some unusual circumstance, eventhough it is turned off. We recommendthat rear-facing child restraints be securedin the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.If you need to secure a forward-facingchild restraint in the right front seat,always move the front passenger seat asfar back as it will go. It is better to securethe child restraint in a rear seat.

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The passenger sensing system is designed to turnoff the right front passenger’s airbag if:

• the right front passenger seat is unoccupied• the system determines that an infant is present

in a rear-facing infant seat• the system determines that a small child is

present in a forward-facing child restraint• the system determines that a small child is

present in a booster seat• a right front passenger takes his/her weight off

of the seat for a period of time• the right front passenger seat is occupied by a

smaller person, such as a child who hasoutgrown child restraints

• or if there is a critical problem with the airbagsystem or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turnedoff the passenger’s airbag, the off indicator will lightand stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off.

If a child restraint has been installed and the onindicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the childrestraint from the vehicle and reinstall the childrestraint following the child restraint manufacturer’sdirections and refer to Securing a Child Restraint inthe Right Front Seat Position on page 86.

If after reinstalling the child restraint and restartingthe vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to makesure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing thechild restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens,slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust theseat cushion if possible. Also make sure the childrestraint is not trapped under the vehicle headrestraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint.If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in thechild restraint in a rear seat position in thevehicle and check with your dealer.The passenger sensing system is designed toenable (may inflate) the right front passenger’sairbag anytime the system senses that a personof adult size is sitting properly in the right frontpassenger’s seat. When the passenger sensingsystem has allowed the airbag to be enabled, theon indicator will light and stay lit to remind youthat the airbag is active.For some children who have outgrown childrestraints and for very small adults, the passengersensing system may or may not turn off the rightfront passenger’s airbag, depending upon theperson’s seating posture and body build. Everyonein your vehicle who has outgrown child restraintsshould wear a safety belt properly — whether or notthere is an airbag for that person.

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If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right frontpassenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it couldbe because that person is not sitting properly in theseat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and askthe person to place the seatback in the fully uprightposition, then sit upright in the seat, centered on theseat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortablyextended. Restart the vehicle and have the personremain in this position for about two minutes. Thiswill allow the system to detect that person and thenenable the passenger’s airbag.

{CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in theinstrument panel cluster ever comes onand stays on, it means that somethingmay be wrong with the airbag system.If this ever happens, have the vehicleserviced promptly, because an adult-sizeperson sitting in the right frontpassenger’s seat may not have theprotection of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 227 formore on this, including important safetyinformation.

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Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers,can affect how well the passenger sensing systemoperates. You may want to consider not usingseat covers or other aftermarket equipment if yourvehicle has the passenger sensing system. SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle on page 105 for more information aboutmodifications that can affect how the systemoperates.

{CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’sseat or between the passenger’s seatcushion and seatback may interfere withthe proper operation of the passengersensing system.

Servicing Your Airbag-EquippedVehicleAirbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.There are parts of the airbag system in severalplaces around your vehicle.

You do not want the system to inflate whilesomeone is working on your vehicle. Your dealerand the service manual have information aboutservicing your vehicle and the airbag system. Topurchase a service manual, see ServicePublications Ordering Information on page 590.

{CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition keyis turned off and the battery isdisconnected, an airbag can still inflateduring improper service. You can beinjured if you are close to an airbag whenit inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. Theyare probably part of the airbag system. Besure to follow proper service procedures,and make sure the person performingwork for you is qualified to do so.

The airbag system does not need regularmaintenance.

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Adding Equipment to YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add to the frontor sides of the vehicle that could keep theairbags from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that change yourvehicle’s frame, bumper system, front end orside sheet metal or height, they may keep theairbag system from working properly. Also, theairbag system may not work properly if yourelocate any of the airbag sensors. If you haveany questions about this, you should contactCustomer Assistance before you modify yourvehicle. The phone numbers and addresses forCustomer Assistance are in Step Two of theCustomer Satisfaction Procedure in thismanual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedureon page 572.

Q: Because I have a disability, I have to getmy vehicle modified. How can I find outwhether this will affect my airbag system?

A: Changing or moving any parts of the frontseats, safety belts, the airbag sensing anddiagnostic module (located under the driver’sseat), rollover sensor module (located underthe center console), instrument panel, steeringwheel, ceiling headliner, ceiling and pillargarnish trim, roof-mounted rollover airbagmodules or airbag wiring can affect theoperation of the airbag system. If you havequestions, call Customer Assistance. Thephone numbers and addresses for CustomerAssistance are in Step Two of the CustomerSatisfaction Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 572.

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint SystemsNow and then, make sure the safety belt reminderlight and all your belts, buckles, latch plates,retractors and anchorages are working properly.Look for any other loose or damaged safetybelt system parts. If you see anything that mightkeep a safety belt system from doing its job, haveit repaired. Keep safety belts clean and dry.See Care of Safety Belts on page 531 for moreinformation.

Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you ina crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

Also look for any opened or broken airbagcovers, and have them repaired or replaced.(The airbag system does not need regularmaintenance.)

Notice: If you damage the covering for thedriver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag,or the side impact airbag covering on theceiling near the side windows, the airbag maynot work properly. You may have to replacethe airbag module in the steering wheel, boththe airbag module and the instrument panelfor the right front passenger’s airbag, orside impact airbag module and ceiling coveringfor roof-mounted rollover airbags (if equipped.)Do not open or break the airbag coverings.

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Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash

{CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systemsin your vehicle. A damaged restraintsystem may not properly protect theperson using it, resulting in serious injuryor even death in a crash. To help makesure your restraint systems are workingproperly after a crash, have theminspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts orLATCH system parts?After a very minor collision, nothing may benecessary. But if the belts were stretched, as theywould be if worn during a more severe crash,then you need new parts.

If the LATCH system was being used during amore severe crash, you may need new LATCHsystem parts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them.Collision damage also may mean you will need tohave LATCH system, safety belt or seat partsrepaired or replaced. New parts and repairs maybe necessary even if the belt or LATCH systemwas not being used at the time of the collision.If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbagsystem parts. See the part on the airbag systemearlier in this section.If the airbags inflate you will also need to replacethe driver and front passenger’s safety beltretractor assembly. Be sure to do so. Then thenew retractor assembly will be there to help protectyou in a collision.After a crash you may need to replace the driverand front passenger’s safety belt retractorassemblies, even if the airbags have not deployed.The driver and front passenger’s safety beltretractor assemblies contain the safety beltpretensioners. Have your safety belt pretensionerschecked if your vehicle has been in a collision, or ifyour airbag readiness light stays on after you startyour vehicle or while you are driving. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 227.

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✍ NOTES

108

Keys .............................................................111Remote Keyless Entry System .....................112Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ......113

Doors and Locks .........................................120Door Locks ................................................120Power Door Locks ......................................121Delayed Locking .........................................121Programmable Automatic Door Locks .........121Rear Door Security Locks ..........................122Lockout Protection ......................................122Liftgate/Liftglass ..........................................123Power Liftgate ............................................125Power Running Boards ...............................129

Windows ......................................................130Power Windows .........................................131Sun Visors .................................................132

Theft-Deterrent Systems ..............................132Content Theft-Deterrent ..............................132PASS-Key® III+ ..........................................134PASS-Key® III+ Operation ..........................134

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ..........136New Vehicle Break-In .................................136Ignition Positions ........................................137

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ..............138Starting the Engine .....................................138Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ...........140Engine Coolant Heater ...............................140Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™) ..........141Automatic Transmission Operation ..............142Tow/Haul Mode ..........................................145Four-Wheel Drive .......................................146Parking Brake ............................................151Shifting Into Park (P) ..................................152Shifting Out of Park (P) ..............................154Parking Over Things That Burn ..................154Engine Exhaust ..........................................155Running the Engine While Parked ..............156

Mirrors ..........................................................157Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with

OnStar®, Compass and TemperatureDisplay ....................................................157

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror withCompass and Temperature Display .........160

Outside Manual Mirrors ..............................163Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors ........................163Outside Power Mirrors ................................164

Section 2 Features and Controls

109

Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors ................165Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror .............166Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors ...............166Outside Convex Mirror ................................166Outside Heated Mirrors ..............................167

OnStar® System ...........................................167Universal Home Remote System .................169

Universal Home Remote System ................169Universal Home Remote System

Operation ................................................170

Storage Areas ..............................................174Glove Box ..................................................174Cupholder(s) ...............................................174Center Console Storage Area .....................175Luggage Carrier .........................................175Rear Storage Area .....................................176Rear Seat Armrest .....................................176Cargo Cover ..............................................176Cargo Management System .......................178

Sunroof ........................................................181

Section 2 Features and Controls

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Keys

{CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with theignition key is dangerous for manyreasons. They could operate the powerwindows or other controls or even makethe vehicle move. The children or otherscould be badly injured or even killed.Do not leave the keys in a vehicle withchildren.

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Your vehicle has onedouble-sided key for theignition, all door locks,and the spare tire hoistlock if your vehiclehas one.

If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be ableto assist you with obtaining replacements.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in yourvehicle, you may have to damage the vehicleto get in. Be sure you have spare keys.

If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle,call the GM Roadside Assistance Center.See Roadside Assistance Program on page 577.

Remote Keyless Entry SystemYour keyless entry system operates on a radiofrequency subject to Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) Rules and with IndustryCanada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCCRules. Operation is subject to the followingtwo conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that maycause undesired operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of IndustryCanada. Operation is subject to the followingtwo conditions:



Changes or modifications to this system by otherthan an authorized service facility could voidauthorization to use this equipment.

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At times you may notice a decrease in operatingrange. This is normal for any remote keyless entrysystem. If the transmitter does not work or if youhave to stand closer to your vehicle for thetransmitter to work, try this:

• Check the distance. You may be too far fromyour vehicle. You may need to stand closerduring rainy or snowy weather.

• Check the location. Other vehicles or objectsmay be blocking the signal. Take a few stepsto the left or right, hold the transmitterhigher, and try again.

• Check to determine if battery replacement isnecessary. See “Battery Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry System Operation onpage 113.

• If you are still having trouble, see your dealer ora qualified technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry SystemOperationThe vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlockedfrom about 3 feet (1 m) up to 65 feet (20 m)away with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)transmitter.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature you canalso start your vehicle with the RKE transmitter.The RKE transmitter, with the remote start button,provides an increased operating range of 195 feet(60 m) away. However, the operating range may beless while the vehicle is running. As a result, youmay need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it offthan you were to start it.

There are other conditions which can affect theperformance of the transmitter. See RemoteKeyless Entry System on page 112.

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The following functions may be available if yourvehicle has the remote keyless entry system:

/ (Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle hasthis feature, it may be started from outsidethe vehicle using the remote keyless entrytransmitter. See “Remote Vehicle Start” followingfor more detailed information.

Q (Lock): Press the lock button to lock all thedoors. If enabled through the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), the parking lamps will flash once toindicate locking has occurred. If enabled throughthe DIC, the horn will chirp when the lock button ispressed again within five seconds of the previouspress of the lock button. See DIC VehicleCustomization (With DIC Buttons) on page 264 foradditional information. Pressing the lock buttonmay arm the content theft-deterrent system.See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 132.

" (Unlock): Press the unlock button to unlock thedriver’s door. If the button is pressed again withinfive seconds, all remaining doors will unlock.The interior lamps will come on and stay on for20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.If enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps willflash once to indicate unlocking has occurred. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons) onpage 264. Pressing the unlock button on the RKEtransmitter will disarm the content theft-deterrentsystem. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 132.

With Remote Start andLiftglass (Without

Remote Start Similar)

With Remote Start andPower Liftgate andLiftglass (Without

Remote Start Similar)

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m (Liftglass): Press and hold this button onthe RKE transmitter to open the liftglass.

% (Power Liftgate): Press and hold this buttonon the RKE transmitter to open and close theliftgate. The taillamps will flash and a chime willsound to indicate when the liftgate is opening andclosing.

L (Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press andrelease this button to locate your vehicle. The turnsignal lamps will flash and the horn will soundthree times. Press and hold this button for morethan two seconds to activate the panic alarm.The turn signal lamps will flash and the horn willsound repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarmwill turn off when the ignition is moved to RUN orthe alarm button is pressed again. The ignitionmust be in OFF for the panic alarm to work.

Matching Transmitter(s) to YourVehicleEach remote keyless entry transmitter is coded toprevent another transmitter from unlocking yourvehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, areplacement can be purchased through yourGM dealer. Remember to bring any additionaltransmitters so they can also be re-coded to matchthe new transmitter. Once your dealer hascoded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter willnot unlock your vehicle. The vehicle can havea maximum of eight transmitters matched to it. See“Relearn Remote Key” under DIC Operation andDisplays (With DIC Buttons) on page 244 orDIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)on page 251 for instructions on how to matchRKE transmitters to your vehicle.

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Battery ReplacementUnder normal use, the battery in your RKEtransmitter should last about four years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitterwill not work at the normal range in any location.If you have to get close to your vehicle beforethe transmitter works, it is probably time to changethe battery.

The REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEYmessage in the vehicle’s DIC will display if theRKE transmitter battery is low. See “REPLACEBATTERY IN REMOTE KEY” under DIC Warningsand Messages on page 254 for additionalinformation.

Notice: When replacing the battery, use carenot to touch any of the circuitry. Staticfrom your body transferred to these surfacesmay damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter dothe following:

1. Use a flat object with a thin edge into thenotch, located below the trunk releasebutton, and separate the bottom half from thetop half of the transmitter.

2. Remove the old battery, but do not use ametal object to do this.

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3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter withthe positive side of the battery facing down.Use a type CR2032 battery, or equivalenttype. Make sure the cover is on tightly,so water will not get in.

4. Snap the front and the back of the transmittertogether.

5. Test the operation of the transmitter with thevehicle.

Remote Vehicle StartYour vehicle may have a remote starting feature.This feature allows you to start the enginefrom outside of the vehicle. It may also start upthe vehicle’s heating or air conditioning systemsand rear window defogger. Normal operation of thesystem will return after the key is turned to theRUN position.If your vehicle has an automatic climate controlsystem, during remote start, the climate controlsystem will default to a heating mode during colderoutside temperatures and a cooling mode duringwarmer outside temperatures. If your vehicledoes not have an automatic climate control

system, during remote start the climate controlsystem will turn on at the setting the vehicle wasset to when the vehicle was last turned off.

Laws in some communities may restrict the use ofremote starters. For example, some laws mayrequire a person using the remote start to have thevehicle in view when doing so. Check localregulations for any requirements on remote startingof vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicleis low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

The keyless entry transmitter with the remote startbutton, provides an increased range of operation.However, the range may be less while thevehicle is running. As a result, you may need tobe closer to your vehicle to turn it off, thanyou were to turn it on.

There are other conditions which can affect theperformance of the transmitter, see RemoteKeyless Entry System on page 112 for additionalinformation.

/ (Remote Start): Press and release the lockbutton and then press and hold the remotestart button to start the vehicle.

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To start the vehicle using the remote start feature,do the following:

1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.

2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,then immediately press and hold thetransmitter’s remote start button until the turnsignal lights flash. If you can not see thevehicle’s lights, press and hold the remote startbutton for at least four seconds. The vehicle’sdoors will lock. Pressing the remote start buttonagain after the vehicle has started will turn offthe ignition.When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps willturn on and remain on while the vehicle isrunning.

3. If it is your first remote start since last driving,repeat these steps while the engine is stillrunning for a 10 minute time extension.Remote start can be extended one time.

When you enter the vehicle during a remote start,and the engine is still running, turn the key tothe RUN position to drive the vehicle.

If the vehicle is left running it will automaticallyshut off after 10 minutes unless a time extensionhas been done.

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of thefollowing:

• Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter atthe vehicle and press the remote startbutton until the parking lamps turn off.

• Turn on the hazards warning flashers.

• Turn the ignition switch on and then off.

The vehicle can be remote started two separatetimes between driving sequences. The engine willrun for 10 minutes after each remote start.

Or, you can extend the engine run time by another10 minutes within the first 10 minute remotestart time frame, and before the engine stops.

For example, if the lock button and then the remotestart buttons are pressed again after the vehicle hasbeen running for five minutes, 10 minutes areadded, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.

The additional ten minutes are considered asecond remote vehicle start.

Once two remote starts, or a single remote startwith one time extension has been done, thevehicle must be started with the key.

After the key is removed from the ignition, thevehicle can be remote started again.

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The vehicle cannot be remote started if the key isin the ignition, the hood is not closed, or ifthere is an emission control system malfunction.

Also, the engine will turn off during a remotevehicle start if the coolant temperature gets toohigh or if the oil pressure gets low.

Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start featureare shipped from the factory with the remotevehicle start system enabled. The system may beenabled or disabled through the DIC. See“REMOTE START” under DIC VehicleCustomization (With DIC Buttons) on page 264for additional information.

Remote Start ReadyIf your vehicle does not have the remote vehiclestart feature, it may have the remote startready feature. This feature allows your dealer toadd the manufacturer’s remote vehicle startfeature.

If your vehicle has the remote start ready feature,your RKE transmitter will have extended rangethat will allow you to lock or unlock your vehiclefrom approximately 197 feet (60 m) away.

See your dealer if you would like to add themanufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to yourvehicle.

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Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.• Passengers — especially

children — can easily open thedoors and fall out of a moving vehicle.When a door is locked, the handle willnot open it. You increase the chance ofbeing thrown out of the vehicle in acrash if the doors are not locked. So,wear safety belts properly and lock thedoors whenever you drive.

• Young children who get into unlockedvehicles may be unable to get out. Achild can be overcome by extreme heatand can suffer permanent injuries oreven death from heat stroke. Alwayslock your vehicle whenever youleave it.



• Outsiders can easily enter through anunlocked door when you slow downor stop your vehicle. Locking yourdoors can help prevent this fromhappening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock yourvehicle.

From the outside, use the remote keylessentry (RKE) transmitter or the key in thedriver’s door.

From the inside, use the power door locks ormanual door locks. To lock or unlock the door withthe manual locks, push down or pull up on themanual lock knob.

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Power Door LocksThe power door lock switches are located on thearmrest on the front doors.

K (Unlock): Press the side of the switch with theunlock symbol to unlock the doors.

Q (Lock): Press the side of the switch with thelock symbol to lock the doors.

Delayed LockingWhen locking the doors with the power lock switchor the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitterand a door or the liftgate is open, the doors willlock five seconds after the last door is closed. Youwill hear three chimes to signal that the delayedlocking feature is in use.

Pressing the power lock switch or the lock buttonon the RKE transmitter twice will override thedelayed locking feature and immediately lock allthe doors.

This feature will not operate if the key is in theignition.

You can program this feature using the DriverInformation Center (DIC). See DELAY DOORLOCK under DIC Vehicle Customization(With DIC Buttons) on page 264.

Programmable Automatic DoorLocksYour vehicle has an automatic lock/unlock featurewhich enables you to program the vehicle’spower door locks. You can program this featurethrough the Driver Information Center (DIC).See DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)on page 264 for more information on DICprogramming.

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Rear Door Security LocksYour vehicle has rear door security locks. Theseprevent passengers from opening the reardoors from the inside.

The rear door securitylocks are located on theinside edge of eachrear door. Youmust open the reardoors to access them.The label depictinglock and unlockpositions is located nearthe lock.

To set the locks, do the following:

1. Insert the key into the security lock slot andturn it so the slot is in the horizontal position.

2. Close the door.

When you want to open a rear door when thesecurity lock is on, do the following:

1. Unlock the door using the remote keylessentry transmitter, if the vehicle has one, thepower door lock switch, or by lifting therear door manual lock.

2. Open the door from the outside.

To cancel the rear door security lock, do thefollowing:

1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.

2. Insert the key into the security lock slotand turn it so the slot is in the vertical position.

Lockout ProtectionThis feature protects you from locking the key inthe vehicle when the key is in the ignition anda front door is open.

If the driver’s side power door lock switch ispressed when the driver’s door is open and thekey is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock andthen the driver’s door will unlock.

Security Lock Labelshown

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If the passenger’s side power door lock switch ispressed when the front passenger’s door isopen and the key is in the ignition, all of the doorswill lock and then the front passenger’s doorwill unlock.

Liftgate/Liftglass

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with theliftglass or liftgate open because carbonmonoxide (CO) gas can come into yourvehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. Itcan cause unconsciousness and evendeath.



If you must drive with the liftglass orliftgate open, or if electrical wiring orother cable connections must passthrough the seal between the body andthe liftglass or liftgate:

• Make sure all other windows are shut.• Turn the fan on your heating or

cooling system to its highest speedwith the recirculation mode off. Thatwill force outside air into your vehicle.See Climate Control System onpage 210 or Dual Automatic ClimateControl System on page 213.

• If you have air outlets on or under theinstrument panel, open them allthe way.

• If your vehicle has a power liftgate,disable the power liftgate function.

See Engine Exhaust on page 155.

If your vehicle has a power liftgate, see PowerLiftgate on page 125.

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To unlock the liftgate, use the power door lockswitch or press the door unlock button onthe Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter twice.See Remote Keyless Entry System Operationon page 113.

To open the liftglass, press the button on theunderside of the license pocket applique (A).The liftglass can also be opened by pressing theliftglass release button on the RKE.

To open the entire liftgate, press the touchpadon the underside of the liftgate handle (B).The vehicle must be in PARK (P) to open theliftgate. To close the liftgate, use the pull cup orpull strap as an aid.

The liftgate or liftglass cannot be opened if therear wipers are in motion. Attempting to open theliftgate or liftglass while the rear wipers are inmotion will cause the release of the liftglassor liftgate to delay until the wipers are moved offthe liftglass.

Both the liftglass and liftgate have an electriclatch. If the battery is disconnected or haslow voltage, the liftglass and liftgate will not open.The liftglass and liftgate will resume operationwhen the battery is reconnected and charged.

If the battery is properly connected and hasadequate voltage, and the liftgate or liftglass stillwill not function, your vehicle should be taken to adealership for service.

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Power Liftgate

Power Liftgate OperationYour vehicle may have a power liftgate. Thevehicle must be in PARK (P) to power open orclose the liftgate.

The liftgate must be completely closed to poweropen or completely open to power close.

The taillamps will flash and a chime will sound atthe beginning of each power operation cycle.

{CAUTION:

You or others could be injured if caught inthe path of the power liftgate. Make surethere is no one in the way of the liftgateas it is closing.

Notice: If you open the liftgate withoutchecking for overhead obstructions such asa garage door, you could break the liftgate

glass. Always check to make sure the areaabove the liftgate is clear before opening it.

To open and close the liftgate, press and hold thepower liftgate button on the Remote KeylessEntry (RKE) transmitter until the liftgate startsmoving. Press the RKE button a second time duringliftgate operation to reverse that operation. SeeRemote Keyless Entry System Operation onpage 113 for more information.

The liftgate can also beopened and closed bypressing the powerliftgate button onthe overhead console.Press the button asecond time duringliftgate operationto reverse thatoperation.

Power Liftgate Buttonon Overhead Console

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The liftgate can be power opened by pressing thetouchpad switch on the liftgate handle. Pressthe button a second time during liftgate operationto reverse that operation.

The liftgate can be power closed by pressing thepower liftgate button next to the liftgate latch.Press the button a second time during liftgateoperation to reverse that operation.

The power liftgate my be temporarily disabledunder extreme high or low temperatures.If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operatedmanually. The power liftgate may not operateunder low battery conditions.

If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) whilethe power function is in progress, the liftgatepower function will continue to completion. If youshift the transmission out of PARK (P) andaccelerate before the power liftgate latches closed,the liftgate may reverse to the open position.Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always makesure the power liftgate is closed and latched beforeyou drive away.

If you power open the liftgate and the liftgatesupport struts have lost pressure, the lights willflash and a chime will sound. The liftgate will holdopen temporarily, then slowly close. See yourdealer for service before using the liftgate.

Power Liftgate Button Near Liftgate Latch

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Obstacle Detection FeaturesIf the liftgate encounters an obstacle during apower open or close cycle, a warning chime willsound and the liftgate will automatically reversedirection to the full closed or open position.After removing the obstruction, the liftgate may bepower opened or closed normally. If the liftgateencounters multiple obstacles on the same powercycle, the power function will deactivate, andthe liftgate will switch to manual operation.The REAR ACCESS OPEN warning message inthe Driver Information Center (DIC) will indicatethat the liftgate is open. After removing theobstructions, manually open the liftgate to the fullopen position or close the liftgate to the fullyclosed and latched position. The liftgate will nowresume normal power operation.

Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on theside edges of the liftgate. If an object is caughtbetween the liftgate and the body and pressesagainst this sensor, the liftgate will reversedirection and open fully. The liftgate will remainopen until it is activated again or closed manually.

Manual Operation of Power Liftgate

To change the liftgate tomanual operation,toggle the switch on theoverhead console tothe “Disable” positionindicated by a circle.

With the power liftgate disabled and the doorunlocked, the power liftgate can be manuallyopened and closed.

To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on thehandle on the outside of the liftgate, and liftthe gate open. To close the liftgate, use the pullcup or pull strap to lower the liftgate and close.The liftgate latch will power cinch to closedposition. Always close the liftgate before driving.

If the RKE button or the power close button on theliftgate is pressed while power operation isdisabled, the lights will flash three times, but theliftgate will not move.

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It is not recommended that you drive with theliftgate open, however, if you must drive with theliftgate open, the power liftgate should be switchedto manual liftgate operation — the overheadconsole switch set to the “Disable” position.Both the liftglass and liftgate have an electric latch.If the battery is disconnected or has low voltage,the liftglass and liftgate will not open. Theliftglass and liftgate will resume operation whenthe battery is reconnected and charged.If the battery is properly connected and hasadequate voltage, and the liftgate or liftglass stillwill not function, your vehicle should be taken to adealership for service.

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with theliftglass or liftgate open because carbonmonoxide (CO) gas can come into yourvehicle. You cannot see or smell CO.It can cause unconsciousness and evendeath.



If you must drive with the liftglass orliftgate open, or if electrical wiring orother cable connections must passthrough the seal between the body andthe liftglass or liftgate:

• Make sure all other windows are shut.• Turn the fan on your heating or

cooling system to its highest speedwith the recirculation mode off. Thatwill force outside air into your vehicle.See Climate Control System onpage 210 or Dual Automatic ClimateControl System on page 213.

• If you have air outlets on or under theinstrument panel, open them allthe way.

• If your vehicle has a power liftgate,disable the power liftgate function.

See Engine Exhaust on page 155.

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Power Running BoardsYour vehicle may have power running boards.These make getting into and out of the vehicleeasier.

The power running boards activate when eitherdoor on the driver’s or passenger’s side is openedor closed. They automatically extend frombeneath the vehicle on the side in which the doorhas been opened. Once the door is closed, therunning boards will automatically move back underthe vehicle. The vehicle must be stationary forthe running boards to extend or retract.

The switch used todisable the powerrunning boards islocated on the centerconsole below theclimate control system.

The running boards cannot be disabled in theextended position.

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Windows

{CAUTION:

Leaving children, helpless adults, or petsin a vehicle with the windows closed isdangerous. They can be overcome by theextreme heat and suffer permanentinjuries or even death from heat stroke.Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or apet alone in a vehicle, especially with thewindows closed in warm or hot weather.

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Power WindowsThe power window controls are located on each ofthe side doors.

The driver’s door has a switch for the passengerand rear windows also. The power windowswork when the ignition has been turned toACCESSORY or RUN or when RetainedAccessory Power (RAP) is active. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) onpage 138.

Press the switch to lower the window.

Pull up on the front edge of the switch to raise thewindow.

Express-Down WindowsThe driver and front passenger windows have anexpress-down feature that allows the windowsto be lowered without holding the switch. Pressdown fully on the window switch, then release,to activate the express-down mode. Theexpress-down mode can be canceled at anytime by pulling up on the switch.

Window Lockout

o (Window Lockout): The window lockoutswitch is located with the power window switcheson the driver’s door armrest. This featureprevents the passenger windows from operating,except from the driver’s position. Press theswitch to turn on the lockout feature. An indicatorlight will come on to show the lockout featureis on. To turn the feature off, press the switchagain and the indicator light will go off.

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Sun VisorsPull the sun visor down to block glare. Detach thesun visor from the center mount and slide italong the rod from side-to-side to cover the driveror passenger side of the front window. Swingthe sun visor to the side to cover the side window.It can be moved along the rod from side-to-sidein this position also.

Lighted Visor Vanity MirrorYour vehicle may have lighted visor vanity mirrorson both the driver’s and passenger’s sun visors.Pull the sun visor down and lift the mirror cover toturn the lamps on.

Theft-Deterrent SystemsVehicle theft is big business, especially in somecities. Although your vehicle has a number oftheft-deterrent features, we know that nothing weput on it can make it impossible to steal.

Content Theft-DeterrentYour vehicle may have a content theft-deterrentalarm system.

To activate the theft-deterrent system, do thefollowing:

1. Open the door.2. Lock the door with the Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) transmitter. The security light shouldcome on and flash. The door does not need tobe open.If the delayed locking feature is active, thealarm will not be activated until all doors areclosed and the security light goes off.

3. Close all doors. The security light will stopflashing and go off after approximately30 seconds. The content theft deterrent alarmis not armed until the security light goes off.

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If a door is opened without using the RKEtransmitter, a ten second pre-alarm will occur.The horn will chirp and the lights will flash. If thekey is not placed in the ignition and turned toSTART or the door is not unlocked by pressing theunlock button on the RKE transmitter during theten second pre-alarm, the alarm will go off.Your vehicle’s headlamps will flash and the hornwill sound for about two minutes, then will turnoff to save the battery power.

The theft-deterrent system will not activate if youlock the doors with a key, the manual door lock, orthe power door lock switch. It activates only if youuse the RKE transmitter. You should alsoremember that you can start your vehicle with thecorrect ignition key if the alarm has been set off.

Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm byaccident:

• If you do not want to activate thetheft-deterrent system, the vehicle should belocked with the door key after the doorsare closed.

• Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.Unlocking a door any other way will set off thealarm if the system has been armed.

If you set off the alarm by accident, turn off thealarm by pressing unlock on the RKE transmitter orby placing the key in the ignition and turning itto START.

Testing the AlarmThe alarm can be tested by following these steps:

1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’swindow and open the driver’s door.

2. Activate the system by locking the doors withthe RKE transmitter.

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and waitfor the security light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the window, unlock thedoor with the manual door lock and open thedoor. This should set off the alarm.

If the alarm does not sound when it should, butthe vehicle’s headlamps flash, check to see if thehorn works. The horn fuse may be blown. Toreplace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakerson page 540.

If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’sheadlamps do not flash, see your dealer forservice.

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PASS-Key® III+The PASS-Key® III+ system operates on a radiofrequency subject to Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) Rules and with IndustryCanada.


1. This device may not cause harmfulinterference.

2. This device must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that maycause undesired operation.





PASS-Key® III+ uses a radio frequencytransponder in the key that matches a decoder inyour vehicle.

PASS-Key® III+ OperationYour vehicle has PASS-Key® III+ (PersonalizedAutomotive Security System) theft-deterrentsystem. PASS-Key® III+ is a passivetheft-deterrent system. This means you do nothave to do anything special to arm or disarm thesystem. It works when you transition the keyto RUN, ACCESSORY or START from theOFF position.

When the PASS-Key® III+ system senses thatsomeone is using the wrong key, it preventsthe vehicle from starting. Anyone using atrial-and-error method to start the vehicle will bediscouraged because of the high number ofelectrical key codes.

If the engine does not start and the security lighton the instrument panel comes on when tryingto start the vehicle, the key may have a damagedtransponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.

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If the engine still does not start, and the keyappears to be undamaged, try another ignition key.At this time, you may also want to check the fuse,see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 540. If theengine still does not start with the other key, yourvehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, thefirst key may be faulty. See your dealer who canservice the PASS-Key® III+ to have a new keymade. In an emergency, contact RoadsideAssistance.

It is possible for the PASS-Key® III+ decoder to“learn” the transponder value of a new orreplacement key. Up to nine additional keys maybe programmed for the vehicle. The followingprocedure is for programming additional keys only.If all the currently programmed keys are lost ordo not operate, you must see your dealer ora locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III+ tohave keys made and programmed to the system.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can servicePASS-Key® III+ to get a new key blank that is cutexactly as the ignition key that operates thesystem.

To program the new additional key do thefollowing:

1. Verify that the new key has a 1 stamped on it.2. Insert the original, already programmed, key

in the ignition and start the engine. If theengine will not start, see your dealerfor service.

3. After the engine has started, turn the key toOFF, and remove the key.

4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turnit to the RUN position within five seconds ofremoving the original key.

5. The security light will turn off once the keyhas been programmed.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keysare to be programmed.

If you are driving and the security light comes onand stays on, you may be able to restart yourengine. Your PASS-Key® III+ system, however,may not be working properly and must be servicedby your dealer.

If you lose or damage your PASS-Key® III+ key,see your dealer or a locksmith who can servicePASS-Key® III+ to have a new key made.

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Starting and Operating YourVehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Notice: Your vehicle does not need anelaborate break-in. But it will perform better inthe long run if you follow these guidelines:• Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h)

or less for the first 500 miles (805 km).• Do not drive at any one constant speed,

fast or slow, for the first 500 miles(805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.Avoid downshifting to brake, or slow,the vehicle.

• Avoid making hard stops for the first200 miles (322 km) or so. During this timeyour new brake linings are not yet brokenin. Hard stops with new linings can meanpremature wear and earlier replacement.Follow this breaking-in guideline every timeyou get new brake linings.

• Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 405 for the trailertowing capabilities of your vehicle and moreinformation.

Following break-in, engine speed and load canbe gradually increased.

136

Ignition Positions

Use the key to turn the ignition switch to fourdifferent positions.

A (LOCK): This position locks the ignition andtransmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You willonly be able to remove the key when the ignitionis turned to LOCK.

Notice: Using a tool to force the key fromthe ignition switch could cause damageor break the key. Use the correct key and turnthe key only with your hand. Make sure thekey is all the way in. If it is, turn the steeringwheel left and right while you turn the keyhard. If none of this works, then your vehicleneeds service.

B (ACCESSORY): This position lets you usethings like the radio and the windshield wiperswhen the engine is off.

Notice: Lengthy operation of features such asthe radio in the accessory ignition positionand the RUN position may drain the battery andprevent your vehicle from starting. Do notoperate your vehicle in the accessory ignitionposition for a long period of time.

C (RUN): This is the position for driving. It is theposition the switch returns to after the enginestarts, and you release the key.

D (START): This position starts the engine.

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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory Power(RAP) feature which will allow certain features onyour vehicle to continue to work up to 10 minutesafter the ignition key is turned to LOCK.

The radio, power windows, and if the vehiclehas these features, the sunroof and OnStar®

System, will work when the ignition key is inRUN or ACCESSORY. Once the key is turnedfrom RUN to LOCK, these features will continueto work for up to 10 minutes or until a door isopened.

Starting the EngineMove your shift lever to PARK (P) orNEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start inany other position — that is a safety feature.To restart when you are already moving, useNEUTRAL (N) only.

Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) ifyour vehicle is moving. If you do, you coulddamage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P)only when your vehicle is stopped.

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turnthe ignition key to START. When the enginestarts, let go of the key. The idle speed will godown as your engine gets warm.Your vehicle has a Computer-ControlledCranking System. This feature assists instarting the engine and protects the electricalsystem. If the ignition key is turned to theSTART position, and then released when theengine begins cranking, the engine will continuecranking until the vehicle starts or until itexceeds the maximum cranking time allowed,approximately 15 seconds to prevent crankingmotor damage. To prevent gear damage, thissystem also prevents cranking if the engine isalready running. The engine cranking can bestopped by turning the ignition switch to theACCESSORY or LOCK position.

Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods oftime, by returning the key to the START positionimmediately after cranking has ended, canoverheat and damage the cranking motor anddrain the battery. Waiting about 15 secondsbetween each try, to allow the cranking motor tocool down, will prevent damage due tooverheating.

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2. If the engine does not start within 10 seconds,push the accelerator pedal all the way to thefloor, while you hold the ignition key inSTART. When the engine starts, let go of thekey and let up on the accelerator pedal.Wait about 15 seconds between each try.

When starting your engine in very cold weather(below 0°F or −18°C), do this:

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turnthe ignition key to START and hold it there upto 15 seconds. When the engine starts, letgo of the key.

2. If your engine still will not start, or starts butthen stops, it could be flooded with too muchgasoline. Try pushing your acceleratorpedal all the way to the floor and holding itthere as you hold the key in START for aboutthree seconds.

When the engine starts, let go of the key andaccelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but thenstops again, do the same thing, but this timekeep the pedal down for five or six seconds.This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

Notice: Your engine is designed to work withthe electronics in your vehicle. If you addelectrical parts or accessories, you couldchange the way the engine operates. Beforeadding electrical equipment, check withyour dealer. If you do not, your engine mightnot perform properly. Any resulting damagewould not be covered by your vehicle’swarranty.

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Adjustable Throttle and Brake PedalIf your vehicle has this feature, you can changethe position of the throttle and brake pedals.

The switch used toadjust the pedals islocated on the centerconsole below theclimate control system.

Press the arrow at the bottom of the switch tomove the pedals closer to your body. Pressthe arrow at the top of the switch to move thepedals away from your body.

This feature is designed for shorter drivers, sincethe pedals can not move farther away fromthe standard position, but can move toward thedriver for better pedal reach.

No adjustment to the pedals can be made whenthe vehicle is in REVERSE (R) or while usingthe cruise control.

Your vehicle may have a memory function whichallows pedal settings to be saved and recalled.See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals onpage 13 for more information.

Engine Coolant HeaterYour vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.

In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder,the engine coolant heater can help. You will geteasier starting and better fuel economy duringengine warm-up.

Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in aminimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of thecoolant heater is not required. Your vehicle mayalso have an internal thermostat in the plug end ofthe cord. This will prevent operation of the enginecoolant heater when the temperature is at or above0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.

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To Use the Engine Coolant Heater1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electricalcord. The cord is located on the driver’sside of the engine compartment, nearthe power steering fluid reservoir.

3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded110-volt AC outlet.

{CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungroundedoutlet could cause an electrical shock.Also, the wrong kind of extension cordcould overheat and cause a fire. Youcould be seriously injured. Plug the cordinto a properly grounded three-prong110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will notreach, use a heavy-duty three-prongextension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplugand store the cord as it was before to keep itaway from moving engine parts. If you donot, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heaterplugged in? The answer depends on the outsidetemperature, the kind of oil you have, and someother things. Instead of trying to list everything here,we ask that you contact your dealer in the areawhere you will be parking your vehicle. The dealercan give you the best advice for that particular area.

Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™)Your vehicle’s V8 engine may have Displacementon Demand™ (DoD™). This system allows theengine to operate on either all or half of itscylinders, depending on your driving conditions.

When less power is required, such as cruising at aconstant vehicle speed, the system will operate inthe half cylinder mode, allowing your vehicle toachieve better fuel economy. When greater powerdemands are required, such as accelerating from astop, passing, or merging onto a freeway, thesystem will maintain full-cylinder operation.

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Automatic Transmission OperationThere are several different positions for theshift lever.

Your vehicle has an automatic transmission withan electronic shift position indicator within theinstrument panel cluster. This display will show theposition anytime the shift lever is moved out ofPARK (P).

PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. Itis the best position to use when you start yourengine because your vehicle cannot move easily.

{CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicleif the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)with the parking brake firmly set. Yourvehicle can roll.

Do not leave your vehicle when the engineis running unless you have to. If you haveleft the engine running, the vehicle canmove suddenly. You or others could beinjured. To be sure your vehicle will notmove, even when you are on fairly levelground, always set your parking brakeand move the shift lever to PARK (P).See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 152. Ifyou are pulling a trailer, see Towing aTrailer on page 405.

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{CAUTION:

If you have four-wheel drive, your vehiclewill be free to roll — even if your shiftlever is in PARK (P) — if your transfercase is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure thetransfer case is in a drive gear, two-wheelhigh, four-wheel high or four-wheellow — not in NEUTRAL. See Shifting IntoPark (P) on page 152.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while yourvehicle is moving forward could damage thetransmission. The repairs would not be coveredby your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) onlyafter your vehicle is stopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out ofsnow, ice, or sand without damaging yourtransmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 388.

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesnot connect with the wheels. To restart whenyou are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your two-wheeldrive vehicle is being towed.

{CAUTION:

Shifting into a drive gear while yourengine is running at high speed isdangerous. Unless your foot is firmly onthe brake pedal, your vehicle could movevery rapidly. You could lose control andhit people or objects. Do not shift into adrive gear while your engine is running athigh speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) orNEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at highspeed may damage the transmission. Therepairs would not be covered by your warranty.Be sure the engine is not running at highspeed when shifting your vehicle.

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DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving.It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.If you need more power for passing, and you are:

• Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h),push your accelerator pedal abouthalfway down.

• Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, pushthe accelerator all the way down.

DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer,carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills orfor off-road driving. You may want to shift thetransmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lowergear selection if the transmission shifts too often.

Downshifting the transmission in slippery roadconditions could result in skidding, see Skiddingunder Loss of Control on page 355

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normaldriving. However, it reduces vehicle speedmore than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes.You can use THIRD (3) on hills. It can help controlyour speed as you go down steep mountainroads, but then you would also want to use yourbrakes off and on.

SECOND (2): This position reduces vehicle speedeven more than THIRD (3) without using yourbrakes. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It canhelp control your speed as you go down steepmountain roads, but then you would also want touse your brakes off and on.

If you select SECOND (2) and the Tow/Haul hasnot been selected, the transmission will drivein SECOND (2) gear. You may use this feature forreducing the speed of the rear wheels whenyou are trying to start your vehicle from a stop onslippery road surfaces.

If you select SECOND (2) and the Tow/Haul hasalso been selected, the transmission operation willbe limited to FIRST (1) and SECOND (2) gears.You may use this feature for reducing the speed ofthe rear wheels when you are trying to startyour vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

FIRST (1): This position reduces vehicle speedeven more than SECOND (2) without usingyour brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, orin deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put inFIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving forward, thetransmission will not shift into first gear until thevehicle is going slowly enough.

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Notice: Spinning the tires or holding thevehicle in one place on a hill using onlythe accelerator pedal may damage thetransmission. If you are stuck, do not spinthe tires. When stopping on a hill, usethe brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

When temperatures are very cold, the Hydra-MaticAutomatic Transmission’s gear shifting may bedelayed providing more stable shifts until theengine warms up. Shifts may be more noticeablewith a cold transmission. This difference inshifting is normal.

The transmission torque converter clutch operationis restricted during cold operation. When thestartup transmission temperature is approximately64°F (18° C) your torque converter clutch willtemporarily not operate. Once the transmissiontemperature rises above 68° F (20° C), normaloperation will resume.

Tow/Haul Mode

Your vehicle has a Tow/Haul mode. The selectorbutton is located on the end of the columnshift lever. You can use this feature to assist whentowing or hauling a heavy load or if there is aneed to charge a battery installed in a trailer.See Towing a Trailer on page 405 for moreinformation.

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When Tow/Haul modeis selected the Tow/Haulindicator light willcome on.

The Tow/Haul mode works with the Autoride®

feature, if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ridewhen trailering or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride® on page 405.

Four-Wheel DriveIf your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can sendyour engine’s driving power to all four wheelsfor extra traction. Read the part that follows beforeusing four-wheel drive.

Notice: Driving on clean, dry pavement inFour-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-DriveLow for an extended period of time may causepremature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain.Do not drive on clean, dry pavement inFour-Wheel-Drive High or Four-Wheel-DriveLow for extended periods of time.

Front Axle Locking FeatureThe front axle locks and unlocks automaticallywhen you shift the transfer case. Some delay forthe axle to lock or unlock is normal.

Automatic Transfer Case

The transfer case knobis located to the left ofthe instrument panelcluster.

Your vehicle has Four Wheel Drive withStabiliTrak®. For information on StabiliTrak®,see StabiliTrak® System on page 348.

Use this knob to shift into and out of four-wheeldrive.

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You can choose among four driving settings:

2 m (Two-Wheel Drive High): This setting isused for driving in most street and highwaysituations. Your front axle is not engaged intwo-wheel drive. This setting also provides thebest fuel economy.

AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): Thissetting is ideal for use when road surface tractionconditions are variable. When driving yourvehicle in AUTO, the front axle is engaged, butthe vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels.When the vehicle senses a loss of traction, thesystem will automatically engage four-wheel drive.Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fueleconomy than Two-Wheel Drive High.

4 m (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use thefour-wheel high position when you need extratraction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in mostoff-road situations. This setting also engagesyour front axle to help drive your vehicle. This isthe best setting to use when plowing snow.

4 n (Four-Wheel Drive Low): This setting alsoengages your front axle and delivers extratorque. You may never need this setting.

It sends maximum power to all four wheels.You might choose Four-Wheel Drive Low if youare driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deepsnow, and while climbing or descending steephills. StabiliTrak® will not engage in this mode.See StabiliTrak® System on page 348 formore information.

{CAUTION:

Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRALcan cause your vehicle to roll even if thetransmission is in PARK (P). You orsomeone else could be seriously injured.Be sure to set the parking brake beforeplacing the transfer case in NEUTRAL.See Parking Brake on page 151.

NEUTRAL (N): Shift the vehicle’s transfer caseto NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle.See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 401 orTowing Your Vehicle on page 400 for moreinformation.

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Indicator lights in the button will come on to showwhich setting you are in. The indicator lightswill come on briefly when you turn on the ignitionand one will stay on. If the lights do not comeon, you should take your vehicle to your dealer forservice. An indicator light will flash while shiftingthe transfer case. It will remain on when the shift iscomplete. If for some reason the transfer casecannot make a requested shift, it will return to thelast chosen setting.

If the SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE message stayson, you should take your vehicle to your dealerfor service. See “SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVEmessage” under DIC Warnings and Messages onpage 254.

Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive High orAUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)Turn the knob to the Four-Wheel High or AUTOposition. This can be done at any speed,except when shifting from Four-Wheel Drive Low,and the indicator light will flash while shifting. Itwill remain on when the shift is completed.

Shifting Into Two-Wheel Drive HighTurn the knob to the Two-Wheel High position.This can be done at any speed, except whenshifting from Four-Wheel Drive Low.

Shifting Into Four-Wheel Drive LowTo shift to the Four-Wheel Drive Low position, theignition must be in RUN and the vehicle mustbe stopped or moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h)with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). Thepreferred method for shifting into four-wheel lowis to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph(1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to the Four-WheelDrive Low position. You must wait for theFour-Wheel Drive Low indicator light to stopflashing and remain on before shifting yourtransmission in gear.

Notice: Shifting the transmission into gearbefore the Four-Wheel Low indicator light hasstopped flashing could damage the transfercase. To help avoid damaging your vehicle,always wait for the Four-Wheel Low indicatorlight to stop flashing before shifting thetransmission into gear.

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It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significantengagement noise and bump when shiftingbetween Four-Wheel Drive Low and Four-WheelDrive High ranges or from NEUTRAL with theengine running.

If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel Lowposition when your vehicle is in gear and/ormoving, the Four-Wheel Drive Low indicator lightwill flash for 30 seconds and not complete theshift unless your vehicle is moving less than3 mph (5 km/h) and the transmission is inNEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds the transfercase will shift to Four-Wheel Drive High mode.

Shifting Out of Four-Wheel Drive LowTo shift from Four-Wheel Drive Low to Four-WheelDrive High, AUTO or Two-Wheel Drive High,your vehicle must be stopped or moving lessthan 3 mph (5 km/h) with the transmissionin NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in RUN. Thepreferred method for shifting out of Four-WheelDrive Low is to have your vehicle moving1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Turn the knob to theFour-Wheel Drive High, AUTO or Two-WheelDrive High position.

You must wait for the Four-Wheel Drive High,AUTO or Two-Wheel Drive High indicator light tostop flashing and remain on before shiftingyour transmission into gear.

Notice: Shifting the transmission into gearbefore the Four-Wheel Low indicator light hasstopped flashing could damage the transfercase. To help avoid damaging your vehicle,always wait for the Four-Wheel Low indicatorlight to stop flashing before shifting thetransmission into gear.

It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significantengagement noise and bump when shiftingbetween Four-Wheel Drive Low and Four-WheelDrive High ranges or from NEUTRAL with theengine running.

If the knob is turned to the Four-Wheel Drive High,AUTO or Two-Wheel Drive High switch positionwhen your vehicle is in gear and/or moving,the Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO or Two-WheelDrive High indicator light will flash for 30 secondsbut will not complete the shift unless yourvehicle is moving less than 3 mph (5 km/h) andthe transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).

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Shifting into NEUTRALTo shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do thefollowing:1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will

not roll.2. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on

page 151 for more information.

3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.

4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).5. Shift the transfer case to Two-Wheel

Drive High.6. Turn the transfer case knob to NEUTRAL and

hold it for 10 seconds. The NEUTRAL lightwill come on when the transfer case shiftto NEUTRAL is complete.

7. If the engine is running, verify that thetransmission is in NEUTRAL (N) by shifting thetransmission to REVERSE (R) for one second,then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) forone second.

8. Turn the ignition to ACCESSORY, which willturn the engine off.

9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).10. Turn the ignition to LOCK.

Shifting Out of NEUTRALTo shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular

brake pedal.2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and

turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off.3. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired

transfer case shift position (Two-WheelDrive High, Four-Wheel Drive High, AUTO).After the transfer case has shifted out ofNEUTRAL the NEUTRAL light will go out.

4. Release the parking brake.Notice: Shifting the transmission into gearbefore the Four-Wheel Low indicator light hasstopped flashing could damage the transfercase. To help avoid damaging your vehicle,always wait for the Four-Wheel Low indicatorlight to stop flashing before shifting thetransmission into gear.5. Start the engine and shift the transmission to

the desired position.Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out ofthe different modes may cause the transfer case toenter the shift protection mode.

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This will protect the transfer case from possibledamage and will only allow the transfer case torespond to one shift per 10 seconds. The transfercase may stay in this mode for up to three minutes.

Parking BrakeTo set the parking brake, hold the regular brakepedal down with your right foot. Push downthe parking brake pedal with your left foot.A chime will activate and the warning light willflash when the parking brake is applied andthe vehicle is moving at least 3 mph (5 km/h) forat least three seconds.

To release the parking brake, hold the regularbrake pedal down. Pull the bottom edge ofthe lever, located above the parking brake pedal,with the parking brake symbol, to release theparking brake.

If the ignition is on when the parking brake isreleased, the brake system warning light will go off.

Notice: Driving with the parking brake oncan overheat the brake system and causepremature wear or damage to brake systemparts. Verify that the parking brake is fullyreleased and the brake warning light isoff before driving.

If you are towing a trailer and are parking on anyhill, see Towing a Trailer on page 405.

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Shifting Into Park (P)

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of yourvehicle if the shift lever is not fully inPARK (P) with the parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. If you have leftthe engine running, the vehicle can movesuddenly. You or others could be injured.To be sure your vehicle will not move,even when you are on fairly level ground,use the steps that follow. With four-wheeldrive, if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL,your vehicle will be free to roll, even ifyour shift lever is in PARK (P). So, besure the transfer case is in a drivegear — not in NEUTRAL. If you are pullinga trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 405.

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right footand set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P)position by pulling the shift lever towardyou and moving it up as far as it will go.

3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drivegear — not in NEUTRAL (N).

4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you

can leave your vehicle with the ignition key inyour hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

Leaving Your Vehicle With theEngine Running

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to leave your vehiclewith the engine running. Your vehiclecould move suddenly if the shift lever isnot fully in PARK (P) with the parkingbrake firmly set.


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If you have four-wheel drive and yourtransfer case is in NEUTRAL, your vehiclewill be free to roll, even if your shift leveris in PARK (P). So be sure the transfercase is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL.

And, if you leave the vehicle with theengine running, it could overheat andeven catch fire. You or others could beinjured. Do not leave your vehicle with theengine running unless you have to.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the enginerunning, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P)and the parking brake is firmly set beforeyou leave it. After you move the shift lever intoPARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.Then, see if you can move the shift lever awayfrom PARK (P) without first pulling it toward you.If you can, it means that the shift lever wasnot fully locked into PARK (P).

Torque LockIf you are parking on a hill and you do not shift yourtransmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight ofthe vehicle may put too much force on the parkingpawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult topull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called“torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set theparking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properlybefore you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how,see Shifting Into Park (P) on page 152.

When you are ready to drive, move the shift leverout of PARK (P) before you release the parkingbrake.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to haveanother vehicle push yours a little uphill totake some of the pressure from the parking pawlin the transmission, then you will be able topull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of Park (P)

Automatic TransmissionYour vehicle has an automatic transmission shiftlock control system which locks the shift leverin PARK (P) when the ignition is in the LOCKposition. You have to fully apply your regularbrakes before you can shift from PARK (P) whenthe ignition is in RUN. See Automatic TransmissionOperation on page 142.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressureon the shift lever and push the shift lever all theway up into PARK (P) as you maintain brakeapplication. Then, move the shift lever intothe gear desired.

Parking Over Things That Burn

{CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hotexhaust parts under your vehicle andignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,dry grass, or other things that can burn.

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Engine Exhaust

{CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains thegas carbon monoxide (CO), which youcannot see or smell. It can causeunconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:• Your exhaust system sounds strange

or different.• Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.• Your vehicle was damaged in a

collision.• Your vehicle was damaged when

driving over high points on the roador over road debris.

• Repairs were not done correctly.• Your vehicle or exhaust system had

been modified improperly.



If you ever suspect exhaust is coming intoyour vehicle:

• Drive it only with all the windowsdown to blow out any CO; and

• Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

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Running the Engine While ParkedIt is better not to park with the engine running. But ifyou ever have to, here are some things to know.

{CAUTION:

Idling the engine with the climate controlsystem off could allow dangerous exhaustinto your vehicle. See the earlier cautionunder Engine Exhaust on page 155.

Also, idling in a closed-in place can letdeadly carbon monoxide (CO) into yourvehicle even if the climate control fan is atthe highest setting. One place this canhappen is a garage. Exhaust — withCO — can come in easily. NEVER park ina garage with the engine running.

Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.See Winter Driving on page 384.

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of yourvehicle if the shift lever is not fully inPARK (P) with the parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leaveyour vehicle when the engine is runningunless you have to. If you have left theengine running, the vehicle can movesuddenly. You or others could be injured.To be sure your vehicle will not move,even when you are on fairly level ground,always set your parking brake and movethe shift lever to PARK (P).

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{CAUTION:

Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfercase in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle toroll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P).So, be sure the transfer case is in a drivegear — not in NEUTRAL. Always set yourparking brake.

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehiclewill not move. See Shifting Into Park (P) onpage 152.

If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Traileron page 405.

Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirrorwith OnStar®, Compass andTemperature DisplayYour vehicle may have this feature. When on, theautomatic dimming mirror dims to the proper levelto minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.

The mirror has a dual display in the upper rightcorner of the mirror face that shows the compassreading and the outside temperature.

Control buttons for the OnStar® system are at thebottom of the mirror. See OnStar® System onpage 167 for more information about the servicesOnStar® provides.

P (On/Off): This is the on/off button.

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Temperature and Compass DisplayPress the on/off button, located to the far left, brieflyto turn the compass/temperature display on or off.

If the display reads CAL, the compass needs tobe calibrated. For more information, see “CompassCalibration” following.

To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius, do thefollowing:

1. Press and hold the on/off button forapproximately four seconds until either aflashing F or C appears.

2. Press the button again to change the displayto the desired unit of measurement. Afterapproximately four seconds of inactivity,the new unit will be locked in and thecompass/temperature display will return.

If an abnormal temperature reading is displayedfor an extended period of time, please seeyour GM dealer. Under certain circumstances, adelay in updating the temperature is normal.

Automatic Dimming Mirror OperationThe automatic dimming mirror function is turned onautomatically each time the ignition is started.To operate the automatic dimming mirror, do thefollowing:1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to

the left of the on/off button, is lit. If it is not,press and hold the on/off button forapproximately six seconds until the green lightcomes on, indicating that the mirror is inautomatic dimming mode.

2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror functionby pressing and holding the on/off button forapproximately six seconds, until the greenindicator light turns off.

Compass CalibrationThe compass may need calibration if one of thefollowing occurs:

• After approximately five seconds, the displaydoes not show a compass heading, N forNorth, for example, there may be a strongmagnetic field interfering with the compass.Such interference may be caused by amagnetic antenna mount, magnetic note padholder, or a similar magnetic item.

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• The compass does not display the correctheading and the compass zone varianceis set correctly.

In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in themirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed,push the on/off button for approximately12 seconds or until CAL is displayed.The compass can be calibrated by driving thevehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until thedisplay reads a direction.

Compass VarianceThe mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving thefactory. It will be necessary to adjust the compassto compensate for compass variance if thevehicle is outside of zone eight. Under certaincircumstances, as during a long distancecross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust forcompass variance. Compass variance is thedifference between earth’s magnetic north and truegeographic north. If not adjusted to account forcompass variance, the compass could givefalse readings.To adjust for compass variance, do the following:1. Find your current location and variance

zone number on the following zone map.

2. Press and hold the on/off button until a Z anda zone number appears in the display. Thecompass is now in zone mode.

3. Keep pressing the on/off button until thedesired zone number appears in the display.Release the button. After approximatelyfour seconds of inactivity, the new zonenumber will be locked in and the compass/temperature display will return.

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Cleaning the MirrorWhen cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel orsimilar material dampened with glass cleaner.Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirroras that may cause the liquid cleaner to enterthe mirror housing.

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirrorwith Compass and TemperatureDisplayYour vehicle may be equipped with this mirror.When on, an automatic dimming mirror will dim tothe proper level to minimize glare from lightsbehind you after dark.

The mirror also includes a dual display in theupper right corner of the mirror with the compassreading and the outside temperature.

Y b: Briefly press this button to turn the displayon or off.

Temperature DisplayThe temperature can be displayed by pressingthe compass/temperature button. Pressing thecompass/temperature button once briefly, willtoggle the display reading on and off. To alternatethe temperature reading between Fahrenheit andCelsius, press and hold the compass/temperaturebutton for approximately three seconds until thedisplay blinks F and C. Press and release thecompass/temperature button to toggle betweenthe Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. Afterapproximately five seconds of inactivity, thedisplay will stop blinking and display the lastselection made.Press and release the compass/temperaturebutton to toggle the temperature display betweenFahrenheit or Celsius.If an abnormal reading is displayed, pleaseconsult your GM dealer.

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Automatic Dimming Mirror OperationO: Press this button to turn the automaticdimming feature on or off. The indicator light tothe left of the button will turn on or off to indicatewhen the feature is on. Once the mirror isturned off, it will remain off until it is turned backon, or until the vehicle is restarted.

Compass OperationPress the compass/temperature button oncebriefly to turn the display on or off.

Compass CalibrationThe compass may need calibration if one of thefollowing occurs:

• If CAL is displayed while driving in the vehicle.

• After approximately five seconds, the displaydoes not show a compass heading, N forNorth, for example, there may be a strongmagnetic field interfering with the compass.Such interference may be caused by amagnetic antenna mount, magnetic note padholder, or a similar magnetic item.

• The compass does not display the correctheading and the compass zone varianceis set correctly.

In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in themirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed,push in the compass/temperature button forapproximately nine seconds or until CAL isdisplayed.

The compass can be calibrated by driving thevehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until thedisplay reads a direction.

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Compass VarianceThe mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving thefactory. It will be necessary to adjust the compassto compensate for compass variance if thevehicle is outside zone eight. Under certaincircumstances, as during a long distancecross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust forcompass variance. Compass variance is thedifference between earth’s magnetic north and truegeographic north. If not adjusted to account forcompass variance, your compass could give falsereadings.

To adjust for compass variance:

1. Find your current location and variance zonenumber on the following zone map.

2. Press and hold the compass/temperaturebutton for six seconds until a zone numberappears in the display.

3. Press the compass/temperature button on thebottom of the mirror until the new zonenumber appears in the display. After you stoppressing the button, the display will show acompass direction within a few seconds.

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Cleaning the MirrorUse a paper towel or similar material dampenedwith glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleanerdirectly on the mirror as that may cause the liquidcleaner to enter the mirror housing.

Outside Manual MirrorsAdjust your outside mirrors so you can just seethe side of your vehicle and have a clear view ofobjects behind you. The mirrors can be foldedin to enter narrow areas.

The use of hood-mounted air deflectors andadd-on convex mirror attachments may adverselyaffect mirror performance.

Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors

If your vehicle is equipped with this trailer towingtype mirror, they can be adjusted so you canhave a clear view of the objects behind you.Manually pull out the mirror head to extend it forbetter visibility when towing a trailer.

These mirrors can be manually folded forward orrearward. On the lower portion of the mirror isa convex mirror. A convex mirror’s surfaceis curved so you can see more from the driver’sseat. The position of the convex mirror mustbe adjusted manually to the driver’s preferredposition.

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Your vehicle may have outside heated mirrorswhich help clear them of condensation, snow, andice. When the rear window defogger button ispressed, the heated mirrors are also turned on.Only the upper glass of the mirror is heated.The lower convex part of the mirror is not heated.

Your mirror may also have a turn signal arrowthat will flash in the direction of the turn orlane change.

Outside Power Mirrors

If your vehicle isequipped with outsidepower mirrors, thecontrols are located onthe driver’s doorarmrest.

Press (A) to select the driver’s side mirror or (B) toselect the passenger’s side mirror.

To adjust each mirror, press one of the fourarrows located on the control pad to move themirror in the direction you want it to go. Adjusteach outside mirror so that you can see a little ofyour vehicle, and the area behind your vehicle.

The mirrors may also include a memory functionthat works with the memory seats. See MemorySeat, Mirrors, and Pedals on page 13 formore information.

The mirrors can be manually folded inward toprevent damage when going through an automaticcar wash. To fold, push the mirror toward thevehicle. To return the mirror to its original position,push outward. Be sure to return both mirrors totheir original unfolded position before driving.

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Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors

If your vehicle isequipped with outsidepower foldaway mirrors,the controls arelocated on the driver’sdoor armrest.

• Press (A) to select the driver’s side mirror.Then press the arrows located on thefour-way control pad to adjust the mirror.

• Press (B) to select the passenger’s side mirror.Then press the arrows located on the four-waycontrol pad to adjust the mirror.

• Press (C), to fold the mirrors out to the drivingposition.

• Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to the foldedposition.

If the mirrors are accidentally folded/unfoldedmanually, they may shake or flutter at normaldriving speeds and may not stay in the unfoldedposition. If this happens, you will need to reset themirrors. See “Resetting the Power FoldawayMirrors” next.

Resetting the Power Foldaway MirrorsYou will need to reset the power foldaway mirrorsif the following occurs:

• The mirrors are accidentally obstructed whilefolding.

• They are accidentally manuallyfolded/unfolded.

• The mirrors will not stay in the unfoldedposition.

• The mirrors shake and flutter at normal drivingspeeds.

To reset the power foldaway mirrors, fold andunfold them one time using the mirror controls.This will reset them to their normal position.

Your vehicle may also have a turn signal indicatoron the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will flashin the direction of the turn or lane change.

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The mirrors may also include ground illuminationlamps in the base of the mirror. These lampshelp you see the area near the base of the frontdoors when it is dark out.

Outside Automatic Dimming MirrorIf your vehicle is equipped with this feature,the driver’s outside mirror will adjust for the glareof headlamps behind you. This feature iscontrolled by the on and off settings found on theelectrochromic inside mirror.

Outside Curb View Assist MirrorsIf your vehicle has the memory package, theoutside mirrors are able to perform the curb viewassist mirror function. This feature may be useful inallowing the driver to view the curb when parallelparking. This feature will cause the passenger’sand/or driver’s mirror to tilt to a preselected positionwhen the vehicle is in REVERSE (R).

The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return toits original position when the vehicle is shifted out ofREVERSE (R) and either a thirty second delay hasoccurred, the vehicle speed is greater than 8 mph(12 km/h), or the ignition is turned to off.

This feature can be turned on or off through theDriver Information Center (DIC). See DriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 244 for moreinformation.

Outside Convex MirrorYour passenger’s side mirror may have convexglass. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so youcan see more from the driver’s seat.

{CAUTION:

A convex mirror can make things (likeother vehicles) look farther away thanthey really are. If you cut too sharply intothe right lane, you could hit a vehicle onyour right. Check your inside mirror orglance over your shoulder beforechanging lanes.

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Outside Heated MirrorsThe vehicle may have outside heated mirrors whichhelp clear them of condensation, snow, and ice.When the rear window defogger button is pressed,the heated mirrors are also turned on. See“Rear Window Defogger” under Dual AutomaticClimate Control System on page 213 or ClimateControl System on page 210 for more information.

OnStar® System

OnStar® uses several innovative technologies andlive advisors to provide you with a wide rangeof safety, security, information, and convenienceservices. If your airbags deploy, the system isdesigned to make an automatic call to OnStar®

Emergency where we can request emergencyservices be sent to your location.

If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar®

at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signalto unlock your doors. If you need roadsideassistance, press the OnStar® button andthey can contact Roadside Service for you.

A complete OnStar® Owner’s Guide and the Termsand Conditions of the OnStar® SubscriptionService Agreement are included in the vehicle’sOnStar® Subscriber Information packet located inyour vehicle. For more information, visitwww.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, contactOnStar® at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827),or press the OnStar® button to speak with anOnStar® advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

OnStar® ServicesFor new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe& Sound Plan is included for one year from thedate of purchase. You can extend this plan beyondthe first year, or upgrade to the Directions &Connections Plan to meet your needs. For moreinformation, press the OnStar® button to speakwith an advisor.

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Safe & Sound Plan• Advanced Automatic Crash Notification

• Automatic Notification of Airbag Deployment

• Emergency Services

• Roadside Assistance

• Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance

• AccidentAssist

• Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert

• OnStar® Vehicle Diagnostics

• OnStar® Hands-Free Calling

• OnStar® Virtual Advisor

Directions & Connections® Plan• All Safe & Sound Plan Services

• Driving Directions

• RideAssist

• Information and Convenience Services

OnStar® Hands-Free CallingOnStar® Hands-Free Calling allows OnStar®

subscribers to make and receive calls using voicecommands at the touch of a button. Hands-FreeCalling is fully integrated into the vehicle, and maybe used with Pre-Paid Packages or linked to acell phone through OnStar® Shared Minutes Plan.To find out more, refer to the OnStar® Owner’sGuide in the vehicle’s glove box, visitwww.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speakwith an OnStar® advisor by pressing the OnStar®

button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR(1-888-466-7827).

OnStar® Virtual AdvisorYour vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is afeature of OnStar® Hands-Free Calling that usesyour minutes to access weather, local trafficreports and stock quotes. By pressing the phonebutton and giving a few simple voice commands,you can browse through the various topics.Customize your information profile atwww.myonstar.com. See the OnStar® Owner’sguide for more information.

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OnStar® Steering Wheel Controls

Your vehicle may beequipped with aTalk/Mute button thatcan be used to interactwith OnStar®.

See Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 334for more information.

When calling into voice mail systems or to dialdirectory numbers, press this button once, wait forthe response, say the number(s) to be dialed,wait for the number(s) to be repeated and thensay “dial.”

See the OnStar® Owner’s guide for moreinformation.

Universal Home RemoteSystem

Universal Home Remote System

The Universal Home Remote System, a combineduniversal transmitter and receiver, provides away to replace up to three hand-held transmittersused to activate devices such as gate operators,garage door openers, entry door locks, securitysystems, and home lighting.

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Changes and modifications to this system by otherthan an authorized service facility could voidauthorization to use this equipment.

Universal Home Remote SystemOperationDo not use the Universal Home Remote with anygarage door opener that does not have the stopand reverse feature. This includes any garage dooropener model manufactured before April 1, 1982. Ifyou have a newer garage door opener with rollingcodes, please be sure to follow Steps 6 through 8 tocomplete the programming of your Universal HomeRemote Transmitter.

Read the instructions completely before attemptingto program the Universal Home Remote. Becauseof the steps involved, it may be helpful to haveanother person available to assist you in theprogramming steps.

Keep the original hand-held transmitter for use inother vehicles as well as for future UniversalHome Remote programming. It is alsorecommended that upon the sale of the vehicle,the programmed Universal Home Remote buttonsshould be erased for security purposes. See“Erasing Universal Home Remote Buttons” later inthis section or, for assistance, see CustomerAssistance Offices on page 575.

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Be sure that people and objects are clear ofthe garage door or gate operator you areprogramming. When programming a garage door,it is advised to park outside of the garage.

It is recommended that a new battery be installedin your hand-held transmitter for quicker andmore accurate transmission of the radio-frequencysignal.

Programming Universal Home RemoteFollow these steps to program up to threechannels:

1. Press and hold down the two outsideUniversal Home Remote buttons, releasingonly when the Universal Home Remoteindicator light begins to flash, after20 seconds. Do not hold down the buttonsfor longer than 30 seconds and do not repeatthis step to program a second and/or thirdhand-held transmitter to the remainingtwo Universal Home Remote buttons.

2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitterabout 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from theUniversal Home Remote buttons whilekeeping the indicator light in view.

3. Simultaneously press and hold both thedesired Universal Home Remote buttonand the hand-held transmitter button. Do notrelease the buttons until Step 4 has beencompleted.Some entry gates and garage door openersmay require you to substitute Step 3 withthe procedure noted in “Gate Operator andCanadian Programming” later in this section.

4. The indicator light will flash slowly at first andthen rapidly after Universal Home Remotesuccessfully receives the frequency signalfrom the hand-held transmitter. Release bothbuttons.

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5. Press and hold the newly-trained UniversalHome Remote button and observe theindicator light.If the indicator light stays on constantly,programming is complete and your deviceshould activate when the Universal HomeRemote button is pressed and released.To program the remaining two Universal HomeRemote buttons, begin with Step 2 under“Programming Universal Home Remote.”Do not repeat Step 1 as this will erase all ofthe programmed channels.If the indicator light blinks rapidly fortwo seconds and then turns to a constant light,continue with Steps 6 through 8 following tocomplete the programming of a rolling-codeequipped device, most commonly, a garagedoor opener.

6. Locate in the garage, the garage door openerreceiver (motor-head unit). Locate the “Learn”or “Smart” button. This can usually befound where the hanging antenna wire isattached to the motor-head unit.

7. Firmly press and release the “Learn” or “Smart”button. The name and color of the button mayvary by manufacturer.You will have 30 seconds to start Step 8.

8. Return to the vehicle. Firmly press and holdthe programmed Universal Home Remotebutton for two seconds, then release. Repeatthe press/hold/release sequence a secondtime, and depending on the brand of thegarage door opener, or other rolling codedevice, repeat this sequence a third time tocomplete the programming.The Universal Home Remote should nowactivate your rolling-code equipped device.

To program the remaining two Universal HomeRemote buttons, begin with Step 2 of“Programming Universal Home Remote.”You do not want to repeat Step 1, as this willerase all previous programming from the UniversalHome Remote buttons.

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Gate Operator and CanadianProgrammingCanadian radio-frequency laws require transmittersignals to time out or quit after several secondsof transmission. This may not be long enoughfor Universal Home Remote to pick up the signalduring programming. Similarly, some U.S. gateoperators are manufactured to time out inthe same manner.

If you live in Canada, or you are having difficultyprogramming a gate operator or garage dooropener by using the “Programming UniversalHome Remote” procedures, regardless of whereyou live, replace Step 3 under “ProgrammingUniversal Home Remote” with the following:

Continue to press and hold the Universal HomeRemote button while you press and release everytwo seconds (cycle) the hand-held transmitterbutton until the frequency signal has beensuccessfully accepted by the Universal HomeRemote. The Universal Home Remote indicatorlight will flash slowly at first and then rapidly.Proceed with Step 4 under “ProgrammingUniversal Home Remote” to complete.

Using Universal Home RemotePress and hold the appropriate Universal HomeRemote button for at least half of a second.The indicator light will come on while the signal isbeing transmitted.

Erasing Universal Home RemoteButtonsTo erase programming from the three UniversalHome Remote buttons do the following:

1. Press and hold down the two outside buttonsuntil the indicator light begins to flash, after20 seconds. Do not hold the two outsidebuttons for longer than 30 seconds.

2. Release both buttons.

The Universal Home Remote is now in the training(learning) mode and can be programmed at anytime beginning with Step 2 under “ProgrammingUniversal Home Remote” shown earlier inthis section.

Individual buttons cannot be erased, but they canbe reprogrammed. See “Reprogramming aSingle Universal Home Remote Button” followingthis section.

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Reprogramming a Single UniversalHome Remote ButtonTo program a device to Universal Home Remoteusing a Universal Home Remote buttonpreviously trained, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the desired Universal HomeRemote button. Do not release the button.

2. The indicator light will begin to flash after20 seconds. While still holding the UniversalHome Remote button, proceed with Step2 under “Programming Universal HomeRemote” shown earlier in this section.

For additional information on Universal HomeRemote, see Customer Assistance Officeson page 575.

Storage AreasGlove BoxOpen the glove box by pulling the bottom of thehandle upward.

Cupholder(s)Your vehicle may have cupholders located in thefront and rear of the floor console or in the folddown armrest. The front cupholders can beadjusted by moving the insert forward or rearward.You may also have cupholders in the second andthird row seat armrest areas.

To access the cupholders in the rear floor console,pull downward on the lid.

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Center Console Storage AreaYour vehicle may have a console compartmentwith cupholders between the bucket seats.

To open it, press the button and lift the consolelid open.

The rear of the console has a cupholder thatswings down for the rear seat passenger to use.

Luggage CarrierIf you have the luggage carrier, you can loadthings on top of your vehicle.

The luggage carrier has siderails attached to theroof and crossrails, if equipped, which can bemoved back and forth to help secure cargo. Tie theload to the siderails or siderail supports.

Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrierthat weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) orhangs over the rear or sides of the vehiclemay damage your vehicle. Load cargo so thatit rests as far forward as possible andagainst the side rails, making sure to fasten itsecurely.

Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacitywhen loading your vehicle. For more informationon vehicle capacity and loading, see Loading YourVehicle on page 390.

To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you areleaving, check now and then to make surethe luggage and cargo are still securely fastened.

Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.

• If small heavy objects are placed on the roof,place the load in the area over the rear wheels(behind the rear side door on extendedmodels). If you need to, cut a piece of 3/8 inchplywood to fit inside the crossrails and siderailsto spread the load. If plywood is used, tie it tothe siderail supports.

• Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderailsupports. Use the crossrails only to keep theload from sliding. To move the crossrails, pullout on the latch release handle at each end.Slide the crossrail to the desired positionbalancing the force side to side. Push therelease handle back into the latched positionand slide the crossrail back and forth slightly tobe sure the latch snaps securely into place.

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• If you need to carry long items, move thecrossrails as far apart as they will go. Tie theload to the crossrails and the siderails orsiderail supports. Also tie the load to thebumpers. Do not tie the load so tightly that thecrossrails or siderails are damaged.

• After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securelylocked into the siderail.

Your vehicle has a Center High-Mounted Stoplamp(CHMSL) located above the glass or above therear load doors.

If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, careshould be taken not to block or damage theCHMSL unit.

Rear Storage AreaYour vehicle may have a storage compartmentlocated in the rear cargo area of the vehicle in thedriver’s side trim panel.

To open the utility compartment, turn the knobsand swing the compartment door open. Thecompartment door can be removed.

Rear Seat ArmrestYour vehicle may be equipped with a rear seatarmrest. Pull the loop at the top of the armrestdown to access the cupholders.

Cargo Cover

{CAUTION:

An improperly stored cargo cover couldbe thrown about the vehicle during acollision or sudden maneuver. You orothers could be injured. If you remove thecover, always store it in the properstorage location. When you put it back,always be sure that it is securelyreattached.

If you have a cargo cover, you can use it to coveritems in the cargo area of your vehicle.

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To use the cover, do the following:

1. Pull the cover handle toward the rear of thevehicle.

2. Latch the cover posts into the retainingsockets on the cargo area trim panels.

To return the cover to the retracted position, dothe following:

1. Pull up on the cover handle to release thecover posts from the retaining sockets.

2. Let the cover move forward to the full retractedposition.

To remove the cover, from a regular wheelbasemodel, do the following:

1. Let the cover go all the way into the holder.

2. Then, grasping the driver’s side cover endcap,push the cover endcap toward the passenger’sside of the vehicle.

3. Swing the cover rearward and take it out ofthe vehicle.

To put the cover in the vehicle, do the following:

1. Make sure the cover slot in the holder facesrearward with the round surface facing down.

2. Then, hold the cover at an angle and placethe cover endcap into the slot in thepassenger’s side trim panel.

3. Move the other end of the cover forward andhold it next to the driver’s side trim panel slot.

4. Press the endcaps in, this will allow the coverto fit into the trim slot.

5. Lightly pull on the cover holder to make sureit is secure.On the extended wheelbase models there aretwo cover positions. The slots furthestforward allow the cover to be used if the thirdseat is removed or folded down. The covercan be installed and removed from either side.

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Cargo Tie Downs

Your vehicle may beequipped with cargo tiedowns in the rearcargo area that allowyou to strap cargoin and keep it frommoving inside thevehicle.

When not using the tie downs, flip them down outof the way.

Cargo Management SystemYour vehicle may be equipped with a cargomanagement system. It can be used for storingand separating cargo and as a table. Themaximum load is 200 lbs. (91 kg) distributed. It islocated in the rear of the vehicle on upper orlower horizontal guides. There are two verticalcurved guides that connect the upper andlower horizontal guides together. The system hasthree rollers on each side. The system will be

equipped with either a release lever, located in themiddle handle, or a tab located on the side.These engage and disengage a locator pin. Theseare used in adjusting and positioning the system.

The cargo management system can be positionedon the upper or lower horizontal guides.

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To adjust the system from the upper guide to thelower guide, do the following:

1. Squeeze and hold the release lever, or slidethe tab towards the inside of the vehicle, toretract the locator pin.

2. Pull the system back until the front rollersreach the vertical curved guides.

3. Lower the front rollers to the lower guides andpull the system back until the middle set ofrollers clear the upper guides.

4. Lower the system until the middle rollers arelined up with lower guides. While holding inthe release lever or tab, push the systemforward until all three sets of rollers are on theguides.

5. Release the lever or tab and push the systemuntil the locator pin reaches the locator hole.

To adjust the system from the lower guide to theupper guide, do the following:1. Squeeze and hold the release lever, or slide

the tab towards the inside of the vehicle, toretract the locator pin.

2. Pull the system back until the middle rollers canbe raised and placed into the upper guides.

3. Push the system forward until the front rollersare lined up with the vertical curved guides.

4. Push down on the rear of the system andraise the front rollers up the vertical curvedguides.

5. Push the system forward until all three sets ofrollers are resting on the guides and releasethe lever or tab.

6. Push the system forward until the locator pinreaches the locator hole.

The cargo management system can be pulled outand used as a table on both the upper andlower guide. To use a table, squeeze the releaselever and pull the system towards you. Releasethe lever and pull the system until the locator pinreaches the next hole. The system will extendout of the vehicle. The liftgate can not be closed inthis position. Do not the operate the vehicle withliftgate open.

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The cargo management system can be removedfrom the vehicle. This procedure should becompleted by two people. While squeezing therelease lever, pull the system back until the rollersclear the guides.

On one side of the system is a retractablestorage area.

To access, pull the handle in the center of thesystem up.

Slide the hinge covers to the center of each side.This will keep the sides of the storage systemstationary allowing it to stay upright. Inside thesystem are two removable dividers. To remove,unhook the loops at the ends of each divider. Whennot in use, slide the hinge covers back and thestorage system will fold back down. Press down onthe storage cover to lock it into place.

On the opposite side of the system aretwo cupholders.

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SunroofYour vehicle may be equipped with a powersliding sunroof. To open or close the sunroof, theignition needs to be turned to ON, or theRetained Accessory Power (RAP) is activated.When RAP is active, the sunroof will work for10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, or until afront door is opened. See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 138 for more information.

There are two switchesin the overhead consolethat operate thesunroof.

Manual-Open/Manual-Close: To open thesunroof press and hold the rear of the driver’s sideswitch until the sunroof reaches the desiredposition. To close the sunroof, press and hold thefront of the driver’s side switch until the sunroofreaches the desired position. The sunshadewill open automatically with the sunroof, but canalso be opened manually.

When the sunroof is opened, an air deflector willautomatically raise. The air deflector will retractwhen the sunroof is closed.

Express-Open/Express-Close: To express-openthe sunroof, fully press and release the rear ofthe driver’s side switch. The sunroof will openautomatically. To stop the sunroof partway, pressthe switch a second time. To express-closethe sunroof, fully press and release the front of thedriver’s side switch. The sunroof will closeautomatically. To stop the sunroof partway, pressthe switch a second time. The sunshade willopen automatically with the sunroof, but can alsobe opened manually.

When the sunroof is opened, an air deflector willautomatically raise. The air deflector will retractwhen the sunroof is closed.

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Vent: To vent the sunroof, press the rear of thepassenger’s side switch. To stop the sunroofpartway, press the switch a second time. To closethe sunroof, press and hold the front of thepassenger’s side switch. To stop the sunroofpartway, release the switch.

Anti-Pinch Feature: If an object is in the path ofthe sunroof while it is closing, the anti-pinchfeature will detect the object and stop the sunrooffrom closing at the point of the obstruction.The sunroof will then open halfway, and the airdeflector will raise. To close the sunroof onceit has re-opened, refer to the “Express-Close” or“Manual-Close” functions described previously.If the sunroof is in the vent position, and there isan object in the path of the sunroof when itclosing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the objectand stop the sunroof. To close the sunroof onceit has re-opened, refer to the “Manual-Close”or “Express-Close” functions described previously.

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Instrument Panel Overview .........................186Hazard Warning Flashers ...........................188Other Warning Devices ..............................188Horn ...........................................................189Tilt Wheel ..................................................189Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ...................190Turn and Lane-Change Signals ..................191Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer ...........192Flash-to-Pass .............................................192Windshield Wipers ......................................192Rainsense™ II Wipers ................................193Windshield Washer .....................................194Rear Window Wiper/Washer .......................195Cruise Control ............................................196Exterior Lamps ...........................................199Headlamps on Reminder ............................200Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ..................201Automatic Headlamp System ......................201Fog Lamps .................................................202Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp .....................203Instrument Panel Brightness .......................203Dome Lamps .............................................203Dome Lamp Override .................................204Entry Lighting .............................................204Exit Lighting ...............................................204

Reading Lamps ..........................................204Battery Run-Down Protection ......................204Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) .......205Accessory Power Outlet(s) .........................208Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter .................209

Climate Controls ..........................................210Climate Control System ..............................210Dual Automatic Climate Control System .....213Outlet Adjustment .......................................220Rear Air Conditioning and Heating

System ...................................................220Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System

and Electronic Climate Controls ................222Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ......224

Instrument Panel Cluster ............................225Speedometer and Odometer .......................226Trip Odometer ............................................226Tachometer ................................................226Safety Belt Reminder Light .........................226Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light .......227Airbag Readiness Light ..............................227Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..............228Charging System Light ...............................230Voltmeter Gage ..........................................231

Section 3 Instrument Panel

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Brake System Warning Light ......................232Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light .......233StabiliTrak® Indicator Light ..........................234Engine Coolant Temperature Gage .............234Tire Pressure Light .....................................235Malfunction Indicator Lamp .........................236Oil Pressure Gage .....................................239Oil Pressure Light ......................................240Security Light .............................................241Fog Lamp Light ..........................................241Cruise Control Light ...................................242Highbeam On Light ....................................242Tow/Haul Mode Light .................................242Fuel Gage ..................................................243Low Fuel Warning Light .............................243

Driver Information Center (DIC) ..................244DIC Operation and Displays

(With DIC Buttons) ..................................244DIC Operation and Displays

(Without DIC Buttons) .............................251DIC Warnings and Messages .....................254DIC Vehicle Customization

(With DIC Buttons) ..................................264

Audio System(s) ..........................................274Setting the Time (Radio with a

Single CD Player) ...................................276Setting the Time (Radio with a

Six-Disc CD Player) ................................277Radio with CD (MP3) .................................278Radio with CD and DVD (MP3) ..................295XM Radio Messages ..................................319Navigation/Radio System ............................321Rear Seat Entertainment System ................321Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ..............................332Theft-Deterrent Feature ..............................334Audio Steering Wheel Controls ...................334Radio Reception .........................................335Care of Your CDs and DVDs .....................336Care of the CD and DVD Player ................337Rear Side Window Antenna .......................337XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ........337

Section 3 Instrument Panel

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✍ NOTES

185

Instrument Panel Overview

United States version shown; Canada similar

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A. Air Outlets. See Outlet Adjustment onpage 220.

B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See TurnSignal/Multifunction Lever on page 190.

C. Instrument Panel Cluster. See Instrument PanelCluster on page 225.

D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. See HazardWarning Flashers on page 188.

E. Shift Lever. See Automatic TransmissionOperation on page 142.

F. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped).See Tow/Haul Mode on page 145.

G. Driver Information Center Controls. See DriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 244.

H. Audio System. See Audio System(s) onpage 274.

I. Exterior Lamps Control. See Exterior Lamps onpage 199.

J. Dome Lamp Override Button. See Dome LampOverride on page 204.

K. Automatic Transfer Case Control. (If Equipped).See Four-Wheel Drive on page 146.

L. Cruise Control Buttons. See Cruise Control onpage 196.

M. Tilt Wheel Lever. See Tilt Wheel on page 189.N. Horn. See Horn on page 189.O. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. See Audio

Steering Wheel Controls on page 334.P. Climate Controls. See Climate Control System

on page 210 or Dual Automatic ClimateControls (If Equipped). See Dual AutomaticClimate Control System on page 213.

Q. Accessory Power Outlets. See AccessoryPower Outlet(s) on page 208. Cigarette Lighter(If Equipped). See Ashtray(s) and CigaretteLighter on page 209.

R. StabiliTrak® Button (If Equipped). SeeStabiliTrak® System on page 348. Pedal AdjustButton (If Equipped). See Adjustable Throttleand Brake Pedal on page 140. Rear Park AssistDisable Button (If Equipped). See UltrasonicRear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 205.Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Button(If Equipped). See Windshield Washer onpage 194. Power Running Boards DisableButton (If Equipped). See Power RunningBoards on page 129.

S. Glove Box. See Glove Box on page 174.

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Hazard Warning FlashersThe hazard warning flashers warn others.They also let police know you have a problem.Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flashon and off.

The hazard warningflasher button is locatedon top of the steeringcolumn.

The hazard warning flashers work no matter whatignition position the key is in, and even if thekey is not in the ignition.

Press the button to make the front and rear turnsignal lamps flash on and off. Press the buttonagain to turn the flashers off.

When the hazard warning flashers are on, yourturn signals will not work.

Other Warning DevicesIf you carry reflective triangles, you can set them upat the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m)behind your vehicle.

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HornTo sound the horn, press the center pad on thesteering wheel.

Tilt WheelYour vehicle has a tilt wheel, that lets you adjustthe steering wheel before driving. Raising it tothe highest level gives more room to exit and enteryour vehicle.

The tilt steering wheel lever is located on thelower left side of the column.

To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pullthe lever. Then move the steering wheel to acomfortable position and release the lever to lockthe wheel in place.

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Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering columnincludes the following:

G (Turn and Lane Change Signals): SeeTurn and Lane-Change Signals on page 191.

53 (Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger): See Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger on page 192.

Flash-to-Pass. See Flash-to-Pass on page 192.

N (Windshield Wipers): See WindshieldWipers on page 192.

L (Windshield Washer): See WindshieldWasher on page 194.

5 (Rear Wiper Delay): See Rear WindowWiper/Washer on page 195.

Z (Rear Wiper): See Rear WindowWiper/Washer on page 195.

= (Rear Wiper Wash): See Rear WindowWiper/Washer on page 195.

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Turn and Lane-Change SignalsThe turn signal has two upward (for right) andtwo downward (for left) positions. These positionsallow you to signal a turn or a lane change.

To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up ordown. When the turn is finished, the lever willreturn automatically.

To signal a lane change, raise or lower the leverfor less than one second until the arrow startsto flash. This will cause the turn signals toautomatically flash three times. It will flashsix times if tow-haul mode is active. Holding theturn signal lever for more than one secondwill cause the turn signals to flash until you releasethe lever. The lever will return by itself when it isreleased.

An arrow on theinstrument panel clusterwill flash in thedirection of the turn orlane change.

As you signal a turn or a lane change, if thearrows flash more quickly than normal, a signalbulb may be burned out and other drivers will notsee your turn signal.

If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid anaccident. If the arrows do not go on at all whenyou signal a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and ablown fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers onpage 540.

Turn Signal On ChimeIf your turn signal is left on for more than3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), a chime will sound ateach flash of the turn signal and the messageTURN SIGNAL ON will also appear in the DIC.To turn the chime and message off, move the turnsignal lever to the off position.

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Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer53 (Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer):To change the headlamps from low to high beam,push the lever toward the instrument panel. Toreturn to low-beam headlamps, pull themultifunction lever toward you. Then release it.

When the high beamsare on, this indicator lighton the instrument panelcluster will also be on.

Flash-to-PassThis feature lets you use your high-beamheadlamps to signal a driver in front of you thatyou want to pass. It works even if your headlampsare in the automatic position.To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you,then release it.If your headlamps are in the automatic position oron low beam, your high-beam headlamps will turnon. They will stay on as long as you hold the lever

toward you. The high-beam indicator on theinstrument panel cluster will come on. Release thelever to return to normal operation.

Windshield WipersBe sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper bladesbefore using them. If they are frozen to thewindshield, gently loosen or thaw them. Damagedwiper blades may not clear the windshield well,making it harder to see and drive safely. If theblades do become damaged, install new blades orblade inserts. For more information, see WindshieldWiper Blade Replacement on page 481

Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.A circuit breaker will stop the motor until itcools down. Clear away snow or ice to prevent anoverload.

You control the windshield wipers by turning theband with the wiper symbol on it.

8 (Mist): For a single wiping cycle, turn theband to mist. Hold it there until the wipers start.Then let go. The wipers will stop after one wipe.If you want more wipe cycles, hold the bandon mist longer.

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N (Delay): You can set the wiper speed for along or short delay between wiping cycles.This can be very useful in light rain or snow.Turn the band to choose the delay time. The closerto the top of the lever, the shorter the delay.

6 (Low Speed): For steady wiping at lowspeed, turn the band away from you to thefirst solid band past the delay settings.

1 (High Speed): For high-speed wiping, turnthe band further, to the second solid band past thedelay settings.

9 (Off): To stop the wipers, move the bandto off.

Rainsense™ II WipersIf your vehicle has Rainsense™ II windshieldwipers, the moisture sensor is located next to theinside rearview mirror and is mounted on thewindshield. When active, these wipers are able todetect moisture on the windshield andautomatically turn on the wipers.

To turn on the Rainsense™ feature, the wipersmust be set to one of the five delay settings on themultifunction lever. Each of the five settingsadjusts the sensitivity of the rainsensor.Since different drivers have different settingpreferences, it is recommended that the mid-rangesetting (position 3) be used initially. For morewipes, select the higher settings; for fewer wipes,select the lower settings located closer to theoff position on the multifunction lever.The rainsensor will automatically control thefrequency of the wipes from off to high speedaccording to the weather conditions. The wiperscan be left in a rainsense mode even when it is notraining.When Rainsense™ II is active, the headlamps willturn on automatically after approximately 8 wipes.The headlamps will turn off if the wiper switch is setto the delay position, and there have been no wipesfor approximately 3 minutes or it has become lightenough outside. If it is dark outside, the headlampswill remain on.Notice: Going through an automatic car washwith the wipers on can damage them. Turnthe wipers off when going through anautomatic car wash.

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Windshield Washer

{CAUTION:

In freezing weather, do not use yourwasher until the windshield is warmed.Otherwise the washer fluid can form iceon the windshield, blocking your vision.

L (Washer Fluid): There is a paddle markedwith the windshield washer symbol at the top of themultifunction lever. To spray washer fluid on thewindshield, push the paddle. The wipers will clearthe window and then either stop or return to yourpreset speed.

Heated Windshield WasherIf your vehicle has the heated windshield washerfluid system it may be used to help clear ice,snow, tree sap, or bugs from your windshield.

The button is located inthe switchbank underthe climate controls.

Push the heated washer fluid button to activatethe heated windshield washer fluid system.The indicator light will be on. This activation willinitiate four heated wash/wipe cycles. The firstheated wash/wipe cycle may take up to 40 secondsto occur, depending on outside temperature.After the first wash/wipe cycle, it may take up to20 seconds for each of the remaining cycles tobegin. Press the button again to turn off theheated windshield washer fluid system or it willautomatically turn off after four wipe cycles havebeen completed.

When the heated windshield washer fluid systemis activated under certain outside temperatureconditions, steam may flow out of the washernozzles for a short period of time before washerfluid is sprayed. This is a normal condition.

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Rear Window Wiper/Washer

{CAUTION:

In freezing weather, do not use yourwasher until the windshield is warmed.Otherwise the washer fluid can form iceon the windshield, blocking your vision.

The rear wiper control is located on the turnsignal/multifunction lever.

To turn the rear wiper on, slide the lever to awiper position.

9 (Off): To turn the wiper off, slide the lever tothis setting.

5 (Rear Wiper Delay): To turn on the rear wiperdelay, slide the lever to this setting.

Z (Rear Wiper): To turn on the rear wiper, slidethe lever to this setting.

= (Rear Wiper Wash): To turn on the rearwiper wash, push the button on the end of the turnsignal/multifunction lever to spray washer fluidon the rear window. The wipers will clear the rearwindow and either stop or return to your presetspeed. For more washer cycles, press andhold the button.

The rear window wiper/washer will not operate ifthe lifgate or liftglass is open or ajar. If theliftgate or liftglass is opened while the rear wiper ison, the wiper will return to the parked positionand stop.

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Cruise Control

{CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous whereyou cannot drive safely at a steady speed.So, do not use your cruise control onwinding roads or in heavy traffic.

Cruise control can be dangerous onslippery roads. On such roads, fastchanges in tire traction can causeexcessive wheel slip, and you could losecontrol. Do not use cruise control onslippery roads.

With cruise control, you can maintain a speedof about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more withoutkeeping your foot on the accelerator. This canreally help on long trips. Cruise control does notwork at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).

When you apply your brakes, cruise controlis turned off.

If your vehicle has the StabiliTrak®™ system andbegins to limit wheel spin while you are usingcruise control, the cruise control will automaticallydisengage. See StabiliTrak® System onpage 348. When road conditions allow you tosafely use it again, you may turn the cruise controlback on.

The cruise controlbuttons are located onleft side of thesteering wheel.

T (On/Off): This button can both activate andturn off the system. The indicator light is onwhen cruise control is on and turns off when cruisecontrol is off.

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+ RES (Resume/Accelerate): Press this buttonto make the vehicle accelerate or resume toa previously set speed.

SET − (Set): Press this button to set the speed ormake the vehicle decelerate.

[ (Cancel): Press this button to cancel cruisecontrol without erasing the set speed frommemory.

Setting Cruise ControlCruise control will not work if your parking brake isset, or if the master cylinder brake fluid level is low.

The cruise control light on the instrument panelcluster will come on after the cruise controlhas been set to the desired speed.

{CAUTION:

If you leave your cruise control on whenyou are not using cruise, you might hit abutton and go into cruise when you donot want to. You could be startled andeven lose control. Keep the cruise controlswitch off until you want to use cruisecontrol.

1. Press the cruise control On/Off button.

2. Get up to the desired speed you want.

3. Press the SET− button located on the steeringwheel and release it.

4. Take your foot off the accelerator.

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Resuming a Set SpeedSuppose you set your cruise control at a desiredspeed and then you apply the brake. This shuts offthe cruise control. But you do not need to reset it.

Once you are driving about 25 mph (40 km/h) ormore, press the +RES button on your steeringwheel. The vehicle will go back to the previous setspeed and stay there.

Increasing Speed While UsingCruise ControlTo increase the cruise speed while using cruisecontrol:

• Press and hold the +RES button on thesteering wheel until you reach your newdesired speed, then release it.

• To increase vehicle speed in small increments,press the +RES button. Each time you do this,you will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.

Reducing Speed While UsingCruise ControlTo reduce your speed while using cruise control:

• Press and hold the SET– button on thesteering wheel until the desired lower speedis reached, then release it.

• To slow down in very small amounts, pressthe SET– button on the steering wheelbriefly. Each time you do this, the vehicle willgo about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.

Passing Another Vehicle While UsingCruise ControlUse the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.When you take your foot off the pedal, yourvehicle will slow down to the previous set cruisespeed.

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Using Cruise Control on HillsHow well your cruise control will work on hillsdepends upon your speed, load, and the steepnessof the hills. When going up steep hills, you mayhave to step on the accelerator pedal to maintainthe vehicle’s speed. When going downhill, you mayhave to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep thevehicle’s speed down. Of course, applying thebrake takes you out of cruise control. Many driversfind this to be too much trouble and do not usecruise control on steep hills.

Ending Cruise ControlThere are three ways to end cruise control:

• Step lightly on the brake pedal.

• Press the cancel button on the steering wheel.

• Press the On/Off button on the steering wheel.

Erasing Speed MemoryWhen you turn off the cruise control or theignition, your cruise control set speed memory iserased.

Exterior LampsThe exterior lampscontrol is located on theinstrument panel tothe left of the steeringwheel.

It controls the following systems:• Headlamps• Taillamps• Parking Lamps• License Plate Lamps• Instrument Panel Lights

The exterior lamps control has four positions:

9 (Off): Turn the control to this positionand release to turn off the automatic headlampsand daytime running lamps (DRL). Turningthe headlamp control to the off position again willturn the automatic headlamps or DRL back on.For vehicles first sold in Canada, the off positionwill only work for vehicles that are shifted intothe PARK (P) position.

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AUTO (Automatic): Turn the control to thisposition to automatically turn on the headlamps atnormal brightness, together with the following:

• Parking Lamps

• Instrument Panel Lights

• Taillamps

• License Plate Lamps

; (Parking Lamps): Turn the control to thisposition to turn on the parking lamps together withthe following:


• Taillamps


2 (Headlamps): Turn the control to this positionto turn on the headlamps together with thefollowing lamps listed below. A warning chime willsound if you open the driver’s door when theignition switch is off and the headlamps are on.

• Parking Lamps


• Taillamps


Headlamps on ReminderA reminder chime will sound when your headlampsor parking lamps are manually turned on andyour ignition is off and a door is open. To disablethe chime, turn the light off then back on.

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Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easierfor others to see the front of your vehicle duringthe day. DRL can be helpful in many differentdriving conditions, but they can be especiallyhelpful in the short periods after dawn and beforesunset. Fully functional DRL are required on allvehicles first sold in Canada.

The DRL system will come on when the followingconditions are met:

• The ignition is on

• The exterior lamps control is in AUTO

• The light sensor determines it is daytime

When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps willbe on. The taillamps, sidemarker and otherlamps will not be on. The instrument panel backlighting will not be on either.

When it begins to get dark, the automaticheadlamp system will switch from DRL to theheadlamps.

When you turn the headlamp switch off, theheadlamps will go off, and your DRL lamps willilluminate, provided it is not dark outside.

Automatic Headlamp SystemWhen it is dark enough outside, your automaticheadlamp system will turn on the headlamps at thenormal brightness, along with the taillamps,sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrumentpanel lights. The radio back lighting will alsobe dimly lit.To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turnthe exterior lamps switch to the off position.Turning off the automatic headlamp system withthe headlamp switch is not available for vehiclesfirst sold in Canada.Your vehicle has a light sensor located on thetop of the instrument panel in the defroster grillethat regulates when the automatic headlamps turnon. Be sure it is not covered, or the system willcome on whenever the ignition is on.The system may also turn on your headlampswhen driving through a parking garage, heavyovercast weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.

There is a delay in the transition between thedaytime and nighttime operation of the DaytimeRunning Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlampsystems so that driving under bridges or brightoverhead street lights does not affect the system.

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The DRL and automatic headlamp system will onlybe affected when the light sensor sees a change inlighting lasting longer than the delay.If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, theautomatic headlamp system will come onimmediately. Once you leave the garage, it willtake approximately one minute for the automaticheadlamp system to change to DRL if it isbright enough outside. During that delay, yourinstrument panel cluster may not be as bright asusual. Make sure your instrument panel brightnesscontrol is in the full bright position. See InstrumentPanel Brightness on page 203.To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlampsystem off, turn the control to the off position.You may be able to turn off your AutomaticHeadlamp System. See Daytime Running Lamps(DRL) on page 201 for more information.

Your headlamps will also stay on after you exit thevehicle. You can program this feature using theDriver Information Center (DIC). See DIC VehicleCustomization (With DIC Buttons) on page 264.As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regularheadlamp system when needed.

Fog Lamps- (Fog Lamps): If your vehicle is equipped withfog lamps, it is located on the instrument panel tothe left of the steering column. The fog lampsbutton is located below the dome lamp overridebutton.

Your ignition must be in RUN for the fog lamps toilluminate.

To turn the fog lamps on, press the fog lampsbutton. A light will come on in the instrument panelcluster to let you know that the fog lamps are on.Press the button again to turn the fog lamps off.

The ignition must be in RUN and the parkinglamps must be on for your fog lamps to work.

The fog lamps will go off while you changeto high-beam headlamps.

Some localities have laws that require theheadlamps to be on along with the fog lamps.

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Auxiliary Roof Mounted LampIf your vehicle has this feature, this button includeswiring provisions for a dealer or a qualifiedservice center to install an auxiliary roof lamp.

This button is locatedon the overheadconsole.

When the wiring is connected to an auxiliary roofmounted lamp, pressing the button will activatethe lamp and illuminate an indicator light near thebutton. Pressing the button again will turn offthe roof mounted lamp.

If your vehicle has this button, your vehicle mayhave the snow plow prep package. For furtherinformation see Adding a Snow Plow or SimilarEquipment on page 396.

Instrument Panel Brightness

D (Instrument Panel Brightness): This featurecontrols the brightness of the instrument panellights.

The knob for this feature is located next to theheadlamp control.

Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise toadjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights.Turn the knob clockwise to return the instrumentpanel cluster or radio display to full brightnesswhen the headlamps or parking lamps are on.To turn on the dome lamps, turn the knob to thefarthest clockwise position.

Dome LampsThe dome lamps come on when a door is opened.

The dome lamps can also be turned on byturning the knob, located next to the exterior lampscontrol, clockwise to the farthest position. In thisposition, the dome lamps will remain on whether adoor is opened or closed.

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Dome Lamp Override

E (Dome Lamp Override): Press the domeoverride button, located next to the exterior lampscontrol, to keep the dome lamps off when adoor is open. To set the lamps to the automaticoperation, press the button again so that it isextended. With the button in this position,the dome lamps will come on when a door isopened.

Entry LightingYour vehicle has an illuminated entry feature.

When the doors are opened, the dome lamps willcome on if the dome override button is in theextended position. If the dome override button ispressed in, the lamps will not come on.

Exit LightingWith exit lighting, the interior lamps will come onwhen you remove the key from the ignition.They will turn off automatically in 20 seconds.The lights will not come on if the dome overridebutton is pressed in.

Reading LampsIf your vehicle has reading lamps they are locatedon the overhead console.

To turn on the reading lamps, press the buttonlocated next to each lamp. To turn them off, pressthe button again.

The lamps can be adjusted to point in the directionyou want.

Your vehicle may also have reading lamps inother locations. To turn the lamps on or off, pressthe button located next to the lamp. The lampsare fixed and cannot be adjusted.

Battery Run-Down ProtectionThis feature shuts off the dome, and readinglamps if they are left on for more than 10 minuteswhen the ignition is off. This will keep thebattery from running down.

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Ultrasonic Rear ParkingAssist (URPA)If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear ParkingAssist (URPA) system it is designed to help youpark while in Reverse (R). It operates only atspeeds less than 5 mph (8 km/h). URPA helpsmake parking easier and helps you avoid collidingwith objects such as parked vehicles. The URPAsystem detects objects that are close to the rear ofthe vehicle which are at least 10 inches (25.4 cm)off the ground and below hood or trunk level.The system detects objects up to 8 feet (2.5 m)behind your vehicle. URPA determines how closethese objects are from your bumper within this area.Ultrasonic sensors on the rear bumper are used todetect the distance to the object.

{CAUTION:

Even with the Ultrasonic Rear Park Assistsystem, the driver must check carefullybefore backing up. The system does not



operate above speeds of 5 mph (8 km/h).The system does not detect objects morethan 8 feet (2.5 meters) behind the vehicle.This detection distance limit may bereduced during warm weather or highhumidity. Also, the system does notdetect objects that are below yourbumper, underneath your vehicle, orsome objects very close to the vehicle.The system is not designed to detectchildren, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.So, unless you check carefully behindyour vehicle while you are backing up,they could be injured or killed.Whether or not you are using rear parkassist, always check carefully behind yourvehicle before backing up and then watchclosely as you do.

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The display is locatednear the passenger siderear window and canbe seen by looking overyour right shoulder.

The display has three color-coded lights.The URPA lights are used to provide distanceand system information, along with beeps that willbe heard through the speakers.

URPA can be turned offby pressing the rearpark aid disable buttonlocated next to theradio. The indicator willilluminate to indicatethat URPA is off.

The red light in the URPA display will also be lit ifthe vehicle is in REVERSE (R). If the vehiclehas a DIC, PARKING ASSIST OFF will display.URPA automatically turns back on each timethe vehicle is started.

How the System WorksWhen the shift lever is moved into REVERSE (R),the rear display will briefly come on to let you knowthe display is operating correctly. URPA comes onautomatically when the shift lever is moved intoREVERSE (R). The system also does not work at areverse speed greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).To remind you of this, the red light on the reardisplay will flash.

The system can be disabled using the DriverInformation Center (DIC). See DIC Operation andDisplays (With DIC Buttons) on page 244 orDIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)on page 251.

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How the System Works when BackingIf the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), URPA detectsobjects close to the rear bumper. The first time anobject is detected a single beep will sound. If anobject is detected at a REVERSE (R) speedbetween 0 mph (0 km/h) and 5 mph (8 km/h), thefollowing describes what will occur based on yourdistance to a detected object located behind thevehicle:

• At distances between 40 inches (1 m) and8 ft (2.5 m), a single amber light will come on.

• At distances between 23 inches (0.6 m) and40 inches (1 m), both amber lights will be on.

• At distances between 12 inches (0.3 m) and23 inches (0.6 m), all three lights (amber/amber/red) will be on.

• At distances less than 12 inches (0.3 m), abeeping sound will repeat for a short time andall three lights (amber/amber/red) will be on andflashing.

When the System Does Not Seem toWork ProperlyIf the URPA system will not activate due to atemporary condition, the message PARKINGASSIST OFF will be displayed on the DIC and ared light will be shown on the rear URPA displaywhen the shift lever is moved into REVERSE (R).This occurs under the following conditions:

• The driver disables the system. See DICOperation and Displays (With DIC Buttons)on page 244 or DIC Operation and Displays(Without DIC Buttons) on page 251.

• The parking brake pedal is depressed.

• A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or abicycle or an object was hanging out of yourtrunk during your last drive when you turned offthe vehicle. If the attached objects are removedfrom your vehicle before the start of your nextdrive, the system will return to normal operationunless an object is detected when the vehicle isshifted into REVERSE (R). If this occurs, URPAassumes the object is still attached, so you willhave to wait until the vehicle is driven forwardabove 15 mph (25 km/h) before URPA willreturn to normal operation.

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• The ultrasonic sensors are not kept clean.So, be sure to keep your vehicle’s rear bumperfree of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. Forcleaning instructions, see Washing YourVehicle on page 532. If the DIC still displays thePARKING ASSIST OFF message aftercleaning the bumper and driving forward at aspeed of at least 15 mph (25 km/h), see yourdealer.

• Other conditions that may affect systemperformance include vibrations from ajackhammer or the compression of air brakeson a very large truck or other mechanicaldevices that interfere with URPA performance.

• When URPA is disabled without driver actionand the driver attempts to turn URPA back onusing the Driver Information Center (DIC), thePARKING ASSIST ON option will not beselectable if the necessary conditions statedabove for normal system operation are not met.

As always, drivers should use care when backingup a vehicle. Always look behind you, beingsure to check for other vehicles, obstructions andblind spots.

For Driver Information Center messages related toURPA, see DIC Warnings and Messages onpage 254.

If the bumper is damaged, your URPA systemmay not work properly. Take the vehicle toyour dealer to repair the system.

Accessory Power Outlet(s)With accessory power outlets you can plug inauxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellulartelephone or CB radio.

Your vehicle will have two accessory poweroutlets under the climate controls, one on the backof the floor console and a additional accessorypower outlet in the rear cargo area on thepassenger side.

To use the power outlet, lift the spring cap andinsert electrical 12V device plug. To closethe power outlet, remove 12V electrical deviceplug and the spring cap will close.

Certain power accessory plugs may not becompatible to the accessory power outlet andcould result in blown adapter or vehicle fuses.

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If you experience a problem, see your dealer foradditional information on the accessorypower plugs.The accessory power outlets are powered, evenwith the ignition off. Continuing to use poweroutlets while the ignition is off may causethe vehicle’s battery to run down.Notice: Adding any electrical equipment toyour vehicle may damage it or keep othercomponents from working as they should.The repairs would not be covered by yourwarranty. Do not use equipment exceedingmaximum amperage rating. Check with yourdealer before adding electrical equipment.When adding electrical equipment, be sure tofollow the proper installation instructions includedwith the equipment. Do not use equipmentexceeding the maximum amperage rating of20 amperes.Notice: Improper use of the power outlet cancause damage not covered by your warranty.Do not hang any type of accessory oraccessory bracket from the plug because thepower outlets are designed for accessorypower plugs only.

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette LighterThe front ashtray is located near the center of theinstrument panel or on the front console, ifequipped. Pull on the ashtray door to open it.

Notice: If you put papers, pins, or otherflammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettesor other smoking materials could ignitethem and possibly damage your vehicle. Neverput flammable items in the ashtray.

To remove the front ashtray pull the ashtray up.

To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way,and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back outby itself.

Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while itis heating will not allow the lighter to backaway from the heating element when it is hot.Damage from overheating may occur to thelighter or heating element, or a fuse could beblown. Do not hold a cigarette lighter inwhile it is heating.

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Climate Controls

Climate Control SystemWith this system you can control the heating,cooling, defrost, defog and ventilation of yourvehicle.

Manual OperationTurn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwiseto direct the airflow inside of your vehicle.

To change the current mode, select one of thefollowing:H (Vent): This mode directs air to the instrumentpanel outlets.

) (Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air tothe instrument panel outlets and to the floor outlets.The flow can be divided between vent and flooroutlets depending upon where the knob is placedbetween the settings. A little air is directed towardsthe windshield and side window outlets. Cooler airis directed to the upper outlets and warmer air tothe floor outlets.6 (Floor): This mode directs most of the air tothe floor outlets, with some of the air directedto the windshield, side window outlets, andsecond row floor outlets. In this mode, the systemwill automatically select outside air. Recirculationcannot be selected when in Floor Mode.The right knob can also be used to select defog ordefrost mode. For more information, see“Defogging and Defrosting” later in this section.By positioning the right knob between two modes,a combination of those two modes is selected.The air conditioning compressor will be on unlessthe outside temperature is close to freezing.

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9 (Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise orcounterclockwise to increase or decrease the fanspeed. Turn the knob all the way counterclockwiseto turn the front system off.

? (Recirculation): Press this button to turnthe recirculation mode on. When the buttonis pressed, an indicator light will come on.

This mode keeps outside air from entering thevehicle. It can be used to reduce outside air andprevent odors from entering your vehicle.Recirculation may also help cool the air insideyour vehicle more quickly once the temperatureinside the vehicle is less than the outsidetemperature.

The recirculation mode cannot be used with floor,defrost, or defogging modes. If you try to selectrecirculation in one of those modes, the indicatorwill flash three times and turn off. The airconditioning compressor will also come on whenthis mode is activated. While in recirculation modethe windows may fog when the weather is coldand damp. To clear the fog, select either the defogor defrost mode and increase the fan speed.Recirculation mode can be turned off by pressingthe button again, or turning off the engine.

AUX (Auxiliary): Pressing this button will turn therear heating and air conditioning on. See RearAir Conditioning and Heating System on page 220or Rear Air Conditioning and Heating Systemand Electronic Climate Controls on page 222 formore information.

Temperature Control: Rotate the thumbwheelsup or down to increase or decrease thetemperature on the driver’s side or the passengerside of the vehicle for the dual zone system.

# (Air Conditioning): Press this button on theleft knob to turn the air conditioning system onor off. When A/C is pressed, an indicator light willcome on to let you know that the air conditioninghas been activated.

On hot days, open the windows to let hot insideair escape; then close them. This helps to reducethe time it takes for your vehicle to cool down.It also helps the system to operate more efficiently.

The air conditioning system removes moisturefrom the air, so you may sometimes notice a smallamount of water dripping underneath yourvehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.This is normal.

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Defogging and DefrostingFog on the inside of the windows is a result ofhigh humidity (moisture) condensing on thecool window glass. This can be minimized if theclimate control system is used properly. Thereare two modes to clear fog or frost from yourwindshield. Turn the right knob clockwise to selectthe defog or defrost mode.

- (Defog): The defog mode is used to clearthe windows of fog or moisture and warmthe passengers. This mode directs air to thewindshield, floor outlets, and side window vents.When you select this mode, the system turnsoff recirculation and runs the air conditioningcompressor unless the outside temperature isclose to freezing. The recirculation mode cannotbe selected while in the defog mode. Do not drivethe vehicle until all the windows are clear.

0 (Defrost): The defrost mode is used toremove fog or frost from the windshield morequickly. This mode directs a portion of the air tothe windshield and side window vents and some tothe floor vents. In this mode, the system willautomatically force outside air into your vehicle.The recirculation mode cannot be selected while inthe defrost mode. The air conditioning compressorwill run automatically in this setting, unless theoutside temperature is close to freezing.Do not drive the vehicle until all the windowsare clear.

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Rear Window DefoggerThe rear window defogger uses a warming grid toremove fog from the rear window.

< (Rear Window Defogger): Press this buttonon the right knob to turn on the rear windowdefogger. The system will automatically turn offseveral minutes after it has been activated.The defogger can also be turned off by pressing thebutton again or by turning off the engine. Do notdrive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors,the mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frostfrom the surface of the mirror when the rearwindow defog button is pressed.

Notice: Do not use anything sharp on theinside of the rear window. If you do, you couldcut or damage the warming grid, and therepairs would not be covered by your warranty.Do not attach a temporary vehicle license,tape, a decal or anything similar to thedefogger grid.

Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystemWith this system, you can control the heating,cooling and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehiclealso has a flow-through ventilation systemdescribed later in this section.

You can select different climate control settings forthe driver and passengers.

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Driver’s Side Temperature ControlThe driver’s side temperature buttons are used toadjust the temperature of the air coming throughthe system on the driver’s side. The temperaturecan be adjusted even if the system is turnedoff. This is possible since outside air will alwaysflow through the system as the vehicle is movingforward unless it is set to recirculation mode.See “Recirculation” later in this section.

Press the + or − buttons to increase or decreasethe cabin temperature. The driver sidetemperature display will show the temperaturesetting decreasing or increasing.

Passenger’s Side Temperature ControlThe passenger’s temperature buttons can be usedto change the temperature of the air comingthrough the system on the passenger’s side of thevehicle. The temperature can be adjusted evenif the system is turned off. This is possiblesince outside air will always flow through thesystem as the vehicle is moving forward unless itis set to recirculation mode. See “Recirculation”later in this section.

Press the + or − buttons to increase or decreasethe cabin temperature. The passenger sidedisplay will show the temperature settingdecreasing or increasing.

The passenger’s temperature setting can be set tomatch the driver’s temperature setting by pressingthe PASS button and turning off the PASS indicator.When the passenger’s temperature setting is setdifferent than the driver’s setting, the indicator onthe PASS button will illuminate and both the driver’sside and passenger’s side temperature displays willbe shown.

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Automatic Operation

AUTO (Automatic): When automatic operationis active the system will control the insidetemperature, the air delivery, and the fan speed.

Use the steps below to place the entire system inautomatic mode:

1. Press the AUTO button.When AUTO is selected, the display willchange to show the current temperature(s)and AUTO will be lit on the display. The currentdelivery mode and fan speed will also bedisplayed for approximately 5 seconds.When AUTO is selected, the air conditioningoperation and air inlet will be automaticallycontrolled. The air conditioning compressor willrun when the outside temperature is overabout 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally beset to outside air. If it’s hot outside, the airinlet may automatically switch to recirculateinside air to help quickly cool down yourvehicle. The light on the button will illuminatein recirculation.

2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.To find your comfort setting, start with a74°F (23°C) temperature setting and allowabout 20 minutes for the system to regulate.Use the driver’s or passenger’s temperaturebuttons to adjust the temperature setting asnecessary. If you choose the temperaturesetting of 60°F (15°C), the system will remain atthe maximum cooling setting. If you choose thetemperature setting of 90°F (32°C), the systemwill remain at the maximum heat setting.Choosing either maximum setting will not causethe vehicle to heat or cool any faster.

Be careful not to cover the sensor located on thetop of the instrument panel near the windshield.This sensor regulates air temperature basedon sun load and also turns on your headlamps.

To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, thesystem will delay turning on the fan until warm airis available. The length of delay depends onthe engine coolant temperature. Pressing the fanswitch will override this delay and change thefan to a selected speed.

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O (On/Off): Press this button to turn off theclimate control system. Outside air will still enterthe vehicle, and will be directed to the floor.This direction can be changed by pressing themode button. Recirculation can be selected onceyou have selected vent or bi-level mode. Thetemperature can also be adjusted using eithertemperature button. If you adjust the air deliverymode or temperature settings with the systemoff, the display will illuminate briefly to show youthe settings and then return off. Press theon/off button or the up down arrows on the fanswitch, the defrost button, AUTO button, or the airconditioning button to turn the system on whenit is off.

Manual OperationYou may manually adjust the air delivery mode orfan speed.

y9 z (Fan): The buttons with the fan symbolsallow you to manually adjust the fan speed.Press the up arrow to increase fan speed and thedown arrow to decrease fan speed.

Pressing one of these buttons when the system isoff will turn the system on. Pressing one ofthese buttons when in automatic control will placethe fan under manual control. The fan settingwill remain displayed and the AUTO light will turnoff. The air delivery mode will remain underautomatic control.

yN z (Mode): Press the mode up and downbuttons to manually change the direction ofthe airflow in your vehicle. Repeatedly press thebutton until the desired mode appears on thedisplay. Pressing one of these buttons when thesystem is off will change air delivery mode withoutturning the system on. Pressing one of thesebuttons when in automatic control will place themode under manual control.

The air delivery mode setting will be displayed andthe AUTO light will turn off. The fan will remainunder automatic control.

H (Vent): This setting will deliver air to theinstrument panel outlets.

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) (Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the airto the instrument panel outlets and to the flooroutlets. The flow can be divided between vent andfloor outlets depending upon where the knob isplaced between the settings. A little air is directedtowards the windshield and side window outlets.Cooler air is directed to the upper outlets andwarmer air to the floor outlets.

6 (Floor): This mode directs most of the air tothe floor outlets, with some of the air directedto the windshield, side window outlets, andsecond row floor outlets. In this mode, the systemwill automatically select outside air.

- (Defog): See “Defogging and Defrosting” laterin this section.

@ (Recirculation): Press this button to turnthe recirculation mode on. When the buttonis pressed, an indicator light will come on.

This mode keeps outside air from entering thevehicle. It can be used to reduce outside air andprevent odors from entering your vehicle.Recirculation may also help cool the air insideyour vehicle more quickly once the temperatureinside the vehicle is less than the outsidetemperature.

The recirculation mode cannot be used with floor,defrost, or defogging modes. If you try to selectrecirculation in one of those modes, the indicatorwill flash three times and turn off. The airconditioning compressor will also come on whenthis mode is activated. While in recirculation modethe windows may fog when the weather is coldand damp. To clear the fog, select either the defogor defrost mode and increase the fan speed.Recirculation mode can be turned off by pressingthe button again, or turning off the engine.

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Air Conditioning

# (Air Conditioning): Press this button to turnthe air conditioning (A/C) compressor on andoff. When air conditioning is selected, an indicatorlight will come on to let you know that the airconditioning has been activated.

Pressing this button when the outside temperatureis too cool for air conditioning will make the airconditioning indicator flash three times andthen turn off to let you know the air conditioningmode is not available. If the air conditioningis on and the outside temperature drops below atemperature which is too cool for air conditioningto be effective, the air conditioning light will turn offto let you know the air conditioning mode hasbeen canceled.

On hot days, open the windows long enough to lethot inside air escape. This helps to reduce thetime it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It alsohelps the system to operate more efficiently.

The air conditioning system removes moisture fromthe air, so you may sometimes notice a smallamount of water dripping underneath your vehiclewhile idling or after turning off the engine. Thisis normal.

Defogging and DefrostingFog on the inside of the windows is a result ofhigh humidity (moisture) condensing on thecool window glass. This can be minimized if theclimate control system is used properly. There aretwo modes to clear fog or frost from yourwindshield.

Use the mode up and down arrows to select thedefog or defrost modes.

- (Defog): The defog mode is used to clear thewindows of fog or moisture and warm thepassengers. This mode directs air to thewindshield, floor outlets, and side window vents.When you select this mode, the system turnsoff recirculation and runs the air conditioningcompressor unless the outside temperature isclose to freezing. The recirculation mode cannotbe selected while in the defog mode. Do not drivethe vehicle until all the windows are clear.

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0 (Defrost): Press this button to remove fog orfrost from the windshield more quickly. Thismode directs a portion of the air to the windshieldand side window vents and some to thefloor vents. In this mode, the system willautomatically force outside air into your vehicle.The recirculation mode cannot be selected while inthe defrost mode. The air conditioning compressorwill run automatically in this setting, unless theoutside temperature is close to freezing. Donot drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.

Rear Window DefoggerThe rear window defogger uses a warming grid toremove fog from the rear window.

< (Rear Window Defogger): Press this buttonto turn on the rear window defogger. It willautomatically turn off several minutes after it hasbeen activated. The defogger can also beturned off by pressing the button again or byturning off the engine. Do not drive the vehicle untilall the windows are clear.

If your vehicle has heated outside rearviewmirrors, the mirrors will heat to help clear fog orfrost from the surface of the mirror when therear window defog button is pressed.

Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharpobject to clear the inside rear window. Do notadhere anything to the defogger grid linesin the rear glass. These actions may damagethe rear defogger. Repairs would not becovered by your warranty.

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Outlet AdjustmentUse the air outlets located in the center and onthe side of your instrument panel to directthe airflow.

Operation Tips• Keep the hood and front air inlets free of ice,

snow, or any other obstruction (such asleaves). The heater and defroster will work farbetter, reducing the chance of fogging theinside of your windows.

• When you enter a vehicle in cold weather,press the fan up button to the maximumfan level before driving. This helps clear theintake ducts of snow and moisture, andreduces the chance of fogging the inside ofyour window.

• Keep the air path under the front seats clearof objects. This helps air to circulatethroughout your vehicle.

• Adding outside equipment to the front of yourvehicle, such as hood-air deflectors, may affectthe performance of the heating and airconditioning system. Check with your dealerbefore adding equipment to the outside of yourvehicle.

Rear Air Conditioning and HeatingSystemIf your vehicle has this system, the rear controlsare three knobs located in the headliner.The system can be controlled from the frontcontrols as well as the rear controls.

To turn the system on, press the AUX button onthe front climate control system, an indicator will belit. Pressing the AUX button the first time willturn the rear system on in a mimic mode. In thismode, the airflow in the rear will be approximatelythe same direction, temperature, and fan speedas the front. Pressing the AUX button againwill turn the rear system and the indicator off.

If the rear controls are adjusted, the system willenter a rear independent mode. Airflow in the rearwill then be directed according to the settings ofrear controls. The rear system can be turned off bypressing the AUX button on the front climatecontrol system and the indicator will turn off.

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Fan KnobTurn the left knob clockwise or counterclockwiseto increase or decrease the fan speed. Turnthe knob all the way counterclockwise to turn therear system off.

Temperature KnobThe middle knob on the control panel lets youselect the temperature of the air flowing into thepassenger area. Turn the knob clockwisetoward the red area for warmer air. Turn the knobcounterclockwise toward the blue area forcooler air.

Mode KnobThe right knob on the control panel allows you tochoose the direction of air delivery.

H (Vent): This setting directs the air through theheadliner outlets.

) (Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the flooroutlets as well as the headliner outlets. The rearsystem floor outlets are located directly behind thesecond row seats. The flow can be divided betweenvent and floor outlets depending upon where theknob is placed between the settings.

6 (Floor): This setting directs most of the airthrough the floor outlets. The rear system flooroutlets are located directly behind thesecond row seats.

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Rear Air Conditioning and HeatingSystem and Electronic ClimateControlsIf your vehicle has this system, the rear heat andair conditioning controls are integrated with therear seat audio controls located in the centerconsole. The system can be controlled from thefront controls as well as the rear controls.

To turn the system on, press the AUX button onthe front climate control system, an indicator will belit. Pressing the AUX button the first time willturn the rear system on in a mimic mode. In thismode, the airflow in the rear will be approximatelythe same direction, temperature, and fan speedas the front. Pressing the AUX button againwill turn the rear system and the indicator off.

If the rear controls are adjusted, the system willenter a rear independent mode. Airflow in the rearwill then be directed according to the settings ofrear controls. The rear system can be turned off bypressing the AUX button on the front climatecontrol system and the indicator will turn off.

If the indicator in the front AUX button is off, therear system is off.

Rear Control Integrated with Rear Seat AudioControls

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Automatic Operation

AUTO: Press the mode button until this setting isselected to control the inside temperature, theair delivery, and the fan speed. AUTO willilluminate in the display when automatic operationis active.

+/− (Increase/Decrease Temperature): Press the+ or − buttons to increase or decrease the cabintemperature. The rear control temperaturedisplay will show the temperature settingdecreasing or increasing.

The display will only indicate climate controlfunctions when the system is in rearindependent mode.

Manual Operation

y9 z (Fan): The fan buttons on the rear seataudio control panel allows you to manuallyadjust the fan speed. To decrease airflow, pressthe button with the fan and down arrow symbol.Pressing the fan up button when the system is offwill turn the system on. The air delivery modewill remain under automatic control. To turnthe rear system off, keep pressing the button withthe fan and down arrow symbol.

+/− (Increase/Decrease Temperature): Thesebuttons select the temperature of the air flowing intothe passenger area. Press the + button for warmerair and press the − button for cooler air.

N (Mode): Press the mode button to manuallychange the direction of the airflow in your vehicle.Repeatedly press the button until the desiredmode appears on the display. Multiple presses willcycle through the delivery selections.

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Warning Lights, Gages, andIndicatorsThis part describes the warning lights and gageson your vehicle. The pictures will help youlocate them.

Warning lights and gages can signal thatsomething is wrong before it becomes seriousenough to cause an expensive repair orreplacement. Paying attention to your warninglights and gages could also save you or othersfrom injury.

Warning lights come on when there may be or isa problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.As you will see in the details on the next fewpages, some warning lights come on briefly whenyou start the engine just to let you know theyare working. If you are familiar with this section,you should not be alarmed when this happens.

Gages can indicate when there may be or is aproblem with one of your vehicle’s functions.Often gages and warning lights work together tolet you know when there is a problem withyour vehicle.

When one of the warning lights comes on andstays on when you are driving, or when one of thegages shows there may be a problem, checkthe section that tells you what to do aboutit. Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting todo repairs can be costly – and even dangerous.So please get to know your warning lightsand gages. They are a big help.

Your vehicle also has a Driver Information Center(DIC) that works along with warning lights andgages. See DIC Warnings and Messageson page 254.

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Instrument Panel Cluster

Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You willknow how fast you are going, about how much fuel you have and many other things you will need toknow to drive safely and economically.

United States version shown. Canada similar.

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Speedometer and OdometerYour speedometer lets you see your speed in bothmiles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour(km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehiclehas been driven, in either miles (used in theUnited States) or kilometers (used in Canada).

Trip OdometerThe trip odometer can tell you how far your vehiclehas been driven since you last set the trip odometerto zero.Press the reset button, located on the instrumentpanel cluster next to the trip odometer display,to toggle between the trip odometer and theregular odometer. Holding the reset button forapproximately one second while the trip odometeris displayed will reset it.To display the odometer reading with the ignitionoff, press the reset button.

TachometerYour tachometer displays the engine speed inrevolutions per minute (rpm).

Safety Belt Reminder LightWhen the key is turned to RUN or START, a chimewill be provided for several seconds to remindpeople to buckle their safety belts. The driver safetybelt light will also be provided and stay on forseveral seconds, then it will flash for several more.You should buckle your seat belt.

This chime and light willbe repeated if the driverremains unbuckledand the vehicleis in motion.

If the driver’s belt is buckled, neither the chime northe light will come on.

See Passenger Sensing System on page 100 formore information.

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Passenger Safety Belt ReminderLightSeveral seconds after the key is turned to RUN orSTART, a chime will sound for several secondsto remind the front passenger to buckle their safetybelt. The passenger safety belt light will alsocome on and stay on for several seconds, then itwill flash for several more.

This chime and light willbe repeated if thepassenger remainsunbuckled andthe vehicle is in motion.

If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neitherthe chime nor the light will come on.

Airbag Readiness LightThere is an airbag readiness light on theinstrument panel, which shows the airbag symbol.The system checks the airbag’s electricalsystem for malfunctions. The light tells you if thereis an electrical problem. The system checkincludes the airbag sensors, the airbag modules,the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnosticmodule. For more information on the airbagsystem, see Airbag System on page 90.

This light will come onwhen you start yourvehicle, and it will flashfor a few seconds.Then the light should goout. This means thesystem is ready.

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If the airbag readiness light stays on after youstart the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,your airbag system may not work properly.Have your vehicle serviced right away.

{CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light stays on afteryou start your vehicle, it means the airbagsystem may not be working properly. Theairbags in your vehicle may not inflate ina crash, or they could even inflate withouta crash. To help avoid injury to yourselfor others, have your vehicle serviced rightaway if the airbag readiness light stays onafter you start your vehicle.

The airbag readiness light should flash for a fewseconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN.If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so itwill be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

Passenger Airbag Status IndicatorYour vehicle has the passenger sensing system.Your overhead console has a passenger airbagstatus indicator.

When the ignition key is turned to RUN or START,the passenger airbag status indicator will lightON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,for several seconds as a system check. Then,after several more seconds, the status indicatorwill light either ON or OFF, or either the onor off symbol to let you know the status of theright front passenger’s frontal airbag.

PassengerAirbag Status

Indicator – UnitedStates

PassengerAirbag Status

Indicator – Canada

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If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on thepassenger airbag status indicator, it means thatthe right front passenger’s frontal airbag is enabled(may inflate).

{CAUTION:

If the on indicator comes on when you havea rear-facing child restraint installed in theright front passenger’s seat, it means thatthe passenger sensing system has notturned off the passenger’s frontal airbag. Achild in a rear-facing child restraint can beseriously injured or killed if the right frontpassenger’s airbag inflates. This isbecause the back of the rear-facing childrestraint would be very close to theinflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facingchild restraint in the right front passenger’sseat if the airbag is turned on.

Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodatea rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sunvisor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seatin the front.” This is because the risk to therear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{CAUTION:

Even though the passenger sensingsystem is designed to turn off thepassenger’s frontal airbag if the systemdetects a rear-facing child restraint, nosystem is failsafe, and no one canguarantee that an airbag will not deployunder some unusual circumstance, eventhough it is turned off. We recommendthat rear-facing child restraints be securedin the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.

If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on theairbag status indicator, it means that thepassenger sensing system has turned off the rightfront passenger’s frontal airbag. See PassengerSensing System on page 100 for more onthis, including important safety information.

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If, after several seconds, all status indicator lightsremain on, or if there are no lights at all, theremay be a problem with the lights or the passengersensing system. See your dealer for service.

{CAUTION:

If the off indicator and the airbagreadiness light ever come on together, itmeans that something may be wrong withthe airbag system. If this ever happens,have the vehicle serviced promptly,because an adult-size person sitting in theright front passenger seat may not havethe protection of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 227.

Charging System Light

The charging systemlight will come on brieflywhen you turn on theignition, but theengine is not running,as a check to show youit is working.

It should go out once the engine is running.If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving,you may have a problem with the charging system.It could indicate that you have problems with thegenerator, the generator drive belt, or anotherelectrical problem. Have it checked right away.Driving while this light is on could drain yourbattery.

When this light comes on, the DIC will also displaythe SERVICE BATTERY NOT CHARGINGSYSTEM message. See DIC Warnings andMessages on page 254 for more information.

If you must drive a short distance with the light on,be certain to turn off all your accessories, such asthe radio and air conditioner, to reduce the drain onyour battery.

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Voltmeter Gage

When your engine is notrunning, but the ignitionis in RUN, this gageshows your battery’sstate of charge inDC volts.

When the engine is running, the gage shows thecondition of the charging system. The chargingsystem regulates voltage based on the state of thebattery for improved fuel economy and batterylife. The gage may transition from a higher to loweror a lower to higher reading, this is normal.Readings between the low and high warning zonesindicate the normal operating range.

Readings in the low warning zone may occurwhen a large number of electrical accessories areoperating in the vehicle and the engine is left atan idle for an extended period. This conditionis normal since the charging system is not able toprovide full power at engine idle. As enginespeeds are increased, this condition should correctitself as higher engine speeds allow the chargingsystem to create full power. If there is a problemwith the battery charging system, this lightwill come on or the SERVICE BATTERYCHARGING SYSTEM DIC message will display.See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 254and Charging System Light on page 230 for moreinformation.

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Brake System Warning LightWith the ignition on, the brake system warninglight will come on when you set the parking brake.If you try to drive with the parking brake engaged,a chime will sound when the vehicle speed isgreater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is dividedinto two parts. If one part is not working, the otherpart can still work and stop you. For goodbraking, though, you need both parts working well.

If the warning light comes on and a chime soundsthere could be a brake problem. Have your brakesystem inspected right away.

This light may also come on due to low brake fluid.See Brakes on page 463 for more information.

This light should come on briefly when you turnthe ignition key to RUN. If it does not comeon then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warnyou if there’s a problem.

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull offthe road and stop carefully. You may noticethat the pedal is harder to push or may go closerto the floor. It may take longer to stop. If thelight is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.See Towing Your Vehicle on page 400.

{CAUTION:

Your brake system may not be workingproperly if the brake system warning lightis on. Driving with the brake systemwarning light on can lead to an accident.If the light is still on after you have pulledoff the road and stopped carefully, havethe vehicle towed for service.


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Anti-Lock Brake System WarningLight

With the anti-lock brakesystem, this light willcome on when you startyour engine and maystay on for severalseconds.

That’s normal. If the light does not come on then,have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you ifthere is a problem.

If the light stays on, or comes on when you aredriving, your vehicle needs service. You willalso hear a chime sound when the light is onsteady. If the regular brake system warning light isnot on, you still have brakes, but you do nothave anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake systemwarning light is also on you do not have anti-lockbrakes and there is a problem with your regularbrakes. In addition to both lights, you will also heara chime sound on the first occurrence of aproblem and each time the vehicle is shut off andthen restarted. See Brake System WarningLight on page 232.

The anti-lock brake system warning light shouldcome on briefly when you turn the ignitionkey to RUN. If the light does not come on then,have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if thereis a problem.

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StabiliTrak® Indicator Light

If equipped, this warninglight should come onbriefly when the engineis started.

If the warning light does not come on then, have itfixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is aproblem. If it stays on, or comes on when you aredriving, there may be a problem with yourStabiliTrak® system and your vehicle may needservice. When this warning light is on, the systemis off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust yourdriving accordingly.

This light will also flash when the StabiliTrak®

system is active.

If the StabiliTrak® system warning light comes onand stays on for an extended period of timewhen the system is turned on, your vehicle needsservice. See StabiliTrak® System on page 348for more information.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.

It also provides an indicator of how hard yourvehicle is working. During a majority of theoperation, the gage will read 210°F (100°C) orless. If you are pulling a load or going up hills, it isnormal for the temperature to fluctuate andapproach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the gagereaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates thatthe cooling system is working beyond itscapacity.See Engine Overheating on page 452.


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Tire Pressure Light

This light will come onbriefly when you turnthe ignition to RUN.

This light will also come on when one or more ofyour tires are significantly underinflated.

If equipped, a CHECK TIRE PRESSURE DICmessage will accompany the light.

Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe todo so. If underinflated, inflate to the properpressure. See Tires on page 482 for moreinformation.

This light will flash for 60 seconds and then turnon solid if a problem is detected with the TirePressure Monitor system.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 492for more information.

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Check Engine Light

Your vehicle has acomputer whichmonitors operation ofthe fuel, ignition,and emission controlsystems.

This system is called OBD II (On-BoardDiagnostics-Second Generation) and is intendedto assure that emissions are at acceptablelevels for the life of the vehicle, helping to producea cleaner environment. The check engine lightcomes on to indicate that there is a problem andservice is required. Malfunctions often will beindicated by the system before any problem isapparent. This may prevent more serious damageto your vehicle. This system is also designed toassist your service technician in correctlydiagnosing any malfunction.

Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle withthis light on, after awhile, your emissioncontrols may not work as well, your fueleconomy may not be as good, and your enginemay not run as smoothly. This could lead tocostly repairs that may not be covered by yourwarranty.

Notice: Modifications made to the engine,transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel systemof your vehicle or the replacement of theoriginal tires with other than those of the sameTire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affectyour vehicle’s emission controls and maycause this light to come on. Modifications tothese systems could lead to costly repairs notcovered by your warranty. This may alsoresult in a failure to pass a required EmissionInspection/Maintenance test. See Accessoriesand Modifications on page 426.

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This light should come on, as a check to showyou it is working, when the ignition is on and theengine is not running. If the light does notcome on, have it repaired. This light will alsocome on during a malfunction in one of two ways:

• Light Flashing — A misfire condition hasbeen detected. A misfire increases vehicleemissions and may damage the emissioncontrol system on your vehicle. Diagnosis andservice may be required.

• Light On Steady — An emission controlsystem malfunction has been detected on yourvehicle. Diagnosis and service may berequired.

If the Light is FlashingThe following may prevent more serious damageto your vehicle:

• Reducing vehicle speed

• Avoiding hard accelerations

• Avoiding steep uphill grades

• If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amountof cargo being hauled as soon as it ispossible

If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.

If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to doso, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to parkyour vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least10 seconds and restart the engine. If the lightremains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”following. If the light is still flashing, follow theprevious steps, and see your dealer for service assoon as possible.

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If the Light Is On SteadyYou may be able to correct the emission systemmalfunction by considering the following:

Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?

If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fullyinstall the cap. See Filling the Tank on page 432.The diagnostic system can determine if thefuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel toevaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving tripswith the cap properly installed should turn thelight off.

Did you just drive through a deep puddle ofwater?

If so, your electrical system may be wet. Thecondition will usually be corrected when theelectrical system dries out. A few driving tripsshould turn the light off.

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?

If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.See Gasoline Octane on page 428. Poor fuelquality will cause your engine not to run asefficiently as designed. You may notice this asstalling after start-up, stalling when you putthe vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation onacceleration, or stumbling on acceleration.(These conditions may go away once the engineis warmed up.) This will be detected by thesystem and cause the light to turn on.

If you experience one or more of these conditions,change the fuel brand you use. It will require atleast one full tank of the proper fuel to turn thelight off.

If none of the above steps have made the lightturn off, your dealer can check the vehicle.Your dealer has the proper test equipment anddiagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electricalproblems that may have developed.

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Emissions Inspection and MaintenanceProgramsSome state/provincial and local governments haveor may begin programs to inspect the emissioncontrol equipment on your vehicle. Failure to passthis inspection could prevent you from getting avehicle registration.

Here are some things you need to know to helpyour vehicle pass an inspection:

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if thecheck engine light is on or not working properly.

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD(on-board diagnostic) system determines thatcritical emission control systems have not beencompletely diagnosed by the system. The vehiclewould be considered not ready for inspection. Thiscan happen if you have recently replaced yourbattery or if your battery has run down. Thediagnostic system is designed to evaluate criticalemission control systems during normal driving.This may take several days of routine driving. If youhave done this and your vehicle still does not passthe inspection for lack of OBD system readiness,your GM dealer can prepare the vehicle forinspection.

Oil Pressure Gage

The oil pressure gage shows the engine oilpressure in psi (pounds per square inch) whenthe engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicatepressure in kPa (kilopascals).

Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outsidetemperature and oil viscosity, but readings abovethe low pressure zone indicate the normal operatingrange. When the oil pressure reaches the lowpressure zone, the “OIL PRESSURE LOW STOPENGINE” message will appear in the DriverInformation Center. See DIC Warnings andMessages on page 254 and Engine Oil onpage 438 for more information.


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A reading in the low pressure zone may becaused by a dangerously low oil level or someother problem causing low oil pressure. Checkyour oil as soon as possible.

{CAUTION:

Do not keep driving if the oil pressure islow. If you do, your engine can become sohot that it catches fire. You or others couldbe burned. Check your oil as soon aspossible and have your vehicle serviced.

Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenancemay damage the engine. The repairs wouldnot be covered by your warranty. Always followthe maintenance schedule in this manual forchanging engine oil.

Oil Pressure Light

{CAUTION:

Do not keep driving if the oil pressure islow. If you do, your engine can become sohot that it catches fire. You or otherscould be burned. Check your oil as soonas possible and have your vehicleserviced.

Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenancemay damage the engine. The repairs wouldnot be covered by your warranty. Always followthe maintenance schedule in this manual forchanging engine oil.

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This light tells you ifthere could be aproblem with yourengine oil pressure.

This light will come on briefly when you start yourengine. That is a check to be sure the lightworks. If it does not come on, be sure to have itfixed so it will be there to warn you if somethinggoes wrong.

When the light comes on and stays on, it meansthat oil is not flowing through your engine properly.You could be low on oil and you might havesome other system problem.

Security Light

This light flashes whenthe vehicle securitysystem is activated.

Fog Lamp Light

The fog lamps light willcome on when the foglamps are in use.

The light will go out when the fog lamps areturned off. See Fog Lamps on page 202 for moreinformation.

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Cruise Control Light

This light comes onwhenever you set yourcruise control.

The light will go out when the cruise control isturned off. See Cruise Control on page 196for more information.

Highbeam On Light

This light will come onwhen the high-beamheadlamps are in use.

See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer onpage 192.

Tow/Haul Mode Light

This light is displayedwhen the Tow/Haulmode has beenactivated.

For more information, see Towing a Trailer onpage 405 and Tow/Haul Mode on page 145.

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Fuel Gage

The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells youabout how much fuel you have left in your tank.

The gage will first indicate empty before youare out of fuel, and you should get more fuel assoon as possible.

When the fuel tank is low, the FUEL LEVEL LOWmessage will appear. See DIC Warnings andMessages on page 254.

Here are some situations you may experience withyour fuel gage. None of these indicate a problemwith the fuel gage.

• At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts offbefore the gage reads full.

• It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up thanthe fuel gage indicated. For example, thegage may have indicated the tank was half full,but it actually took a little more or less thanhalf the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.

• The gage goes back to empty when you turnoff the ignition.

Low Fuel Warning Light

This light, under the fuelgage, will come onbriefly when youare starting the engine.

This light and a chime will come on when the fueltank is low on fuel. There will also be a “FUELLEVEL LOW” message on the Driver InformationCenter, see DIC Warnings and Messages onpage 254 for more information. When you add fuelthis light and message should go off. If it doesnot, have your vehicle serviced.


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Driver Information Center (DIC)Your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC).

The DIC displays information about your vehicle.It also displays warning messages if a systemproblem is detected.

All messages will appear in the DIC displaylocated below the tachometer in the instrumentpanel cluster.

The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After ashort delay, the DIC will display the informationthat was last displayed before the engine wasturned off.

If your vehicle has DIC buttons, see “DICOperation and Displays (With DIC Buttons)” laterin this section and DIC Vehicle Customization(With DIC Buttons) on page 264 for the displaysavailable.

If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, see“DIC Operation and Displays (Without DICButtons)” later in this section for the displaysavailable.

DIC Operation and Displays(With DIC Buttons)If your vehicle has DIC buttons, the informationbelow explains the operation of this system.

The DIC has different displays which can beaccessed by pressing the DIC buttons located onthe instrument panel, to the right of the steeringwheel.

The DIC displays trip, fuel, and vehicle systeminformation, and warning messages if a systemproblem is detected.

The DIC also allows some features to becustomized. See DIC Vehicle Customization (WithDIC Buttons) on page 264 for more information.

If your vehicle has DIC buttons, you can also usethe trip odometer reset stem to view some ofthe DIC displays. See “DIC Operation and Displays(Without DIC Buttons)” later in this section.

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DIC Buttons

The buttons are thetrip/fuel, vehicleinformation,customization, andset/reset buttons. Thebutton functionsare detailed in thefollowing pages.

3 (Trip/Fuel): Press this button to display theodometer, trip odometer, fuel range, averageeconomy, fuel used, timer, and transmissiontemperature. Some vehicles also displayinstantaneous economy and a Displacementon Demand™ (DoD™) indicator.

T (Vehicle Information): Press this button todisplay the oil life, units, tire pressure readingsfor vehicles with a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)system, engine hours, Tire Pressure Monitor(TPM) system programming for vehicles with aTPM system, and remote keyless entry transmitterprogramming.

U (Customization): Press this button tocustomize the feature settings on your vehicle.See DIC Vehicle Customization (With DIC Buttons)on page 264 for more information.

V (Set/Reset): Press this button to set or resetcertain functions and to turn off or acknowledgemessages on the DIC.

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Trip/Fuel Menu Items

3 (Trip/Fuel): Press this button to scrollthrough the following menu items:

OdometerPress the trip/fuel button until ODOMETERdisplays. This display shows the distance thevehicle has been driven in either miles (mi)or kilometers (km). Pressing the trip odometerreset stem will also display the odometer.

To switch between English and metricmeasurements, see “Units” later in this section.

Trip OdometerPress the trip/fuel button until TRIP displays.This display shows the current distance traveled ineither miles (mi) or kilometers (km) since thelast reset for the trip odometer. Pressing the tripodometer reset stem will also display the tripodometer.

The trip odometer can be reset to zero by pressingthe set/reset button while the trip odometer isdisplayed. You can also reset the trip odometerwhile it is displayed by pressing and holdingthe trip odometer reset stem.

The trip odometer has a feature called theretro-active reset. This can be used to set the tripodometer to the number of miles (kilometers)driven since the ignition was last turned on. Thiscan be used if the trip odometer is not reset at thebeginning of the trip.

To use the retro-active reset feature, press and holdthe set/reset button for at least two seconds. Thetrip odometer will display the number of miles (mi)or kilometers (km) driven since the ignition was lastturned on and the vehicle was moving. Once thevehicle begins moving, the trip odometer willaccumulate mileage. For example, if the vehiclewas driven 5 miles (8 km) before it is started again,and then the retro-active reset feature is activated,the display will show 5 miles (8 km). As the vehiclebegins moving, the display will then increase to5.1 miles (8.2 km), 5.2 miles (8.4 km), etc.

If the retro-active reset feature is activated afterthe vehicle is started, but before it begins moving,the display will show the number of miles (mi)or kilometers (km) that were driven during the lastignition cycle.

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Fuel RangePress the trip/fuel button until FUEL RANGEdisplays. This display shows the approximatenumber of remaining miles (mi) or kilometers (km)the vehicle can be driven without refueling.The display will show LOW if the fuel level is low.

The fuel range estimate is based on an averageof the vehicle’s fuel economy over recentdriving history and the amount of fuel remaining inthe fuel tank. This estimate will change if drivingconditions change. For example, if driving in trafficand making frequent stops, this display mayread one number, but if the vehicle is driven on afreeway, the number may change even thoughthe same amount of fuel is in the fuel tank. This isbecause different driving conditions producedifferent fuel economies. Generally, freewaydriving produces better fuel economy than citydriving. Fuel range cannot be reset.

Average EconomyPress the trip/fuel button until AVG ECONOMYdisplays. This display shows the approximateaverage miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per100 kilometers (L/100 km). This number iscalculated based on the number of mpg (L/100 km)recorded since the last time this menu item wasreset. To reset AVG ECONOMY, press andhold the set/reset button.

Fuel UsedPress the trip/fuel button until FUEL USEDdisplays. This display shows the number ofgallons (gal) or liters (L) of fuel used since the lastreset of this menu item. To reset the fuel usedinformation, press and hold the set/reset buttonwhile FUEL USED is displayed.

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TimerPress the trip/fuel button until TIMER displays.This display can be used as a timer.

To start the timer, press the set/reset button whileTIMER is displayed. The display will show theamount of time that has passed since the timer waslast reset, not including time the ignition is off. Timewill continue to be counted as long as the ignition ison, even if another display is being shown on theDIC. The timer will record up to 99 hours,59 minutes and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after whichthe display will return to zero.

To stop the timer, press the set/reset button brieflywhile TIMER is displayed.

To reset the timer to zero, press and hold theset/reset button while TIMER is displayed.

Transmission TemperaturePress the trip/fuel button until TRANS TEMPdisplays. This display shows the temperature ofthe automatic transmission fluid in either degreesFahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).

Instantaneous Economy and Displacementon Demand™ (DoD™) IndicatorIf your vehicle has this display, press the trip/fuelbutton until INST ECONOMY V8 MODEdisplays. This display shows the current fueleconomy at a particular moment and will changefrequently as driving conditions change. Thisdisplay shows the instantaneous fuel economy inmiles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers(L/100 km). Unlike average economy, thisscreen cannot be reset.

A Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™) indicatorwill display on the right side of the DIC, whileINST ECONOMY displays on the left side.DoD™ allows the engine to operate on either fouror eight cylinders, depending on your drivingdemands. When DoD™ is active, V4 MODE willdisplay on the DIC. When DoD™ is inactive,V8 MODE will display. See Displacementon Demand™ (DoD™) on page 141 for moreinformation.

Blank DisplayThis display shows no information.

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Vehicle Information Menu Items

T (Vehicle Information): Press this button toscroll through the following menu items:

Oil LifePress the vehicle information button until OIL LIFEREMAINING displays. This display shows anestimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. If yousee 99% OIL LIFE REMAINING on the display,that means 99% of the current oil life remains.The engine oil life system will alert you to changeyour oil on a schedule consistent with yourdriving conditions.

When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on thedisplay. See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 254. Youshould change your oil as soon as you can. SeeEngine Oil on page 438. In addition to the engine oillife system monitoring the oil life, additionalmaintenance is recommended in the MaintenanceSchedule in this manual. See ScheduledMaintenance on page 555 for more information.

Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE displayyourself after each oil change. It will not resetitself. Also, be careful not to reset the OIL LIFEdisplay accidentally at any time other thanwhen the oil has just been changed. It cannot bereset accurately until the next oil change. Toreset the engine oil life system, see Engine OilLife System on page 441.

UnitsPress the vehicle information button until UNITSdisplays. This display allows you to select betweenEnglish or Metric units of measurement. Once inthis display, press the set/reset button to selectbetween ENGLISH or METRIC units. All ofthe vehicle information will then be displayed inthe unit of measurement selected.

Tire PressureIf your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)system, the pressure for each tire can be viewed inthe DIC. The tire pressure will be shown in eitherpounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).Press the vehicle information button until the DICdisplays FRONT TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ##RIGHT ##. Press the vehicle information buttonagain until the DIC displays REAR TIRES PSI (kPa)LEFT ## RIGHT ##.

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If a low or high tire pressure condition is detectedby the system while driving, a message advisingyou to check the pressure in a specific tirewill appear in the display. See Inflation - TirePressure on page 490 and DIC Warningsand Messages on page 254 for more information.

Engine HoursPress the vehicle information button until ENGINEHOURS displays. This display shows the totalnumber of hours the engine has run.

Relearn Tire PositionsIf your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)system, after rotating the tires or after replacinga tire or sensor, the system must re-learn the tirepositions. To re-learn the tire positions, seeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 492. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 497 and DICWarnings and Messages on page 254 for moreinformation.

Relearn Remote KeyThis display allows you to match remote keylessentry transmitters to your vehicle. To match aremote keyless entry transmitter to your vehicle,do the following:

1. Press the vehicle information button untilPRESS V TO RELEARN REMOTE KEYdisplays.

2. Press the set/reset button until REMOTE KEYLEARNING ACTIVE is displayed.

3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttonson the first transmitter at the same time forapproximately 15 seconds.A chime will sound indicating that thetransmitter is matched.

4. To match additional transmitters at this time,repeat Step 3.Each vehicle can have a maximum of eighttransmitters matched to it.

5. To exit the programming mode, you mustcycle the key to LOCK.

Blank DisplayThis display shows no information.

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DIC Operation and Displays(Without DIC Buttons)If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, theinformation below explains the operation ofthis system.

The DIC has different displays which can beaccessed by pressing the trip odometer reset stemlocated on the instrument panel cluster. Pressingthe trip odometer reset stem will also turn off,or acknowledge, DIC messages.

The DIC displays trip and vehicle systeminformation, and warning messages if a systemproblem is detected.

If your vehicle does not have DIC buttons, you canuse the trip odometer reset stem to view thefollowing displays: odometer, engine hours, tripodometer, oil life, Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)system programming for vehicles with a TPMsystem, remote keyless entry transmitterprogramming, and display language.

If your vehicle has DIC buttons, you can use thetrip odometer reset stem to view the followingdisplays: odometer, engine hours, trip odometer,and display language.

Trip Odometer Reset Stem Menu ItemsOdometerPress the trip odometer reset stem untilODOMETER displays. This display shows thedistance the vehicle has been driven in eithermiles (mi) or kilometers (km).

Engine HoursTo display the ENGINE HOURS, place the ignitionin LOCK or ACCESSORY, then press and holdthe trip odometer reset stem for four seconds whileviewing the ODOMETER. This display showsthe total number of hours the engine has run.

Trip OdometerPress the trip odometer reset stem until TRIPdisplays. This display shows the current distancetraveled in either miles (mi) or kilometers (km)since the last reset for the trip odometer.

The trip odometer can be reset to zero by pressingand holding the trip odometer reset stem whilethe trip odometer is displayed.

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The trip odometer has a feature called theretro-active reset. This can be used to set the tripodometer to the number of miles (kilometers)driven since the ignition was last turned on. Thiscan be used if the trip odometer is not reset at thebeginning of the trip.

To use the retro-active reset feature, press andhold the trip odometer reset stem for at leastthree seconds. The trip odometer will display thenumber of miles (mi) or kilometers (km) drivensince the ignition was last turned on and thevehicle was moving. Once the vehicle beginsmoving, the trip odometer will accumulatemileage. For example, if the vehicle was driven5 miles (8 km) before it is started again, and thenthe retro-active reset feature is activated, thedisplay will show 5 miles (8 km). As the vehiclebegins moving, the display will then increaseto 5.1 miles (8.2 km), 5.2 miles (8.4 km), etc.

If the retro-active reset feature is activated afterthe vehicle is started, but before it begins moving,the display will show the number of miles (mi)or kilometers (km) that were driven during the lastignition cycle.

Oil LifeTo access this display, the vehicle must be inPARK (P). Press the trip odometer reset stem untilOIL LIFE REMAINING displays. This displayshows an estimate of the oil’s remaining usefullife. If you see 99% OIL LIFE REMAINING on thedisplay, that means 99% of the current oil liferemains. The engine oil life system will alert you tochange your oil on a schedule consistent withyour driving conditions.

When the remaining oil life is low, the CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message will appear on thedisplay. See “CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON” underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 254.You should change your oil as soon as you can.See Engine Oil on page 438. In addition to theengine oil life system monitoring the oil life,additional maintenance is recommended in theMaintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 555 for moreinformation.

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Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE displayyourself after each oil change. It will not resetitself. Also, be careful not to reset the OIL LIFEdisplay accidentally at any time other thanwhen the oil has just been changed. It cannotbe reset accurately until the next oil change.To reset the engine oil life system, see Engine OilLife System on page 441.

Relearn Tire PositionsTo access this display, the vehicle must be inPARK (P). If your vehicle has a Tire PressureMonitor (TPM) system, after rotating the tires orafter replacing a tire or sensor, the systemmust re-learn the tire positions. To re-learn the tirepositions, see Tire Pressure Monitor System onpage 492. See Tire Inspection and Rotationon page 497 and DIC Warnings and Messages onpage 254 for more information.

Relearn Remote KeyTo access this display, the vehicle must be inPARK (P). This display allows you to match remotekeyless entry transmitters to your vehicle.To match a remote keyless entry transmitter toyour vehicle, do the following:

1. Press the trip odometer reset stem untilRELEARN REMOTE KEY displays.

2. Press and hold the trip odometer reset stemfor three seconds.The message REMOTE KEY LEARNINGACTIVE will display.

3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttonson the first transmitter at the same time forapproximately 15 seconds.A chime will sound indicating that thetransmitter is matched.

4. To match additional transmitters at this time,repeat Step 3.Each vehicle can have a maximum of eighttransmitters matched to it.

5. To exit the programming mode, you mustcycle the key to LOCK.

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LanguageThis display allows you to select the language inwhich the DIC messages will appear. To selecta language, do the following:

1. Press the trip odometer reset stem untilODOMETER displays.

2. While in the ODOMETER display, pressand hold the trip odometer reset stem forthree seconds until the currently setlanguage displays.

3. Continue to press and hold the trip odometerreset stem to scroll through all of the availablelanguages.The available languages are ENGLISH(default), FRANCAIS (French), and ESPANOL(Spanish).

4. Once the desired language is displayed,release the trip odometer reset stem toset your choice.

DIC Warnings and MessagesMessages are displayed on the DIC to notify thedriver that the status of the vehicle has changedand that some action may be needed by the driverto correct the condition. Multiple messages mayappear one after another.

Some messages may not require immediateaction, but you can press any of the DIC buttonson the instrument panel or the trip odometerreset stem on the instrument panel clusterto acknowledge that you received the messagesand to clear them from the display.

Some messages cannot be cleared from the DICdisplay because they are more urgent. Thesemessages require action before they can becleared. You should take any messages thatappear on the display seriously and remember thatclearing the messages will only make themessages disappear, not correct the problem.

The following are the possible messages that canbe displayed and some information about them.

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CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONThis message will display when the engine oilneeds to be changed. When you change theengine oil, be sure to reset the CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message. See Engine Oil LifeSystem on page 441 for information on how toreset the message. This message will clear itselfafter 10 seconds until the next ignition cycleor until the message is reset. See Engine Oil onpage 438 and Scheduled Maintenance onpage 555 for more information.

CHECK TIRE PRESSUREIf your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)system, this message will display when thepressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires needto be checked. This message will also displayLEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, orRIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs tobe checked. You can receive more than one tirepressure message at a time. To read the othermessages that may have been sent at the sametime, press the set/reset button or the tripodometer reset stem. If a tire pressure messageappears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can.

Have the tire pressures checked and set to thoseshown on your Tire Loading Information Label.See Tires on page 482, Loading Your Vehicle onpage 390, and Inflation - Tire Pressure onpage 490. The DIC display also shows the tirepressure values for the front and rear tiresby pressing the vehicle information button.See “DIC Operation and Displays (With DICButtons)” earlier in this section. If the tire pressureis low, the low tire pressure warning light willcome on. See Tire Pressure Light on page 235.

DRIVER DOOR OPENIf the driver’s door is not fully closed and thevehicle is in a drive gear, this message will displayand a chime will sound. Stop and turn off thevehicle, check the door for obstructions, and closethe door again. Check to see if the messagestill appears on the DIC.

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ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning)TURNED OFFThis message will display when the engine coolantbecomes hotter than the normal operatingtemperature. See Engine Coolant TemperatureGage on page 234. To avoid added strain on ahot engine, the air conditioning compressorautomatically turns off. When the coolanttemperature returns to normal, the air conditioningcompressor will turn back on. You can continueto drive your vehicle.

If this message continues to appear, have thesystem repaired by your GM dealer as soonas possible to avoid damage to your engine.

ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OILIf your vehicle has an oil level sensor and the oillevel in the vehicle is low, this message willdisplay. Check the oil level and correct it asnecessary. You may need to let the vehicle coolor warm up and cycle the ignition to be surethis message will clear.

This message will clear itself after 10 seconds,until the next ignition cycle. See Engine Oilon page 438 for additional information.

ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while theengine is overheating, severe engine damagemay occur. If an overheat warning appearson the instrument panel cluster and/orDIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.See Engine Overheating on page 452 for moreinformation.

This message will display when the engine coolanttemperature is too hot. Stop and allow thevehicle to idle until it cools down. See EngineCoolant Temperature Gage on page 234.

See Overheated Engine Protection OperatingMode on page 454 for information on driving to asafe place in an emergency.

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ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while theengine is overheating, severe engine damagemay occur. If an overheat warning appearson the instrument panel cluster and/orDIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 452 for moreinformation.

If the engine cooling system reaches unsafetemperatures for operation, this message willdisplay and a chime will sound. Stop and turn offthe vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoidsevere damage. This message will clear when theengine has cooled to a safe operating temperature.

ENGINE POWER IS REDUCEDThis message will display and a chime will soundwhen the cooling system temperature gets toohot and the engine further enters the enginecoolant protection mode. See Engine Overheatingon page 452 for further information.

This message will also display when the vehicle’sengine power is reduced. Reduced enginepower can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.If this message is on, but there is no reductionin performance, proceed to your destination.The performance may be reduced the next timethe vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven ata reduced speed while this message is on, butacceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytimethis message stays on, the vehicle should betaken to your GM dealer for service as soon aspossible.

FUEL LEVEL LOWIf the fuel level is low, this message will displayand a chime will sound. Refuel as soon aspossible. See Fuel Gage on page 243 andFuel on page 428 for more information.

HOOD OPENIf the hood is not fully closed, this message willdisplay and a chime will sound. Stop and turn offthe vehicle, check the hood for obstructions, andclose the hood again. Check to see if the messagestill appears on the DIC.

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LEFT REAR DOOR OPENIf the driver’s side rear door is not fully closed andthe vehicle is in a drive gear, this message willdisplay and a chime will sound. Stop and turn offthe vehicle, check the door for obstructions,and close the door again. Check to see if themessage still appears on the DIC.

OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle while theengine oil pressure is low, severe enginedamage may occur. If a low oil pressurewarning appears on the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), stop the vehicle as soon aspossible. Do not drive the vehicle until thecause of the low oil pressure is corrected.See Engine Oil on page 438 for moreinformation.

If low oil pressure levels occur, this message willdisplay. Stop the vehicle as soon as safelypossible and do not operate it until the cause ofthe low oil pressure has been corrected. Checkyour oil as soon as possible and have your vehicleserviced by your GM dealer. See Engine Oil onpage 438.

PARK ASSIST OFFIf your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear ParkingAssist (URPA) system, after the vehicle has beenstarted, this message will display to remind thedriver that the URPA system has been turned off.Press the set/reset button or the trip odometerreset stem to acknowledge this message and clearit from the DIC display. To turn the URPAsystem back on, see Ultrasonic Rear ParkingAssist (URPA) on page 205.

PASSENGER DOOR OPENIf the passenger’s door is not fully closed and thevehicle is in a drive gear, this message willdisplay and a chime will sound. Stop and turn offthe vehicle, check the door for obstructions,and close the door again. Check to see if themessage still appears on the DIC.

REAR ACCESS OPENIf the liftgate or liftglass is open while the ignitionis in RUN, this message will display and achime will sound. Turn off the vehicle and checkthe liftgate and liftglass. Restart the vehicleand check for the message on the DIC display.

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REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVEThis message will display while you are matchinga remote keyless entry transmitter to yourvehicle. See “Matching Transmitter(s) to YourVehicle” under Remote Keyless Entry SystemOperation on page 113 and DIC Operationand Displays (With DIC Buttons) on page 244 orDIC Operation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)on page 251 for more information.

REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEYIf a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low,this message will display. The battery needs tobe replaced in the transmitter. See “BatteryReplacement” under Remote Keyless EntrySystem Operation on page 113.

RIGHT REAR DOOR OPENIf the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closedand the vehicle is in a drive gear, this messagewill display and a chime will sound. Stop and turnoff the vehicle, check the door for obstructions,and close the door again. Check to see if themessage still appears on the DIC.

SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVEIf a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drivesystem, this message will display. If this messageappears, stop as soon as possible and turn offthe vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for themessage on the DIC display. If the messageis still displayed or appears again when you begindriving, the four-wheel-drive system needsservice. See your GM dealer.

SERVICE AIR BAGIf there is a problem with the airbag system, thismessage will display. Have your GM dealer inspectthe system for problems. See Airbag ReadinessLight on page 227 and Airbag System on page 90for more information.

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SERVICE BATTERY CHARGINGSYSTEMOn some vehicles, if there is a problem with thebattery charging system, this message will display.Under certain conditions, the battery warninglight may also turn on in the instrument panelcluster. See Charging System Light on page 230.Driving with this problem could drain the battery.Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Havethe electrical system checked as soon as possible.See your GM dealer.

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEMIf there is a problem with the brake system, thismessage will display along with the brake systemwarning light. See Brake System Warning Lighton page 232. If this message appears, stopas soon as possible and turn off the vehicle.Restart the vehicle and check for the message onthe DIC display. If the message is still displayedor appears again when you begin driving, thebrake system needs service as soon as possible.See your GM dealer.

SERVICE BRAKES SOONIf there is a problem with the brake system, thismessage will display. If this message appears,stop as soon as possible and turn off the vehicle.Restart the vehicle and check for the messageon the DIC display. If the message is still displayedor appears again when you begin driving, thebrake system needs service. See your GM dealer.

SERVICE PARK ASSISTIf your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear ParkingAssist (URPA) system, this message will displayif there is a problem with the URPA system. Do notuse this system to help you park. See UltrasonicRear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 205 for moreinformation. See your GM dealer for service.

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SERVICE STABILITRAKIf your vehicle has StabiliTrak® and this messagedisplays, it means there may be a problem with theStabiliTrak® system. If you see this message, try toreset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for atleast 15 seconds; then start the engine again. If thismessage still comes on, it means there is aproblem. You should see your GM dealer forservice. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, youdo not have the benefit of StabiliTrak®, so reduceyour speed and drive accordingly.

SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEMIf your vehicle has the Autoride® suspensionsystem, this message will display when theAutoride® suspension system is not operatingproperly. Have your vehicle serviced by yourGM dealer.

SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMThis message will display when there is aproblem with the theft-deterrent system. Thevehicle may or may not restart so you may wantto take the vehicle to your GM dealer beforeturning off the engine. See PASS-Key® III+Operation on page 134 for more information.

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEMIf your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor(TPM) system, this message will display if a parton the system is not working properly. If youdrive your vehicle while any of the four sensorsare missing or inoperable, the warning willcome on in about 20 minutes. A sensor would bemissing, for example, if you put different wheelson your vehicle without transferring the sensors.If the warning comes on and stays on, theremay be a problem with the TPM. See yourGM dealer.

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SERVICE TRACTION CONTROLIf your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message willdisplay when there is a problem with the tractioncontrol system. When this message is displayed,the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjustyour driving accordingly. See your GM dealer forservice. See StabiliTrak® System on page 348for more information.

STABILITRAK OFFIf your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message willdisplay when you turn off StabiliTrak®, or whenthe stability control has been automaticallydisabled. To limit wheel spin and realize the fullbenefits of the stability enhancement system, youshould normally leave StabiliTrak® on. However,you should turn StabiliTrak® off if your vehicle getsstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and you wantto rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if youare driving in extreme off-road conditions andrequire more wheel spin. See If Your Vehicle isStuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 388.To turn the StabiliTrak® system on or off, seeStabiliTrak® System on page 348.

There are several conditions that can cause thismessage to appear.

• One condition is overheating, which couldoccur if StabiliTrak® activates continuouslyfor an extended period of time.

• The message will also be displayed if thebrake system warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 232.

• The message could be displayed if the stabilitysystem takes longer than usual to complete itsdiagnostic checks due to driving conditions.

• If an engine or vehicle related problem hasbeen detected and the vehicle needsservice, the message will appear. See yourGM dealer.

• The message will also appear if the vehicle isshifted into 4LO.

The message will turn off as soon as the conditionsthat caused the message to be displayed are nolonger present.

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TIGHTEN GAS CAPIf the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly,this message may display along with the checkengine light on the instrument panel cluster.See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 236.Reinstall the fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank onpage 432. The diagnostic system can determineif the fuel cap has been left off or improperlyinstalled. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuelto evaporate into the atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the cap properly installed should turn thislight and message off.

TIRE LEARNING ACTIVEIf your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)system, this message will display when the systemis re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. SeeDIC Operation and Displays (With DIC Buttons) onpage 244 or DIC Operation and Displays (WithoutDIC Buttons) on page 251 for more information.The tire positions must be re-learned after rotatingthe tires or after replacing a tire or sensor. See TireInspection and Rotation on page 497, Tire PressureMonitor System on page 492, and Inflation - TirePressure on page 490 for more information.

TRACTION CONTROL OFFIf your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message willdisplay when the traction control system isturned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.See StabiliTrak® System on page 348 for moreinformation.

TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE

Notice: If you drive your vehicle whilethe transmission fluid is overheating and thetransmission temperature warning is displayedon the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC,you can damage the transmission. This couldlead to costly repairs that would not becovered by your warranty. Do not drive yourvehicle with overheated transmission fluidor while the transmission temperature warningis displayed.

If the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot, thismessage will display along with a continuouschime. Driving with the transmission fluidtemperature high can cause damage to the vehicle.Stop the vehicle and let it idle to allow thetransmission to cool. This message will clear andthe chime will stop when the fluid temperaturereaches a safe level.

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TURN SIGNAL ONIf a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km),this message will display and a chime willsound. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever tothe off position.

WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUIDIf the washer fluid level is low, this message willdisplay. Adding washer fluid to the windshieldwasher reservoir will clear the message.See Windshield Washer Fluid on page 462.

This message will clear itself after 10 seconds,until the next ignition cycle.

DIC Vehicle Customization(With DIC Buttons)Your vehicle may have customization capabilitiesthat allow you to program certain features toone preferred setting. Customization features canonly be programmed to one setting on thevehicle and cannot be programmed to a preferredsetting for two different drivers.

All of the customization options may not beavailable on your vehicle. Only the optionsavailable will be displayed on your DIC.

The default settings for the customization featureswere set when your vehicle left the factory, butmay have been changed from their defaultstate since then.

The customization preferences are automaticallyrecalled.

To change customization preferences, use thefollowing procedure.

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Entering the Feature Settings Menu1. Turn the ignition on and place the vehicle in

PARK (P).

2. Press the customization button to scrollthrough the available customizable options.

Feature Settings Menu ItemsThe following are customization features that allowyou to program settings to the vehicle:

DISPLAY IN ENGLISHThis feature will only display if a language otherthan English has been set. This feature allows youto change the language in which the DICmessages appear to English.

Press the customization button until the PRESS V

TO DISPLAY IN ENGLISH screen appears onthe DIC display. Press the set/reset button onceto display all DIC messages in English.

DISPLAY LANGUAGEThis feature allows you to select the language inwhich the DIC messages will appear.Press the customization button until the DISPLAYLANGUAGE screen appears on the DIC display.Press the set/reset button once to access thesettings for this feature. Then press thecustomization button to scroll through the followingsettings:

ENGLISH (default): All messages will appear inEnglish.

FRANCAIS (French): All messages will appearin French.

ESPANOL (Spanish): All messages will appearin Spanish.

NO CHANGE: No change will be made to thisfeature. The current setting will remain.Choose one of the available settings and pressthe set/reset button while it is displayed on the DICto select it.You can also change the language by pressingthe trip odometer reset stem. See “Language”under DIC Operation and Displays (Without DICButtons) earlier in this section for more information.

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AUTO DOOR LOCKThis feature allows you to select when the vehicle’sdoors will automatically lock. See ProgrammableAutomatic Door Locks on page 121 for moreinformation.Press the customization button until AUTO DOORLOCK appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings for thisfeature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

SHIFT OUT OF PARK (default): The doors willautomatically lock when the vehicle is shifted out ofPARK (P).

AT VEHICLE SPEED: The doors willautomatically lock when the vehicle speed isabove 8 mph (13 km/h) for three seconds.

NO CHANGE: No change will be made to thisfeature. The current setting will remain.Choose one of the available settings and pressthe set/reset button while it is displayed on the DICto select it.

AUTO DOOR UNLOCKThis feature allows you to select whether or not toturn off the automatic door unlocking feature.It also allows you to select which doors andwhen the doors will automatically unlock.See Programmable Automatic Door Locks onpage 121 for more information.

Press the customization button until AUTO DOORUNLOCK appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings for thisfeature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

OFF: None of the doors will automatically unlock.

DRIVER AT KEY OUT: Only the driver’s doorwill unlock when the key is taken out of theignition.

DRIVER IN PARK: Only the driver’s door willunlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).

ALL AT KEY OUT: All of the doors will unlockwhen the key is taken out of the ignition.

ALL IN PARK (default): All of the doors willunlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).

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REMOTE DOOR LOCKThis feature allows you to select the type offeedback you will receive when locking the vehiclewith the remote keyless entry transmitter. You willnot receive feedback when locking the vehicle withthe remote keyless entry transmitter if the doors areopen. See Remote Keyless Entry SystemOperation on page 113 for more information.Press the customization button until REMOTEDOOR LOCK appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settings forthis feature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

OFF: There will be no feedback when you pressthe lock button on the remote keyless entrytransmitter.

LIGHTS ONLY: The exterior lamps will flash whenyou press the lock button on the remote keylessentry transmitter.

HORN ONLY: The horn will sound on the secondpress of the lock button on the remote keylessentry transmitter.

HORN & LIGHTS (default): The exterior lampswill flash when you press the lock button on theremote keyless entry transmitter, and the horn willsound when the lock button is pressed again withinfive seconds of the previous command.

NO CHANGE: No change will be made to thisfeature. The current setting will remain.

Choose one of the available settings and pressthe set/reset button while it is displayed on the DICto select it.

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REMOTE DOOR UNLOCKThis feature allows you to select the type offeedback you will receive when unlocking thevehicle with the remote keyless entry transmitter.You will not receive feedback when unlockingthe vehicle with the remote keyless entrytransmitter if the doors are open. See RemoteKeyless Entry System Operation on page 113 formore information.

Press the customization button until REMOTEDOOR UNLOCK appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settings forthis feature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

LIGHTS OFF: The exterior lamps will not flashwhen you press the unlock button on the remotekeyless entry transmitter.

LIGHTS ON (default): The exterior lamps willflash when you press the unlock button onthe remote keyless entry transmitter.



DELAY DOOR LOCKThis feature allows you to select whether or notthe locking of the vehicle’s doors and liftgatewill be delayed. When locking the doors andliftgate with the power door lock switch or theremote keyless entry transmitter and a door or theliftgate is open, this feature will delay lockingthe doors and liftgate until five seconds after thelast door is closed. You will hear three chimesto signal that the delayed locking feature is in use.The key must be out of the ignition for thisfeature to work. You can temporarily overridedelayed locking by pressing the power door lockswitch or the remote keyless entry transmittera second time. See Delayed Locking on page 121for more information.

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Press the customization button until DELAYDOOR LOCK appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settingsfor this feature. Then press the customizationbutton to scroll through the following settings:

OFF: There will be no delayed locking ofthe vehicle’s doors.

ON (default): The doors will not lock untilfive seconds after the last door or the liftgate isclosed.



EXIT LIGHTINGIf it is dark enough outside, this feature allowsyou to select the amount of time you want theexterior lamps to remain on. This happens after thevehicle is unlocked using the remote keyless entrytransmitter or if the vehicle key is turned to LOCKfrom RUN.

Press the customization button until EXITLIGHTING appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings forthis feature. Then press the customization buttonto scroll through the following settings:

OFF: The exterior lamps will not turn on.

30 SECONDS (default): The exterior lamps willstay on for 30 seconds.

1 MINUTE: The exterior lamps will stay on forone minute.

2 MINUTES: The exterior lamps will stay on fortwo minutes.



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APPROACH LIGHTINGThis feature allows you to select whether or not tohave the exterior lights turn on briefly duringlow light periods after unlocking the vehicle usingthe remote keyless entry transmitter.

Press the customization button until APPROACHLIGHTING appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings for thisfeature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

OFF: The exterior lights will not turn on when youunlock the vehicle with the remote keyless entrytransmitter.

ON (default): If it is dark enough outside, theexterior lights will turn on briefly when you unlockthe vehicle with the remote keyless entrytransmitter.

The lights will remain on for 20 seconds or untilthe lock button on the remote keyless entrytransmitter is pressed, or the vehicle is no longeroff. See Remote Keyless Entry System Operationon page 113 for more information.


CHIME VOLUMEThis feature allows you to select the volume levelof the chime.Press the customization button until CHIMEVOLUME appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings for thisfeature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

NORMAL (default): The chime volume will be setto a normal level.

LOUD: The chime volume will be set to a loudlevel.



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PARK TILT MIRRORSIf your vehicle has this feature, it allows you toselect whether or not the outside mirror(s)will automatically tilt down when the vehicle isshifted into REVERSE (R). See Outside Curb ViewAssist Mirrors on page 166 for more information.

Press the customization button until PARKTILT MIRRORS appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settingsfor this feature. Then press the customizationbutton to scroll through the following settings:

OFF (default): Neither outside mirror will be tilteddown when the vehicle is shifted intoREVERSE (R).

DRIVER MIRROR: The driver’s outside mirror willbe tilted down when the vehicle is shifted intoREVERSE (R).

PASSENGER MIRROR: The passenger’s outsidemirror will be tilted down when the vehicle isshifted into REVERSE (R).

BOTH MIRRORS: The driver’s and passenger’soutside mirrors will be tilted down when the vehicleis shifted into REVERSE (R).



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EASY EXIT SEATIf your vehicle has this feature, it allows you toselect your preference for the automatic easy exitseat feature. See Memory Seat, Mirrors, andPedals on page 13 for more information.

Press the customization button until EASY EXITSEAT appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings for thisfeature. Then press the customization button toscroll through the following settings:

OFF (default): No automatic seat exit recallwill occur.

ON: The driver’s seat will move back when thekey is removed from the ignition.

The automatic easy exit seat movement will onlyoccur one time after the key is removed fromthe ignition. If the automatic movement has alreadyoccurred, and you put the key back in theignition and remove it again, the seat will stay inthe original exit position, unless a memoryrecall took place prior to removing the key again.


MEMORY SEAT RECALLIf your vehicle has this feature, it allows you toselect your preference for the remote memory seatrecall feature. See Memory Seat, Mirrors, andPedals on page 13 for more information.Press the customization button until MEMORYSEAT RECALL appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settingsfor this feature. Then press the customizationbutton to scroll through the following settings:

OFF (default): No remote memory seat recallwill occur.

ON: The driver’s seat will automatically move tothe stored driving position when the unlock buttonon the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed.



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REMOTE STARTIf your vehicle has this feature, it allows you toturn the remote start off or on. The remotestart feature allows you to start the engine fromoutside of the vehicle using your remote keylessentry transmitter. See ″Remote Vehicle Start″under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation onpage 113 for more information.

Press the customization button until REMOTESTART appears on the DIC display. Pressthe set/reset button once to access the settings forthis feature. Then press the customizationbutton to scroll through the following settings:

OFF: The remote start feature will be disabled.

ON (default): The remote start feature willbe enabled.



FACTORY SETTINGSThis feature allows you to set all of thecustomization features back to their factory defaultsettings.

Press the customization button until FACTORYSETTINGS appears on the DIC display. Press theset/reset button once to access the settings forthis feature. Then press the customization buttonto scroll through the following settings:

RESTORE ALL (default): The customizationfeatures will be set to their factory default settings.

DO NOT RESTORE: The customization featureswill not be set to their factory default settings.

Choose one of the available settings and press theset/reset button while it is displayed on the DICto select it.

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EXIT FEATURE SETTINGSThis feature allows you to exit the featuresettings menu.

Press the customization button until PRESS V TOEXIT FEATURE SETTINGS appears in the DICdisplay. Press the set/reset button once to exit themenu.

If you do not exit, pressing the customizationbutton again will return you to the beginning of thefeature settings menu.

Exiting the Feature Settings MenuThe feature settings menu will be exited when anyof the following occurs:

• The vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).

• The vehicle is no longer in RUN.

• The trip/fuel or vehicle information DIC buttonsare pressed.

• The end of the feature settings menu isreached and exited.

• A 40 second time period has elapsed with noselection made.

Audio System(s)Determine which radio your vehicle has and thenread the pages following to familiarize yourselfwith its features.

Driving without distraction is a necessity for asafer driving experience. See Defensive Driving onpage 340. By taking a few moments to read thismanual and get familiar with your vehicle’saudio system, you can use it with less effort, aswell as take advantage of its features. While yourvehicle is parked, set up your audio system bypresetting your favorite radio stations, setting thetone and adjusting the speakers. Then, whendriving conditions permit, you can tune toyour favorite stations using the presets andsteering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.

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{CAUTION:

This system provides you with a fargreater access to audio stations and songlistings. Giving extended attention toentertainment tasks while driving cancause a crash and you or others can beinjured or killed. Always keep your eyeson the road and your mind on thedrive — avoid engaging in extendedsearching while driving.

Keeping your mind on the drive is important forsafe driving. For more information, see DefensiveDriving on page 340.

Here are some ways in which you can help avoiddistraction while driving.

While your vehicle is parked:

• Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.

• Familiarize yourself with its operation.

• Set up your audio system by presetting yourfavorite radio stations, setting the tone, andadjusting the speakers. Then, when drivingconditions permit, you can tune to your favoriteradio stations using the presets and steeringwheel controls if the vehicle has them.

Notice: Before adding any sound equipmentto your vehicle, such as an audio system,CD player, CB radio, mobile telephone,or two-way radio, make sure that it can beadded by checking with your dealer. Also,check federal rules covering mobile radio andtelephone units. If sound equipment can beadded, it is very important to do it properly.Added sound equipment may interfere with theoperation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, orother systems, and even damage them.Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with theoperation of sound equipment that hasbeen added.

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Notice: The chime signals related to safetybelts, parking brake, and other functionsof your vehicle operate through theradio/entertainment system. If that equipmentis replaced or additional equipment is addedto your vehicle, the chimes may not work. Makesure that replacement or additional equipmentis compatible with your vehicle beforeinstalling it. See Accessories and Modificationson page 426.

Your vehicle may have a feature called RetainedAccessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audiosystem can be played even after the ignitionis turned off. See Retained Accessory Power(RAP) on page 138 for more information.

Setting the Time (Radio with aSingle CD Player)If your vehicle has a radio with a single CD player,the radio will have a clock button for setting thetime and date.

To set the time and date, follow the instructionsbelow:

1. Press the clock button and the HR, MIN, MM,DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, andyear) will appear on the display.

2. Press the pushbutton located under any oneof the labels that you want to change. Everytime the pushbutton is pressed again, the timeor the date if selected, will increase by one.

• Another way to increase the time or date, isto press the right SEEK arrow or the FWDbutton.

3. To decrease, press the left SEEK arrow or theREV button. You can also rotate the tuneknob to adjust the selected setting.

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Changing the Time and Date DefaultSettingsYou can change the time default setting from12 hours to 24 hours or change the date defaultsetting from month/day/year to day/month/year.

To change the time or date default settings, followthe instructions below:

1. Press the clock button and then thepushbutton located under the forward arrowlabel until the time 12H and 24H, and the dateMM/DD/YYYY (month, day, and year) andDD/MM/YYYY (day, month, and year)are displayed.

2. Press the pushbutton located under thedesired option.

3. Press the clock button again to apply theselected default, or let the screen time out.

Setting the Time (Radio with aSix-Disc CD Player)If your vehicle has a radio with a six-disc CDplayer, the radio will have a MENU button insteadof the clock button to set the time and date.

To set the time and date, follow the instructionsbelow:

1. Press the MENU button. Once the clockoption is displayed, press the pushbuttonlocated under that label. The HR, MIN, MM,DD, YYYY (hour, minute, month, day,and year) will appear on the display.

2. Press the pushbutton located under any oneof the time or date setting labels that youwant to change. Every time the pushbutton ispressed again, the time or the date ifselected, will increase by one.

• Another way to increase the time or date, isto press the right SEEK arrow or the FWDbutton.

3. To decrease, press the left SEEK arrow or theREV button. You can also rotate the tuneknob to adjust the selected setting.

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Changing the Time and Date DefaultSettingsYou can change the time default setting from12 hours to 24 hours or change the date defaultsetting from month/day/year to day/month/year.

To change the time or date default settings, followthe instructions below:

1. Press the MENU button. Once the clockoption is displayed, press the pushbuttonlocated under that label. The 12H and 24H,and the date MM/DD/YYYY (month, day,and year) and DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, andyear) will appear on the display.

2. Press the pushbutton located under thedesired option.

3. Press the MENU button again to apply theselected default, or let the screen time out.

Radio with CD (MP3)

Radio with CD shown, Radio with Six-Disc CD (MP3)similar

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Radio Data System (RDS)The audio system has a Radio Data System(RDS). The RDS feature is available for use onlyon FM stations that broadcast RDS information.This system relies upon receiving specificinformation from these stations and will only workwhen the information is available. While theradio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the stationname or call letters will appear on the display.In rare cases, a radio station may broadcastincorrect information that will cause the radiofeatures to work improperly. If this happens,contact the radio station.

XM™ Satellite Radio ServiceXM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the48 contiguous United States and in Canada(if available). XM™ offers over 100 coast-to-coastchannels including music, news, sports, talk,traffic/weather, and children’s programming. XM™provides digital quality audio and text informationthat includes song title and artist name. A servicefee is required in order to receive the XM™ service.For more information, contact XM™ atwww.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).

Playing the Radio

O (Power/Volume): Press this knob to turn thesystem on and off.Turn this knob clockwise or counterclockwise toincrease or decrease the volume.

Speed Compensated Volume (SCV): The radiohas Speed Compensated Volume (SCV). WhenSCV is on, the radio volume automatically adjuststo compensate for road and wind noise as youspeed up or slow down while driving. That way, thevolume level should sound about the same asyou drive.To activate SCV:1. Set the radio volume to the desired level.2. Press the MENU button to display the radio

setup menu.3. Press the pushbutton under the AUTO

VOLUM label on the radio display.4. Press the pushbutton under the desired Speed

Compensated Volume setting (OFF, Low, Med,or High) to select the level of radio volumecompensation. The display will time out afterapproximately 10 seconds. Each higher settingallows for more radio volume compensation atfaster vehicle speeds.

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Finding a Station

BAND: Press this button to switch between AM,FM, or XM™ (if equipped). The display willshow the selection.

f (Tune): Turn this knob to select radio stations.

© SEEK ¨: Press the right or left SEEKarrow to go to the next or to the previous stationand stay there.

To scan stations, press and hold either SEEKarrow for a few seconds until you hear a beep.The radio will go to a station, play for a fewseconds, then go on to the next station. Presseither SEEK arrow again to stop scanning.

The radio will only seek and scan stations with astrong signal that are in the selected band.

4 (Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service,MP3, and RDS Features): Press the informationbutton to display additional text information relatedto the current FM-RDS or XM™ station, or MP3song. A choice of additional information such as:Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT may appear.Continue pressing the information button tohighlight the desired label, or press the pushbuttonpositioned under any one of the labels and theinformation about that label will be displayed.

When information is not available, No Info willappear on the display.

Storing a Radio Station as a FavoriteDrivers are encouraged to set up their radio stationfavorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to yourfavorite stations using the presets, favorites button,and steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has thisfeature. See Defensive Driving on page 340.

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FAV (Favorites): A maximum of 36 stationscan be programmed as favorites using thesix pushbuttons positioned below the radio stationfrequency labels and by using the radio favoritespage button (FAV button). Press the FAV button togo through up to six pages of favorites, each havingsix favorite stations available per page. Each pageof favorites can contain any combination of AM, FM,or XM™ (if equipped) stations. To store a station asa favorite, perform the following steps:

1. Tune to the desired radio station.

2. Press the FAV button to display the pagewhere you want the station stored.

3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttonsuntil you hear a beep. Whenever thatpushbutton is pressed and released, thestation that was set will return.

4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radiostation you want stored as a favorite.

The number of favorites pages can be setup usingthe MENU button. To setup the number offavorites pages, perform the following steps:

1. Press the MENU button to display the radiosetup menu.

2. Press the pushbutton located below theFAV 1-6 label.

3. Select the desired number of favorites pagesby pressing the pushbutton located below thedisplayed page numbers.

4. Press the FAV button, or let the menu timeout, to return to the original main radioscreen showing the radio station frequencylabels and to begin the process ofprogramming your favorites for the chosenamount of numbered pages.

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Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)

BASS/MID/TREB (Bass, Midrange, orTreble): To adjust bass, midrange, or treble,press the tune knob until the tone control labelsappear on the display. Continue pressing tohighlight the desired label, or press the pushbuttonpositioned under the desired label. Turn thetune knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjustthe highlighted setting. You can also adjust thehighlighted setting by pressing either the SEEK,FWD, or REV button until the desired levelsare obtained. If a station’s frequency is weak, or ifthere is static, decrease the treble.

To quickly adjust bass, midrange, or treble to themiddle position, press the pushbutton positionedunder the BASS, MID, or TREB label for more thantwo seconds. You will hear a beep and the levelwill be adjusted to the middle position.

To quickly adjust all tone and speaker controls tothe middle position, press the tune knob formore than two seconds until you hear a beep.

EQ (Equalization): Press this button to choosebass and treble equalization settings designedfor different types of music. Your choices are pop,rock, country, talk, jazz, and classical. Selecting

MANUAL or changing bass or treble, returns theEQ to the manual bass and treble settings.Unique EQ settings can be saved for each source.If your radio is equipped with a Bose® audiosystem, your EQ settings are either MANUALor TALK.

Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To adjust balanceor fade, press the tune knob until the speakercontrol labels appear on the display. Continuepressing to highlight the desired label, or press thepushbutton positioned under the desired label.Turn the tune knob clockwise or counterclockwiseto adjust the highlighted setting. You can alsoadjust the highlighted setting by pressing either theSEEK, FWD, or REV button until the desiredlevels are obtained.To quickly adjust balance or fade to the middleposition, press the pushbutton positioned under theBAL or FADE label for more than two seconds.You will hear a beep and the level will be adjustedto the middle position.To quickly adjust all speaker and tone controls tothe middle position, press the tune knob formore than two seconds until you hear a beep.

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Finding a Category (CAT) Station

CAT (Category): The CAT button is used to findXM™ stations when the radio is in the XM™mode. To find XM™ channels within a desiredcategory, perform the following:

1. Press the BAND button until the XM™frequency is displayed. Press the CAT buttonto display the category labels on the radiodisplay. Continue pressing the CAT buttonuntil the desired category name is displayed.

2. Press either of the two buttons belowthe desired category label to immediately tuneto the first XM™ station associated withthat category.

3. Rotate the tune knob, press the buttons belowthe right or left arrows displayed, or press theright or left SEEK buttons to go to the nextor previous XM™ station within the selectedcategory.

4. To exit the category search mode, press theFAV button or BAND button to display yourfavorites again.

Undesired XM™ categories can be removedthrough the setup menu. To remove an undesiredcategory, perform the following:


2. Press the pushbutton located below the XMCAT label.

3. Rotate the tune knob to display the categoryyou want removed.

4. Press the pushbutton located under theRemove label until the category namealong with the word Removed appears on thedisplay.

5. Repeat the steps to remove more categories.

Removed categories can be restored by pressingthe pushbutton under the Add label when aremoved category is displayed or by pressing thepushbutton under the Restore All label.

The radio will not allow you to remove or addcategories while the vehicle is moving faster than5 mph (8 kmh).

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Radio Messages

Calibration Error: The audio system has beencalibrated for your vehicle from the factory.If Calibration Error appears on the display, itmeans that the radio has not been configuredproperly for your vehicle and it must be returnedto your dealer for service.

Locked: This message is displayed when theTHEFTLOCK® system has locked up theradio. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an errorcannot be corrected, contact your dealer.

Radio Messages for XM™ OnlySee XM Radio Messages on page 319 later in thissection for further detail.

Playing a CD (Single CD Player)Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up.The player will pull it in and the CD should beginplaying.

Playing a CD(s) (Six-Disc CD Player)

LOAD ^: Press this button to load CDs into theCD player. This CD player will hold up tosix CDs.

To insert one CD, do the following:

1. Press and release the load button.

2. Wait for the message to insert the disc.

3. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot,label side up. The player will pull the CD in.

To insert multiple CDs, do the following:

1. Press and hold the load button fortwo seconds. You will hear a beep and Load AllDiscs will be displayed.

2. Follow the displayed instruction on when toinsert the discs. The CD player takes up tosix CDs.

3. Press the Load button again to cancel loadingmore CDs.

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If the ignition or radio is turned off, with a CD inthe player, it will stay in the player. When theignition or radio is turned on, the CD willstart playing where it stopped, if it was the lastselected audio source.

When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appearon the CD. As each new track starts to play, thetrack number will appear on the display.

The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDsand the smaller CDs are loaded in the samemanner.

If playing a CD-R, the sound quality may bereduced due to CD-R quality, the method ofrecording, the quality of the music that has beenrecorded, and the way the CD-R has beenhandled. There may be an increase in skipping,difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in loadingand ejecting. If these problems occur, check thebottom surface of the CD. If the surface of the CDis damaged, such as cracked, broken, orscratched, the CD will not play properly. If thesurface of the CD is soiled, see Care of Your CDsand DVDs on page 336 for more information.

If there is no apparent damage, try a knowngood CD.

Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insertmore than one CD into the slot at a time, orattempt to play scratched or damaged CDs, youcould damage the CD player. When using theCD player, use only CDs in good conditionwithout any label, load one CD at a time, andkeep the CD player and the loading slot free offoreign materials, liquids, and debris.

Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caughtin the CD player. If a CD is recorded on apersonal computer and a description label isneeded, try labeling the top of the recorded CDwith a soft marker instead.

If an error appears on the display, see “CDMessages” later in this section.

Z EJECT: Press the CD eject button to ejectCD(s). To eject the CD that is currently playing,press and release this button. You will hear a beepand Ejecting Disc will be displayed. Once the disc isejected, Remove Disc will appear on display. TheCD can be removed. If the CD is not removed, afterseveral seconds, the CD will be automaticallypulled back into the player and begin playing.

For the Six-Disc CD player, press and hold the ejectbutton for two seconds to eject all discs.

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f (Tune): Turn this knob to select tracks on theCD currently playing.

© SEEK ¨: Press the left SEEK arrow to goto the start of the current track, if more thanten seconds have played. Press the right SEEKarrow to go to the next track. If either SEEK arrowis held, or pressed multiple times, the playerwill continue moving backward or forward throughthe tracks on the CD.

s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this buttonto reverse playback quickly within a track. You willhear sound at a reduced volume. Release thispushbutton to resume playing the track. Theelapsed time of the track will appear on thedisplay.

\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold thisbutton to advance playback quickly within a track.You will hear sound at a reduced volume.Release this button to resume playing the track.The elapsed time of the track will appear onthe display.

RDM (Random): With random, you can listen tothe tracks in random, rather than sequentialorder, on one CD or all CDs in a six-disc CDplayer. To use random, do one of the following:

• Press the CD/AUX button, or for a singleCD player, insert a disc partway into the slot ofthe CD player. A RDM label will appear ondisplay.To play the tracks from the single CD inrandom order, press the pushbutton positionedunder the RDM label until Random CurrentDisc is displayed. Press the pushbutton againto turn off random play.

• Press the CD/AUX button, or for a six-disc CDplayer, press and hold the LOAD button.You will hear a beep and Load All Discs willbe displayed. Insert one or more discs partwayinto the slot of the CD player.To play tracks from all CDs loaded in asix-disc CD player in random order, press thepushbutton positioned under the RDMlabel until Randomize All Discs is displayed.Press the same pushbutton again to turnoff random play.

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BAND: Press this button to listen to the radiowhen a CD is playing. The CD will remain safelyinside the radio for future listening.

CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to playa CD when listening to the radio. The CD icon and amessage showing disc and/or track number willappear on the display when a CD is in the player.Press this button again and the system willautomatically search for an auxiliary input device,such as a portable audio player. If a portable audioplayer is not connected, “no input device found” willbe displayed.

Using an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW DiscThe radio will play MP3 files that were recordedon a CD-R or CD-RW disc. The files can berecorded with the following fixed bit rates:32 kbps, 40 kbps, 56 kbps, 64 kbps, 80 kbps,96 kbps, 112 kbps, 128 kbps, 160 kbps, 192 kbps,224 kbps, 256 kbps, and 320 kbps or a variablebit rate. Song title, artist name, and albumwill be available for display by the radio whenrecorded using ID3 tags version 1 and 2.

Compressed AudioThe radio will also play discs that contain bothuncompressed CD audio (.CDA files) andMP3 files. By default the radio will show the MP3label on the left side of the screen but will playboth file formats in the order in which theywere recorded to the disc.

MP3 FormatIf you burn your own MP3 disc on a personalcomputer:

• Make sure the MP3 files are recorded on aCD-R or CD-RW disc.

• Do not mix standard audio and MP3 files onone disc.

• The CD player is able to read and play amaximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, and255 files.

• Create a folder structure that makes it easy tofind songs while driving. Organize songs byalbums using one folder for each album. Eachfolder or album should contain 18 songsor less.

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• Avoid subfolders. The system can support upto 8 subfolders deep, however, keep the totalnumber of folders to a minimum in order toreduce the complexity and confusion in tryingto locate a particular folder during playback.

• Make sure playlists have a .m3u or .wplextension (other file extensions may not work).

• Minimize the length of the file, folder or playlistnames. Long file, folder, or playlist names, or acombination of a large number of files andfolders, or playlists may cause the player to beunable to play up to the maximum number offiles, folders, playlists, or sessions. If you wishto play a large number of files, folders, playlistsor sessions, minimize the length of the file,folder, or playlist name. Long names also takeup more space on the display, potentiallygetting cut off.

• Finalize the audio disc before you burn it.Trying to add music to an existing disc maycause the disc not to function in the player.

You can change playlists by using the previousand next folder buttons, the tuner knob, orthe seek buttons. You can also play an MP3 CD-Rthat was recorded using no file folders. If aCD-R contains more than the maximum of50 folders, 50 playlists, and 255 files, the playerwill let you access and navigate up to themaximum, but all items over the maximumwill not be accessible.

Root DirectoryThe root directory of the CD-R is treated as afolder. If the root directory has compressed audiofiles, the directory will be displayed as the CDlabel. All files contained directly under theroot directory will be accessed prior to any rootdirectory folders. However, playlists (Px) willalways be accessed before root folders or files.

If a disc contains both uncompressed CDaudio (.CDA) and MP3 files, a folder under theroot directory called CD will access all of the CDaudio tracks on the disc.

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Empty Directory or FolderIf a root directory or a folder exists somewherein the file structure that contains onlyfolders/subfolders and no compressed files directlybeneath them, the player will advance to thenext folder in the file structure that containscompressed audio files and the empty folder willnot be displayed or numbered.

No FolderWhen the CD-R contains only compressed files,the files will be located under the root folder.The next and previous folder functions will not bedisplayed on a CD-R that was recorded withoutfolders or playlists.

When the CD-R contains only playlists andcompressed audio files, but no folders, all files willbe located under the root folder. The folderdown and the folder up buttons will search playlists(Px) first and then go to the root folder.

Order of PlayTracks recorded to the CD-R will be played in thefollowing order:

• Play will begin from the first track in the firstplaylist and will continue sequentially throughall tracks in each playlist. When the lasttrack of the last playlist has been played, playwill continue from the first track of the firstplaylist.

• Play will begin from the first track in the firstfolder and will continue sequentially throughall tracks in each folder. When the last track ofthe last folder has been played, play willcontinue from the first track of the first folder.

When play enters a new folder, the display will notautomatically show the new folder name unlessyou have chosen the folder mode as thedefault display. The new track name will appearon the display.

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File System and Naming

Preprogrammed PlaylistsYou can access preprogrammed playlists thatwere created using WinAmp™, MusicMatch™, orReal Jukebox™ software, however, you willnot have playlist editing capability using the radio.These playlists will be treated as special folderscontaining compressed audio song files.

Playing an MP3Insert a CD-R partway into the slot (Single CDPlayer), or press the load button and wait for themessage to insert disc (Six-Disc CD Player),label side up. The player will pull it in, and theCD-R should begin playing.

If you turn off the ignition or radio with a CD-R inthe player it will stay in the player. When youturn on the ignition or radio, the CD-R will start toplay where it stopped, if it was the last selectedaudio source.

As each new track starts to play, the track numberand song title will appear on the display.

The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)single CD-Rs with an adapter ring. Full-sizeCD-Rs and the smaller CD-Rs are loaded in thesame manner.

If playing a CD-R, the sound quality may bereduced due to CD-R quality, the method ofrecording, the quality of the music that has beenrecorded, and the way the CD-R has beenhandled. There may be an increase in skipping,difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in loadingand ejecting. If these problems occur, check thebottom surface of the CD. If the surface of the CDis damaged, such as cracked, broken, orscratched, the CD will not play properly. If thesurface of the CD is soiled, see Care of Your CDsand DVDs on page 336 for more information.

If there is no apparent damage, try a knowngood CD.

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Z EJECT: Press the CD eject button to ejectCD-R(s). To eject the CD-R that is currently playing,press and release this button. You will hear a beepand Ejecting Disc will be displayed. Once the discis ejected, Remove Disc will appear on display.The CD-R can be removed. If the CD-R is notremoved, after several seconds, the CD-R will beautomatically pulled back into the player and beginplaying. For the Six-Disc CD player, press and holdthe eject button for two seconds to eject all discs.

f (Tune): Turn this knob to select MP3 files onthe CD-R currently playing.

© SEEK ¨: Press the left SEEK arrow to go tothe start of the current MP3 file, if more thanten seconds have played. Press the right SEEKarrow to go to the next MP3 file. If eitherSEEK arrow is held or pressed multiple times, theplayer will continue moving backward or forwardthrough MP3 files on the CD.

S c (Previous Folder): Press the pushbuttonpositioned under the Folder label to go to thefirst track in the previous folder.

c T (Next Folder): Press the pushbuttonpositioned under the Folder label to go to the firsttrack in the next folder.

s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this buttonto reverse playback quickly within an MP3 file.You will hear sound at a reduced volume. Releasethis button to resume playing the file. Theelapsed time of the file will appear on the display.

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\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold thisbutton to advance playback quickly within an MP3file. You will hear sound at a reduced volume.Release this button to resume playing the file.The elapsed time of the file will appear onthe display.

RDM (Random): With random, you can listen toMP3 files on the CD-R in random, rather thansequential order, on one CD-R or all discs in asix-disc CD player. To use random, do one of thefollowing:1. To play MP3 files from the CD-R you are

listening to in random order, press thepushbutton positioned under the RDM labeluntil Random Current Disc is displayed.Press the same pushbutton again to turn offrandom play.

2. To play songs from all CDs loaded in asix-disc CD player in random order, press thepushbutton positioned under the RDM labeluntil Randomize All Discs is displayed.Press the same pushbutton again to turn offrandom play.

h (Music Navigator): Use the music navigatorfeature to play MP3 files on the CD-R in order byartist or album. Press the pushbutton located belowthe music navigator label. The player will scan thedisc to sort the files by artist and album ID3 taginformation. It may take several minutes to scan thedisc depending on the number of MP3 filesrecorded to the CD-R. The radio may begin playingwhile it is scanning the disc in the background.When the scan is finished, the CD-R will beginplaying again.

Once the disc has been scanned, the player willdefault to playing MP3 files in order by artist. Thecurrent artist playing is shown on the second line ofthe display between the arrows. Once all songs bythat artist are played, the player will move to thenext artist in alphabetic order on the CD-R andbegin playing MP3 files by that artist. If you want tolisten to MP3 files by another artist, press thepushbutton located below either arrow button. Youwill go to the next or previous artist in alphabeticorder. Continue pressing either button until thedesired artist is displayed.

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To change from playback by artist to playback byalbum, press the pushbutton located below theSort By label. From the sort screen, push one ofthe buttons below the album button. Press thepushbutton below the back label to return to themain music navigator screen. Now the albumname is displayed on the second line between thearrows and songs from the current album willbegin to play. Once all songs from that album areplayed, the player will move to the next albumin alphabetic order on the CD-R and begin playingMP3 files from that album.To exit music navigator mode, press thepushbutton below the Back label to return tonormal MP3 playback.BAND: Press this button to listen to the radiowhen a CD is playing. The CD will remain safelyinside the radio for future listening.CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to playa CD when listening to the radio. The CD iconand a message showing disc and/or track numberwill appear on the display when a CD is in theplayer. Press this button again and the system willautomatically search for an auxiliary input devicesuch as a portable audio player. If a portable audioplayer is not connected, “no input device found”will be displayed.

CD Messages

CHECK DISC: If this message appears on thedisplay and/or the CD comes out, it could befor one of the following reasons:

• It is very hot. When the temperature returns tonormal, the CD should play.

• You are driving on a very rough road. Whenthe road becomes smoother, the CDshould play.

• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, orupside down.

• The air is very humid. If so, wait about anhour and try again.

• There may have been a problem whileburning the CD.

• The label may be caught in the CD player.

If the CD is not playing correctly, for any otherreason, try a known good CD.

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannotbe corrected, contact your dealer. If the radiodisplays an error message, write it downand provide it to your dealer when reporting theproblem.

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Using the Auxiliary Input JackYour radio system has an auxiliary input jacklocated on the lower right side of the faceplate.This is not an audio output; do not plug theheadphone set into the front auxiliary input jack.You can however, connect an external audiodevice such as an iPod, laptop computer, MP3player, CD player, or cassette tape player, etc. tothe auxiliary input jack for use as another sourcefor audio listening.

To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm(1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s front auxiliaryinput jack. When a device is connected, press theradio CD/AUX button to begin playing audiofrom the device over the car speakers.

O (Power/Volume): Turn this knob clockwise toincrease or counterclockwise to decrease thevolume of the portable player. You may need todo additional volume adjustments from the portabledevice if the volume does not go loud or softenough.

BAND: Press this button to listen to the radiowhen a portable audio device is playing. Theportable audio device will continue playing, so youmay want to stop it or turn it off.

CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button to playa CD when a portable audio device is playing.Press this button again and the system will beginplaying audio from the connected portableaudio player. If a portable audio player is notconnected, “no input device found” will bedisplayed.

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Radio with CD and DVD (MP3)

If your vehicle has a Rear Seat Entertainment(RSE) system, your vehicle will have a CD/DVDradio. See Rear Seat Entertainment Systemon page 321 for more information on the vehicle’sRSE system.

The DVD player is positioned as the top slot of theradio faceplate. The player is capable of readingthe “DTS” programmed DVD Audio or DVDVideo media (“DTS” and “DTS 2.0” are trademarksof Digital Theater Systems Inc.).

Radio Data System (RDS)The audio system has a Radio Data System(RDS). The RDS feature is available for use onlyon FM stations that broadcast RDS information.This system relies upon receiving specificinformation from these stations and will only workwhen the information is available. While theradio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the stationname or call letters will appear on the display.In rare cases, a radio station may broadcastincorrect information that will cause the radiofeatures to work improperly. If this happens,contact the radio station.

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XM™ Satellite Radio ServiceXM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the48 contiguous United States and in Canada (ifavailable). XM™ offers over 100 coast-to-coastchannels including music, news, sports, talk,traffic/weather, and children’s programming. XM™provides digital quality audio and text informationthat includes song title and artist name. A servicefee is required in order to receive the XM™ service.For more information, contact XM™ atwww.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).

Playing the RadioO (Power/Volume): Press this knob to turn thesystem on and off.Turn this knob clockwise to increase orcounterclockwise to decrease the volume.

Speed Compensated Volume (SCV): The radiohas Speed Compensated Volume (SCV). WhenSCV is on, the radio volume automatically adjuststo compensate for road and wind noise as youspeed up or slow down while driving. That way, thevolume level should sound about the same asyou drive. To activate SCV:

1. Set the radio volume to the desired level.


3. Press the pushbutton under the AUTOVOLUM label on the radio display.

4. Press the pushbutton under the desired SCVsetting (OFF, Low, Med, or High) to select thelevel of radio volume compensation. Thedisplay will time out after approximately10 seconds. Each higher setting allows formore radio volume compensation atfaster vehicle speeds.

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Finding a StationBAND: Press this button to switch between AM,FM, or XM™ (if equipped). The display willshow the selection.

f (Tune): Turn this knob to select radio stations.

© SEEK ¨: Press the left or right SEEKarrow to go to the next or to the previous stationand stay there.To scan stations, press and hold either SEEKarrow for a few seconds until you hear a beep. Theradio will go to a station, play for a few seconds,then go on to the next station. Press eitherSEEK arrow again to stop scanning.

The radio will only seek and scan stations with astrong signal that are in the selected band.

4 (Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service,MP3, and RDS Features): Press the informationbutton to display additional text information relatedto the current FM-RDS or XM™ station, or MP3song. A choice of additional information such as:Channel, Song, Artist, and CAT may appear.Continue pressing the information button tohighlight the desired label, or press the pushbuttonpositioned under any one of the labels and theinformation about that label will be displayed.

When information is not available, No Info willappear on the display.

Storing a Radio Station as a FavoriteDrivers are encouraged to set up their radio stationfavorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune toyour favorite stations using the presets, favoritesbutton, and steering wheel controls, if thevehicle has them. See Defensive Driving onpage 340.

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FAV (Favorites): A maximum of 36 stationscan be programmed as favorites using thesix pushbuttons positioned below the radio stationfrequency labels and by using the radio favoritespage button (FAV button). Press the FAV button togo through up to six pages of favorites, eachhaving six favorite stations available per page.Each page of favorites can contain anycombination of AM, FM, or XM™ (if equipped)stations. To store a station as a favorite, performthe following steps:

1. Tune to the desired radio station.

2. Press the FAV button to display the pagewhere you want the station stored.

3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttonsuntil you hear a beep. Whenever thatpushbutton is pressed and released, thestation that was set will return.

4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radiostation you want stored as a favorite.

The number of favorites pages can be setup usingthe MENU button. To setup the number offavorites pages, perform the following steps:


2. Press the pushbutton located below theFAV 1-6 label.

3. Select the desired number of favorites pagesby pressing the pushbutton located below thedisplayed page numbers.

4. Press the FAV button, or let the menu timeout, to return to the original main radioscreen showing the radio station frequencylabels and to begin the process ofprogramming your favorites for the chosenamount of numbered pages.

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Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)

BASS/MID/TREB (Bass, Midrange, orTreble): To adjust bass, midrange, or treble,press the tune knob until the tone control labelsappear on the display. Continue pressing tohighlight the desired label, or press the pushbuttonpositioned under the desired label. Turn thetune knob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjustthe highlighted setting. If a station’s frequencyis weak, or if there is static, decrease the treble.

To quickly adjust bass, midrange, or treble to themiddle position, press the pushbutton positionedunder the BASS, MID, or TREB label for more thantwo seconds. You will hear a beep and the level willbe adjusted to the middle position.

To quickly adjust all tone and speaker controls tothe middle position, press the tune knob for morethan two seconds until you hear a beep.

EQ (Equalization): Press this button to choosebass and treble equalization settings designed fordifferent types of music. Your choices are pop,rock, country, talk, jazz, and classical. SelectingMANUAL or changing bass or treble, returnsthe EQ to the manual bass and treble settings.

Unique EQ settings can be saved for each source.

If your radio is equipped with a Bose® audiosystem, your EQ settings are either MANUALor TALK.

Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To adjust balanceor fade, press the tune knob until the speakercontrol labels appear on the display. Pressthe pushbutton positioned under the desired label.Turn the tune knob clockwise or counterclockwiseto adjust the highlighted setting. You can alsoadjust the highlighted setting by pressing either theSEEK, FWD, or REV button until the desiredlevels are obtained.

To quickly adjust balance or fade to the middleposition, press the pushbutton positioned under theBAL or FADE label for more than two seconds.You will hear a beep and the level will be adjustedto the middle position.

To quickly adjust both the balance and fade to themiddle position at one time, press the tune knob formore than two seconds until you hear a beep.

If the rear seat audio (RSA) is turned on, the radiowill disable FADE and mute the rear speakers.

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Finding a Category (CAT) Station

CAT (Category): The CAT button is used to findXM™ stations when the radio is in the XM™mode. To find XM™ channels within a desiredcategory, perform the following:

1. Press the BAND button until the XM™frequency is displayed. Press the CAT buttonto display the category labels on the radiodisplay. Continue pressing the CAT buttonuntil the desired category name is displayed.Another way to navigate the category listis to press the REV button or the FWD button.

2. Press either of the two buttons belowthe desired category label to immediately tuneto the first XM™ station associated withthat category.

3. Rotate the tune knob, press the buttons belowthe right or left arrows displayed, or press theright or left SEEK buttons to go to the nextor previous XM™ station within the selectedcategory.

4. To exit the category search mode, press theFAV button or BAND button to display yourfavorites again.

Undesired XM™ categories can be removedthrough the setup menu. To remove an undesiredcategory, perform the following:


2. Press the pushbutton located below the XMCAT label.

3. Rotate the tune knob to display the categoryyou want removed.

4. Press the pushbutton located under theRemove label until the category namealong with the word Removed appears on thedisplay.

5. Repeat the steps to remove more categories.

Removed categories can be restored by pressingthe pushbutton under the Add label when aremoved category is displayed or by pressing thepushbutton under the Restore All label.

The radio will not allow you to remove or addcategories while the vehicle is moving faster thanfive mph (eight kmh).

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Radio Messages

Calibration Error: The audio system has beencalibrated for your vehicle from the factory. IfCalibration Error appears on the display, it meansthat the radio has not been configured properlyfor your vehicle and it must be returned toyour dealer for service.

Locked: This message is displayed when theTHEFTLOCK® system has locked up theradio. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an errorcannot be corrected, contact your dealer.

Radio Messages for XM™ OnlySee XM Radio Messages on page 319 later in thissection for further detail.

Playing a CD (In Either the DVDor CD Slot)Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up.The player will pull it in and the CD should beginplaying (loading a disc into the system, dependingon media type and format ranges from5 to 20 seconds for a CD, and up to 30 secondsfor a DVD to begin playing).

If the ignition or radio is turned off, with a CD inthe player, it will stay in the player. When theignition or radio is turned on, the CD willstart playing where it stopped, if it was the lastselected audio source. The CD is controlled by thebuttons on the radio faceplate or by the RSAunit. See Rear Seat Audio (RSA) on page 332 formore information. The DVD/CD decks, (upperslot is the DVD deck and the lower slot is the CDdeck) of the radio are compatible with mostaudio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3s.

When a CD is inserted, the text label DVD or CDsymbol will appear on the left side of the radiodisplay. As each new track starts to play, the tracknumber will appear on the display.

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The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDsand the smaller CDs are loaded in the samemanner.If playing a CD-R, the sound quality may bereduced due to CD-R quality, the method ofrecording, the quality of the music that has beenrecorded, and the way the CD-R has beenhandled. There may be an increase in skipping,difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in loadingand ejecting. If these problems occur, check thebottom surface of the CD. If the surface of the CDis damaged, such as cracked, broken, orscratched, the CD will not play properly. If thesurface of the CD is soiled, see Care of Your CDsand DVDs on page 336 for more information.If there is no apparent damage, try a knowngood CD.Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insertmore than one CD into the slot at a time, orattempt to play scratched or damaged CDs, youcould damage the CD player. When using theCD player, use only CDs in good conditionwithout any label, load one CD at a time, andkeep the CD player and the loading slot free offoreign materials, liquids, and debris.



Z CD (Eject): Press and release the CD ejectbutton to eject the CD that is currently playingin the bottom slot. You will hear a beep andEjecting Disc will be displayed. Once the disc isejected, Remove Disc will appear on display.The CD can be removed. If the CD is not removed,after several seconds, the CD will be automaticallypulled back into the player.

If loading and reading of a CD cannot becompleted, such as unknown format, etc., and thedisc fails to eject, press and hold the DVD ejectbutton for more than five seconds to force the discto eject.

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Z DVD (Eject): Press and release the DVDeject button to eject the CD that is currently playingin the top slot. You will hear a beep and EjectingDisc will be displayed. Once the disc is ejected,Remove Disc will appear on display. The CD canbe removed. If the CD is not removed, afterseveral seconds, the CD will be automaticallypulled back into the player.


f (Tune): Turn this knob to select tracks on theCD currently playing.

© SEEK ¨: Press the left SEEK arrow togo to the start of the current track, if more thanfive seconds have played. If less than five secondshave played, the previous track will be played.Press the right SEEK arrow to go to the next track.If either SEEK arrow is held, or pressed multipletimes, the player will continue moving backward orforward through the tracks on the CD.

s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this buttonto reverse playback quickly within a track. You willhear sound at a reduced volume. Release thispushbutton to resume playing the track. Theelapsed time of the track will appear on thedisplay.

\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold thisbutton to advance playback quickly within a track.You will hear sound at a reduced volume.Release this button to resume playing the track.The elapsed time of the track will appear onthe display.

RDM (Random): With random, you can listen tothe tracks in random, rather than sequentialorder. To play the tracks from the CD, press theDVD/CD AUX button when not sourced to the CD,or insert a disc partway into the slot. A RDMlabel will appear on display. Press the pushbuttonpositioned under the RDM label until RandomCurrent Disc is displayed. Press the pushbuttonagain to turn off random play.

BAND: Press this button to listen to the radiowhen a CD or DVD is playing. The CD or DVD willremain safely inside the radio for future listeningor viewing entertainment.

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DVD/CD AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button tocycle through DVD, CD, or Auxiliary when listeningto the radio. The DVD/CD text label and a messageshowing track or chapter number will appear ondisplay when a disc is in either slot. Press thisbutton again and the system will automaticallysearch for an auxiliary input device, such as aportable audio player. If a portable audio player isnot connected, “no aux input device” will bedisplayed. If a disc is in both the DVD slot and theCD slot the DVD/CD AUX button will cycle betweenthe two sources and not indicate “no aux inputdevice”. If a front auxiliary device is connected, theDVD/CD AUX button will cycle through all availableoptions, such as: DVD slot, CD slot, Front AUX, andRear AUX (if available). See “Using the AuxiliaryInput Jack(s)” later in this section, or Rear SeatEntertainment System on page 321, “Audio/Video(A/V) Jacks” for more information.

If a disc is inserted into top DVD slot, the rear seatoperator can turn on the video screen and use theremote control to navigate the CD (tracks only)through the remote control.

Audio OutputOnly one audio source can be heard through thespeakers at one time. An audio source isdefined as DVD slot, CD slot, XM™, FM/AM,Front Aux Jack, or Rear Aux Jack.

Press the power button to turn the radio on.The radio can be heard through all of the vehiclespeakers.

Front seat passengers can listen to the radio(AM, FM, or XM) by pressing the BAND button orthe DVD/CD AUX button to select CD slot,DVD slot, front or rear auxiliary input (if available).

If a playback device is plugged into the radio’sfront auxiliary input jack or the rear auxiliary jack,the front seat passengers will be able to listento playback from this source through the vehiclespeakers. See “Using the Auxiliary Input Jack(s)”later in this section, or Rear Seat EntertainmentSystem on page 321, “Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks” formore information.

In some vehicles, depending on audio options, therear speakers can be muted when the RSApower is turned on. See Rear Seat Audio (RSA)on page 332 for more information.

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Using an MP3/WMA CD-R orCD-RW DiscCompressed Audio or Mixed Mode DiscsThe radio will also play discs that contain bothuncompressed CD audio (.CDA files) and MP3/WMA files depending on which slot the disc isloaded into. By default the radio will read only theuncompressed audio (.CDA) and ignore theMP3/WMA files on the DVD deck. On the CD deck,pressing the CAT button will toggle betweencompressed and uncompressed audio format, thedefault being the uncompressed format (.CDA).

MP3/WMA FormatIf you burn your own MP3/WMA disc on apersonal computer:

• Make sure the MP3 files are recorded on aCD-R or CD-RW disc.

• Do not mix standard audio and MP3 files onone disc.

• The CD player (lower slot) is able to read andplay a maximum combination of 512 files andfolders. The DVD player (upper slot) isable to read 255 folders, 15 playlists and40 sessions.

• Create a folder structure that makes it easy tofind songs while driving. Organize songs byalbums using one folder for each album.Each folder or album should contain 18 songsor less.

• Avoid subfolders. The system can support up to8 subfolders deep, however, keep the totalnumber of folders to a minimum in order toreduce the complexity and confusion in trying tolocate a particular folder during playback.

• Make sure playlists have a.m3u,.wpl or.plsextension (other file extensions may not work).

• Minimize the length of the file, folder or playlistnames. Long file, folder, or playlist names, or acombination of a large number of files andfolders, or playlists may cause the player to beunable to play up to the maximum number offiles, folders, playlists, or sessions. If you wishto play a large number of files, folders, playlists,or sessions, minimize the length of the file,folder or playlist name. Long names also takeup more space on the display, potentiallygetting cut off.

• Finalize the audio disc before you burn it.Trying to add music to an existing disc maycause the disc not to function in the player.

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Root DirectoryThe root directory of the CD-R is treated as afolder. If the root directory has compressed audiofiles, the directory will be displayed as F1ROOT. All files contained directly under the rootdirectory will be accessed prior to any rootdirectory folders. However, playlists (Px) willalways be accessed before root folders or files.

Empty Directory or FolderIf a root directory or a folder exists somewherein the file structure that contains onlyfolders/subfolders and no compressed files directlybeneath them, the player will advance to thenext folder in the file structure that containscompressed audio files and the empty folder willnot be displayed or numbered.

No FolderWhen the CD-R contains only compressed files,the files will be located under the root folder.The next and previous folder functions will not bedisplayed on a CD-R that was recorded withoutfolders or playlists. When displaying the name ofthe folder the radio will display ROOT.

When the CD-R contains only playlists andcompressed audio files, but no folders, all files willbe located under the root folder. The folderdown and the folder up buttons will search playlists(Px) first and then go to the root folder. Whenthe radio displays the name of the folder the radiowill display ROOT.

Order of PlayTracks recorded to the CD-R will be played in thefollowing order:

• Play will begin from the first track in the firstplaylist and will continue sequentially throughall tracks in each playlist. When the last track ofthe last playlist has been played, play willcontinue from the first track of the first playlist.

• Play will begin from the first track in the firstfolder and will continue sequentially through alltracks in each folder. When the last track of thelast folder has been played, play will continuefrom the first track of the first folder.

When play enters a new folder, the display will notautomatically show the new folder name unlessyou have chosen the folder mode as thedefault display. The new track name will appearon the display.

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File System and NamingThe song name that will be displayed will be thesong name that is contained in the ID3 tag.If the song name is not present in the ID3 tag,then the radio will display the file name without theextension (such as .mp3) as the track name.

Track names longer than 32 characters orfour pages will be shortened. The display will notshow parts of words on the last page of textand the extension of the filename will not bedisplayed.

Preprogrammed PlaylistsYou can access preprogrammed playlists thatwere created using WinAmp™, MusicMatch™, orReal Jukebox™ software, however, you willnot have playlist editing capability using the radio.These playlists will be treated as special folderscontaining compressed audio song files.

Playing an MP3 (In Either the DVDor CD Slot)Insert a CD-R partway into either the top orbottom slot, label side up. The player will pull it in,and the CD-R should begin playing.

Depending on the format of the disc, a softkeymenu will appear and allow navigation of the disc.The menu will read left to right as RDM(Randomize song play order), a Folder icon withleft and right arrows (to move up or downthrough available folders), a PL tag if the disc hasa Playlist available, and a Music Navigator tag.If a Playlist tag is shown, toggling this key bringsup a Folder softkey only or the menu aspreviously described.

If you turn off the ignition or radio with a CD-R inthe player it will stay in the player. When youturn on the ignition or radio, the CD-R will start toplay where it stopped, if it was the last selectedaudio source.

As each new track starts to play, the track numberand song title will appear on the display.

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The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)single CD-Rs with an adapter ring. Full-sizeCD-Rs and the smaller CD-Rs are loaded in thesame manner.

If playing a CD-R, the sound quality may bereduced due to CD-R quality, the method ofrecording, the quality of the music that has beenrecorded, and the way the CD-R has beenhandled. There may be an increase in skipping,difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in loadingand ejecting. If these problems occur, check thebottom surface of the CD. If the surface of the CDis damaged, such as cracked, broken, orscratched, the CD will not play properly. If thesurface of the CD is soiled, see Care of Your CDsand DVDs on page 336 for more information.If there is no apparent damage, try a knowngood CD.




Z CD (Eject): Press and release the CD ejectbutton to eject the CD-R that is currentlyplaying in the bottom slot. You will hear a beepand Ejecting Disc will be displayed. Once the discis ejected, Remove Disc will appear on display.The CD-R can be removed. If the CD-R isnot removed, after several seconds, the CD-R willbe automatically pulled back into the player.


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Z DVD (Eject): Press and release the DVDeject button to eject the CD-R that is currentlyplaying in the top slot. You will hear a beep andEjecting Disc will be displayed. Once the discis ejected, Remove Disc will appear on display.The CD-R can be removed. If the CD-R isnot removed, after several seconds, the CD-R willbe automatically pulled back into the player.If loading and reading of a CD cannot becompleted, such as unknown format, etc., and thedisc fails to eject, press and hold the DVD ejectbutton for more than five seconds to force the discto eject.

f (Tune): Turn this knob to select MP3 files onthe CD-R currently playing.

© SEEK ¨: Press the left SEEK arrow to go tothe start of the current MP3 file, if more thanfive seconds have played. If less than five secondshave played, the previous MP3 file will beplayed. Press the right SEEK arrow to go to thenext MP3 file. If either SEEK arrow is held,or pressed multiple times, the player will continuemoving backward or forward through the MP3files on the CD.

S c (Previous Folder): Press the pushbuttonpositioned under the Folder label to go to thefirst track in the previous folder.

c T (Next Folder): Press the pushbuttonpositioned under the Folder label to go to thefirst track in the next folder.

s REV (Reverse): Press and hold this buttonto reverse playback quickly within an MP3 file.You will hear sound at a reduced volume.Release this button to resume playing the file.The elapsed time of the file will appear onthe display.

\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold thisbutton to advance playback quickly within an MP3file. You will hear sound at a reduced volume.Release this button to resume playing the file.The elapsed time of the file will appear onthe display.

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RDM (Random): With random, you can listen toMP3 files on the CD-R in random, rather thansequential order. To play MP3 files from the CD-Ryou are listening to in random order, press thepushbutton positioned under the RDM label untilRandom Current Disc is displayed. Press thesame pushbutton again to turn off random play.

h (Music Navigator): Use the music navigatorfeature to play MP3 files on the CD-R in orderby artist or album. Press the pushbutton locatedbelow the music navigator label. The playerwill scan the disc to sort the files by artist andalbum ID3 tag information. It may take severalminutes to scan the disc depending on the numberof MP3 files recorded to the CD-R.

To cancel music navigator while the player isscanning, press the pushbutton located below themusic navigator label or eject the disc.

The radio may begin playing while it is scanningthe disc in the background. When the scan isfinished, the CD-R will begin playing again.Once the disc has been scanned, the player willdefault to playing MP3 files in order by artist.The current artist playing is shown on thesecond line of the display between the arrows.

If you want to listen to MP3 files by another artist,press the pushbutton located below eitherarrow button. You will go to the next or previousartist in alphabetic order. Continue pressingeither button until the desired artist is displayed.To change from playback by artist to playbackby album, press the pushbutton located below theSort By label. From the sort screen, push oneof the buttons below the album button. Press thepushbutton below the back label to return tothe main music navigator screen. Now the albumname is displayed on the second line betweenthe arrows and songs from the current album willbegin to play. Once all songs from that albumare played, the player will move to the next albumin alphabetic order on the CD-R and beginplaying MP3 files from that album.To exit music navigator mode, press thepushbutton below the Back label to return tonormal MP3 playback.

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BAND: Press this button to listen to the radiowhen a CD or a DVD is playing. The CD or DVDwill remain safely inside the radio for futurelistening or viewing entertainment.DVD/CD AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button tocycle through DVD, CD, or Auxiliary when listeningto the radio. The DVD/CD text label and a messageshowing track or chapter number will appear ondisplay when a disc is in either slot. Press thisbutton again and the system will automaticallysearch for an auxiliary input device, such as aportable audio player. If a portable audio player isnot connected, “no aux input device” will bedisplayed. If a disc is in both the DVD slot and theCD slot the DVD/CD AUX button will cycle betweenthe two sources and not indicate “no aux inputdevice”. If a front auxiliary device is connected, theDVD/CD AUX button will cycle through all availableoptions, such as: DVD slot, CD slot, Front AUX, andRear AUX (if available). See “Using the AuxiliaryInput Jack(s)” later in this section, or Rear SeatEntertainment System on page 321, “Audio/Video(A/V) Jacks” for more information.

If a MP3 is inserted into top DVD slot, the rear seatoperator can turn on the video screen and use theremote control to navigate the CD (tracks only)through the remote control.

CD MessagesIf these messages appear on the display and/orthe CD comes out, it could be for one of thefollowing reasons:

Optical Error: If the disc was insertedupside down.

Disk Read Error: If a disc was inserted with aninvalid or unknown format.

Player Error: If there are disc LOAD or discEJECT problems.

• It is very hot. When the temperature returns tonormal, the CD should play.

• You are driving on a very rough road. Whenthe road becomes smoother, the CDshould play.

• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, orupside down.

• The air is very humid. If so, wait about anhour and try again.

• There may have been a problem whileburning the CD.

• The label may be caught in the CD player.

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If the CD is not playing correctly, for any otherreason, try a known good CD.

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannotbe corrected, contact your dealer. If the radiodisplays an error message, write it downand provide it to your dealer when reporting theproblem.

Using the DVD PlayerThe DVD player is controlled by the buttons onthe remote control, or by the RSA system,or by the buttons on the radio faceplate.See “Remote Control”, under Rear SeatEntertainment System on page 321 and Rear SeatAudio (RSA) on page 332 for more information.

The DVD player is only compatible with DVDs ofthe appropriate region code that is printed onthe jacket of most DVDs.

The DVD slot of the radio is compatible with mostaudio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-Video,DVD-Audio, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW media alongwith MP3 and WMA formats.

If an error message appears on the video screenor the radio, see “DVD Display Error Messages”under, Rear Seat Entertainment System onpage 321 and “DVD Radio Error Messages” in thissection for more information.

Playing a DVD

DVD/CD AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button tocycle through DVD, CD, or Auxiliary when listeningto the radio. The DVD/CD text label and amessage showing track or chapter number willappear on display when a disc is in eitherslot. Press this button again and the system willautomatically search for an auxiliary inputdevice, such as a portable audio player. If aportable audio player is not connected, “no auxinput device” will be displayed. If a disc is in boththe DVD slot and the CD slot the DVD/CDAUX button will cycle between the two sourcesand not indicate “no aux input device”. If afront auxiliary device is connected, theDVD/CD AUX button will cycle through all availableoptions, such as: DVD slot, CD slot, Front AUX,and Rear AUX (if available). See “Using theAuxiliary Input Jack(s)” later in this section, or RearSeat Entertainment System on page 321,“Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks” for more information.

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O (Power): Press this knob to turn the radio on.Turn this knob clockwise to increase the volumeor counterclockwise to decrease the volume.A single press turns the radio off, a press and holdfor more than two seconds turns off the entireradio and rear seat entertainment systemand starts the parental control feature whichprevents the rear seat occupant from operatingthe Rear Seat Audio (RSA) system or remotecontrol.A lock symbol will appear next to the clock display.The parental control feature will remain on until asubsequent press and hold of the power button isperformed (more than two seconds), or until thedriver turns the ignition off and exits the vehicle.

f (Tune): Turn this knob to change tracks on aCD or DVD, to manually tune a radio station,or to change clock or date settings, while in theclock or date setting mode. See the informationgiven earlier in this section specific to theradio, CD, and the DVD. Also, see Setting theTime (Radio with a Single CD Player) on page 276or Setting the Time (Radio with a Six-Disc CDPlayer) on page 277, for setting the clock and date.

© SEEK (Previous Track/Chapter): Press thisbutton to return to the start of the current track orchapter. Press this button again to go to theprevious track or chapter. This button may not workwhen the DVD is playing the copyright informationor the previews.

SEEK ¨ (Next Track/Chapter): Press thisbutton to go to the next track or chapter. Thisbutton may not work when the DVD is playing thecopyright information or the previews.

s REV (Reverse): Press this button to fastreverse the CD or DVD, five times the normalspeed. The radio will display the elapsedtime while in fast reverse. To stop fast reversing,press this button again. This button may notwork when the DVD is playing the copyrightinformation or the previews.

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\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press this button tofast forward the CD or DVD. The radio willdisplay the elapsed time and will fast forwardfive times the normal speed. To stop fastforwarding, press this button again. This buttonmay not work when the DVD is playing thecopyright information or the previews.

Z (Eject): Press this button to eject a CD orDVD. If a CD or DVD is ejected, but not removed,the player will automatically pull it back in after15 seconds.If loading and reading of a CD cannot becompleted, such as unknown format, etc., and thedisc fails to eject, press and hold the CD ejectbutton for more than five seconds to force the discto eject.

DVD-V (Video) Display ButtonsOnce a DVD-V is inserted, the radio display menuwill show several tag options for DVD playing.Press the pushbuttons located under any desiredtag option during DVD playback. See the tagoptions listed below for more information.The rear seat passenger can navigate the DVD-Vmenus and controls through the remote control.See “Remote Control”, under Rear SeatEntertainment System on page 321 for moreinformation. The Video Screen automatically turnson when the DVD-V is inserted into theDVD slot.

r /j (Play/Pause): Press either the play orpause icon displayed on the radio system, to togglebetween pausing or restarting playback of a DVD.If the forward arrow is showing on display, thesystem is in pause mode. If the pause icon isshowing on display, the system is in playbackmode. If the DVD screen is off, press the playbutton to turn the screen on.

Some DVDs will begin playing after the previewshave finished, although there may be a delay of upto 30 seconds.

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If the DVD does not begin playing the movieautomatically, press the pushbutton located underthe play/pause symbol tag displayed on the radio.If the DVD still does not play, refer to the on-screeninstructions, if available.

c (Stop): Press this button to stop playing,rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD.

r (Enter): Press this button to select thechoices that are highlighted in any menu.

y (Menu): Press this button to access the DVDmenu. The DVD menu is different on everyDVD. Use the pushbuttons located under thenavigation arrows to navigate the cursor throughthe DVD menu. After making a selection press theenter button. This button only operates whenusing a DVD.

Nav (Navigate): Press this button to displaydirectional arrows for navigating through themenus.

q (Return): Press this button to exit the currentactive menu and return to the previous menu.This button will operate only when a DVD isplaying and a menu is active.

DVD-A (Audio) Display ButtonsOnce a DVD-A is inserted, radio display menu willshow several tag options for DVD playing.Press the pushbuttons located under any desiredtag option during DVD playback. See the tagoptions listed below for more information.

The rear seat operator can navigate the DVD-Amenus and controls through the remote control.See “Remote Control”, under Rear SeatEntertainment System on page 321 for moreinformation. The Video Screen does notautomatically power on when the DVD-A isinserted into the DVD slot. It must be manuallyturned on by the rear seat occupant throughthe remote control power button.

r /j (Play/Pause): Press either the play orpause icon displayed on the radio system,to toggle between pausing or restarting playbackof a DVD. If the forward arrow is showing ondisplay, the system is in pause mode. If the pauseicon is showing on display, the system is inplayback mode.

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qGroup r: Press this button to cycle throughmusical groupings on the DVD-A disc.

Nav (Navigate): Press this button to displaydirectional arrows for navigating through themenus.

e (Audio Stream): Press this button to cyclethrough audio steam formats located on DVD-Adisc. There is not any type of notification forthe customer to see through the radio display, butVSM will have a text field that will show audiostream changing.

Inserting a DiscTo play a disc, gently insert the disc, with the labelside up, into the loading slot. The DVD playermay not accept some paper labeled media. Theplayer will start loading the disc into the systemand display “Loading Disc” on the radio display.At the same time, the radio will display asoftkey menu of option(s). Some discs willautomatically play the movie while others willdefault to the softkey menu display which requiresthe Play, Enter, or Navigation softkeys to bepressed (either by softkey or by the rear seatpassenger using the remote control).

Loading a disc into the system, dependingon media type and format, ranges from5 to 20 seconds for a CD, and up to 30 secondsfor a DVD.

Stopping and Resuming PlaybackTo stop playing a DVD without turning off thesystem, press the stop button on the remotecontrol, or press the pushbutton located under thestop or the play/pause symbol tags displayedon the radio. If the radio head is sourced tosomething other than DVD-V, press the DVD/CDAUX button to make DVD-V the active source.

To resume DVD playback, press the play/pausebutton on the remote control, or press thepushbutton located under the play/pause symboltag displayed on the radio. The DVD shouldresume play from where it last stopped if the dischas not been ejected and the stop button hasnot been pressed twice on the remote control.If the disc has been ejected or the stop button hasbeen pressed twice on the remote control, thedisc will resume playing at the beginning ofthe disc.

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Ejecting a DiscPress the eject button on the radio to eject thedisc. If a disc is ejected from the radio, butnot removed, the radio will reload the disc after ashort period of time. The disc will be stored inthe radio. The radio will not resume play of the discautomatically. If the RSA system is sourced tothe DVD, the movie when reloaded into the DVDplayer will begin to play again. In case loadingand reading of a DVD or CD cannot be completed(unknown format, etc.), and the disc fails toeject, press and hold the DVD Eject button morethan 5 seconds to force the disc to eject.

DVD Radio Error Messages

Player Error: This message is displayed whenthere are disc load or eject problems.

Disc Format Error: This message will bedisplayed, if the disc is inserted with the disc labelwrong side up, or if the disc is damaged.

Disc Region Error: This message will bedisplayed, if the disc is not from a correct region.

No Disc Inserted: This message will bedisplayed, if no disc is present when the EJECT orDVD/CD AUX button is pressed on the radio.

Using the Auxiliary Input Jack(s)Your radio system has an auxiliary input jacklocated on the lower right side of the faceplate.This is not an audio output; do not plug theheadphone set into the front auxiliary input jack.You can however, connect an external audiodevice such as an iPod, laptop computer, MP3player, CD player, or cassette tape player, etc. tothe auxiliary input jack for use as anothersource for audio listening.To use a portable audio player, connect a3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s frontauxiliary input jack. When a device is connected,the radio automatically begins playing audiofrom the device over the vehicle speakers.

To listen to a device through the rear auxiliary inputover the speakers, cycle the DVD/CD Aux buttonon the radio faceplate until “Rear Aux Input” isdisplayed on the radio. The RSA or DVD Screenmust be on in order for the radio to source to rearauxiliary.

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O (Power/Volume): Turn this knob clockwise orcounterclockwise to increase or decrease thevolume of the portable player. You may need to doadditional volume adjustments from the portabledevice if the volume does not go loud or softenough.

BAND: Press this button to listen to the radiowhen a portable audio device is playing. Theportable audio device will continue playing, so youmay want to stop it or power it off.

DVD/CD AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press this button tocycle through DVD, CD, or Auxiliary whenlistening to the radio. The DVD/CD text label anda message showing track or chapter numberwill appear on display when a disc is in either slot.Press this button again and the system willautomatically search for an auxiliary input device,such as a portable audio player.

If a portable audio player is not connected, “noaux input device” will be displayed. If a disc is inboth the DVD slot and the CD slot the DVD/CDAUX button will cycle between the two sources andnot indicate “no aux input device”. If a frontauxiliary device is connected, the DVD/CD AUXbutton will cycle through all available options, suchas: DVD slot, CD slot, Front AUX, and RearAUX (if available). See “Using the Auxiliary InputJack(s)” later in this section, or Rear SeatEntertainment System on page 321, “Audio/Video(A/V) Jacks” for more information.

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XM Radio Messages

Radio Display Message Condition Action RequiredXL (Explicit LanguageChannels)

XL on the radio display,after the channel name,indicates content withexplicit language.

These channels, or any others, can be blocked at acustomer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).

XM Updating Updating encryption code The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, andno action is required. This process should take no longerthan 30 seconds.

No XM Signal Loss of signal The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in alocation that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you moveinto an open area, the signal should return.

Loading XM Acquiring channel audio(after 4 second delay)

The audio system is acquiring and processing audio andtext data. No action is needed. This message shoulddisappear shortly.

Channel Off Air Channel not in service This channel is not currently in service. Tune to anotherchannel.

Channel Unavail Channel no longeravailable

This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned.Tune to another station. If this station was one of thepresets, choose another station for that preset button.

No Artist Info Artist Name/Feature notavailable

No artist information is available at this time on this channel.The system is working properly.

No Title Info Song/Program Title notavailable

No song title information is available at this time on thischannel. The system is working properly.

No CAT Info Category Name notavailable

No category information is available at this time on thischannel. The system is working properly.

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Radio Display Message Condition Action RequiredNo Information No Text/Informational

message availableNo text or informational messages are available at this timeon this channel. The system is working properly.

CAT Not Found No channel available forthe chosen category

There are no channels available for the selected category.The system is working properly.

XM Theftlocked Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously beenin another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™ receiverscannot be swapped between vehicles. If this messageappears after having your vehicle serviced, check with yourdealer.

XM Radio ID Radio ID label (channel 0) If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with theXM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is neededto activate the service.

Unknown Radio ID not known(should only be ifhardware failure)

If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, theremay be a receiver fault. Consult with your dealer.

Check XM Receivr Hardware failure If this message does not clear within a short period of time,the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your dealer.

XM Not Available XM™ Not Available If this message does not clear within a short period of time,the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your dealer.

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Navigation/Radio SystemYour vehicle may have a navigation radio system.

The navigation system has built-in featuresintended to minimize driver distraction. Technologyalone, no matter how advanced, can neverreplace your own judgment. See the NavigationSystem manual for some tips to help youreduce distractions while driving.

Rear Seat Entertainment SystemYour vehicle may have a DVD Rear SeatEntertainment (RSE) system. The RSE systemworks with the vehicle’s audio system. TheDVD player is part of the front radio. The RSEsystem includes a radio with a DVD player, a videodisplay screen, two wireless headphones, and aremote control. See Radio with CD and DVD(MP3) on page 295 for more information on thevehicle’s audio/DVD system.

Before You DriveThe RSE is designed for rear seat passengersonly. The driver cannot safely view the videoscreen while driving and should not try to do so.

In severe or extreme weather conditions theRSE system may or may not work until thetemperature is within the operating range.The operating range for the RSE system is above−4°F (−20°C) or below 140°F (60°C). If thetemperature of your vehicle is outside of thisrange, heat or cool the vehicle until thetemperature is within the operating range of theRSE system.

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Parental ControlThe Rear Seat Entertainment System may have aParental Control feature, depending on whichradio you have. The Parental Control feature willturn off the video screen and Rear Seat Audio(RSA). This feature also disables all buttonoperations from the remote control and all audiobutton operations from the RSA. This featurecan be used to gain the attention of the rearpassengers that are using headphones.

To enable Parental Control press and hold the radiopower button for more than 2 seconds. If on, theradio, video screen, and RSA will turn off. If a DVDand/or CD is playing, it will be stopped. A “padlock”icon or a text message may be displayed on theradio display depending on which radio you have,while Parental Control is on. The radio can beturned back on with a single press of the powerbutton and used normally, but the RSE system willremain in Parental Control.

To turn off Parental Control, press andhold the radio power button for more than2 seconds. The video screen and RSA will returnto the state they were in before Parental Controlwas turned on. The “padlock” icon will disappearfrom the radio display.

Parental Control can also be turned off by insertingor ejecting any disc, an ignition cycle, or pressingthe “play” icon on the radio DVD display menu.

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Headphones

The RSE includes two 2–channel wirelessheadphones that are dedicated to this system.These headphones are used to listen to mediasuch as CDs, DVDs, MP3s, DVDAs, radio, or anyauxiliary source connected to the auxiliary inputjack, if your vehicle has this feature or A/Vjacks. The wireless headphones have an ON/OFFbutton channel 1/2 switch, and a volume control.

If your vehicle has a third row video screendisplay, it will have two additional headphones.

Push the power button to turn on the headphones.An indicator light located on the headphoneswill illuminate. If the light does not illuminate, thebatteries may need to be replaced. See “BatteryReplacement” later in this section for moreinformation. Switch the headphones to OFF whennot in use. Channel 1 is dedicated to the videoscreen, while Channel 2 is dedicated to RSAselections.

The infrared transmitters are located at the rear ofthe RSE overhead console. The headphoneswill shut off automatically to save the battery powerif the DVD system is shut off or if the headphonesare out of range of the transmitters for morethan 3 minutes. If you move too far forward or stepout of the vehicle, the headphones will lose theaudio signal.

The headphones will automatically turn off after4 hours of continuous use.

To adjust the volume on the headphones, use thevolume control located on the right side.

For optimal audio performance, the headphonesmust be worn correctly. The symbol L (Left)will appear on the upper left side, above the earpad and should be positioned on the left ear.

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The symbol R (Right) will appear on the upperright side, above the ear pad and should bepositioned on the right ear.

Notice: Do not store the headphones in heator direct sunlight. This could damage theheadphones and repairs will not be covered byyour warranty. Keep the headphones storedin a cool, dry place.

The foam ear pads attached to the headphonesmay become worn or damaged if they arenot handled or stored properly. If the foam earpads do become damaged or worn out, the padscan be replaced separately from the headphoneset. It is not necessary to replace the completeheadphone set. The headphone replacement foamear pads can be ordered in pairs. See yourdealer for more information.

Battery ReplacementTo change the batteries, do the following:

1. Turn the screw with a coin or screw driver toloosen, then slide open the battery doorlocated on the left side of the headphones.

2. Replace the two AAA batteries in thecompartment. Make sure that they areinstalled correctly, using the diagram on theinside of the battery compartment.

3. Replace the battery door and tighten the doorscrew.

If the headphones are to be stored for a longperiod of time, remove the batteries and keep themin a cool, dry place.

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Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks

The A/V jacks are located on the rear of the floorconsole. The A/V jacks allow audio or videosignals to be connected from an auxiliary devicesuch as a camcorder or a video game unit tothe RSE system. Adapter connectors or cablesmay be required to connect the auxiliary device tothe A/V jacks. Refer to the manufacturer’sinstructions for proper usage.

The A/V jacks are color coded to match typicalhome entertainment system equipment. The yellowjack is for the video input. The white jack is forthe left audio input. The red jack is for theright audio input.

Power for auxiliary devices is not supplied by theradio system.

To use the auxiliary inputs of the RSE system,connect an external auxiliary device to thecolor-coded A/V jacks and turn both the auxiliarydevice and the video screen power on. If thevideo screen is in the DVD player mode, pressingthe AUX button on the remote control willswitch the video screen from the DVD playermode to the auxiliary device. The radio can listento the audio of the connected auxiliary deviceby sourcing to auxiliary. See Radio with CD andDVD (MP3) on page 295 for more information.

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How to Change the Video Format When inthe Auxiliary ModeThe auxiliary input video format is preset to NTSC.In some countries, the video format may bePAL. To change the video format, perform thefollowing:

1. Press the display menu button on the remotecontrol.

2. Select screen option and press enter toselect.

3. Press the up or down arrow buttons to selectthe video format option and press enter to setthe format.

Audio OutputAudio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs maybe heard through the following possible sources:

• Wireless Headphones

• Vehicle Speakers

• Vehicle wired headphone jacks on the rearseat audio system, if your vehicle has thisfeature.

The RSE system will always transmit the audiosignal to the wireless headphones, if there is audioavailable. See “Headphones” earlier in thissection for more information.

The DVD player is capable of outputting audio tothe wired headphone jacks on the RSA system,if your vehicle has this feature. The DVDplayer may be selected as an audio source on theRSA system. See Rear Seat Audio (RSA) onpage 332 for more information.

When a device is connected to the A/V jacks therear seat passengers will be able to hear audiofrom the auxiliary device through the wireless orwired headphones. The front seat passengerswill be able to listen to playback from this devicethrough the vehicle speakers by selecting AUXas the source on the radio.

If a playback device is plugged into the radio’sauxiliary input jack, the front seat passengers willbe able to listen to playback from this devicethrough the vehicle speakers by selecting AUX asthe source on the radio.

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Video ScreenThe video screen is located in the RSE overheadconsole.

To use the video screen, do the following:

1. Push the release button located on the RSEoverhead console.

2. Rotate the screen to the desired position.

When the video screen is not in use, push it upinto its locked position.

If a DVD is playing and the screen is raised to itslocked position, the screen will remain on, thisis normal, and the DVD will continue to playthrough the previous audio source.

The RSE overhead console contains the IRtransmitters for the wireless headphones and theIR receivers for the remote control. They arelocated at the rear of the console.

Notice: Avoid directly touching the videoscreen, as damage may occur. See “Cleaningthe Video Screen” later in this section formore information.

Remote ControlTo use the remote control, aim it at the transmitterwindow at the rear of the RSE overhead consoleand press the desired button. Direct sunlightor very bright light may affect the ability of the RSEtransmitter to receive signals from the remotecontrol. If the remote control does not seem to beworking, the batteries may need to be replaced.See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.Objects blocking the line of sight may also affectthe function of the remote control.

If a CD or DVD is in the Radio DVD slot, theremote control power button can be used to turnon the video screen display and start the disc.The radio can also turn on the video screendisplay. See Radio with CD and DVD (MP3) onpage 295 for more information.

Notice: Storing the remote control in a hotarea or in direct sunlight may damage it,and the repairs will not be covered by yourwarranty. Keep the remote control stored in acool, dry place.

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Remote Control Buttons

O (Power): Press this button to turn the videoscreen on and off.

P (Illumination): Press this button to turn theremote control backlight on. The backlight willautomatically time out after 7 to 10 seconds if noother button is pressed while the backlight is on.

v (Title): Press this button to return the DVD tothe main menu of the DVD. This function mayvary for each disc.

y (Main Menu): Press this button to access theDVD menu. The DVD menu is different on everyDVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrowbuttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu.After making a selection press the enter button.This button only operates when using a DVD.

n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Usethe arrow buttons to navigate through a menu.

r (Enter): Press this button to select the choicethat is highlighted in any menu.

z (Display Menu): Press this button to adjustthe brightness, screen display mode (normal,full, or zoom), and display the language menu.

q (Return): Press this button to exit the currentactive menu and return to the previous menu.This button will operate only when the displaymenu or a DVD menu is active.

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c (Stop): Press this button to stop playing,rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD. Press thisbutton twice to return to the beginning of the DVD.

s (Play/Pause): Press this button to startplaying a DVD. Press this button while a DVD isplaying to pause it. Press it again to continueplaying the DVD.

When the DVD is playing, depending on the radio,you may be able to do slow play by pressingthe pause button then pressing the fast forwardbutton. The DVD will continue playing in aslow play mode. You may also, depending on theradio, perform reverse slow play by pressingthe pause button and then pressing the fastreverse button. To cancel slow play mode, pressthe play/pause button.

t (Previous Track/Chapter): Press this buttonto return to the start of the current track orchapter. Press this button again to go to theprevious track or chapter. This button maynot work when the DVD is playing the copyrightinformation or the previews.

u (Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to goto the beginning of the next chapter or track.This button may not work when the DVD is playingthe copyright information or the previews.

r (Fast Reverse): Press this button to fastreverse the DVD or CD. To stop fast reversing aDVD video, press the play button. To stop fastreversing a DVD audio or CD, release the fastreverse button. This button may not work when theDVD is playing the copyright information or thepreviews.

[ (Fast Forward): Press this button to fastforward the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding aDVD video, press the play button. To stop fastforwarding a DVD audio or CD, release thefast forward button. This button may not workwhen the DVD is playing the copyright informationor the previews.

e (Audio): Press this button to change audiotracks on DVDs that have this feature whenthe DVD is playing. The format and content of thisfunction will vary for each disc.

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{ (Subtitles): Press this button to turn ON/OFFsubtitles and to move through subtitle optionswhen a DVD is playing. The format and content ofthis function will vary for each disc.

AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to switch thesystem between the DVD player and an auxiliarysource.

d (Camera): Press this button to change cameraangles on DVDs that have this feature when a DVDis playing. The format and content of this functionwill vary for each disc.

1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The numerickeypad provides the capability of direct chapter ortrack number selection.

\ (Clear): Press this button within three secondsafter inputting a numeric selection, to clear allnumeric inputs.

} 10 (Double Digit Entries): Press this button toselect chapter or track numbers greater than 9.Press this button before inputting the number.

Battery ReplacementTo change the remote control batteries, do thefollowing:

1. Remove the battery compartment doorlocated on the bottom of the remote control.

2. Replace the two AA batteries in thecompartment. Make sure that they areinstalled correctly, using the diagram on theinside of the battery compartment.

3. Close the battery door securely.

If the remote control is to be stored for a longperiod of time, remove the batteries and keep themin a cool, dry place.

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DVD Display Error MessagesThe DVD display error message depends onwhich radio you have. The video screen maydisplay one of the following:

Disc Load/Eject Error: This message isdisplayed when there are disc load or ejectproblems.

Disc Format Error: This message will bedisplayed, if the disc is inserted with the disc labelwrong side up, or if the disc is damaged.

Disc Region Error: This message will bedisplayed, if the disc is not from a correct region.

No Disc Inserted: This message will bedisplayed, if no disc is present when the EJECT orDVD/AUX button is pressed on the radio.

DVD DistortionVideo distortion may occur when operating cellularphones, scanners, CB radios, Global PositionSystems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, orwalkie talkies.

It may be necessary to turn off the DVD playerwhen operating one of these devices in or near thevehicle.

*Excludes the OnStar® System.

Cleaning the RSE Overhead ConsoleWhen cleaning the RSE overhead console surface,use only a clean cloth dampened with cleanwater.

Cleaning the Video ScreenWhen cleaning the video screen, use only a cleancloth dampened with clean water. Use carewhen directly touching or cleaning the screen, asdamage may result.

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Rear Seat Audio (RSA)This feature allows rear seat passengers to listento and control any of the music sources: radio,CDs, DVDs, or other auxiliary sources. However,the rear seat passengers can only control themusic sources the front seat passengers are notlistening to (except on some radios wheredual control is allowed). For example, rear seatpassengers can listen to and control a CD throughthe headphones, while the driver listens to theradio through the front speakers. The rearseat passengers have control of the volume foreach set of headphones.

You can operate the RSA functions even whenthe main radio is off.

Audio can be heard through wired headphones(not included) plugged into the jacks on the RSA.If your vehicle has this feature, audio can alsobe heard on Channel 2 of the wirelessheadphones.

The audio system mutes the rear speakers whenthe RSA audio is active through the headphones.

P (Power): Press this button to turn the RSA onor off.

Volume: Turn this knob to increase or todecrease the volume of the wired headphones.The left knob controls the left headphones and theright knob controls the right headphones.

SRCE (Source): Press this button to switchbetween the radio (AM/FM), XM (if equipped), CD,and if your vehicle has these features, DVD,front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.

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©¨ (Seek): When listening to FM, AM, or XM(if equipped), press the seek up or the seekdown arrow to go to the next or the previousstation or channels and stay there. This function isinactive, with some radios, if the front seatpassengers are listening to the radio.

Press and hold the seek up or seek down arrowuntil the display flashes, to tune to an individualstation. The display will stop flashing afterthe buttons have not been pushed for more thantwo seconds. This function is inactive, withsome radios, if the front seat passengers arelistening to the radio.

While listening to a CD, press the seek up arrow tohear the next track on the CD. Press the seek downarrow to go back to the start of the current track (ifmore than ten seconds have played). This functionis inactive, with some radios, if the front seatpassengers are listening to the radio.

When a DVD video menu is being displayed, pressthe seek up arrow or seek down arrow to perform acursor up or down on the menu. Hold the seek uparrow or seek down arrow to perform a cursor rightor left on the menu.

PROG (Program): Press this button to go to thenext preset radio station or channel set on themain radio. This function is inactive, withsome radios, if the front seat passengers arelistening to the radio.

When a CD or DVD audio is playing, press thisbutton to go to the beginning of the CD orDVD audio. This function is inactive, with someradios, if the front seat passengers are listening tothe CD or DVD audio.

When a disc audio is playing in the CD or DVDchanger, press this button to select the next disc, ifmultiple discs are loaded. This function isinactive, with some radios, if the front seatpassengers are listening to the disc.

When a DVD video menu is being displayed,press the PROG button to perform the menufunction, enter.

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Theft-Deterrent FeatureTHEFTLOCK® is designed to discourage theft ofyour vehicle’s radio. The feature worksautomatically by learning a portion of the VehicleIdentification Number (VIN). If the radio ismoved to a different vehicle, it will not operate andLOCKED will appear on the display.

When the radio and vehicle are turned off, theblinking red light indicates that THEFTLOCK® isarmed.

With THEFTLOCK® activated, the radio will notoperate if stolen.

Audio Steering Wheel Controls

If your vehicle has audiosteering wheel controls,they may be differdepending on yourvehicle’s options. Someaudio controls canbe adjusted atthe steering wheel.They include thefollowing:

xw (Next/Previous): Press the up or the downarrow to go to the next or to the previous radiostation stored as a favorite.

When a CD/DVD is playing, press the up or thedown arrow to go to the next or previous track orchapter.

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g (Mute/Voice Recognition): Press and releasethis button to silence the vehicle speakers only.The audio of the wireless and wired headphones, ifyour vehicle has these features, will not bemuted. Press and release this button again, toturn the sound on.

If your vehicle has the navigation system, pressand hold this button for longer than one second toinitiate voice recognition. See “Voice Recognition”in the Navigation System manual for moreinformation.

If your vehicle has OnStar®, press and hold thisbutton for longer than one second to interactwith the OnStar system. If your vehicle is alsoequipped with the navigation system, pressand hold this button for longer than one second toinitiate voice recognition and say “OnStar” toenter OnStar® mode. See the OnStar® System onpage 167 in this manual for more information.

SRCE (Source): Press this button to switchbetween the radio (AM, FM), XM (if equipped),CD, and if your vehicle has these features, DVD,front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.

+ e − e (Volume): Press the plus or minusbutton to increase or to decrease the radio volume.

¨ (Seek): Press the seek arrow to go to the nextradio station while in AM, FM, or XM (if equipped).Press this button to go to the next track or chapterwhile sourced to the DVD slot. Press the button togo to the next disc while sourced to a CD or DVDchanger, if multiple discs are loaded.

Radio ReceptionYou may experience frequency interference andstatic during normal radio reception if itemssuch as cellphone chargers, vehicle convenienceaccessories, and external electronic devicesare plugged into the accessory power outlet.If there is interference or static, unplug the itemfrom the accessory power outlet.

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AMThe range for most AM stations is greater than forFM, especially at night. The longer range cancause station frequencies to interfere with eachother. For better radio reception, most AMradio stations will boost the power levels duringthe day, and then reduce these levels duringthe night. Static can also occur when things likestorms and power lines interfere with radioreception. When this happens, try reducing thetreble on your radio.

FM StereoFM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signalswill reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FMsignals, causing the sound to fade in and out.

XM™ Satellite Radio ServiceXM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radioreception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguousUnited States, and in Canada (if available). Justas with FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere withsatellite radio signals, causing the sound tofade in and out.

In addition, traveling or standing under heavyfoliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may causeloss of the XM™ signal for a period of time.The radio may display NO SIGNAL to indicateinterference.

Care of Your CDs and DVDsHandle CDs carefully. Store them in their originalcases or other protective cases and away fromdirect sunlight and dust. The CD player scans thebottom surface of the disc. If the surface of aCD is damaged, such as cracked, broken,or scratched, the CD will not play properly or notat all. If the surface of a CD is soiled, take asoft, lint free cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth ina mild, neutral detergent solution mixed withwater, and clean it. Make sure the wiping processstarts from the center to the edge.

Do not touch the bottom side of a CD whilehandling it; this could damage the surface. Pick upCDs by grasping the outer edges or the edge ofthe hole and the outer edge.

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Care of the CD and DVD PlayerThe use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is notadvised, due to the risk of contaminating the lensof the CD optics with lubricants internal to theCD mechanism.

Rear Side Window AntennaYour AM-FM antenna is located in the passengerrear side windows. Be sure that the insidesurfaces of the rear side windows are notscratched and that the lines on the glass are notdamaged. If the inside surfaces are damaged, theycould interfere with radio reception.

Notice: Using a razor blade or sharp object toclear the inside of the rear side windowsmay affect radio reception or damage the rearwindow defogger. Repairs would not becovered by your warranty. Do not clear theinside of the rear side windows with sharpobjects.

Notice: Do not apply aftermarket glass tintingwith metallic film. The metallic film in sometinting materials will interfere with or distort theincoming radio reception. Any damage causedto your antenna due to metallic tinting materialswill not be covered by your warranty.

Because this antenna is built into your rear sidewindow, there is a reduced risk of damage causedby car washes and vandals.

If you choose to add an aftermarket cellulartelephone to your vehicle, and the antenna needsto be attached to the glass, be sure that youdo not damage the grid lines for the AM-FMantennas or place the cellular telephone antennaover the grid lines.

XM™ Satellite Radio AntennaSystemThe XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located onthe roof of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear ofsnow and ice build up for clear radio reception.

The performance of the XM™ system maybe affected if the sunroof is open.

Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle caninterfere with the performance of the XM™ system.Make sure that the XM™ satellite antenna is notobstructed.

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✍ NOTES

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Your Driving, the Road, andYour Vehicle .............................................340Defensive Driving .......................................340Drunken Driving .........................................341Control of a Vehicle ...................................344Braking ......................................................344Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...................345Braking in Emergencies ..............................347Locking Rear Axle ......................................347StabiliTrak® System ....................................348Steering .....................................................351Off-Road Recovery .....................................353Passing ......................................................353Loss of Control ..........................................355Off-Road Driving .........................................356Driving at Night ..........................................373Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads .............375City Driving ................................................378Freeway Driving .........................................379

Before Leaving on a Long Trip ...................380Highway Hypnosis ......................................381Hill and Mountain Roads ............................382Winter Driving ............................................384If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,

Ice, or Snow ...........................................388Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out ............388Recovery Hooks .........................................389Loading Your Vehicle .................................390Adding a Snow Plow or Similar

Equipment ..............................................396Towing .........................................................400

Towing Your Vehicle ..................................400Recreational Vehicle Towing .......................401Level Control ..............................................404Autoride® ....................................................405Towing a Trailer .........................................405Trailer Recommendations ...........................422

Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle

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Your Driving, the Road, andYour Vehicle

Defensive DrivingThe best advice anyone can give about driving is:Drive defensively.

Please start with a very important safety device inyour vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts:They Are for Everyone on page 38.

{CAUTION:

Defensive driving really means “Be readyfor anything.” On city streets, rural roads,or expressways, it means “Always expectthe unexpected.” Assume that pedestriansor other drivers are going to be carelessand make mistakes. Anticipate what theymight do and be ready. Rear-endcollisions are about the most preventableof accidents. Yet they are common. Allowenough following distance. Defensivedriving requires that a driver concentrateon the driving task. Anything thatdistracts from the driving task makesproper defensive driving more difficultand can even cause a collision, withresulting injury. Ask a passenger to helpdo these things, or pull off the road in asafe place to do them. These simpledefensive driving techniques could saveyour life.

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Drunken DrivingDeath and injury associated with drinking anddriving is a national tragedy. It is the number onecontributor to the highway death toll, claimingthousands of victims every year.

Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs todrive a vehicle:

• Judgment

• Muscular Coordination

• Vision

• Attentiveness

Police records show that almost half of all motorvehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In mostcases, these deaths are the result of someone whowas drinking and driving. In recent years, morethan 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deathshave been associated with the use of alcohol, withmore than 300,000 people injured.

Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half theadult population — choose never to drink alcohol,so they never drive after drinking. For personsunder 21, it is against the law in every U.S. stateto drink alcohol. There are good medical,psychological, and developmental reasons forthese laws.

The obvious way to eliminate the leading highwaysafety problem is for people never to drinkalcohol and then drive. But what if people do?How much is “too much” if someone plansto drive? It is a lot less than many might think.Although it depends on each person and situation,here is some general information on the problem.

The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) ofsomeone who is drinking depends upon four things:

• The amount of alcohol consumed

• The drinker’s body weight

• The amount of food that is consumed beforeand during drinking

• The length of time it has taken the drinker toconsume the alcohol

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According to the American Medical Association, a180 lb (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce(355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up witha BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person wouldreach the same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce(120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks ifeach had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of liquors likewhiskey, gin, or vodka.

It is the amount of alcohol that counts. Forexample, if the same person drank three doublemartinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each)within an hour, the person’s BAC would be closeto 0.12 percent. A person who consumes foodjust before or during drinking will have a somewhatlower BAC level.

There is a gender difference, too. Womengenerally have a lower relative percentage of bodywater than men. Since alcohol is carried in bodywater, this means that a woman generally willreach a higher BAC level than a man of her samebody weight will when each has the samenumber of drinks.

The law in most U.S. states, and throughoutCanada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. Insome other countries, the limit is even lower. Forexample, it is 0.05 percent in both France andGermany. The BAC limit for all commercial driversin the United States is 0.04 percent.

The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three tosix drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we haveseen, it depends on how much alcohol is in thedrinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.

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But the ability to drive is affected well below aBAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows thatthe driving skills of many people are impaired at aBAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that theeffects are worse at night. All drivers are impairedat BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statisticsshow that the chance of being in a collisionincreases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance ofhaving a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent,the chance of this driver having a collision is12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, thechance is 25 times greater!

The body takes about an hour to rid itself of thealcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee ornumber of cold showers will speed that up. “I willbe careful” is not the right answer. What ifthere is an emergency, a need to take suddenaction, as when a child darts into the street?A person with even a moderate BAC might not beable to react quickly enough to avoid thecollision.

There is something else about drinking and drivingthat many people do not know. Medical researchshows that alcohol in a person’s system can makecrash injuries worse, especially injuries to thebrain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that whenanyone who has been drinking — driver orpassenger — is in a crash, that person’s chanceof being killed or permanently disabled ishigher than if the person had not been drinking.

{CAUTION:

Drinking and then driving is verydangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,attentiveness, and judgment can beaffected by even a small amount of alcohol.You can have a serious — or evenfatal — collision if you drive after drinking.Please do not drink and drive or ride with adriver who has been drinking. Ride home ina cab; or if you are with a group, designatea driver who will not drink.

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Control of a VehicleYou have three systems that make your vehiclego where you want it to go. They are the brakes,the steering, and the accelerator. All threesystems have to do their work at the places wherethe tires meet the road.

Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow orice, it is easy to ask more of those control systemsthan the tires and road can provide. That meansyou can lose control of your vehicle. SeeStabiliTrak® System on page 348.

Adding non-GM accessories can affect yourvehicle’s performance. See Accessories andModifications on page 426.

BrakingSee Brake System Warning Light on page 232.

Braking action involves perception time andreaction time.

First, you have to decide to push on the brakepedal. That is perception time. Then you have tobring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.

Average reaction time is about three-fourths of asecond. But that is only an average. It mightbe less with one driver and as long as two orthree seconds or more with another. Age, physicalcondition, alertness, coordination, and eyesightall play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, andfrustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in anemergency, so keeping enough space betweenyour vehicle and others is important.

And, of course, actual stopping distances varygreatly with the surface of the road, whether it ispavement or gravel; the condition of the road,whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; thecondition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle;and the amount of brake force applied.

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drivein spurts — heavy acceleration followed byheavy braking — rather than keeping pace withtraffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes maynot have time to cool between hard stops. Yourbrakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot ofheavy braking.

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If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realisticfollowing distances, you will eliminate a lot ofunnecessary braking. That means better brakingand longer brake life.

If your engine ever stops while you are driving,brake normally but do not pump your brakes.If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down.If your engine stops, you will still have somepower brake assist. But you will use it when youbrake. Once the power assist is used up, itmay take longer to stop and the brake pedal willbe harder to push.


Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system thatwill help prevent a braking skid.

When you start your engine and begin to driveaway, ABS will check itself. You may hear amomentary motor or clicking noise while this testis going on. This is normal.

If there is a problemwith ABS, this warninglight will stay on.See Anti-Lock BrakeSystem WarningLight on page 233.

Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic RearProportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRPproblem, both the brake and ABS warning lights willcome on accompanied by a 10-second chime. Thelights and chime will come on each time the ignitionis turned on until the problem is repaired. See yourdealer for service.

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Let us say the road is wet and you are drivingsafely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front ofyou. You slam on the brakes and continue braking.Here is what happens with ABS:

A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, thecomputer will separately work the brakes at eachfront wheel and at both rear wheels.

ABS can change the brake pressure faster thanany driver could. The computer is programmed tomake the most of available tire and roadconditions. This can help you steer around theobstacle while braking hard.

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As you brake, your computer keeps receivingupdates on wheel speed and controls brakingpressure accordingly.Remember: ABS does not change the time youneed to get your foot up to the brake pedal oralways decrease stopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you, you will not havetime to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenlyslows or stops. Always leave enough room upahead to stop, even though you have ABS.

Using ABSDo not pump the brakes. Just hold the brakepedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you.You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may noticesome noise, but this is normal.

Braking in EmergenciesWith ABS, you can steer and brake at the sametime. In many emergencies, steering can help youmore than even the very best braking.

Locking Rear AxleIf your vehicle has this feature, your locking rearaxle can give you additional traction on snow, mud,ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axlemost of the time, but when one of the rear wheelshas no traction and the other does, this feature willallow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.

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StabiliTrak® SystemYour vehicle may be equipped with theStabiliTrak® system which combines antilockbrake, traction and stability control systems andhelps the driver maintain directional control of thevehicle in most driving conditions.

When you first start your vehicle and begin to driveaway, the system performs several diagnosticchecks to ensure there are no problems. You mayhear or feel the system working. This is normal anddoes not mean there is a problem with your vehicle.The system should initialize before the vehiclereaches 20 mph (32 km/h). In some cases, it maytake approximately two miles of driving before thesystem initializes.

If the system fails to turn on or activate, theStabiliTrak® light along with one of the followingmessages will be displayed on the DriverInformation Center (DIC) (TRACTION CONTROLOFF, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL,STABILITRAK OFF, SERVICE STABILITRAK).For 2500 series vehicles, if the vehicle has gonethrough heavy acceleration or braking duringthe first 2 miles (3.2 km) after starting your vehicle,these messages may also appear.

For 1500 series vehicles, if these DIC messagesappear, make sure the StabiliTrack® systemhas not been turned off, then turn the steeringwheel through either the ten or two o’clockpositions. If this does not clear the message(s),take your vehicle to the dealer for service. If this isthe case, your vehicle does not need servicing.Turn your vehicle off and back on again toreset the system. If any of these messages appearon the Driver Information Center (DIC), and yourvehicle hasn’t gone through hard accelerationor braking in the first two miles, your vehicleshould be taken in for service. For moreinformation on the DIC messages, see DriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 244.

The StabiliTrak® lightwill flash on theinstrument panel clusterwhen the system isboth on and activated.

You may also feel or hear the system working;this is normal.

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The traction controldisable button is locatedon the instrumentpanel below the climatecontrols.

The traction control part of StabiliTrak® can beturned off by pressing and releasing theStabiliTrak® button if both systems (traction controland StabiliTrak®) were previously on. To disableboth traction control and StabiliTrak®, pressand hold the button for five seconds.

Traction control and StabiliTrak® can be turned onby pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak®

button if both systems were previously off, if notautomatically shut off for any other reason.

When the system is turned off, the TRACTIONCONTROL OFF message and the StabiliTrak®

light will appear to warn the driver that boththe traction control and part of StabiliTrak® aredisabled. Your vehicle will still have brake-tractioncontrol when traction control is off, but will notbe able to use the engine speed managementsystem.

See “Traction Control Operation” next for moreinformation.

When the traction control system has been turnedoff, you may still hear system noises as a resultof the brake-traction control coming on.

It is recommended to leave the system on fornormal driving conditions, but it may be necessaryto turn the system off if your vehicle is stuck insand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to“rock” your vehicle to attempt to free it. It may alsobe necessary to turn off the system when drivingin extreme off-road conditions where highwheel spin is required. See If Your Vehicle isStuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 388.

When the transfer case is in 4LO, the stabilitysystem is automatically disabled, the StabiliTrak®

light will come on and the STABILITRAK OFFmessage will appear on the DIC. Both tractioncontrol and StabiliTrak® are automatically disabledin this condition.

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Traction Control OperationThe traction control system is part of theStabiliTrak® system. Traction control limits wheelspin by reducing engine power to the wheels(engine speed management) and by applyingbrakes to each individual wheel (brake-tractioncontrol) as necessary.

The traction control system is enabledautomatically when you start your vehicle. It willactivate and the StabiliTrak® light will flash ifit senses that any of the wheels are spinning orbeginning to lose traction while driving. If you turnoff traction control, only the brake-tractioncontrol portion of traction control will work. Theengine speed management will be disabled. In thismode, engine power is not reduced automaticallyand the driven wheels can spin more freely.This can cause the brake-traction control toactivate constantly.

Notice: If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle tospin excessively while the StabiliTrak®, ABSand brake warning lights and the SERVICESTABILITRAK message are displayed, youcould damage the transfer case.

The repairs would not be covered by yourwarranty. Reduce engine power and do not spinthe wheel(s) excessively while these lights andthis message are displayed.

The traction control system may activate ondry or rough roads or under conditions such asheavy acceleration while turning or abruptupshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When thishappens, you may notice a reduction inacceleration, or may hear a noise or vibration.This is normal.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the systemactivates, the StabiliTrak® light will flash and thecruise control will automatically disengage.When road conditions allow you to use cruiseagain, you may re-engage the cruise control.See Cruise Control on page 196.

StabiliTrak® may also turn off automatically if itdetermines that a problem exists with the system.If the problem does not clear itself after restartingthe vehicle, you should see your dealer forservice.

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Steering

Power SteeringIf you lose power steering assist because theengine stops or the system is not functioning, youcan steer but it will take much more effort.

Steering TipsIt is important to take curves at a reasonablespeed.

A lot of the “driver lost control” accidentsmentioned on the news happen on curves.Here is why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us issubject to the same laws of physics when driving oncurves. The traction of the tires against the roadsurface makes it possible for the vehicle to changeits path when you turn the front wheels. If there isno traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in thesame direction. If you have ever tried to steer avehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends onthe condition of your tires and the road surface, theangle at which the curve is banked, and yourspeed. While you are in a curve, speed is the onefactor you can control.

Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.Then you suddenly accelerate. Both controlsystems — steering and acceleration — have todo their work where the tires meet the road.Adding the sudden acceleration can demand toomuch of those places. You can lose control.See StabiliTrak® System on page 348.

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease upon the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle theway you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that youshould adjust your speed. Of course, the postedspeeds are based on good weather and roadconditions. Under less favorable conditions you willwant to go slower.

If you need to reduce your speed as you approacha curve, do it before you enter the curve, whileyour front wheels are straight ahead.

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Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive”through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steadyspeed. Wait to accelerate until you are out ofthe curve, and then accelerate gently intothe straightaway.


Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering can be moreeffective than braking. For example, you come overa hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a carsuddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child dartsout from between parked cars and stops right infront of you. You can avoid these problems bybraking — if you can stop in time. But sometimesyou cannot; there is not room. That is the time forevasive action — steering around the problem.

Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencieslike these. First apply your brakes.

See Braking on page 344. It is better to remove asmuch speed as you can from a possible collision.Then steer around the problem, to the left orright depending on the space available.

An emergency like this requires close attentionand a quick decision. If you are holding thesteering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clockpositions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees veryquickly without removing either hand. But you haveto act fast, steer quickly, and just as quicklystraighten the wheel once you have avoidedthe object.

The fact that such emergency situations arealways possible is a good reason to practicedefensive driving at all times and wear safety beltsproperly.

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Off-Road RecoveryYou may find that your right wheels have droppedoff the edge of a road onto the shoulder whileyou are driving.

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly belowthe pavement, recovery should be fairly easy.Ease off the accelerator and then, if thereis nothing in the way, steer so that your vehiclestraddles the edge of the pavement.

You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarterturn until the right front tire contacts the pavementedge. Then turn your steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.

PassingThe driver of a vehicle about to pass another on atwo-lane highway waits for just the right moment,accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, thengoes back into the right lane again. A simplemaneuver?

Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on atwo-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move,since the passing vehicle occupies the same laneas oncoming traffic for several seconds. Amiscalculation, an error in judgment, or a briefsurrender to frustration or anger can suddenly putthe passing driver face to face with the worst of alltraffic accidents — the head-on collision.

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So here are some tips for passing:

• Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the sidesand to crossroads for situations that mightaffect your passing patterns. If you have anydoubt whatsoever about making a successfulpass, wait for a better time.

• Watch for traffic signs, pavement markingsand lines. If you can see a sign up aheadthat might indicate a turn or an intersection,delay your pass. A broken center lineusually indicates it is all right to pass, providingthe road ahead is clear. Never cross a solidline on your side of the lane or a double solidline, even if the road seems empty ofapproaching traffic.

• Do not get too close to the vehicle you wantto pass while you are awaiting an opportunity.For one thing, following too closely reducesyour area of vision, especially if you arefollowing a larger vehicle. Also, you will nothave adequate space if the vehicle aheadsuddenly slows or stops. Keep back areasonable distance.

• When it looks like a chance to pass is comingup, start to accelerate but stay in the rightlane and do not get too close. Time your moveso you will be increasing speed as the timecomes to move into the other lane. If the wayis clear to pass, you will have a runningstart that more than makes up for the distanceyou would lose by dropping back. And ifsomething happens to cause you to cancelyour pass, you need only slow down and dropback again and wait for another opportunity.

• If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slowvehicle, wait your turn. But take care thatsomeone is not trying to pass you as you pullout to pass the slow vehicle. Remember toglance over your shoulder and check theblind spot.

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• Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulderand start your left lane change signal beforemoving out of the right lane to pass. When youare far enough ahead of the passed vehicleto see its front in your inside mirror, activateyour right lane change signal and moveback into the right lane. Remember that if yourpassenger side outside mirror is convex, thevehicle you just passed may seem to befarther away from you than it really is.

• Try not to pass more than one vehicle at atime on two-lane roads. Reconsider beforepassing the next vehicle.

• Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle toorapidly. Even though the brake lamps arenot flashing, it may be slowing down or startingto turn.

• If you are being passed, make it easy for thefollowing driver to get ahead of you. Perhapsyou can ease a little to the right.

Loss of ControlLet us review what driving experts say about whathappens when the three control systems — brakes,steering, and acceleration — do not have enoughfriction where the tires meet the road to do what thedriver has asked.

In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying tosteer and constantly seek an escape route orarea of less danger.

SkiddingIn a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.Defensive drivers avoid most skids by takingreasonable care suited to existing conditions, andby not overdriving those conditions. But skidsare always possible.

The three types of skids correspond to yourvehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid,your wheels are not rolling. In the steering orcornering skid, too much speed or steering in acurve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.And in the acceleration skid, too much throttlecauses the driving wheels to spin.

A cornering skid is best handled by easing yourfoot off the accelerator pedal.

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Remember: StabiliTrak® helps avoid only theacceleration skid. See StabiliTrak® Systemon page 348. If the StabiliTrak® System is off,then an acceleration skid is also best handled byeasing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot offthe accelerator pedal and quickly steer theway you want the vehicle to go. If you startsteering quickly enough, your vehicle maystraighten out. Always be ready for a second skidif it occurs.

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow,ice, gravel, or other material is on the road.For safety, you will want to slow down and adjustyour driving to these conditions. It is importantto slow down on slippery surfaces becausestopping distance will be longer and vehicle controlmore limited.

While driving on a surface with reduced traction,try your best to avoid sudden steering,acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehiclespeed by shifting to a lower gear. Any suddenchanges could cause the tires to slide.

You may not realize the surface is slippery untilyour vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognizewarning clues — such as enough water, ice, orpacked snow on the road to make a mirroredsurface — and slow down when you haveany doubt.

Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)helps avoid only the braking skid.

Off-Road DrivingThis off-road guide is for vehicles that havefour-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Also, seeBraking on page 344. If your vehicle does not havefour-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you shouldnot drive off-road unless you are on a level, solidsurface.

Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does havesome definite hazards. The greatest of these isthe terrain itself.

“Off-roading” means you have left the great NorthAmerican road system behind. Traffic lanesare not marked. Curves are not banked. There areno road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough,uphill or downhill. In short, you have goneright back to nature.

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Off-road driving involves some new skills. And thatis why it is very important that you read thisguide. You will find many driving tips andsuggestions. These will help make your off-roaddriving safer and more enjoyable.

If you think you will need some more groundclearance at the front of your vehicle, youcan remove the front fascia lower air dam.

The front fascia lower air dam is held in place bytwo bolts and 10 snap features. The bolts andsnap features are accessible from underneath thefront fascia.

The following steps must be performed on thebolts and snap features to remove the air dam:

1. Remove the 2 outboard air dam bolts.

2. With a flat-blade screwdriver, push down onthe snap features and disengage the snaps.

3. After the bolts are removed and the snaps aredisengaged, push forward on the air dam untilit is free.

When you are back on roads, though, be sure toreplace the air dam.

Notice: Operating your vehicle for extendedperiods without the front fascia lower air daminstalled can cause improper air flow to theengine. Always be sure to replace the frontfascia air dam when you are finished off-roaddriving.To reinstall the lower air dam do the following:1. Line up the snap features and push the

air dam rearward to engage the snaps.2. Install the 2 outboard bolts.

Before You Go Off-RoadingThere are some things to do before you go out.For example, be sure to have all necessarymaintenance and service work done. Check tomake sure all underbody shields, if the vehicle hasthem, are properly attached. Be sure you readall the information about your four-wheel-drive orall-wheel-drive vehicle in this manual. Is thereenough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are thefluid levels up where they should be? What arethe local laws that apply to off-roading where youwill be driving? If you do not know, you shouldcheck with law enforcement people in thearea. Will you be on someone’s private land?If so, be sure to get the necessary permission.

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Loading Your Vehicle for Off-RoadDriving

{CAUTION:

• Cargo on the load floor piled higherthan the seatbacks can be thrownforward during a sudden stop. You oryour passengers could be injured.Keep cargo below the top of theseatbacks.

• Unsecured cargo on the load floor canbe tossed about when driving overrough terrain. You or your passengerscan be struck by flying objects.Secure the cargo properly.

• Heavy loads on the roof raise thevehicle’s center of gravity, making itmore likely to roll over. You can beseriously or fatally injured if thevehicle rolls over. Put heavy loadsinside the cargo area, not on the roof.Keep cargo in the cargo area as farforward and low as possible.

There are some important things to rememberabout how to load your vehicle.

• The heaviest things should be on the loadfloor and forward of your rear axle. Putheavier items as far forward as you can.

• Be sure the load is secured properly, sodriving on the off-road terrain does nottoss things around.

You will find other important information in thismanual. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 390and Tires on page 482.

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Environmental ConcernsOff-road driving can provide wholesome andsatisfying recreation. However, it also raisesenvironmental concerns. We recognize theseconcerns and urge every off-roader to follow thesebasic rules for protecting the environment:

• Always use established trails, roads, and areasthat have been specially set aside for publicoff-road recreational driving; obey allposted regulations.

• Avoid any driving practice that could damagethe environment — shrubs, flowers, trees,grasses — or disturb wildlife. This includeswheel-spinning, breaking down trees, orunnecessary driving through streams or oversoft ground.

• Always carry a litter bag — make sure allrefuse is removed from any campsitebefore leaving.

• Take extreme care with open fires (wherepermitted), camp stoves and lanterns.

• Never park your vehicle over dry grass orother combustible materials that couldcatch fire from the heat of the vehicle’sexhaust system.

Traveling to Remote AreasIt makes sense to plan your trip, especially whengoing to a remote area. Know the terrain andplan your route. You are much less likely to getbad surprises. Get accurate maps of trailsand terrain. Try to learn of any blocked orclosed roads.

It is also a good idea to travel with at least oneother vehicle. If something happens to oneof them, the other can help quickly.

Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure toread the winch instructions. In a remote area, awinch can be handy if you get stuck. But you willwant to know how to use it properly.

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Getting Familiar with Off-Road DrivingIt is a good idea to practice in an area that issafe and close to home before you go intothe wilderness. Off-road driving does require somenew and different skills. Here is what we mean.

Tune your senses to different kinds of signals.Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweepthe terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your earsneed to listen for unusual tire or engine sounds.With your arms, hands, feet and body, youwill need to respond to vibrations and vehiclebounce.

Controlling your vehicle is the key to successfuloff-road driving. One of the best ways tocontrol your vehicle is to control your speed. Hereare some things to keep in mind. At higherspeeds:

• You approach things faster and you have lesstime to scan the terrain for obstacles.

• You have less time to react.

• You have more vehicle bounce when youdrive over obstacles.

• You will need more distance for braking,especially since you are on an unpavedsurface.

{CAUTION:

When you are driving off-road, bouncingand quick changes in direction can easilythrow you out of position. This couldcause you to lose control and crash. So,whether you are driving on or off the road,you and your passengers should wearsafety belts.

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Scanning the TerrainOff-road driving can take you over many differentkinds of terrain. You need to be familiar withthe terrain and its many different features. Hereare some things to consider.

Surface Conditions: Off-roading can take youover hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,mud, snow, or ice. Each of these surfacesaffects the steering, acceleration, and braking ofyour vehicle in different ways. Depending upon thekind of surface you are on, you may experienceslipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayedacceleration, poor traction, and longer brakingdistances.

Surface Obstacles: Unseen or hidden obstaclescan be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, orbump can startle you if you are not prepared forthem. Often these obstacles are hidden bygrass, bushes, snow, or even the rise and fall ofthe terrain itself. Here are some things to consider:

• Is the path ahead clear?

• Will the surface texture change abruptly upahead?

• Does the travel take you uphill or downhill?There is more discussion of these subjectslater.

• Will you have to stop suddenly or changedirection quickly?

When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain,keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts,troughs or other surface features can jerkthe wheel out of your hands if you are notprepared.

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When you drive over bumps, rocks, or otherobstacles, your wheels can leave the ground.If this happens, even with one or two wheels, youcannot control the vehicle as well or at all.

Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it isespecially important to avoid sudden acceleration,sudden turns, or sudden braking.

In a way, off-road driving requires a different kindof alertness from driving on paved roads andhighways. There are no road signs, posted speedlimits, or signal lights. You have to use yourown good judgment about what is safe and whatis not.

Drinking and driving can be very dangerous onany road. And this is certainly true for off-roaddriving. At the very time you need special alertnessand driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions,and judgment can be affected by even a smallamount of alcohol. You could have a serious — oreven fatal — accident if you drink and drive orride with a driver who has been drinking.See Drunken Driving on page 341.

Driving on Off-Road HillsOff-road driving often takes you up, down, oracross a hill. Driving safely on hills requires goodjudgment and an understanding of what yourvehicle can and cannot do. There are some hillsthat simply cannot be driven, no matter howwell built the vehicle.

{CAUTION:

Many hills are simply too steep for anyvehicle. If you drive up them, you willstall. If you drive down them, you cannotcontrol your speed. If you drive acrossthem, you will roll over. You could beseriously injured or killed. If you have anydoubt about the steepness, do not drivethe hill.

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Approaching a HillWhen you approach a hill, you need to decide if itis one of those hills that is just too steep toclimb, descend, or cross. Steepness can be hardto judge. On a very small hill, for example,there may be a smooth, constant incline with onlya small change in elevation where you caneasily see all the way to the top. On a large hill,the incline may get steeper as you near thetop, but you may not see this because the crest ofthe hill is hidden by bushes, grass or shrubs.

Here are some other things to consider as youapproach a hill.

• Is there a constant incline, or does the hill getsharply steeper in places?

• Is there good traction on the hillside, or willthe surface cause tire slipping?

• Is there a straight path up or down the hill soyou will not have to make turning maneuvers?

• Are there obstructions on the hill that can blockyour path, such as boulders, trees, logs, orruts?

• What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, anembankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get outand walk the hill if you do not know. It is thesmart way to find out.

• Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills oftenhave ruts, gullies, troughs and exposedrocks because they are more susceptible tothe effects of erosion.

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Driving UphillOnce you decide you can safely drive up the hill,you need to take some special steps.

• Use a low gear and get a firm grip on thesteering wheel.

• Get a smooth start up the hill and try tomaintain your speed. Do not use more powerthan you need, because you do not wantyour wheels to start spinning or sliding.

• Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.If the path twists and turns, you might want tofind another route.

{CAUTION:

Turning or driving across steep hills canbe dangerous. You could lose traction,slide sideways, and possibly roll over.You could be seriously injured or killed.When driving up hills, always try to gostraight up.

• Ease up on your speed as you approach thetop of the hill.

• Attach a flag to the vehicle to make you morevisible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.

• Sound the horn as you approach the top of thehill to let opposing traffic know you are there.

• Use your headlamps even during theday. They make you more visible to oncomingtraffic.

{CAUTION:

Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at fullspeed can cause an accident. There couldbe a drop-off, embankment, cliff, or evenanother vehicle. You could be seriouslyinjured or killed. As you near the top of ahill, slow down and stay alert.

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Q: What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or isabout to stall, and I cannot make it upthe hill?

A: If this happens, there are some things youshould do, and there are some things youmust not do. First, here is what you should do:

• Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicleand keep it from rolling backwards. Also, applythe parking brake.

• If your engine is still running, shift thetransmission to REVERSE (R), release theparking brake, and slowly back down the hill inREVERSE (R).

• If your engine has stopped running, you willneed to restart it. With the brake pedalpressed and the parking brake still applied,shift the transmission to PARK (P) and restartthe engine. Then, shift to REVERSE (R),release the parking brake, and slowly backdown the hill as straight as possible inREVERSE (R).

• As you are backing down the hill, put your lefthand on the steering wheel at the 12 o’clockposition. This way, you will be able to tell if yourwheels are straight and maneuver as you backdown. It is best that you back down the hill withyour wheels straight rather than in the left orright direction. Turning the wheel too far to theleft or right will increase the possibility of arollover.

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Here are some things you must not do if you stall,or are about to stall, when going up a hill.• Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting

into NEUTRAL (N) to rev-up the engineand regain forward momentum. This will notwork. Your vehicle will roll backwardsvery quickly and you could go out of control.Instead, apply the regular brake to stopthe vehicle. Then apply the parking brake.Shift to REVERSE (R), release the parkingbrake, and slowly back straight down.

{CAUTION:

Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL cancause your vehicle to roll even if thetransmission is in PARK (P). This isbecause the NEUTRAL position on thetransfer case overrides the transmission.You or someone else could be injured. Ifyou are going to leave your vehicle, set theparking brake and shift the transmission toPARK (P). But do not shift the transfer caseto NEUTRAL.

• Never attempt to turn around if you are about tostall when going up a hill. If the hill is steepenough to stall your vehicle, it is steep enoughto cause you to roll over if you turn around. Ifyou cannot make it up the hill, you must backstraight down the hill.

Q: Suppose, after stalling, I try to back downthe hill and decide I just cannot do it. Whatshould I do?

A: Set the parking brake, put your transmissionin PARK (P) and turn off the engine. Leavethe vehicle and go get some help. Exit on theuphill side and stay clear of the path thevehicle would take if it rolled downhill. Do notshift the transfer case to NEUTRAL whenyou leave the vehicle. Leave it in some gear.

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Driving DownhillWhen off-roading takes you downhill, you will wantto consider a number of things:

• How steep is the downhill? Will I be able tomaintain vehicle control?

• What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?

• Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts?Logs? Boulders?

• What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there ahidden creek bank or even a river bottomwith large rocks?

If you decide you can go down a hill safely, thentry to keep your vehicle headed straight down, anduse a low gear. This way, engine drag can helpyour brakes and they will not have to do allthe work. Descend slowly, keeping your vehicleunder control at all times.

{CAUTION:

Heavy braking when going down a hill cancause your brakes to overheat and fade.This could cause loss of control and aserious accident. Apply the brakes lightlywhen descending a hill and use a lowgear to keep vehicle speed under control.

Q: Are there some things I should not dowhen driving down a hill?

A: Yes! These are important because if youignore them you could lose control andhave a serious accident.

• When driving downhill, avoid turns that takeyou across the incline of the hill. A hill thatis not too steep to drive down may betoo steep to drive across. You could roll overif you do not drive straight down.

• Never go downhill with the transmission inNEUTRAL (N). This is called “free-wheeling.”Your brakes will have to do all the workand could overheat and fade.

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Q: Am I likely to stall when going downhill?

A: It is much more likely to happen goinguphill. But if it happens going downhill, here iswhat to do.

1. Stop your vehicle by applying the regularbrakes. Apply the parking brake.

2. Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking,restart the engine.

3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parkingbrake, and drive straight down.

4. If the engine will not start, get out andget help.

Driving Across an InclineSooner or later, an off-road trail will probably goacross the incline of a hill. If this happens,you have to decide whether to try to drive acrossthe incline. Here are some things to consider:

• hill that can be driven straight up or down maybe too steep to drive across. When you gostraight up or down a hill, the length of thewheel base — the distance from the frontwheels to the rear wheels — reduces thelikelihood the vehicle will tumble end over end.But when you drive across an incline, the muchmore narrow track width — the distancebetween the left and right wheels — may notprevent the vehicle from tilting and rolling over.Also, driving across an incline puts more weighton the downhill wheels. This could cause adownhill slide or a rollover.

• Surface conditions can be a problem when youdrive across a hill. Loose gravel, muddy spots,or even wet grass can cause your tires to slipsideways, downhill. If the vehicle slipssideways, it can hit something that will tripit — a rock, a rut, etc. — and roll over.

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• Hidden obstacles can make the steepness ofthe incline even worse. If you drive across arock with the uphill wheels, or if the downhillwheels drop into a rut or depression, yourvehicle can tilt even more.

For reasons like these, you need to decidecarefully whether to try to drive across an incline.Just because the trail goes across the inclinedoes not mean you have to drive it. The lastvehicle to try it might have rolled over.

{CAUTION:

Driving across an incline that is too steepwill make your vehicle roll over. You couldbe seriously injured or killed. If you haveany doubt about the steepness of theincline, do not drive across it. Findanother route instead.

Q: What if I am driving across an incline thatis not too steep, but I hit some loosegravel and start to slide downhill. Whatshould I do?

A: If you feel your vehicle starting to slidesideways, turn downhill. This should helpstraighten out the vehicle and prevent the sideslipping. However, a much better way toprevent this is to get out and “walk the course”so you know what the surface is like beforeyou drive it.

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Stalling on an InclineIf your vehicle stalls when you are crossing anincline, be sure you, and any passengers, get outon the uphill side, even if the door there isharder to open. If you get out on the downhill sideand the vehicle starts to roll over, you will beright in its path.

If you have to walk down the slope, stay out of thepath the vehicle will take if it does roll over.

{CAUTION:

Getting out on the downhill (low) side of avehicle stopped across an incline isdangerous. If the vehicle rolls over, youcould be crushed or killed. Always get outon the uphill (high) side of the vehicle andstay well clear of the rollover path.

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Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or IceWhen you drive in mud, snow, or sand, yourwheels will not get good traction. You cannotaccelerate as quickly, turning is more difficult, andyou will need longer braking distances.

It is best to use a low gear when you are inmud —the deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Inreally deep mud, the idea is to keep your vehiclemoving so you do not get stuck.

When you drive on sand, you will sense a changein wheel traction. But it will depend upon howloosely packed the sand is. On loosely packedsand, such as on beaches or sand dunes,your tires will tend to sink into the sand. This hasan effect on steering, accelerating and braking.Drive at a reduced speed and avoid sharp turns orabrupt maneuvers.

Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tiretraction. On these surfaces, it is very easy to losecontrol. On wet ice, for example, the traction isso poor that you will have difficulty accelerating.And if you do get moving, poor steering anddifficult braking can cause you to slide out ofcontrol.

{CAUTION:

Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or riverscan be dangerous. Underwater springs,currents under the ice, or sudden thawscan weaken the ice. Your vehicle couldfall through the ice and you and yourpassengers could drown. Drive yourvehicle on safe surfaces only.

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Driving in WaterHeavy rain can mean flash flooding, and floodwaters demand extreme caution.

Find out how deep the water is before you drivethrough it. If it is deep enough to cover your wheelhubs, axles or exhaust pipe, do not try it — youprobably will not get through. Also, water that deepcan damage your axle and other vehicle parts.

If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.At faster speeds, water splashes on your ignitionsystem and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can alsooccur if you get your tailpipe under water. And,as long as your tailpipe is under water, youwill never be able to start your engine. When yougo through water, remember that when yourbrakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop.

{CAUTION:

Driving through rushing water can bedangerous. Deep water can sweep yourvehicle downstream and you and yourpassengers could drown. If it is onlyshallow water, it can still wash away theground from under your tires, and youcould lose traction and roll the vehicleover. Do not drive through rushing water.

See Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads onpage 375 for more information on driving throughwater.

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After Off-Road DrivingRemove any brush or debris that has collected onthe underbody, chassis, or under the hood.These accumulations can be a fire hazard.

After operation in mud or sand, have the brakelinings cleaned and checked. These substancescan cause glazing and uneven braking. Check thebody structure, steering, suspension, wheels,tires, and exhaust system for damage. Also, checkthe fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage.

Your vehicle will require more frequent servicedue to off-road use. Refer to the MaintenanceSchedule for additional information.

Driving at NightNight driving is more dangerous than day driving.One reason is that some drivers are likely tobe impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with nightvision problems, or by fatigue.

Here are some tips on night driving.

• Drive defensively.

• Do not drink and drive.

• Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce theglare from headlamps behind you.

• Since you cannot see as well, you may needto slow down and keep more space betweenyou and other vehicles.

• Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only somuch road ahead.

• In remote areas, watch for animals.

• If you are tired, pull off the road in a safeplace and rest.

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No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.But as we get older these differences increase.A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice asmuch light to see the same thing at night as a20-year-old.

What you do in the daytime can also affect yournight vision. For example, if you spend theday in bright sunshine you are wise to wearsunglasses. Your eyes will have less troubleadjusting to night. But if you are driving, do notwear sunglasses at night. They may cut down onglare from headlamps, but they also make alot of things invisible.

You can be temporarily blinded by approachingheadlamps. It can take a second or two, oreven several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjustto the dark. When you are faced with severe glare,as from a driver who does not lower the highbeams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps,slow down a little. Avoid staring directly intothe approaching headlamps.

Keep the windshield and all the glass on yourvehicle clean — inside and out. Glare at night ismade much worse by dirt on the glass. Eventhe inside of the glass can build up a film causedby dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle andflash more than clean glass would, making thepupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.

Remember that the headlamps light up far lessof a roadway when you are in a turn or curve.Keep your eyes moving; that way, it is easier topick out dimly lighted objects. Just as theheadlamps should be checked regularly forproper aim, so should your eyes be examinedregularly. Some drivers suffer from nightblindness — the inability to see in dimlight — and are not even aware of it.

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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble.On a wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turnas well because your tire-to-road traction is notas good as on dry roads. And, if your tires do nothave much tread left, you will get even lesstraction. It is always wise to go slower and becautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving.The surface may get wet suddenly when yourreflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see.Even if your windshield wiper blades are in goodshape, a heavy rain can make it harder to seeroad signs and traffic signals, pavement markings,the edge of the road, and even people walking.

It is wise to keep your wiping equipment in goodshape and keep your windshield washer fluidreservoir filled with washer fluid. Replace yourwindshield wiper inserts when they show signs ofstreaking or missing areas on the windshield, orwhen strips of rubber start to separate from theinserts.

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{CAUTION:

Wet brakes can cause accidents. They willnot work as well in a quick stop and maycause pulling to one side. You could losecontrol of the vehicle.

After driving through a large puddle ofwater or a car wash, apply your brakepedal lightly until your brakes worknormally.

Driving too fast through large water puddles oreven going through some car washes can causeproblems, too. The water may affect yourbrakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you cannot, tryto slow down before you hit them.

HydroplaningHydroplaning is dangerous. So much water canbuild up under your tires that they can actually rideon the water. This can happen if the road is wetenough and you are going fast enough. When yourvehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contactwith the road.

Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can ifyour tires do not have much tread or if thepressure in one or more is low. It can happen if alot of water is standing on the road. If you cansee reflections from trees, telephone poles,or other vehicles, and raindrops dimple the water’ssurface, there could be hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.There just is not a hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is to slow downwhen it is raining.

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Driving Through Deep Standing WaterNotice: If you drive too quickly through deeppuddles or standing water, water can come inthrough your engine’s air intake and badlydamage your engine. Never drive through waterthat is slightly lower than the underbody of yourvehicle. If you cannot avoid deep puddles orstanding water, drive through them very slowly.

Driving Through Flowing Water

{CAUTION:

Flowing or rushing water creates strongforces. If you try to drive through flowingwater, as you might at a low watercrossing, your vehicle can be carried away.As little as six inches of flowing water cancarry away a smaller vehicle. If thishappens, you and other vehicle occupantscould drown. Do not ignore police warningsigns, and otherwise be very cautiousabout trying to drive through flowing water.

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips• Turn on your low-beam headlamps — not just

your parking lamps — to help make you morevisible to others.

• Besides slowing down, allow some extrafollowing distance. And be especially carefulwhen you pass another vehicle. Allow yourselfmore clear room ahead, and be prepared tohave your view restricted by road spray.

• Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires on page 482.

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City Driving

One of the biggest problems with city streets isthe amount of traffic on them. You will wantto watch out for what the other drivers are doingand pay attention to traffic signals.

Here are ways to increase your safety in citydriving:

• Know the best way to get to where you aregoing. Get a city map and plan your tripinto an unknown part of the city just as youwould for a cross-country trip.

• Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscrossmost large cities. You will save time andenergy. See Freeway Driving on page 379.

• Treat a green light as a warning signal. Atraffic light is there because the corner isbusy enough to need it. When a light turnsgreen, and just before you start to move,check both ways for vehicles that have notcleared the intersection or may be running thered light.

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Freeway Driving

Mile for mile, freeways — also called thruways,parkways, expressways, turnpikes, orsuperhighways — are the safest of allroads. But they have their own special rules.

The most important advice on freeway driving is:Keep up with traffic and keep to the right.Drive at the same speed most of the other driversare driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaksa smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane ona freeway as a passing lane.

At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leadsto the freeway. If you have a clear view of thefreeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, youshould begin to check traffic. Try to determinewhere you expect to blend with the flow. Try tomerge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed.Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors, andglance over your shoulder as often as necessary.Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.

Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed tothe posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it isslower. Stay in the right lane unless you wantto pass.

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Thenuse your turn signal.

Just before you leave the lane, glance quicklyover your shoulder to make sure there is notanother vehicle in your blind spot.

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Once you are moving on the freeway, makecertain you allow a reasonable following distance.Expect to move slightly slower at night.

When you want to leave the freeway, move to theproper lane well in advance. If you miss yourexit, do not, under any circumstances, stop andback up. Drive on to the next exit.

The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quitesharply. The exit speed is usually posted.

Reduce your speed according to yourspeedometer, not to your sense of motion. Afterdriving for any distance at higher speeds, you maytend to think you are going slower than youactually are.

Before Leaving on a Long TripMake sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.If you must start when you are not fresh — such asafter a day’s work — do not plan to make toomany miles that first part of the journey. Wearcomfortable clothing and shoes you can easilydrive in.

Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep itserviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If itneeds service, have it done before starting out.

Of course, you will find experienced and ableservice experts in GM dealerships all across NorthAmerica. They will be ready and willing to helpif you need it.

Here are some things you can check before a trip:

• Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoirfull? Are all windows clean inside and outside?

• Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

• Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have youchecked all levels?

• Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lensesclean?

• Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enoughfor long-distance driving? Are the tiresall inflated to the recommended pressure?

• Weather Forecasts: What is the weatheroutlook along your route? Should youdelay your trip a short time to avoid a majorstorm system?

• Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

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Highway HypnosisIs there actually such a condition as highwayhypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at thewheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack ofawareness, or whatever.

There is something about an easy stretch of roadwith the same scenery, along with the hum ofthe tires on the road, the drone of the engine, andthe rush of the wind against the vehicle thatcan make you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you!If it does, your vehicle can leave the road inless than a second, and you could crash and beinjured.

What can you do about highway hypnosis? First,be aware that it can happen.

Then here are some tips:

• Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, witha comfortably cool interior.

• Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road aheadand to the sides. Check your mirrors and yourinstruments frequently.

• If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,service, or parking area and take a nap, getsome exercise, or both. For safety, treatdrowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

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Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or mountains is differentfrom driving in flat or rolling terrain.

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you areplanning to visit there, here are some tips thatcan make your trips safer and more enjoyable.See Off-Road Driving on page 356 for informationabout driving off-road.

• Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check allfluid levels and also the brakes, tires,cooling system, and transmission. Theseparts can work hard on mountain roads.

{CAUTION:

If you do not shift down, your brakescould get so hot that they would not workwell. You would then have poor braking oreven none going down a hill. You couldcrash. Shift down to let your engine assistyour brakes on a steep downhill slope.

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{CAUTION:

Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or withthe ignition off is dangerous. Your brakeswill have to do all the work of slowingdown. They could get so hot that theywould not work well. You would then havepoor braking or even none going down ahill. You could crash. Always have yourengine running and your vehicle in gearwhen you go downhill.

• Know how to go down hills. The most importantthing to know is this: let your engine do some ofthe slowing down. Shift to a lower gear whenyou go down a steep or long hill.

• Know how to go uphill. You may want to shiftdown to a lower gear. The lower gears helpcool your engine and transmission, and you canclimb the hill better.

• Stay in your own lane when driving on two-laneroads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wideor cut across the center of the road. Drive atspeeds that let you stay in your own lane.

• As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. Therecould be something in your lane, like a stalledcar or an accident.

• You may see highway signs on mountains thatwarn of special problems. Examples are longgrades, passing or no-passing zones, a fallingrocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to theseand take appropriate action.

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Winter Driving

Here are some tips for winter driving:

• Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.

• You may want to put winter emergencysupplies in your vehicle.

Also see Tires on page 482.

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, asupply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, somewinter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, ared cloth, and a couple of reflective warningtriangles. And, if you will be driving under severeconditions, include a small bag of sand, apiece of old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags tohelp provide traction. Be sure you properlysecure these items in your vehicle.

Driving on Snow or IceMost of the time, those places where the tiresmeet the road probably have good traction.

However, if there is snow or ice between the tiresand the road, you can have a very slipperysituation. You will have a lot less traction, or grip,and will need to be very careful.

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What is the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very coldsnow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on.But wet ice can be even more trouble because itmay offer the least traction of all. You can getwet ice when it is about freezing, 32°F (0°C), andfreezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid drivingon wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there.

Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed,blowing, or loose snow — drive with caution.

StabiliTrak® will improve your ability to acceleratewhen driving on a slippery road. But you canturn StabiliTrak® off if you ever need to. SeeStabiliTrak® System on page 348 and If YourVehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow onpage 388. Even with StabiliTrak®, you will want toslow down and adjust your driving to the roadconditions. Under certain conditions, you may wantto turn StabiliTrak® off, such as when drivingthrough deep snow and loose gravel, to helpmaintain vehicle motion at lower speeds.Your Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) improvesyour vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stopon a slippery road. Even though you have ABS,you will want to begin stopping sooner thanyou would on dry pavement. See Anti-Lock BrakeSystem (ABS) on page 345.

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• Allow greater following distance on anyslippery road.

• Watch for slippery spots. The road might befine until you hit a spot that is covered with ice.On an otherwise clear road, ice patches mayappear in shaded areas where the sun cannotreach, such as around clumps of trees, behindbuildings, or under bridges. Sometimes thesurface of a curve or an overpass may remainicy when the surrounding roads are clear. If yousee a patch of ice ahead of you, brake beforeyou are on it. Try not to brake while you areactually on the ice, and avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers.

If You Are Caught in a BlizzardIf you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be ina serious situation. You should probably staywith your vehicle unless you know for sure that youare near help and you can hike through thesnow. Here are some things to do to summonhelp and keep yourself and your passengers safe:

• Turn on your hazard flashers.

• Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert policethat you have been stopped by the snow.

• Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket aroundyou. If you do not have blankets or extraclothing, make body insulators fromnewspapers, burlap bags, rags, floormats — anything you can wrap around yourselfor tuck under your clothing to keep warm.

You can run the engine to keep warm, but becareful.

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{CAUTION:

Snow can trap exhaust gases under yourvehicle. This can cause deadly CO(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside.CO could overcome you and kill you.You cannot see it or smell it, so you mightnot know it is in your vehicle. Clear awaysnow from around the base of yourvehicle, especially any that is blockingyour exhaust pipe. And check aroundagain from time to time to be sure snowdoes not collect there.

Open a window just a little on the side ofthe vehicle that is away from the wind.This will help keep CO out.

Run your engine only as long as you must. Thissaves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go alittle faster than just idle. That is, push theaccelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for theheat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.You will need a well-charged battery to restartthe vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on withyour headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.

Then, shut the engine off and close the windowalmost all the way to preserve the heat. Startthe engine again and repeat this only when youfeel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it aslittle as possible. Preserve the fuel as long asyou can. To help keep warm, you can get out ofthe vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercisesevery half hour or so until help comes.

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If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,Mud, Ice, or SnowIn order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, youwill need to spin the wheels, but you do notwant to spin your wheels too fast. The methodknown as rocking can help you get out when youare stuck, but you must use caution.

{CAUTION:

If you let your tires spin at high speed,they can explode, and you or others couldbe injured. And, the transmission or otherparts of the vehicle can overheat. Thatcould cause an engine compartment fireor other damage. When you are stuck,spin the wheels as little as possible.Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.

Notice: Spinning your wheels can destroyparts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If youspin the wheels too fast while shifting yourtransmission back and forth, you can destroyyour transmission.For more information about using tire chains onyour vehicle, see Tire Chains on page 506.

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It OutFirst, turn your steering wheel left and right. Thatwill clear the area around your front wheels. If youhave a four-wheel-drive vehicle, shift intoFour-Wheel High or Four-Wheel Low. Turn theStabiliTrak® System off. See StabiliTrak® Systemon page 348. Then shift back and forth betweenREVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning thewheels as little as possible. Release the acceleratorpedal while you shift, and press lightly on theaccelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear.By slowly spinning your wheels in the forward andreverse directions, you will cause a rocking motionthat may free your vehicle. If that does not get youout after a few tries, you may need to be towed out.Or, you can use your recovery hooks if your vehiclehas them. If you do need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 400.

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Recovery Hooks

{CAUTION:

These hooks, when used, are under a lotof force. Always pull the vehicle straightout. Never pull on the hooks at asideways angle. The hooks could breakoff and you or others could be injuredfrom the chain or cable snapping back.

Notice: Never use recovery hooks to tow thevehicle. Your vehicle could be damagedand it would not be covered by warranty.

Your vehicle may have recovery hooks at the frontof the vehicle. You may need to use them if youare stuck off-road and need to be pulled tosome place where you can continue driving.

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Loading Your VehicleIt is very important to know how much weight yourvehicle can carry. This weight is called thevehicle capacity weight and includes the weight ofall occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installedoptions. Two labels on your vehicle show howmuch weight it was designed to carry, the Tire andLoading Information label and the Certification/Tirelabel.

{CAUTION:

Do not load your vehicle any heavier thanthe Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),or either the maximum front or rear GrossAxle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,parts on your vehicle can break, and itcan change the way your vehicle handles.These could cause you to lose controland crash. Also, overloading can shortenthe life of your vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information Label

A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Informationlabel is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). Withthe driver’s door open, you will find the labelattached below the door lock post (striker). The tireand loading information label shows the number ofoccupant seating positions (A), and the maximumvehicle capacity weight (B) in kilograms andpounds.

Label Example

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The Tire and Loading Information label also showsthe size of the original equipment tires (C) andthe recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D).For more information on tires and inflation seeTires on page 482 and Inflation - Tire Pressure onpage 490.

There is also important loading information on thevehicle Certification/Tire label. It tells you theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) andthe Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for thefront and rear axles. See “Certification/Tire Label”later in this section.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit1. Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo should neverexceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on yourvehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driverand passengers that will be riding in yourvehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driverand passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting figure equals the availableamount of cargo and luggage load capacity.For example, if the “XXX” amount equals1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbpassengers in your vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggage load capacity is650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).

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5. Determine the combined weight of luggageand cargo being loaded on the vehicle. Thatweight may not safely exceed the availablecargo and luggage load capacity calculatedin Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the loadfrom your trailer will be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual to determine howthis reduces the available cargo and luggageload capacity of your vehicle. See Towinga Trailer on page 405 for important informationon towing a trailer, towing safety rules andtrailering tips.

Item Description Total

A Vehicle Capacity Weightfor Example 1 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

BSubtract OccupantWeight 150 lbs(68 kg) × 2 =

300 lbs (136 kg)

C Available Occupant andCargo Weight = 700 lbs (317 kg)

Example 1

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750 lbs (136 kg)

C Available CargoWeight = 250 lbs (113 kg)




1,000 lbs (453 kg)

C Available CargoWeight = 0 lbs (0 kg)

Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading informationlabel for specific information about your vehicle’scapacity weight and seating positions. Thecombined weight of the driver, passengers, andcargo should never exceed your vehicle’s capacityweight.

Example 2 Example 3

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Certification/Tire Label

A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is foundon the rear edge of the driver’s door. Thelabel shows the size of your vehicle’s original tiresand the inflation pressures needed to obtain thegross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is calledGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). TheGVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, alloccupants, fuel, and cargo.The Certification/Tire label also tells you themaximum weights for the front and rear axles,called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

To find out the actual loads on your front and rearaxles, you need to go to a weigh station andweigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you withthis. Be sure to spread out your load equally onboth sides of the centerline.Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or theGAWR for either the front or rear axle.The Certification/Tire label also containsinformation about your Front Axle ReserveCapacity.And, if you do have a heavy load, you shouldspread it out.

{CAUTION:

Do not load your vehicle any heavier thanthe Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),or either the maximum front or rear GrossAxle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,parts on your vehicle can break, and itcan change the way your vehicle handles.These could cause you to lose controland crash. Also, overloading can shortenthe life of your vehicle.

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Notice: Overloading your vehicle may causedamage. Repairs would not be covered by yourwarranty. Do not overload your vehicle.

The label will help you decide how much cargoand installed equipment your truck can carry.

Using heavier suspension components to getadded durability might not change your weightratings. Ask your dealer to help you load yourvehicle the right way.

If you put things inside your vehicle — likesuitcases, tools, packages, or anythingelse — they go as fast as the vehicle goes.If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if thereis a crash, they will keep going.

{CAUTION:

Things you put inside your vehicle canstrike and injure people in a sudden stopor turn, or in a crash.

• Put things in the cargo area of yourvehicle. Try to spread the weightevenly.

• Never stack heavier things, likesuitcases, inside the vehicle so thatsome of them are above the tops ofthe seats.

• Do not leave an unsecured childrestraint in your vehicle.

• When you carry something inside thevehicle, secure it whenever you can.

• Do not leave a seat folded downunless you need to.

There is also important loading information foroff-road driving in this manual. See “Loading YourVehicle for Off-Road Driving” under Off-RoadDriving on page 356.

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Adding a Snow Plow or SimilarEquipmentBefore installing a snow plow on your vehicle,here are some things you will need to know:Notice: If your vehicle does not have the snowplow prep package, adding a plow can damageyour vehicle, and the repairs would not becovered by warranty. Unless your vehicle wasbuilt to carry a snow plow, do not add one toyour vehicle. If your vehicle has the snow plowoption called RPO VYU (snow plow preppackage), then the payload your vehicle cancarry will be reduced when a snow plow isinstalled. Your vehicle can be damaged if eitherthe front or rear axle ratings or the grossvehicle weight (GVW) are exceeded.

Q: How do I know if my vehicle can handle asnow plow?

A: Some vehicles are built with a special package,called RPO VYU (snow plow prep package).If your vehicle has this option, you can add aplow to it, provided certain weights, such as theweights on the vehicle’s axles and the grossvehicle weight (GVW), are not exceeded.

Q: How heavy can a snow plow safely be?

A: The plow your vehicle can carry depends onmany things, such as:

• The options your vehicle came with, and theweight of those options.

• The weight and number of passengers youintend to carry.

• The weight of items you have added to yourvehicle.

• The total weight of any additional cargo youintend to carry.

Say, for example, you have a 700 lb (318 kg) snowplow. The total weight of all occupants and cargoinside the cab should not exceed 300 lb (135 kg).This means that you may only be able to carry onepassenger. But, even this may be too much if youhave got other equipment already adding to theweight of your vehicle.

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Here are some guidelines for safely carrying asnow plow on your vehicle:

• Make sure the weight on the front and rearaxles does not exceed the axle ratingfor each.

• For the front axle, if more cargo or passengersmust be carried, appropriate counter ballastmust be installed rear of the rear axle. Counterballast must be properly secured so it willnot move during driving.

• Follow the snow plow manufacturer’srecommendations regarding rear ballast. Rearballast may be required to ensure a properfront and rear weight distribution ratio,even though the actual weight at the front axlemay be less than the front axle rating.

• The snow plow manufacturer or installer canassist you in determining the amount of rearballast required, to help make sure yoursnowplow/vehicle combination does notexceed the GVW rating, the front and rearaxle ratings, and the front and rear weightdistribution ratio.

• The total vehicle must not exceed the GVWrating.

Q: What is front axle reserve capacity, andhow do I calculate it?

A: Front axle reserve capacity is the differencebetween your front gross axle weight rating(GAWR) and the front axle weight of yourvehicle with full fuel and passengers. Basically,it is the amount of weight you can add toyour front axle before reaching yourfront GAWR.

The front axle reserve capacity for your vehiclecan be found in the lower right corner of theCertification/Tire label, as shown.


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In order to calculate the amount of weight anyfront accessory, such as a snow plow, is adding tothe front axle, use the following formula:

(W x (A + W.B.)) /W.B.= Weight the accessory isadding to the front axle.

Where:W = Weight of added accessoryA = Distance that the accessory is in front of thefront axleW.B. = Vehicle Wheelbase

For example, adding a 700 lb (318 kg) snow plowactually adds more than 700 lbs (318 kg) to thefront axle. Using the formula, if the snow plowis 4 ft (122 cm) in front of the front axle and thewheel base is 10 ft (305 cm), then:W = 700 lb (318 kg)A = 4 ft (122 cm)W.B. = 10 ft (305 cm)

(W x (A + W.B.))/W.B. = (700 x (4 + 10))/10 = 980 lbs (445 kg)

So, if your vehicle’s front axle reserve capacity ismore than 980 lbs (445 kg), you could add thesnow plow without exceeding the front GAWR.

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Q: What if I want to add heavier equipment tomy vehicle?

A: You can add heavier equipment on the frontof the vehicle if you compensate for it bycarrying fewer passengers, less cargo, or bypositioning cargo towards the rear. Thishas the effect of reducing the load on the front.However, the front GAWR, rear GAWR andthe gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)must never be exceeded.

{CAUTION:

On some vehicles that have certain frontmounted equipment, such as a snowplow, it may be possible to load the frontaxle to the front gross axle weight rating(GAWR) but not have enough weight onthe rear axle to have proper brakingperformance. If your brakes can not workproperly, you could have a crash. To helpyour brakes work properly when a snowplow is installed, always follow the snowplow manufacturer or installer’srecommendation for rear ballast to ensurea proper front and rear weight distributionratio, even though the actual front weightmay be less than the front GAWR, and thetotal vehicle weight is less than the grossvehicle weight rating (GVWR). Maintaininga proper front and rear weight distributionratio is necessary to provide properbraking performance.

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Q: What is total vehicle reserve capacity?

A: This is the difference between your GVWR andthe weight of your vehicle with full fuel andpassengers. It is the amount of weight you canadd to your vehicle before reaching yourGVWR. Keep in mind that reserve capacitynumbers are intended as a guide whenselecting the amount of equipment or cargoyour vehicle can carry. If you are unsureof your vehicle’s front, rear, or total weight, goto a weigh station and weigh your vehicle.Your dealer can also help you with this.

The total vehicle reserve capacity for yourvehicle can be found in the lower right cornerof the Certification/Tire label as shownpreviously.

See your dealer for additional advice andinformation about using a snow plow on yourvehicle. Also, see Loading Your Vehicle onpage 390.

Emergency Roof Lamp ProvisionsVehicles with the RPO VYU snow plow preppackage also have an emergency roof lampprovision package, RPO TRW. Wiring for theemergency roof lamp is provided above theoverhead console. See Auxiliary Roof MountedLamp on page 203 for switch location.

Towing

Towing Your VehicleConsult your dealer or a professional towingservice if you need to have your disabled vehicletowed. See Roadside Assistance Program onpage 577.

If you want to tow your vehicle behind anothervehicle for recreational purposes (such as behinda motorhome), see “Recreational VehicleTowing” following.

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Recreational Vehicle TowingRecreational vehicle towing means towing yourvehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind amotorhome. The two most common types ofrecreational vehicle towing are known as dinghytowing, towing your vehicle with all four wheels onthe ground, and dolly towing, towing yourvehicle with two wheels on the ground and twowheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.

With the proper preparation and equipment, manyvehicles can be towed in these ways. See“Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing”, following.

Here are some important things to consider beforeyou do recreational vehicle towing:

• What’s the towing capacity of the towingvehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehiclemanufacturer’s recommendations.

• How far will you tow? Some vehicles haverestrictions on how far and how long theycan tow.

• Do you have the proper towing equipment?See your dealer or trailering professionalfor additional advice and equipmentrecommendations.

• Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just asyou would prepare your vehicle for a longtrip, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle isprepared to be towed. See Before Leaving ona Long Trip on page 380.

Dinghy TowingTwo-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Notice: If you tow a two-wheel-drive vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground, thetransmission could be damaged. The repairswould not be covered by your warranty. Do nottow a two-wheel-drive vehicle with all fourwheels on the ground.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towedwith all four wheels on the ground.Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisionsfor internal lubrication while being towed.

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Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:

1. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).

2. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.

3. Firmly set the parking brake.

4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to thetow vehicle.

{CAUTION:

Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’stransfer case into NEUTRAL can causeyour vehicle to roll even if thetransmission is in PARK (P). You orothers could be injured. Make sure theparking brake is firmly set before you shiftthe transfer case to NEUTRAL.

5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N). SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 146 for the properprocedure to select the NEUTRAL (N)position for your vehicle.

6. Release the parking brake only after thevehicle being towed is firmly attached tothe towing vehicle.

7. Turn the ignition off.

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Dolly TowingTwo-Wheel-Drive Vehicles

Notice: If you tow a two-wheel-drive vehiclewith the rear wheels on the ground, thetransmission could be damaged. The repairswould not be covered by your warranty. Nevertow your vehicle with the rear wheels on theground.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not betowed with the rear wheels on the ground.Two-wheel-drive transmissions have no provisionsfor internal lubrication while being towed.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles can be towed on a dollywith the front wheels on the ground providedthat the wheels are straight.

Four-Wheel-Drive VehiclesIf your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, it isnot designed to be dolly towed. If you need to towyour vehicle, see “Dinghy Towing” earlier in thissection.

If your vehicle is not equipped with StabiliTrak®,use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:

1. Drive the vehicle up onto the tow dolly.

2. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).

3. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.

4. Firmly set the parking brake.

5. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to thetow dolly.

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{CAUTION:

Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’stransfer case into NEUTRAL can causeyour vehicle to roll even if thetransmission is in PARK (P). You orothers could be injured. Make sure theparking brake is firmly set before you shiftthe transfer case to NEUTRAL.

6. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 146 for theproper procedure to select the NEUTRALposition for your vehicle.

7. Release the parking brake only after thevehicle being towed is firmly attached tothe towing vehicle.

Level Control

Automatic Level ControlThe automatic level control rear suspension isavailable on two-wheel drive and four-wheel drivelight-duty vehicles and comes as a part of theAutoride® suspension, if equipped.

This type of level control is fully automatic and willprovide a better leveled riding position as wellas better handling under a variety of passengerand loading conditions. An air compressorconnected to the rear shocks will raise or lowerthe rear of the vehicle to maintain proper vehicleheight. The system is activated when theignition key is turned to RUN and will automaticallyadjust vehicle height thereafter. The systemmay exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up to tenminutes after the ignition key has been turned off.You may hear the air compressor operatingwhen the height is being adjusted.

If a self-equalizing hitch is being used, it isrecommended to allow the shocks to inflate,thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjustingthe hitch.

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Autoride®

If equipped, the Autoride® feature will provide asuperior vehicle ride and handling under a varietyof passenger and loading conditions.

The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed,wheel to body position, lift/dive and steeringposition of the vehicle. The controller then sendssignals to each shock absorber to independentlyadjust the damping level to provide the optimumvehicle ride.

Autoride® also interacts with the tow/haul switchthat, when engaged, will provide additional controlof the shock absorbers. This additional controlresults in better ride and handling characteristicswhen the vehicle is loaded or towing a trailer.See Tow/Haul Mode Light on page 242 for moreinformation.

Towing a TrailerDo not tow a trailer during break-in. See NewVehicle Break-In on page 136 for more information.

{CAUTION:

If you do not use the correct equipmentand drive properly, you can lose controlwhen you pull a trailer. For example, if thetrailer is too heavy, the brakes may notwork well — or even at all. You and yourpassengers could be seriously injured.Pull a trailer only if you have followed allthe steps in this section. Ask your dealerfor advice and information about towing atrailer with your vehicle.

Notice: Pulling a trailer improperly candamage your vehicle and result in costlyrepairs not covered by your warranty. To pulla trailer correctly, follow the advice in thispart, and see your dealer for importantinformation about towing a trailer with yourvehicle.To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle,you should read the information in “Weight ofthe Trailer” that appears later in this section.

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Trailering is different than just driving your vehicleby itself. Trailering means changes in acceleration,braking, handling, durability and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment,and it has to be used properly.

That’s the reason for this part. In it are manytime-tested, important trailering tips and safetyrules. Many of these are important for your safetyand that of your passengers. So please readthis section carefully before you pull a trailer.

If You Do Decide To Pull A TrailerIf you do, here are some important points:

• There are many different laws, including speedlimit restrictions, having to do with trailering.Make sure your rig will be legal, not only whereyou live but also where you’ll be driving. Agood source for this information can be stateor provincial police.

• Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches”later in this section.

• Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first500 miles (800 km) your new vehicle is driven.Your engine, axle or other parts could bedamaged.

• Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) thatyou tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph(80 km/h) and don’t make starts at full throttle.This helps your engine and other parts ofyour vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

• You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want toshift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, ifnecessary, a lower gear selection if thetransmission shifts too often (e.g., under heavyloads and/or hilly conditions). See “Tow/HaulMode” later in this section.

Three important considerations have to do withweight:

• The weight of the trailer

• The weight of the trailer tongue

• The weight on your vehicle’s tires

Tow/Haul ModeTow/Haul is a feature that assists when pulling aheavy trailer or a large or heavy load. Thepurpose of the Tow/Haul mode is to:

• Reduce the frequency and improve thepredictability of transmission shifts whenpulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.

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• Provide the same solid shift feel when pullinga heavy trailer or a large or heavy load aswhen the vehicle is unloaded.

• Improve control of vehicle speed whilerequiring less throttle pedal activity whenpulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.

• Increase the charging system voltage to assistin recharging a battery installed in a trailer.

Press this button at the end of the shift lever toenable/disable the tow/haul mode.

A light on the instrumentpanel will illuminate toindicate that tow/haulmode has beenselected.

Your vehicle is equipped with a button at the end ofthe shift lever which, when pressed, enablestow/haul. Your vehicle may be equipped withAutoride® which further improves your vehicle’s ridewhile towing. See Autoride® on page 405 for moreinformation. When the button is pressed, a light onthe instrument panel will illuminate to indicate thatTow/Haul has been selected. Tow/Haul may beturned off by pressing the button again, at whichtime the indicator light on the instrument panel willturn off. The vehicle will automatically turn offTow/Haul every time it is started.

Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective whenthe vehicle and trailer combined weight is atleast 75 percent of the vehicle’s Gross CombinedWeight Rating (GCWR). See Weight of theTrailer later in this section.

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Tow/Haul is most useful under the followingdriving conditions:

• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large orheavy load through rolling terrain.

• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large orheavy load in stop and go traffic.

• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large orheavy load in busy parking lots whereimproved low speed control of the vehicle isdesired.

Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightlyloaded or with no trailer at all will not causedamage. However, there is no benefit to theselection of Tow/Haul when the vehicle isunloaded. Such a selection when unloaded mayresult in unpleasant engine and transmissiondriving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.Tow/Haul is recommended only when pulling aheavy trailer or a large or heavy load.

Weight of the TrailerHow heavy can a trailer safely be?

It depends on how you plan to use your rig.For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outsidetemperature and how much your vehicle is usedto pull a trailer are all important. It can also dependon any special equipment that you have on yourvehicle, and the amount of tongue weight thevehicle can carry. See “Weight of the TrailerTongue” later in this section for more information.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assumingonly the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has allthe required trailering equipment. The weightof additional optional equipment, passengers andcargo in the tow vehicle must be subtractedfrom the maximum trailer weight.

Use one of the following charts to determine howmuch your vehicle can weigh, based uponyour vehicle model and options.

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Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR

C-1500 (2WD)

4800 V8 3.233.73

4,200 lbs (1 905 kg)6,200 lbs (2 812 kg)

10,000 lbs (4 536 kg)12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)

5300 V8 3.423.73

6,200 lbs (2 812 kg)7,200 lbs (3 266 kg)

12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)

5300 V8(Extended Models)

3.734.10

7,100 lbs (3 220 kg)8,100 lbs (3 674 kg)

13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

6000 V8(Extended Models) 4.10 8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)


K-1500 (4WD)

5300 V8 3.734.10

6,700 lbs (3 039 kg)7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)

13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)


3.734.10

7,000 lbs (3 175 kg)8,000 lbs (3 629 kg)

13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

6000 V8(Extended Models) 4.10 7,900 lbs (3 583 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

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C-2500 (2WD)


3.734.10

7,700 lbs (3 493 kg)9,700 lbs (4 400 kg)

14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)


K-2500 (4WD)


3.734.10

7,500 lbs (3 402 kg)9,500 lbs (4 309 kg)

14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) isthe total allowable weight of the completely loadedvehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo,equipment and conversions. The GCWR for yourvehicle should not be exceeded.

You can ask your dealer for our traileringinformation or advice, or you can write us at theaddress listed in your Warranty and OwnerAssistance Information Booklet.

In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada LimitedCustomer Communication Centre, 163-0051908 Colonel Sam DriveOshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

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Weight of the Trailer TongueThe tongue load (A) of any trailer is an importantweight to measure because it affects the totalor gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross VehicleWeight (GVW) includes the curb weight of thevehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, andthe people who will be riding in the vehicle. If youhave a lot of options, equipment, passengersor cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongueweight your vehicle can carry, which will alsoreduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.And if you will tow a trailer, you must addthe tongue load to the GVW because your vehiclewill be carrying that weight, too. See LoadingYour Vehicle for more information aboutyour vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percentto 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight,up to a maximum of 600 lbs (272 kg) with aweight carrying hitch. The trailer tongueweight (A) should be 10 percent to 15 percentof the total loaded trailer weight, up to a maximumof 1,000 lbs (453 kg) for the 1500 series and up to amaximum of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for the 2500 serieswith a weight distributing hitch.

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Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongueweight for your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitchextension that will position the hitch ball closestto the vehicle. This will help reduce the effectof trailer tongue weight on the rear axle.

After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailerand then the tongue separately, to see if theweights are proper. If they are not, you may beable to get them right by moving some itemsaround in the trailer.

Trailering may be limited by the vehicle’s ability tocarry tongue weight. Tongue weight cannotcause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (GrossVehicle Weight Rating) or the RGAWR (RearGross Axle Weight Rating). The effect of additionalweight may reduce your trailering capacity morethan the total of the additional weight.

Consider the following example:A vehicle model base weight is5,500 lbs (2 495 kg); 2,800 lbs (1 270 kg)at the front axle and 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg) at therear axle. It has a GVWR of 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg), aRGAWR of 4,000 lbs (1 814 kg) and a GCWR(Gross Combination Weight Rating) of 14,000 lbs(6 350 kg). The trailer rating should be:

You can expect tongue weight to be at least10 percent of trailer weight (850 lbs (386 kg)) andbecause the weight is applied well behind the rearaxle, the effect on the rear axle will be greater thanjust the weight itself, as much as 1.5 times asmuch. The weight at the rear axle could be850 lbs (386 kg) X 1.5 = 1,275 lbs (578 kg). Sincethe rear axle already weighs 2,700 lbs (1 225 kg),adding 1,275 lbs (578 kg) brings the total to3,975 lbs (1 803 kg). This is very close to, but withinthe limit for RGAWR as well. The vehicle is set totrailer up to 8,500 lbs (3 856 kg).

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But let’s say your specific vehicle is equipped withsome of the latest options and you have a frontseat passenger and two rear seat passengers withsome luggage and gear in the vehicle as well.You may add 300 lbs (136 kg) to the frontaxle weight and 400 lbs (181 kg) to the rear axleweight. Your vehicle now weighs:

Weight is still below 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) and youmay think that you should subtract 700 additionalpounds (318 kg) from your trailering capacityto stay within GCWR limits. Your maximum trailerwould only be 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg). You maygo further and think you must limit tongue weightto less than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) to avoidexceeding GVWR. But, you must still consider theeffect on the rear axle. Because your rear axlenow weighs 3,100 lbs (1 406 kg), you can only put900 lbs (408 kg) on the rear axle withoutexceeding RGAWR.

The effect of tongue weight is about 1.5 times theactual weight. Dividing the 900 lbs (408 kg) by1.5 leaves you with being able to handle only600 lbs (272 kg) of tongue weight. Since tongueweight is usually at least 10 percent of total loadedtrailer weight, you can expect that the largesttrailer your vehicle can properly handle is6,000 lbs (2 721 kg).

It is important that you make sure your vehicledoes not exceed any of its ratings — GCWR,GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer Ratingor Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure youare not exceeding any of these ratings is to weighyour vehicle and trailer.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s TiresBe sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to theupper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numberson the Certification label at the rear edge of thedriver’s door or see Loading Your Vehicle onpage 390 for more information. Then be sure youdon’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,or the GAWR, including the weight of the trailertongue. If you use a weight distributing hitch, makesure you don’t go over the rear axle limit beforeyou apply the weight distribution spring bars.

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HitchesIt’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and roughroads are a few reasons why you will need theright hitch.

Weight-Distributing Hitches and WeightCarrying Hitches

When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitchmust be adjusted so the distance (A) remainsthe same both before and after coupling the trailerto the tow vehicle.

If you use a step-bumper hitch, the bumper couldbe damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there isample room when turning to avoid contact betweenthe trailer and the bumper.

If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, willweigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) be sure touse a properly mounted weight-distributing hitchand sway control of the proper size. This equipmentis very important for proper vehicle loading andgood handling when driving. Always use a swaycontrol if the trailer will weigh more than theselimits. You can ask a hitch dealer about swaycontrols.

(A) Body to Ground Distance (B) Front of Vehicle

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Safety ChainsYou should always attach safety chains betweenyour vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safetychains under the tongue of the trailer to helpprevent the tongue from contacting the road if itbecomes separated from the hitch.

Attach the safety chains to the attaching point onthe hitch platform. If you are towing with anaftermarket hitch, following the trailer or hitchmanufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains. Always leave just enough slack soyou can turn with your rig. Never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.

Trailer BrakesIf your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)loaded, then it needs its own brakes – and theymust be adequate. Be sure to read and follow theinstructions for the trailer brakes so you’ll beable to install, adjust and maintain them properly.

If your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®,your trailer cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulicbrake system.

Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’shydraulic brake system only if:

• The trailer parts can withstand3,000 psi (20 650 kPa) of pressure.

• The trailer’s brake system will use less than0.02 cubic inches (0.3 cc) of fluid from yourvehicle’s master cylinder. Otherwise, bothbraking systems won’t work well. You couldeven lose your brakes.

If everything checks out this far, make the brake tapat the port on the master cylinder that sends thefluid to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubingfor this. If you do, it will bend and finally break off.Use steel brake tubing.

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Driving with a Trailer

{CAUTION:

If you have a rear-most window open andyou pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbonmonoxide (CO) could come into yourvehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It cancause unconsciousness or death. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 155. To maximizeyour safety when towing a trailer:

• Have your exhaust system inspectedfor leaks, and make necessary repairsbefore starting on your trip.

• Keep the rear-most windows closed.• If exhaust does come into your vehicle

through a window in the rear or anotheropening, drive with your front, mainheating or cooling system on and withthe fan on any speed. This will bringfresh, outside air into your vehicle.Do not use the climate control settingfor maximum air because it onlyrecirculates the air inside your vehicle.See Climate Control System onpage 210.

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount ofexperience. Before setting out for the open road,you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourselfwith the feel of handling and braking with the addedweight of the trailer. And always keep in mind thatthe vehicle you are driving is now a good deallonger and not nearly as responsive as your vehicleis by itself.

Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connector,lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer haselectric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer movingand then apply the trailer brake controller by handto be sure the brakes are working. This lets youcheck your electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be surethat the load is secure, and that the lamps and anytrailer brakes are still working.

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Following DistanceStay at least twice as far behind the vehicle aheadas you would when driving your vehicle withouta trailer. This can help you avoid situationsthat require heavy braking and sudden turns.

PassingYou’ll need more passing distance up ahead whenyou’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re agood deal longer, you’ll need to go much fartherbeyond the passed vehicle before you canreturn to your lane.

Backing UpHold the bottom of the steering wheel withone hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, justmove that hand to the left. To move the trailerto the right, move your hand to the right. Alwaysback up slowly and, if possible, have someoneguide you.

Making Turns

Notice: Making very sharp turns whiletrailering could cause the trailer to come incontact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could bedamaged. Avoid making very sharp turnswhile trailering.

When you’re turning with a trailer, make widerturns than normal. Do this so your trailerwon’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or suddenmaneuvers. Signal well in advance.

Turn Signals When Towing a TrailerThe arrows on your instrument panel willflash whenever you signal a turn or lane change.Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will alsoflash, telling other drivers you’re about toturn, change lanes or stop.

When towing a trailer, the arrows on yourinstrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbson the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may thinkdrivers behind you are seeing your signal whenthey are not. It’s important to check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are still working.

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Driving On GradesReduce speed and shift to a lower gear beforeyou start down a long or steep downgrade. If youdon’t shift down, you might have to use yourbrakes so much that they would get hot and nolonger work well.You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shiftthe transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary,a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts toooften (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hillyconditions).You may also want to activate the tow/haul modeif the transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/HaulMode” earlier in this section for more information.When towing at high altitude on steep uphillgrades, consider the following: Engine coolant ator near sea level will boil at a lower temperaturethan at higher altitudes. If you turn your engine offimmediately after towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signssimilar to engine overheating.

To avoid this, let the engine run while parked(preferably on level ground) with the automatictransmission in PARK (P) for a few minutes beforeturning the engine off. If you do get the overheatwarning, see Engine Overheating on page 452.

Parking on Hills

{CAUTION:

You really should not park your vehicle,with a trailer attached, on a hill. Ifsomething goes wrong, your rig couldstart to move. People can be injured, andboth your vehicle and the trailer can bedamaged.

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,here’s how to do it:

1. Apply your regular brake, but don’t shift intoPARK (P) yet.

2. Have someone place chocks under the trailerwheels.

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3. When the wheel chocks are in place, releasethe regular brakes until the chocks absorbthe load.

4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply yourparking brake and shift into PARK (P).

5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be surethe transfer case is in a drive gear and not inNEUTRAL.

6. Release the regular brakes.

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of yourvehicle if the shift lever is not fully inPARK (P) with the parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll.

If you have left the engine running, thevehicle can move suddenly. You or otherscould be injured. To be sure your vehiclewill not move, even when you are on fairlylevel ground, use the steps that follow.



Always put the shift lever fully in PARK(P) with the parking brake firmly set.

If the transfer case on four-wheel-drivevehicles is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle willbe free to roll, even if your shift lever is inPARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case isin a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL.

When You Are Ready to Leave AfterParking on a Hill1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal

down while you:

• start your engine,

• shift into a gear, and

• release the parking brake.2. Let up on the brake pedal.3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of

the chocks.4. Stop and have someone pick up and store

the chocks.

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Maintenance When Trailer TowingYour vehicle will need service more often whenyou’re pulling a trailer. See the MaintenanceSchedule for more on this. Things that areespecially important in trailer operation areautomatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill), engineoil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system andbrake system. Each of these is covered in thismanual, and the Index will help you find themquickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good ideato review these sections before you start your trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts andbolts are tight.

Trailer Wiring HarnessYour vehicle is equipped with the following wiringharnesses for towing a trailer.

Basic Trailer WiringThe trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pinconnector, is located at the rear of the vehicle andis tied to the vehicle’s frame. The harnessconnector can be plugged into a seven-pinuniversal heavy-duty trailer connector availablethrough your dealer.

The seven-wire harness contains the followingtrailer circuits:

• Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal

• Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal

• Brown: Taillamps

• White: Ground

• Light Green: Back-up Lamps

• Red: Battery Feed*

• Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*

*The fuses for these two circuits are installed inthe underhood electrical center, but the wiresare not connected. They should be connected byyour dealer or a qualified service center.

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Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring HarnessPackage

Your vehicle is equipped with the seven-wiretrailer towing harness. This harness with aseven-pin universal trailer connector is attached toa bracket on the hitch platform.

The seven-wire harness contains the followingtrailer circuits:

• Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal

• Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal

• Brown: Taillamps

• White: Ground

• Light Green: Back-up Lamps

• Red: Battery Feed*

• Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*

*The fuses for these two circuits are installed inthe underhood electrical center, but the wiresare not connected. They should be connected byyour dealer or a qualified service center.

If you are charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery,press the tow/haul mode button located at theend of the shift lever. This will boost the vehiclesystem voltage and properly charge the battery. Ifthe trailer is too light for tow/haul mode, youcan turn on the headlamps as a second way toboost the vehicle system and charge the battery.

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Electric Brake Control WiringProvisionsThese wiring provisions are included with yourvehicle as part of the trailer wiring package. Theseprovisions are for an electric brake controller. Theinstrument panel contains blunt cut wires near thedata link connector for the trailer brake controller.The harness contains the following wires:

• Dark Blue: Brake Signal to Trailer Connector

• Red/Black: Battery

• Light Blue/White: Brake Switch

• White: Ground

It should be installed by your dealer or a qualifiedservice center.

Power WinchesIf you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle,only use it when your vehicle is stationary oranchored.

Trailer RecommendationsYou must subtract your hitch loads from the CargoWeight Rating (CWR) for your vehicle. CWR isthe maximum weight of the load your vehicle cancarry. It doesn’t include the weight of the peopleinside. But you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) foreach seat. The total cargo load must not bemore than your vehicle’s CWR.

Weigh your vehicle with the trailer attached, sothat you won’t go over the GVWR or GAWR. If youare using a weight-distributing hitch, weigh thevehicle without the spring bars in place.

You’ll get the best performance if you spread outthe weight of your load the right way, and ifyou choose the correct hitch and trailer brakes.

For more information, see Towing a Traileron page 405.

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Service .........................................................426Accessories and Modifications ....................426California Proposition 65 Warning ...............427Doing Your Own Service Work ...................427Adding Equipment to the Outside of

Your Vehicle ...........................................428Fuel ..............................................................428

Gasoline Octane ........................................428Gasoline Specifications ...............................428California Fuel ............................................429Additives ....................................................429Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) .............................430Fuels in Foreign Countries .........................431Filling the Tank ..........................................432Filling a Portable Fuel Container ................434

Checking Things Under the Hood ..............434Hood Release ............................................435Engine Compartment Overview ...................436Engine Oil ..................................................438Engine Oil Life System ...............................441Engine Air Cleaner/Filter .............................443Automatic Transmission Fluid .....................445Engine Coolant ...........................................449

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap .............451Engine Overheating ....................................452Overheated Engine Protection

Operating Mode ......................................454Cooling System ..........................................455Engine Fan Noise ......................................460Power Steering Fluid ..................................461Windshield Washer Fluid ............................462Brakes .......................................................463Battery .......................................................466Jump Starting .............................................467

Rear Axle .....................................................472Four-Wheel Drive .........................................473Front Axle ....................................................474Headlamp Aiming ........................................475Bulb Replacement ........................................478

Halogen Bulbs ............................................478Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and

Back-up Lamps .......................................478License Plate Lamp ....................................480Replacement Bulbs ....................................481

Section 5 Service and Appearance Care

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Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ........481Tires .............................................................482

Tire Sidewall Labeling ................................484Tire Terminology and Definitions ................487Inflation - Tire Pressure ..............................490Tire Pressure Monitor System ....................492Tire Inspection and Rotation .......................497When It Is Time for New Tires ...................499Buying New Tires .......................................500Different Size Tires and Wheels .................502Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................502Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance .............504Wheel Replacement ...................................504Tire Chains ................................................506If a Tire Goes Flat .....................................507Changing a Flat Tire ..................................508Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ...........509Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the

Spare Tire ..............................................513Secondary Latch System ............................519Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools .......522Spare Tire ..................................................526

Appearance Care .........................................527Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle ...........528Fabric/Carpet ..............................................529Leather ......................................................530Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other

Plastic Surfaces ......................................531Care of Safety Belts ...................................531Weatherstrips .............................................531Washing Your Vehicle ................................532Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .................532Finish Care ................................................532Windshield, Backglass, and

Wiper Blades ..........................................534Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ..........534Tires ..........................................................535Sheet Metal Damage ..................................535Finish Damage ...........................................536Underbody Maintenance .............................536Chemical Paint Spotting .............................536Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ............537

Vehicle Identification ...................................538Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ............538Service Parts Identification Label ................538


424

Electrical System .........................................539Add-On Electrical Equipment ......................539Windshield Wiper Fuses .............................539Power Windows and Other Power

Options ...................................................539

Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................540Instrument Panel Fuse Block ......................540Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ..........542Underhood Fuse Block ...............................543

Capacities and Specifications .....................548


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ServiceYour dealer knows your vehicle best and wantsyou to be happy with it. We hope you will goto your dealer for all your service needs. You willget genuine GM parts and GM-trained andsupported service people.

We hope you will want to keep your GM vehicleall GM. Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:

Accessories and ModificationsWhen you add non-GM accessories to your vehiclethey can affect your vehicle’s performance andsafety, including such things as, airbags, braking,stability, ride and handling, emissions systems,aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systemslike anti-lock brakes, traction control andstability control. Some of these accessories mayeven cause malfunction or damage not covered bywarranty.

GM Accessories are designed to complement andfunction with other systems on your vehicle.Your GM dealer can accessorize your vehicleusing genuine GM Accessories. When you go toyour GM dealer and ask for GM Accessories,you will know that GM-trained and supportedservice technicians will perform the work usinggenuine GM Accessories.

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California Proposition 65 WarningMost motor vehicles, including this one, containand/or emit chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer and birth defects orother reproductive harm. Engine exhaust,many parts and systems (including some insidethe vehicle), many fluids, and some componentwear by-products contain and/or emit thesechemicals.

Doing Your Own Service Work

{CAUTION:

You can be injured and your vehicle couldbe damaged if you try to do service workon a vehicle without knowing enoughabout it.

• Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,experience, the proper replacementparts, and tools before you attempt anyvehicle maintenance task.



• Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts,and other fasteners. English and metricfasteners can be easily confused. If youuse the wrong fasteners, parts can laterbreak or fall off. You could be hurt.

If you want to do some of your own service work,you will want to use the proper service manual.It tells you much more about how to service yourvehicle than this manual can. To order theproper service manual, see Service PublicationsOrdering Information on page 590.

Your vehicle has an airbag system. Beforeattempting to do your own service work, seeServicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle onpage 104.

You should keep a record with all parts receiptsand list the mileage and the date of any servicework you perform. See Maintenance Recordon page 567.

427

Adding Equipment to the Outside ofYour VehicleThings you might add to the outside of yourvehicle can affect the airflow around it. This maycause wind noise and affect windshield washerperformance. Check with your dealer beforeadding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.

FuelThe 8th digit of your vehicle identification number(VIN) shows the code letter or number thatidentifies your engine. You will find the VIN at thetop left of the instrument panel. See VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) on page 538.

If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine(VIN Code 0) or the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code 3),you may use either regular unleaded gasolineor ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85);also see Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 430.In all other engines, use only regular unleadedgasoline.

Gasoline OctaneUse regular unleaded gasoline with a postedoctane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane ratingis less than 87, you may notice an audibleknocking noise when you drive, commonly referredto as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasolinerated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane orhigher and you hear heavy knocking, your engineneeds service.

Gasoline SpecificationsAt a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTMspecification D 4814 in the United States orCAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines maycontain an octane-enhancing additive calledmethylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(MMT). General Motors recommends against theuse of gasolines containing MMT. See Additiveson page 429 for additional information.

428

California FuelIf your vehicle is certified to meet CaliforniaEmissions Standards, it is designed to operate onfuels that meet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission control label. If this fuel isnot available in states adopting Californiaemissions standards, your vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meeting federalspecifications, but emission control systemperformance may be affected. The malfunctionindicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle mayfail a smog-check test. See Malfunction IndicatorLamp on page 236. If this occurs, return toyour authorized GM dealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition is caused by the typeof fuel used, repairs may not be covered byyour warranty.

AdditivesTo provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the UnitedStates are now required to contain additivesthat will help prevent engine and fuel systemdeposits from forming, allowing your emissioncontrol system to work properly. In most cases,you should not have to add anything to your fuel.However, some gasolines contain only theminimum amount of additive required to meet U.S.Environmental Protection Agency regulations.To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean,or if your vehicle experiences problems due todirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that isadvertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,your GM dealer has additives that will helpcorrect and prevent most deposit-related problems.

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethersand ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may beavailable in your area. General Motorsrecommends that you use these gasolines if theycomply with the specifications described earlier.

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However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuelscontaining more than 10% ethanol must not beused in vehicles that were not designed forthose fuels.

Notice: Your vehicle was not designed forfuel that contains methanol. Do not usefuel containing methanol. It can corrode metalparts in your fuel system and also damagethe plastic and rubber parts. That damagewould not be covered under your warranty.

Some gasolines that are not reformulated for lowemissions may contain an octane-enhancingadditive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganesetricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where youbuy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT.General Motors recommends against the use ofsuch gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reducethe life of spark plugs and the performance ofthe emission control system may be affected.The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If thisoccurs, return to your authorized GM dealer forservice.

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number(VIN) shows the code letter or number thatidentifies your engine. You will find the VIN at thetop left of the instrument panel. See VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) on page 538.If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (Code 0) orthe 5.3L V8 engine (Code 3), you may useeither regular unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuelcontaining up to 85% ethanol (E85); also see Fuelon page 428. In all other engines, use only theunleaded gasoline described under GasolineOctane on page 428.Only vehicles that have the 5.3L V8 engine(Code 0) or the 5.3L V8 engine (Code 3) may use85% ethanol fuel (E85). General Motorsencourages the use of E85 in vehicles that aredesigned to use it. The ethanol in E85 is a“renewable” fuel, meaning it is made fromrenewable sources such as corn and other crops.Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanolfuel (E85) pump available. The U. S. Departmentof Energy has an alternative fuels website(http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html) that can help you find E85 fuel.

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Those stations that do have E85 should have alabel indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuelif the ethanol content is greater than 85%.

At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTMSpecification D 5798.

To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, theE85 fuel must be formulated properly for yourclimate according to ASTM specification D 5798.If you have trouble starting on E85, it may bebecause your E85 fuel is not properly formulatedfor your climate. If this happens, switching togasoline or adding gasoline to your fuel tank mayimprove starting. For good starting and heaterefficiency below 32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fueltank should contain no more than 70% ethanol.

It is best not to alternate repeatedly betweengasoline and E85. If you do switch fuels, it isrecommended that you add as much fuel aspossible — do not add less than five gallons(18.9 L) when refueling. You should drive thevehicle immediately after refueling for at leastfive miles (8 km).

E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, soyou will need to refill your fuel tank more oftenwhen using E85 than when you are using gasoline.Regular unleaded gasoline is recommended

when pulling a trailer. For payload capacity withethanol fuel, see Loading Your Vehicle onpage 390.

Notice: Some additives are not compatiblewith E85 fuel and may harm your fuel system.Damage caused by additives would not becovered by your new vehicle warranty. Do notuse additives with E85 fuel.

Notice: Your vehicle was not designed forfuel that contains methanol. Do not usefuel containing methanol. It can corrode metalparts in your fuel system and also damagethe plastic and rubber parts. That damagewould not be covered under your warranty.

Fuels in Foreign CountriesIf you plan on driving in another country outside theUnited States or Canada, the proper fuel may behard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any otherfuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel.Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldnot be covered by your warranty.

To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, orcontact a major oil company that does businessin the country where you will be driving.

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Filling the Tank

{CAUTION:

Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel firecan cause bad injuries. To help avoidinjuries to you and others, read and followall the instructions on the pump island.Turn off your engine when you arerefueling. Do not smoke if you are nearfuel or refueling your vehicle. Keepsparks, flames, and smoking materialsaway from fuel. Do not leave the fuelpump unattended when refueling yourvehicle — this is against the law in someplaces. Keep children away from the fuelpump; never let children pump fuel.

The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hingedfuel door on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

To open the fuel door, apply pressure in the centerof the rear edge of the fuel door and it willpop open.

To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;if the cap is released too soon, it will springback to the right.

While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap fromthe hook on the fuel door.

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{CAUTION:

If you spill fuel and then somethingignites it, you could be badly burned. Fuelcan spray out on you if you open the fuelcap too quickly. This spray can happen ifyour tank is nearly full, and is more likelyin hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowlyand wait for any hiss noise to stop. Thenunscrew the cap all the way.

Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfillthe tank and wait a few seconds after you havefinished pumping before removing the nozzle.Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soonas possible. See Washing Your Vehicle onpage 532.

When replacing the fuel cap, turn it to the right(clockwise) until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fullyinstalled. The diagnostic system can determineif the fuel cap has been left off or improperlyinstalled. This would allow fuel to evaporate intothe atmosphere. See Malfunction IndicatorLamp on page 236.

If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center(DIC), the TIGHTEN GAS CAP message will bedisplayed if the fuel cap is not properly installed.

{CAUTION:

If a fire starts while you are refueling, donot remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow offuel by shutting off the pump or bynotifying the station attendant. Leave thearea immediately.

Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure toget the right type. Your dealer can get onefor you. If you get the wrong type, it may notfit properly. This may cause your malfunctionindicator lamp to light and may damageyour fuel tank and emissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 236.

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Filling a Portable Fuel Container

{CAUTION:

Never fill a portable fuel container while itis in your vehicle. Static electricitydischarge from the container can ignite thegasoline vapor. You can be badly burnedand your vehicle damaged if this occurs.To help avoid injury to you and others:

• Dispense gasoline only into approvedcontainers.

• Do not fill a container while it is inside avehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickupbed, or on any surface other than theground.

• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with theinside of the fill opening beforeoperating the nozzle. Contact shouldbe maintained until the filling iscomplete.

• Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.

Checking Things Underthe Hood

{CAUTION:

An electric fan under the hood can start upand injure you even when the engine is notrunning. Keep hands, clothing, and toolsaway from any underhood electric fan.

{CAUTION:

Things that burn can get on hot engineparts and start a fire. These includeliquids like fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid,windshield washer and other fluids, andplastic or rubber. You or others could beburned. Be careful not to drop or spillthings that will burn onto a hot engine.

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Hood ReleaseTo open the hood do the following:

1. Pull the handle withthis symbol on it. Itis located insidethe vehicle tothe lower left of thesteering wheel.

2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and locatethe secondary hood release, near the centerof the grille.

3. Push the secondary hood release to the right.

4. Lift the hood.Before closing the hood, be sure all the fillercaps are on properly. Then pull down the hoodand close it firmly.

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Engine Compartment OverviewWhen you open the hood on the 5.3L engine (4.8L and 6.0L similar), here is what you will see:

436

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine AirCleaner/Filter on page 443.

B. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped).See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 443.

C. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.See Cooling System on page 455 and CoolantSurge Tank Pressure Cap on page 451.

D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See JumpStarting on page 467.

E. Battery. See Battery on page 466.F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine

Oil” under Engine Oil on page 438.G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See

“Checking the Fluid Level” under AutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 445.

H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View).See Jump Starting on page 467.

I. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See“Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil onpage 438.

J. Engine Cooling Fan. See Cooling System onpage 455.

K. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See PowerSteering Fluid on page 461.

L. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “BrakeFluid” under Brakes on page 463.

M. Underhood Fuse Block. See Underhood FuseBlock on page 543.

N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See“Adding Washer Fluid” under WindshieldWasher Fluid on page 462.

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Engine OilIf the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears onthe instrument cluster, it means you need to checkyour engine oil level right away.For more information, see CHECK OIL LEVELunder DIC Warnings and Messages on page 254.You should check your engine oil level regularly;this is an added reminder.

Checking Engine OilIt is a good idea to check your engine oil everytime you get fuel. In order to get an accuratereading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle mustbe on level ground.

The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.See Engine Compartment Overview on page 436for the location of the engine oil dipstick.1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several

minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If youdo not do this, the oil dipstick might notshow the actual level.

2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a papertowel or cloth, then push it back in all theway. Remove it again, keeping the tip down,and check the level.

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When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tipof the dipstick, you will need to add at least onequart/liter of oil. But you must use the rightkind. This section explains what kind of oil to use.For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacitiesand Specifications on page 548.Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the enginehas so much oil that the oil level gets above thecross-hatched area that shows the properoperating range, the engine could be damaged.

See EngineCompartment Overviewon page 436 for thelocation of the engine oilfill cap.

Be sure to add enough oil to put the levelsomewhere in the proper operating range. Pushthe dipstick all the way back in when you arethrough.

439

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

Look for two things:

• GM6094M

Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GMStandard GM6094M. You should look forand use only an oil that meets GM StandardGM6094M.

• SAE 5W-30

As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 isbest for your vehicle.These numbers on an oil container show itsviscosity, or thickness. Do not use otherviscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50.

Oils meeting theserequirements shouldalso have the starburstsymbol on thecontainer. This symbolindicates that the oilhas been certified by theAmerican PetroleumInstitute (API).

You should look for this information on the oilcontainer, and use only those oils that areidentified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M andhave the starburst symbol on the front of the oilcontainer.

440

Notice: Use only engine oil identified asmeeting GM Standard GM6094M and showingthe American Petroleum Institute CertifiedFor Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failureto use the recommended oil can result inengine damage not covered by your warranty.

GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirementsfor your vehicle.

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where thetemperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it isrecommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both willprovide easier cold starting and better protectionfor your engine at extremely low temperatures.

Engine Oil AdditivesDo not add anything to your oil. The recommendedoils with the starburst symbol that meet GMStandard GM6094M are all you will need for goodperformance and engine protection.

Engine Oil Life System

When to Change Engine OilYour vehicle has a computer system that lets youknow when to change the engine oil and filter.This is based on engine revolutions and enginetemperature, and not on mileage. Based on drivingconditions, the mileage at which an oil changewill be indicated can vary considerably. For the oillife system to work properly, you must reset thesystem every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life hasbeen diminished, it will indicate that an oil changeis necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage will come on. See DIC Warningsand Messages on page 254. Change youroil as soon as possible within the next600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you aredriving under the best conditions, the oil lifesystem may not indicate that an oil change isnecessary for over a year. However, your engineoil and filter must be changed at least once ayear and at this time the system must be reset.

441

Your dealer has GM-trained service people whowill perform this work using genuine GM parts andreset the system. It is also important to checkyour oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, youmust change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)since your last oil change. Remember to reset theoil life system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Engine Oil LifeSystemThe Engine Oil Life System calculates when tochange your engine oil and filter based on vehicleuse. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the systemso it can calculate when the next oil change isrequired. If a situation occurs where you changeyour oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage being turned on, reset the system.

Always reset the engine oil life to 100% after everyoil change. It will not reset itself. To reset theEngine Oil Life System, do the following:

1. Display the OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC.

2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on theDIC for more than five seconds. The oil lifewill change to 100%.

If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON messagecomes back on when you start your vehicle, theEngine Oil Life System has not reset. Repeatthe procedure.

What to Do with Used OilUsed engine oil contains certain elements that maybe unhealthy for your skin and could even causecancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for verylong. Clean your skin and nails with soap andwater, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properlydispose of clothing or rags containing used engineoil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the useand disposal of oil products.

Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If youchange your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil fromthe filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil byputting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, intosewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,recycle it by taking it to a place that collects usedoil. If you have a problem properly disposing ofused oil, ask your dealer, a service station, or alocal recycling center for help.

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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

See EngineCompartment Overviewon page 436 for thelocation of the engine aircleaner/filter and theair filter restrictionindicator, if the vehiclehas one.

When to Inspect the Engine AirCleaner/FilterIf your vehicle has an air filter restriction indicator,it lets you know when the engine air cleaner/filterneeds to be replaced. On vehicles with a restrictionindicator, you should inspect the air filterrestriction indicator at every oil change andreplace the engine air cleaner/filter when theindicator tells you to.On vehicles without an air filter restriction indicator,inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance IIintervals and replace it at the first oil changeafter each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.

See Scheduled Maintenance on page 555 formore information. If you are driving in dusty/dirtyconditions, inspect the filter at each engine oilchange.

How to Inspect the Engine AirCleaner/FilterVehicles With an Air Filter RestrictionIndicatorLocate the air filter restriction indicator on theengine air cleaner/filter cover. When the indicatorturns black or is in the red/orange “change”zone, replace the filter and reset the indicator.See the steps following to replace the engine aircleaner/filter and to reset the air filter restrictionindicator.

Vehicles Without an Air Filter RestrictionIndicatorTo inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the engineair cleaner/filter from the vehicle using the stepsfollowing. When you have the engine aircleaner/filter removed, lightly shake it to releaseloose dust and dirt. If the engine air cleaner/filterremains caked with dirt, a new filter is required.

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Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/Filterand Resetting the Air Filter RestrictionIndicator

1. Locate the air cleaner/filter assembly on thefront corner of the engine compartment onthe passenger’s side of the vehicle.

2. Loosen the four screws on the cover of thehousing and lift up the cover.

3. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter from thehousing. Care should be taken to dislodge aslittle dirt as possible.

4. Clean the engine air cleaner/filter sealingsurfaces and the housing.

5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.

6. Reinstall the cover and tighten the screws.

7. Reset the air filter restriction indicator, ifthe vehicle has one, by pressing the top buttonon the indicator.

444

{CAUTION:

Operating the engine with the aircleaner/filter off can cause you or othersto be burned. The air cleaner not onlycleans the air; it helps to stop flames ifthe engine backfires. If it is not there andthe engine backfires, you could beburned. Do not drive with it off, and becareful working on the engine with the aircleaner/filter off.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

When to Check and Change AutomaticTransmission FluidA good time to check your automatic transmissionfluid level is when the engine oil is changed.

Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed inAdditional Required Services on page 557, andbe sure to use the transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 564.

How to Check AutomaticTransmission FluidBecause this operation can be a little difficult, youmay choose to have this done at the dealershipservice department.

If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all theinstructions here, or you could get a false readingon the dipstick.

Notice: Too much or too little fluid candamage your transmission. Too much canmean that some of the fluid could come outand fall on hot engine part or exhaust systemparts, starting a fire. Too little fluid couldcause the transmission to overheat. Be sure toget an accurate reading if you check yourtransmission fluid.

Wait at least 30 minutes before checking thetransmission fluid level if you have been driving:

• When outside temperatures are above90°F (32°C).

• At high speed for quite a while.

• In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.

• While pulling a trailer.

445

To get the right reading, the fluid should be atnormal operating temperature, which is 180°F to200°F (82°C to 93°C).

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures areabove 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),drive the vehicle in THIRD (3) until the enginetemperature gage moves and then remains steadyfor 10 minutes.

A cold fluid check can be made after the vehiclehas been sitting for eight hours or more withthe engine off, but this is used only as a reference.Let the engine run at idle for five minutes ifoutside temperatures are 50°F (10°C) or more. If itis colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to idlethe engine longer. Should the fluid level below during this cold check, you must check thefluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hotwill give you a more accurate reading of thefluid level.

Checking the Fluid LevelPrepare your vehicle as follows:

1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep theengine running.

2. With the parking brake applied, place the shiftlever in PARK (P).

3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move theshift lever through each gear range, pausingfor about three seconds in each range.Then, position the shift lever in PARK (P).

4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutesor more.

446

Then, without shutting off the engine, followthese steps:

The transmissiondipstick handle with thisgraphic is located atthe rear of the enginecompartment, onthe passenger’s side ofthe vehicle.

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 436for more information on location.

1. Flip the handle up and then pull out thedipstick and wipe it with a clean rag orpaper towel.

2. Push it back in all the way, wait three secondsand then pull it back out again.

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read thelower level. The fluid level must be in theCOLD area, below the cross-hatched area, fora cold check or in the HOT or cross-hatchedarea for a hot check. Be sure to keep thedipstick pointed down to get an accuratereading.

4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range,push the dipstick back in all the way; thenflip the handle down to lock the dipstickin place.

447

Consistency of ReadingsAlways check the fluid level at least twice usingthe procedure described previously. Consistency(repeatable readings) is important to maintainingproper fluid level. If readings are still inconsistent,contact your dealer.

How to Add AutomaticTransmission FluidRefer to the Maintenance Schedule to determinewhat kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 564.

Using a funnel, add fluid down the transmissiondipstick tube only after checking the transmissionfluid while it is hot. A cold check is used onlyas a reference. If the fluid level is low, add onlyenough of the proper fluid to bring the level up tothe HOT area for a hot check. It does not takemuch fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L).Do not overfill.

Notice: Use of the incorrect automatictransmission fluid may damage your vehicle,and the damages may not be covered byyour warranty. Always use the automatictransmission fluid listed in RecommendedFluids and Lubricants on page 564.• After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as

described under “How to Check AutomaticTransmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.

• When the correct fluid level is obtained, pushthe dipstick back in all the way; then flip thehandle down to lock the dipstick in place.

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Engine CoolantThe cooling system in your vehicle is filled withDEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant isdesigned to remain in your vehicle for five years or150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occursfirst, if you add only DEX-COOL® extendedlife coolant.

The following explains your cooling system andhow to add coolant when it is low. If you havea problem with engine overheating, see EngineOverheating on page 452.

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water andDEX-COOL® coolant will:

• Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).

• Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).

• Protect against rust and corrosion.

• Help keep the proper engine temperature.

• Let the warning lights and gages work as theyshould.

Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®

may cause premature engine, heater core,or radiator corrosion. In addition, the enginecoolant may require changing sooner, atthe first maintenance service after each30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,whichever occurs first. Any repairs would notbe covered by your warranty. Always useDEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in yourvehicle.

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What to UseUse a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable waterand one-half DEX-COOL® coolant which willnot damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolantmixture, you do not need to add anything else.

{CAUTION:

Adding only plain water to your coolingsystem can be dangerous. Plain water, orsome other liquid such as alcohol, canboil before the proper coolant mixture will.Your vehicle’s coolant warning system isset for the proper coolant mixture. Withplain water or the wrong mixture, yourengine could get too hot but you wouldnot get the overheat warning. Your enginecould catch fire and you or others couldbe burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.

Notice: If you use an improper coolantmixture, your engine could overheat and bebadly damaged. The repair cost would not becovered by your warranty. Too much waterin the mixture can freeze and crack the engine,radiator, heater core, and other parts.

If you have to add coolant more than four times ayear, have your dealer check your coolingsystem.

Notice: If you use extra inhibitors and/oradditives in your vehicle’s cooling system, youcould damage your vehicle. Use only theproper mixture of the engine coolant listed inthis manual for the cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants onpage 564 for more information.

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Checking CoolantThe coolant surge tank is located in the enginecompartment on the passenger’s side of thevehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview onpage 436 for more information on location.

{CAUTION:

Turning the surge tank pressure cap whenthe engine and radiator are hot can allowsteam and scalding liquids to blow outand burn you badly. Never turn the surgetank pressure cap — even a little — whenthe engine and radiator are hot.

The vehicle must be on a level surface. Whenyour engine is cold, the coolant level should be atthe FULL COLD mark.

Adding CoolantIf you need more coolant, add the properDEX-COOL® coolant mixture at the surge tank,but only when the engine is cool.

{CAUTION:

You can be burned if you spill coolant onhot engine parts. Coolant containsethylene glycol, and it will burn if theengine parts are hot enough. Do not spillcoolant on a hot engine.

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it ishand-tight and fully seated.

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap

Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightlyinstalled, coolant loss and possible enginedamage may occur. Be sure the cap is properlyand tightly secured.

The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fullyinstalled on the coolant surge tank. See EngineCompartment Overview on page 436 for moreinformation on location.

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Engine OverheatingYou will find a coolant temperature gage on yourvehicle’s instrument panel. See Engine CoolantTemperature Gage on page 234.In addition, you will find an ENGINEOVERHEATED STOP ENGINE, ENGINEOVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, and an ENGINEPOWER IS REDUCED message in the DriverInformation Center (DIC) on the instrument panel.See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 254.

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine

{CAUTION:

Steam from an overheated engine canburn you badly, even if you just open thehood. Stay away from the engine if yousee or hear steam coming from it. Justturn it off and get everyone away from thevehicle until it cools down.



Wait until there is no sign of steam orcoolant before you open the hood.

If you keep driving when your engine isoverheated, the liquids in it can catch fire.You or others could be badly burned.Stop your engine if it overheats, and getout of the vehicle until the engine is cool.See Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode on page 454 forinformation on driving to a safe place inan emergency.

Notice: If your engine catches fire becauseyou keep driving with no coolant, your vehiclecan be badly damaged. The costly repairswould not be covered by your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Modeon page 454 for information on driving to asafe place in an emergency.

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If No Steam Is Coming From YourEngineThe ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE orthe ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINEmessage, along with a low coolant condition, canindicate a serious problem.If you get an engine overheat warning, but see orhear no steam, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine can get a little toohot when you:• Climb a long hill on a hot day.• Stop after high-speed driving.• Idle for long periods in traffic.• Tow a trailer. See Towing a Trailer on

page 405.

If you get the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOPENGINE or the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLEENGINE message with no sign of steam, try thisfor a minute or so:1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on,

turn it off.

2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highestfan speed and open the windows asnecessary.

3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle inNEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe todo so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P)or NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.

If you no longer have the overheat warning, youcan drive. Just to be safe, drive slower forabout 10 minutes. If the warning does not comeback on, you can drive normally.

If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and parkyour vehicle immediately.

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If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle isequipped with an engine-driven cooling fan,push down the accelerator until the engine speedis about twice as fast as normal idle speed forat least five minutes while you are parked.

If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle isequipped with an electric cooling fan, idle theengine for five minutes while you are parked.

If you still have the warning, turn off the engineand get everyone out of the vehicle until itcools down. Also, see “Overheated EngineProtection Operating Mode” later in this section.You may decide not to lift the hood but to getservice help right away.

Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating ModeIf an overheated engine condition exists and theREDUCED ENGINE POWER message isdisplayed, an overheat protection mode whichalternates firing groups of cylinders helps preventengine damage. In this mode, you will notice aloss in power and engine performance. Thisoperating mode allows your vehicle to be driven toa safe place in an emergency. Driving extendedmiles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheatprotection mode should be avoided.

Notice: After driving in the overheated engineprotection operating mode, to avoid enginedamage, allow the engine to cool beforeattempting any repair. The engine oil will beseverely degraded. Repair the cause of coolantloss, change the oil and reset the oil lifesystem. See Engine Oil on page 438.

454

Cooling SystemWhen you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here iswhat you will see:

A. Coolant Surge TankB. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure CapC. Engine Cooling Fan(s)

{CAUTION:

An electric fan under the hood can start upand injure you even when the engine is notrunning. Keep hands, clothing, and toolsaway from any underhood electric fan.

If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank isboiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.If possible, the vehicle should be parked on alevel surface. Check the coolant level afterthe system cools down. Some amount of coolantmay be lost due to overheating.

5.3L Engine (4.8L and 6.0L Similar)

455

The coolant level should be at or above the FULLCOLD mark. If it is not, you may have a leak atthe pressure cap or in the radiator hoses,heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhereelse in the cooling system.

{CAUTION:

Heater and radiator hoses, and otherengine parts, can be very hot. Do nottouch them. If you do, you can be burned.Do not run the engine if there is a leak. Ifyou run the engine, it could lose allcoolant. That could cause an engine fire,and you could be burned. Get any leakfixed before you drive the vehicle.

Notice: Engine damage from running yourengine without coolant is not covered by yourwarranty. See Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode on page 454 for information ondriving to a safe place in an emergency.

Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL®

may cause premature engine, heater core orradiator corrosion. In addition, the enginecoolant may require changing sooner, at30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,whichever occurs first. Any repairs would notbe covered by your warranty. Always useDEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in yourvehicle.

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How to Add Coolant to the CoolantSurge TankIf you have not found a problem yet, check to seeif coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolantis visible but the coolant level is not at or above theFULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture ofclean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant atthe coolant surge tank, but be sure the coolingsystem, including the coolant surge tank pressurecap, is cool before you do it. See EngineCoolant on page 449 for more information.

If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, addcoolant as follows:

{CAUTION:

Steam and scalding liquids from a hotcooling system can blow out and burnyou badly. They are under pressure, and ifyou turn the coolant surge tank pressurecap — even a little — they can come out athigh speed. Never turn the cap when thecooling system, including the coolantsurge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait forthe cooling system and coolant surgetank pressure cap to cool if you ever haveto turn the pressure cap.

457

{CAUTION:

Adding only plain water to your coolingsystem can be dangerous. Plain water, orsome other liquid such as alcohol, canboil before the proper coolant mixture will.Your vehicle’s coolant warning system isset for the proper coolant mixture. Withplain water or the wrong mixture, yourengine could get too hot but you wouldnot get the overheat warning. Your enginecould catch fire and you or others couldbe burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.

Notice: In cold weather, water can freeze andcrack the engine, radiator, heater core andother parts. Use the recommended coolant andthe proper coolant mixture.

{CAUTION:

You can be burned if you spill coolant onhot engine parts. Coolant containsethylene glycol and it will burn if theengine parts are hot enough. Do not spillcoolant on a hot engine.

1. You can remove thecoolant surge tankpressure capwhen the coolingsystem, includingthe coolantsurge tank pressurecap and upperradiator hose, is nolonger hot.

Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwiseabout one full turn. If you hear a hiss, waitfor that to stop. A hiss means there isstill some pressure left.

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2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly,and remove it.

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the propermixture, to the FULL COLD mark.

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off,start the engine and let it run until you canfeel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watchout for the engine cooling fan.By this time, the coolant level inside thecoolant surge tank may be lower. If the level islower, add more of the proper mixture to thecoolant surge tank until the level reachesthe FULL COLD mark.

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5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure thepressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.

6. Verify coolant level after engine is shutoff andthe coolant is cold. If necessary, repeatcoolant fill procedure steps 1 through 6.

Engine Fan NoiseIf your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan,when the clutch is engaged, the fan spinsfaster to provide more air to cool the engine. Inmost everyday driving conditions, the fan isspinning slower and the clutch is not fully engaged.This improves fuel economy and reduces fannoise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speedincreases as the clutch more fully engages, so youmay hear an increase in fan noise. This isnormal and should not be mistaken as thetransmission slipping or making extra shifts. It ismerely the cooling system functioning properly.The fan will slow down when additional cooling isnot required and the clutch disengages.

You may also hear this fan noise when you startthe engine. It will go away as the fan clutchpartially disengages.

If your vehicle has electric cooling fans, you mayhear the fans spinning at low speed duringmost everyday driving. The fans may turn off if nocooling is required. Under heavy vehicle loading,trailer towing, and/or high outside temperatures, orif you are operating your air conditioning system,the fans may change to high speed and youmay hear an increase in fan noise. This is normaland indicates that the cooling system isfunctioning properly. The fans will change to lowspeed when additional cooling is no longerrequired.

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Power Steering Fluid

See EngineCompartment Overviewon page 436 forreservoir location.

When to Check Power Steering FluidIt is not necessary to regularly check powersteering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak inthe system or you hear an unusual noise. Afluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.Have the system inspected and repaired.

How to Check Power Steering FluidTo check the power steering fluid, do the following:

1. Turn the key off and let the enginecompartment cool down.

2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.

3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with aclean rag.

4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.

5. Remove the cap again and look at thefluid level on the dipstick.

The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. Ifnecessary, add only enough fluid to bring the levelup to the mark.

What to UseTo determine what kind of fluid to use, seeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 564.Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use theproper fluid can cause leaks and damage hosesand seals.

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Windshield Washer Fluid

What to UseWhen you need windshield washer fluid, be sure toread the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Ifyou will be operating your vehicle in an area wherethe temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluidthat has sufficient protection against freezing.

Adding Washer FluidYour vehicle has a low washer fluid message thatcomes on when the washer fluid is low. Themessage is displayed for 15 seconds at the startof each ignition cycle. When the WASHERFLUID LOW ADD FLUID message is displayed,you will need to add washer fluid to the windshieldwasher fluid reservoir.

Open the cap with thewasher symbol on it.Add washer fluiduntil the tank is full. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview on page 436for reservoir location.

Notice:• When using concentrated washer fluid,

follow the manufacturer’s instructionsfor adding water.

• Do not mix water with ready-to-use washerfluid. Water can cause the solution tofreeze and damage your washer fluid tankand other parts of the washer system.Also, water does not clean as wellas washer fluid.

• Fill your washer fluid tank onlythree-quarters full when it is very cold.This allows for expansion if freezingoccurs, which could damage the tank if itis completely full.

• Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) inyour windshield washer. It can damageyour washer system and paint.

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Brakes

Brake Fluid

Your brake mastercylinder reservoir isfilled with DOT-3 brakefluid. See EngineCompartment Overviewon page 436 for thelocation of the reservoir.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluidlevel in the reservoir might go down. The firstis that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptablelevel during normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are put in, the fluid level goes backup. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out ofthe brake system. If it is, you should have yourbrake system fixed, since a leak means thatsooner or later your brakes will not work well, orwill not work at all.

So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If youadd fluid when your linings are worn, then you willhave too much fluid when you get new brakelinings. You should add or remove brake fluid, asnecessary, only when work is done on thebrake hydraulic system.

{CAUTION:

If you have too much brake fluid, it canspill on the engine. The fluid will burn ifthe engine is hot enough. You or otherscould be burned, and your vehicle couldbe damaged. Add brake fluid only whenwork is done on the brake hydraulicsystem. See “Checking Brake Fluid” inthis section.

When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brakewarning light will come on. See Brake SystemWarning Light on page 232.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determinewhen to check your brake fluid. See ScheduledMaintenance on page 555.

463

Checking Brake FluidYou can check the brake fluid without taking offthe cap.

Look at the brake fluidreservoir. The fluid levelshould be aboveMIN. If it is not, haveyour brake systemchecked to see if thereis a leak.

After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,make sure the level is above the MIN but notover the MAX mark.

What to AddWhen you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3brake fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealedcontainer only. See Recommended Fluidsand Lubricants on page 564.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and thearea around the cap before removing it. Thiswill help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.

{CAUTION:

With the wrong kind of fluid in your brakesystem, your brakes may not work well, orthey may not even work at all. This couldcause a crash. Always use the properbrake fluid.

Notice:• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage

brake system parts. For example, just afew drops of mineral-based oil, suchas engine oil, in your brake system candamage brake system parts so badly thatthey will have to be replaced. Do notlet someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.

• If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’spainted surfaces, the paint finish canbe damaged. Be careful not to spill brakefluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash itoff immediately. See Washing Your Vehicleon page 532.

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Brake WearYour vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.

Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators thatmake a high-pitched warning sound when thebrake pads are worn and new pads are needed.The sound may come and go or be heard allthe time your vehicle is moving, except when youare pushing on the brake pedal firmly.

{CAUTION:

The brake wear warning sound means thatsoon your brakes will not work well. Thatcould lead to an accident. When you hearthe brake wear warning sound, have yourvehicle serviced.

Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-outbrake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates may cause abrake squeal when the brakes are first appliedor lightly applied. This does not mean somethingis wrong with your brakes.

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to helpprevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tightenwheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM torquespecifications.

Brake linings should always be replaced ascomplete axle sets.

Brake Pedal TravelSee your dealer if the brake pedal does not returnto normal height, or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

Brake AdjustmentEvery time you make a brake stop, your discbrakes adjust for wear.

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Replacing Brake System PartsThe braking system on a vehicle is complex. Itsmany parts have to be of top quality and work welltogether if the vehicle is to have really goodbraking. Your vehicle was designed and testedwith top-quality GM brake parts. When you replaceparts of your braking system — for example,when your brake linings wear down and you neednew ones put in — be sure you get newapproved GM replacement parts. If you do not,your brakes may no longer work properly. Forexample, if someone puts in brake linings that arewrong for your vehicle, the balance between yourfront and rear brakes can change — for the worse.The braking performance you have come to expectcan change in many other ways if someone puts inthe wrong replacement brake parts.

BatteryYour vehicle has a maintenance free battery.When it is time for a new battery, get one that hasthe replacement number shown on the originalbattery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco®

replacement battery. See Engine CompartmentOverview on page 436 for battery location.

Warning: Battery posts, terminals, and relatedaccessories contain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State of Californiato cause cancer and reproductive harm. Washhands after handling.

Vehicle StorageIf you are not going to drive your vehicle for25 days or more, remove the black,negative (−) cable from the battery. This willhelp keep your battery from running down.

{CAUTION:

Batteries have acid that can burn you andgas that can explode. You can be badlyhurt if you are not careful. See JumpStarting on page 467 for tips on workingaround a battery without getting hurt.

466

Jump StartingIf your vehicle’s battery (or batteries) has rundown, you may want to use another vehicle andsome jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sureto use the following steps to do it safely.

{CAUTION:

Batteries can hurt you. They can bedangerous because:

• They contain acid that can burn you.• They contain gas that can explode or

ignite.• They contain enough electricity to

burn you.

If you do not follow these steps exactly,some or all of these things can hurt you.

Notice: Ignoring these steps could result incostly damage to your vehicle that wouldnot be covered by your warranty.

Trying to start your vehicle by pushing orpulling it will not work, and it could damageyour vehicle.

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

Notice: If the other vehicle’s system is not a12-volt system with a negative ground,both vehicles can be damaged. Only usevehicles with 12-volt systems with negativegrounds to jump start your vehicle.

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumpercables can reach, but be sure the vehicles arenot touching each other. If they are, it couldcause a ground connection you do notwant. You would not be able to start yourvehicle, and the bad grounding could damagethe electrical systems.To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,set the parking brake firmly on both vehiclesinvolved in the jump start procedure. Putthe automatic transmission in PARK (P) or amanual transmission in NEUTRAL beforesetting the parking brake. If you have afour-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfercase is in a drive gear, not in NEUTRAL.

467

Notice: If you leave your radio or otheraccessories on during the jump startingprocedure, they could be damaged. The repairswould not be covered by your warranty. Alwaysturn off your radio and other accessories whenjump starting your vehicle.

3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplugunnecessary accessories plugged into thecigarette lighter or the accessory poweroutlets. Turn off the radio and all the lampsthat are not needed. This will avoid sparks andhelp save both batteries. And it could savethe radio!

4. Open the hood on the other vehicle andlocate the positive (+) and negative (−)terminal locations on that vehicle.Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jumpstarting terminal and a remote negative (−)jump starting terminal. You should always usethese remote terminals instead of theterminals on the battery.

The remote positive (+) terminal, if equipped, islocated under a red plastic cover at the positivebattery post. To uncover the remote positive (+)terminal, open the red plastic cover.The remote negative (-) terminal is a studlocated on the right front of the engine, wherethe negative battery cable attaches.See Engine Compartment Overview onpage 436 for more information on the locationof the remote positive (+) and remotenegative (−) terminals.

{CAUTION:

An electric fan can start up even when theengine is not running and can injure you.Keep hands, clothing and tools away fromany underhood electric fan.

468

{CAUTION:

Using a match near a battery can causebattery gas to explode. People have beenhurt doing this, and some have beenblinded. Use a flashlight if you need morelight.

Be sure the battery has enough water.You do not need to add water to thebattery installed in your new vehicle.But if a battery has filler caps, be sure theright amount of fluid is there. If it is low,add water to take care of that first. If youdo not, explosive gas could be present.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burnyou. Do not get it on you. If youaccidentally get it in your eyes or on yourskin, flush the place with water and getmedical help immediately.

{CAUTION:

Fans or other moving engine parts caninjure you badly. Keep your hands awayfrom moving parts once the engine isrunning.

5. Check that the jumper cables do not haveloose or missing insulation. If they do, youcould get a shock. The vehicles couldbe damaged too.Before you connect the cables, here are somebasic things you should know. Positive (+)will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+)terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−)will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine partor to a remote negative (−) terminal if thevehicle has one.Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) oryou will get a short that would damagethe battery and maybe other parts too. And donot connect the negative (−) cable to thenegative (−) terminal on the dead batterybecause this can cause sparks.

469

6. Connect the redpositive (+) cable tothe positive (+)terminal of thevehicle with the deadbattery. Use aremote positive (+)terminal if the vehiclehas one.

7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connectit to the positive (+) terminal of the goodbattery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal ifthe vehicle has one.

8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable tothe negative (−) terminal of the good battery.Use a remote negative (−) terminal if thevehicle has one.Do not let the other end touch anything untilthe next step. The other end of the negative (−)cable does not go to the dead battery. Itgoes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine partor to the remote negative (−) terminal onthe vehicle with the dead battery.

9. Connect the other end of the negative (−)cable to the remote negative (−) terminal,on the vehicle with the dead battery.

10. Now start the vehicle with the good batteryand run the engine for a while.

11. Try to start the vehicle that had the deadbattery. If it will not start after a few tries, itprobably needs service.

Notice: If the jumper cables are connected orremoved in the wrong order, electricalshorting may occur and damage the vehicle.The repairs would not be covered by yourwarranty. Always connect and removethe jumper cables in the correct order, makingsure that the cables do not touch each otheror other metal.

470

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part orRemote Negative (−) Terminal

B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) andRemote Negative (−) Terminals

C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal

To disconnect the jumper cables from bothvehicles do the following:1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from

the vehicle that had the bad battery.2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from

the vehicle with the good battery.

3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from thevehicle with the good battery.

4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from theother vehicle.

5. Return the remote positive (+) terminal cover,if equipped, to its original position.

Jumper Cable Removal

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Rear AxleWhen to Check LubricantIt is not necessary to regularly check rear axlefluid unless you suspect there is a leak or you hearan unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate aproblem. Have it inspected and repaired.All axle assemblies are filled by volume of fluidduring production. They are not filled to reacha certain level. When checking the fluid level onany axle, variations in the readings can be causedby factory fill differences between the minimumand the maximum fluid volume. Also, if a vehiclehas just been driven before checking the fluidlevel, it may appear lower than normal becausefluid has traveled out along the axle tubes and hasnot drained back to the sump area. Therefore, areading takenfive minutes after the vehicle has been driven willappear to have a lower fluid level than a vehiclethat has been stationary for an hour or two.Remember that the rear axle assembly must besupported to get a true reading.

How to Check Lubricant

To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should beon a level surface.

• The proper level is from 0.04 inch to 0.75 inch(1.0 mm to 19.0 mm) below the bottom of thefiller plug hole, located on the rear axle. Addonly enough fluid to reach the proper level.

• The proper fill level for the 2500 Series is from0 to 1/2 inch (0 to 13 mm) below the bottom ofthe filler plug hole.

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Four-Wheel DriveLubricant checks in this section also apply to thesevehicles. There are two additional systems thatneed lubrication.

Transfer Case

When to Check LubricantIt is not necessary to regularly check transfer casefluid unless you suspect there is a leak, or you hearan unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate aproblem. Have it inspected and repaired.


To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should beon a level surface.

If the level is below the bottom of the filler plughole, you’ll need to add some lubricant. Addenough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom ofthe filler plug hole. Use care not to overtightenthe plug.

Automatic Transfer Case

473

When to Change LubricantRefer to the Maintenance Schedule to determinehow often to change the lubricant. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 555.

What to UseRefer to the Maintenance Schedule to determinewhat kind of lubricant to use. See RecommendedFluids and Lubricants on page 564.

Front AxleWhen to Check and Change LubricantIt is not necessary to regularly check front axlefluid unless you suspect there is a leak or you hearan unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate aproblem. Have it inspected and repaired.


To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should beon a level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the filler plughole, located on the front axle, you may needto add some lubricant:• When the differential is cold, add enough

lubricant to raise the level from 0 (0 mm)to 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) below the filler plug hole.

• When the differential is at operatingtemperature (warm), add enough lubricant toraise the level to the bottom of the fillerplug hole.

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What to UseRefer to the Maintenance Schedule to determinewhat kind of lubricant to use. See RecommendedFluids and Lubricants on page 564.

Headlamp AimingThe vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aimingsystem. The aim of the headlamps have beenpreset at the factory and should need no furtheradjustment.

However, if the vehicle is damaged in an accident,the aim of the headlamps may be affected andadjustment may be necessary.

If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams atyou, this may mean the vertical aim of yourheadlamps needs to be adjusted.

It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to yourdealer for service if the headlamps need to beadjusted. It is possible however, to re-aimthe headlamps as described in the followingprocedure.

The vehicle should be properly prepared asfollows:

• The vehicle should be placed so theheadlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a lightcolored wall.

• The vehicle must have all four tires on a levelsurface which is level all the way to the wall.

• The vehicle should be placed so it isperpendicular to the wall.

• The vehicle should not have any snow, ice, ormud on it.

• The vehicle should be fully assembled and allother work stopped while headlamp aiming isbeing performed.

• The vehicle should be normally loaded witha full tank of fuel and one person or160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver’s seat.

• Tires should be properly inflated.

• The spare tire is in its proper location in thevehicle.

Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’slow-beam headlamps. The high-beam headlampswill be correctly aimed if the low-beam headlampsare aimed properly.

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To adjust the vertical aim, do the following:

1. Open the hood. See Hood Release onpage 435 for more information.

2. Locate the aim dot on the lens of thelow-beam headlamp.

3. Measure the distance from the ground to theaim dot on the low-beam headlamp. Recordthe distance.

4. At the wall or other flat surface, measure fromthe ground upward (A) to the recordeddistance from Step 3 and mark it.

5. Draw or tape a horizontal line (B) on the wallor flat surface the width of the vehicle at theheight of the mark in Step 4.

Notice: Do not cover a headlamp to improvebeam cut-off when aiming. Covering aheadlamp may cause excessive heat build-upwhich may cause damage to the headlamp.

6. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place apiece of cardboard or equivalent in front of theheadlamp not being adjusted. This allowsonly the beam of light from the headlampbeing adjusted to be seen on the flat surface.

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7. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws,which are under the hood near each headlampassembly.The adjustment screw can be turned with aE8 Torx® socket.

8. Turn the vertical aiming screw until theheadlamp beam is aimed to the horizontaltape line. Turn it clockwise orcounterclockwise to raise or lower the angleof the beam.

9. Make sure that the light from the headlamp ispositioned at the bottom edge of the horizontaltape line. The lamp on the left (A) showsthe correct headlamp aim. The lamp on theright (B) shows the incorrect headlamp aim.

10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 for the oppositeheadlamp.

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Bulb ReplacementFor the proper type of replacement bulbs, seeReplacement Bulbs on page 481.

For any bulb changing procedure not listed in thissection, contact your dealer.

Halogen Bulbs

{CAUTION:

Halogen bulbs have pressurized gasinside and can burst if you drop orscratch the bulb. You or others could beinjured. Be sure to read and follow theinstructions on the bulb package.

Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplampsand Back-up Lamps

A. Taillamp/Turn SignalLamp

B. Back-up LampC. Stoplamp/Taillamp

To replace one of these bulbs, do the following:

1. Open the liftgate. See Power Liftgate onpage 125 for more information.

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2. Remove thetwo screws from thetaillamp assembly.

3. Pull the taillamp assembly rearward until youdisengage the inner pins on the taillampassembly from the vehicle.

4. Press the release tab, if bulb socket has one,and turn the bulb socket counterclockwise toremove it from the taillamp assembly.

5. Pull the old bulb straight out from the bulbsocket.

6. Press a new bulb into the bulb socket andinsert it into the taillamp assembly. Turn thebulb socket clockwise into the taillampassembly until it clicks.

7. Reinstall the taillamp assembly. Whenreinstalling, make sure to line up the pins onthe taillamp assembly with the vehicle.If you do not do this, you will not be ablecorrectly install the taillamp assembly.

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License Plate Lamp

1. Remove the two screws holding each of thelicense plate lamps to the molding that is partof the liftgate.

2. Twist and pull the license plate lamp forwardthrough the molding opening.

3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise andpull the bulb straight out of the socket.

4. Install the new bulb.

5. Reverse steps 1 – 3 to reinstall the licenseplate lamp.

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Replacement Bulbs

Exterior Lamp Bulb Number

Back-up Lamp 7441

License Plate Lamp 168

Rear Turn Signal Lamp, Taillamp,and Stoplamp 3057

For replacement bulbs not listed here, contactyour dealer.

Windshield Wiper BladeReplacementWindshield wiper blades should be inspected forwear or cracking. See Scheduled Maintenanceon page 555.

Replacement blades come in different types andare removed in different ways. To replace thewiper blade assembly, do the following:

1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector awayfrom the windshield.

2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side ofthe blade, and rotate the blade assemblyaway from the arm connector.

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3. Install the new blade onto the arm connectorand make sure the grooved areas are fully setin the locked position.

For the proper type and size, see NormalMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 566.

Backglass Wiper Blade Replacement1. Pull the wiper blade assembly away from the

backglass. The backglass wiper blade will notlock in a vertical position, so care shouldbe used when pulling it away from the vehicle.

2. Rotate the wiper blade assembly, then push itfrom the wiper arm.

3. Replace the wiper blade.

TiresYour newvehicle comes with high-quality tires madeby a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever havequestions about your tire warranty and where toobtain service, see your GM Warranty booklet fordetails. For additional information refer to the tiremanufacturer’s booklet included with your vehicle.

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{CAUTION:

Poorly maintained and improperly usedtires are dangerous.

• Overloading your tires can causeoverheating as a result of too muchfriction. You could have an air-out anda serious accident. See Loading YourVehicle on page 390.

• Underinflated tires pose the samedanger as overloaded tires. Theresulting accident could cause seriousinjury.Check all tires frequently tomaintain the recommended pressure.Tire pressure should be checked whenyour tires are cold. See Inflation - TirePressure on page 490.



• Overinflated tires are more likely to becut, punctured, or broken by a suddenimpact — such as when you hit apothole. Keep tires at therecommended pressure.

• Worn, old tires can cause accidents.If your tread is badly worn, or ifyour tires have been damaged,replace them.

20-Inch TiresIf your vehicle has the optional 20-inch P275/55R20size tires, they are classified as touring tires and aredesigned for on road use. The low-profile, widetread design is not recommended for off-roaddriving. See Off-Road Driving on page 356, foradditional information.

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Tire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is molded into thesidewall. The following illustrations are examplesof a typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall.

(A) Tire Size: The tire size code is a combinationof letters and numbers used to define a particulartire’s width, height, aspect ratio, constructiontype, and service description. See the “Tire Size”illustration later in this section for more detail.

(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance CriteriaSpecification): Original equipment tires designedto GM’s specific tire performance criteria havea TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed allfederal safety guidelines.

(C) DOT (Department of Transportation): TheDepartment of Transportation (DOT) code indicatesthat the tire is in compliance with the U.S.Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle SafetyStandards.

(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The lettersand numbers following DOT code are the TireIdentification Number (TIN). The TIN showsthe manufacturer and plant code, tire size, anddate the tire was manufactured. The TIN is moldedonto both sides of the tire, although only oneside may have the date of manufacture.

(E) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord andnumber of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.

(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Tiremanufacturers are required to grade tiresbased on three performance factors: treadwear,traction, and temperature resistance. For moreinformation, see Uniform Tire Quality Grading onpage 502.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire

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(G) Maximum Cold Inflation LoadLimit: Maximum load that can be carried and themaximum pressure needed to support thatload. For information on recommended tirepressure see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 490and Loading Your Vehicle on page 390.

(A) Tire Size: The tire size code is a combinationof letters and numbers used to define a particulartire’s width, height, aspect ratio, constructiontype, and service description. See the “Tire Size”illustration later in this section for more detail.

(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance CriteriaSpecification): Original equipment tires designedto GM’s specific tire performance criteria havea TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed allfederal safety guidelines.

(C) Dual Tire Maximum Load: Maximum loadthat can be carried and the maximum pressureneeded to support that load when used in a dualconfiguration. For information on recommendedtire pressure see Inflation - Tire Pressure onpage 490 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 390.

(D) DOT (Department of Transportation): TheDepartment of Transportation (DOT) codeindicates that the tire is in compliance with theU.S. Department of Transportation Motor VehicleSafety Standards.Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire

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(E) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The lettersand numbers following DOT code are the TireIdentification Number (TIN). The TIN showsthe manufacturer and plant code, tire size, anddate the tire was manufactured. The TIN is moldedonto both sides of the tire, although only oneside may have the date of manufacture.

(F) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord andnumber of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.

(G) Single Tire Maximum Load: Maximum loadthat can be carried and the maximum pressureneeded to support that load when used as asingle. For information on recommendedtire pressure see Inflation - Tire Pressure onpage 490 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 390.

Tire SizeThe following examples show the different parts ofa tire size.

(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The UnitedStates version of a metric tire sizing system. Theletter P as the first character in the tire sizemeans a passenger vehicle tire engineered tostandards set by the U.S. Tire and RimAssociation.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire

Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire

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(A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: The UnitedStates version of a metric tire sizing system. Theletters LT as the first two characters in the tiresize means a light truck tire engineered tostandards set by the U.S. Tire and RimAssociation.

(B) Tire Width: The three-digit number indicatesthe tire section width in millimeters from sidewallto sidewall.

(C) Aspect Ratio: A two-digit number thatindicates the tire height-to-width measurements.For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is75, as shown in item C of the light truck(LT-Metric) tire illustration, it would mean that thetire’s sidewall is 75% as high as it is wide.

(D) Construction Code: A letter code is used toindicate the type of ply construction in the tire.The letter R means radial ply construction;the letter D means diagonal or bias plyconstruction; and the letter B means belted-biasply construction.

(E) Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel ininches.

(F) Service Description: The service descriptionindicates the load range and speed rating of atire. The load index can range from 1 to 279.Speed ratings range from A to Z.

Tire Terminology and Definitions

Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tirepressing outward on each square inch of thetire. Air pressure is expressed in poundsper square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).

Accessory Weight: This means the combinedweight of optional accessories. Some examples ofoptional accessories are, automatic transmission,power steering, power brakes, power windows,power seats, and air conditioning.

Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire’s heightto its width.

Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that islocated between the plies and the tread. Cordsmay be made from steel or other reinforcingmaterials.

Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrappedby steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.

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Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the pliesare laid at alternate angles less than 90 degreesto the centerline of the tread.

Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of airpressure in a tire, measured in pounds per squareinch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire hasbuilt up heat from driving. See Inflation - TirePressure on page 490.

Curb Weight: This means the weight of a motorvehicle with standard and optional equipmentincluding the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, andcoolant, but without passengers and cargo.

DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewallof a tire signifying that the tire is in compliancewith the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT codeincludes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),an alphanumeric designator which can also identifythe tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,and date of production.

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 390.

GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for thefront axle, see Loading Your Vehicle on page 390.

GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rearaxle, see Loading Your Vehicle on page 390.

Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side ofan asymmetrical tire, that must always faceoutward when mounted on a vehicle.

Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure.

Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used onlight duty trucks and some multipurpose passengervehicles.

Load Index: An assigned number ranging from1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carryingcapacity of a tire.

Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum airpressure to which a cold tire may be inflated.The maximum air pressure is molded ontothe sidewall.

Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tireat the maximum permissible inflation pressurefor that tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The sum ofcurb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacityweight; and production options weight.

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Normal Occupant Weight: The number ofoccupants a vehicle is designed to seat multipliedby 150 lbs (68 kg). See Loading Your Vehicleon page 390.

Occupant Distribution: Designated seatingpositions.

Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of anasymmetrical tire that has a particular side thatfaces outward when mounted on a vehicle.The side of the tire that contains a whitewall, bearswhite lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand,and/or model name molding that is higheror deeper than the same moldings on the othersidewall of the tire.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used onpassenger cars and some light duty trucks andmultipurpose vehicles.

Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehiclemanufacturer’s recommended tire inflationpressure and shown on the tire placard. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 490 and LoadingYour Vehicle on page 390.

Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which theply cords that extend to the beads are laid at90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Rim: A metal support for a tire and upon whichthe tire beads are seated.

Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the treadand the bead.

Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assignedto a tire indicating the maximum speed atwhich a tire can operate.

Traction: The friction between the tire and theroad surface. The amount of grip provided.

Tread: The portion of a tire that comes intocontact with the road.

Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimescalled wear bars, that show across the tread ofa tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of treadremains. See When It Is Time for New Tires onpage 499.

489

UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality GradingStandards): A tire information system thatprovides consumers with ratings for a tire’straction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings aredetermined by tire manufacturers usinggovernment testing procedures. The ratings aremolded into the sidewall of the tire. See UniformTire Quality Grading on page 502.

Vehicle Capacity Weight: The number ofdesignated seating positions multiplied by150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 390.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load on anindividual tire due to curb weight, accessoryweight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.

Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached toa vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weightand the original equipment tire size andrecommended inflation pressure. See “Tire andLoading Information Label” under LoadingYour Vehicle on page 390.

Inflation - Tire PressureTires need the correct amount of air pressure tooperate effectively.

Notice: Do not let anyone tell you thatunder-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It isnot. If your tires do not have enough air(under-inflation), you can get the following:• Too much flexing

• Too much heat

• Tire overloading

• Premature or irregular wear

• Poor handling

• Reduced fuel economy

If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),you can get the following:• Unusual wear

• Poor handling

• Rough ride

• Needless damage from road hazards

490

A Tire and Loading Information label is attached tothe vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar), below thedriver’s door lock post (striker). This label lists yourvehicle’s original equipment tires and theirrecommended cold tire inflation pressures. Therecommended cold tire inflation pressure, shown onthe label, is the minimum amount of air pressureneeded to support your vehicle’s maximum loadcarrying capacity.

For additional information regarding how muchweight your vehicle can carry, and an example ofthe tire and loading information label, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 390.

When to CheckCheck your tires once a month or more. Do notforget to check the spare tire. For additionalinformation regarding the spare tire, see SpareTire on page 526.

How to CheckUse a good quality pocket-type gage to check tirepressure. You cannot tell if your tires areproperly inflated simply by looking at them. Radialtires may look properly inflated even whenthey’re underinflated. Check the tire’s inflationpressure when the tires are cold. Cold means yourvehicle has been sitting for at least three hoursor driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

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Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve toget a pressure measurement. If the cold tireinflation pressure matches the recommendedpressure on the Tire and Loading Informationlabel, no further adjustment is necessary. If theinflation pressure is low, add air until you reach therecommended amount.

If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing onthe metal stem in the center of the tire valve.Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gage.

Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valvestems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirtand moisture.

Tire Pressure Monitor SystemThe Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) usesradio and sensor technology to check tire pressurelevels. If your vehicle has this feature, sensorsare mounted on each tire and wheel assembly,except the spare tire. The TPMS sensors monitorthe air pressure in your vehicle’s tires andtransmit tire pressure readings to a receiverlocated in the vehicle.

The TPMS is designed to alert the driver, if a lowtire pressure condition exists. If your vehicle has theDriver Information Center (DIC), the driver may alsocheck tire pressure levels using the DIC.

When a low tire pressure condition is detected,the TPMS will illuminate the low tire pressurewarning symbol located on the instrument panelcluster. If your vehicle has the DIC feature, amessage to check the pressure in a specific tirewill also appear on the DIC display. The lowtire pressure warning symbol on the instrumentpanel cluster and the CHECK TIRE PRESSUREwarning message on the DIC display will appear ateach ignition cycle until the tires are inflated tothe correct inflation pressure.

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For additional information and details about theDIC operation and displays see DIC Operation andDisplays (With DIC Buttons) on page 244 or DICOperation and Displays (Without DIC Buttons)on page 251 and DIC Warnings and Messages onpage 254.

You may notice, during cooler weather conditions,that the tire pressure monitor light, located onthe instrument panel cluster, and the CHECK TIREPRESSURE message will appear when thevehicle is first started and then turn off as youstart to drive the vehicle. This could be an earlyindicator that the tire pressures are getting low andneed to be inflated to the proper pressure.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), shouldbe checked monthly when cold and inflated tothe inflation pressure recommended by the vehiclemanufacturer on the vehicle placard or tireinflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires ofa different size than the size indicated on thevehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, youshould determine the proper tire inflationpressure for those tires.)

As an added safetyfeature, your vehicle hasbeen equipped with atire pressure monitoringsystem (TPMS) thatilluminates a low tirepressure telltale whenone or more of your tiresis significantlyunder-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and check your tiresas soon as possible, and inflate them to theproper pressure. Driving on a significantlyunder-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat andcan lead to tire failure. Under-inflation alsoreduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and mayaffect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitutefor proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’sresponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,even if under-inflation has not reached the level totrigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressuretelltale.

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Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMSmalfunction indicator to indicate when thesystem is not operating properly. The TPMSmalfunction indicator is combined with the low tirepressure telltale. When the system detects amalfunction, the telltale will flash for approximatelyone minute and then remain continuouslyilluminated. This sequence will continue uponsubsequent vehicle start-ups as long as themalfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, thesystem may not be able to detect or signal lowtire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions mayoccur for a variety of reasons, including theinstallation of replacement or alternate tires orwheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS fromfunctioning properly. Always check the TPMSmalfunction telltale after replacing one or moretires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that thereplacement or alternate tires and wheels allowthe TPMS to continue to function properly.

The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning messageand low tire pressure light (telltale) will comeon each time the vehicle is started until the tiresare inflated to the correct inflation pressure.

The Tire and Loading Information label (tireinformation placard) shows the size of yourvehicle’s original tires and the correct inflationpressure for your vehicle’s tires when theyare cold. See Inflation - Tire Pressure onpage 490. For the location of the tire and loadinginformation label, see Loading Your Vehicleon page 390.

Your vehicle’s TPMS can alert you about a lowtire pressure condition but it does not replacenormal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection andRotation on page 497 and Tires on page 482.

Notice: Do not use a tire sealant if yourvehicle has Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquidsealant can damage the tire pressure monitorsensors.

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Resetting the TPMS Identification CodesEach TPMS sensor has a unique identificationcode. Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires orreplace one or more of the TPMS sensors, theidentification codes will need to be matched to thenew tire/wheel position. The sensors are matchedto the tire/wheel positions in the following order:driver’s side front tire, passengers side front tire,passengers side rear tire, and driver’s side rear tireusing a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your GM dealerfor service.

The TPMS sensors may also be matched to eachtire/wheel position by increasing or decreasingthe tire’s air pressure. If increasing the tire’sair pressure, do not exceed the maximum inflationpressure indicated on the tire’s sidewall.

You will have two minutes to match the firsttire/wheel position, and five minutes overall tomatch all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longerthan two minutes, to match the first tire andwheel, or more than five minutes to match allfour tire and wheel positions the matching processstops and you will need to start over.

The TPMS sensor matching process is outlinedbelow:

1. Set the parking brake.

2. Turn the ignition switch to RUN with theengine off.

3. Using the DIC, press the vehicle informationbutton until the RELEARN TIRE POSITIONSmessage displays. If your vehicle does nothave the DIC buttons, press the trip odometerreset stem located on the instrument panelcluster until the RELEARN TIRE POSITIONSmessage displays.

4. If your vehicle has the DIC buttons, press theset/reset button. The horn will sound twice toindicate the TPMS receiver is ready, andthe TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message willdisplay. If your vehicle does not have the DICbuttons, press and hold the trip odometerreset stem until the horn chirps twice and theTIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message isdisplayed.

5. Start with the driver’s side front tire.

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6. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem.Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing ordecreasing the tire’s air pressure forfive seconds, or until a horn chirp sounds.The horn chirp, which make take up to30 seconds to sound, confirms that the sensoridentification code has been matched to thistire and wheel position. To decreaseair-pressure out of a tire you can use thepointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style airpressure gage, or a key.

7. Proceed to the passenger’s side front tire, andrepeat the procedure in Step 6.

8. Proceed to the passenger’s side rear tire, andrepeat the procedure in Step 6.

9. Proceed to the driver’s side rear tire, andrepeat the procedure in Step 6.

10. After hearing the confirming horn chirp for thedriver’s side rear tire, the horn chirp will soundtwo more times to signal the tire learningmode is no longer active. Turn the ignitionswitch to LOCK.

11. Set all four tires to the recommended airpressure level as indicated on the Tireand Loading Information label.

12. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems

The spare tire does not have a TPMS sensor.If you replace one of the road tires with the spare,the SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message will bedisplayed on the DIC screen. This message shouldgo off once you re-install the road tire containingthe TPMS sensor.

Federal Communications Commission(FCC) and Industry and ScienceCanadaThe Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)operates on a radio frequency and complies withPart 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subjectto the following two conditions:



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The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)operates on a radio frequency and complieswith RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.Operation is subject to the followingtwo conditions:




Tire Inspection and RotationTires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles(8 000 to 13 000 km).

Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate yourtires as soon as possible and check wheelalignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 499and Wheel Replacement on page 504 formore information.

Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push,pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If itmoves, use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten thecable. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 508.

The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve moreuniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. Thefirst rotation is the most important. See ScheduledMaintenance on page 555.

When rotating your vehicle’s tires, always use thecorrect rotation pattern shown here.

Do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation.

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After the tires have been rotated, adjust the frontand rear inflation pressures as shown on thetire and loading information label. See LoadingYour Vehicle on page 390 and Inflation - TirePressure on page 490, for more information.

Vehicles that have the Tire Pressure MonitorSystem (TPMS) will need to have the TPMSsensors reset after a tire rotation. See “TPMSSensor Identification Codes” under Tire PressureMonitor System on page 492.

Make certain that all wheel nuts are properlytightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and Specifications on page 548.

{CAUTION:

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts towhich it is fastened, can make wheel nutsbecome loose after a time. The wheelcould come off and cause an accident.When you change a wheel, remove anyrust or dirt from places where the wheelattaches to the vehicle. In an emergency,you can use a cloth or a paper towel to dothis; but be sure to use a scraper or wirebrush later, if needed, to get all the rust ordirt off. See Changing a Flat Tire onpage 508.

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When It Is Time for New Tires

One way to tell when itis time for new tires isto check the treadwearindicators, which willappear when your tireshave only 1/16 inch(1.6 mm) or less of treadremaining. Somecommercial truck tiresmay not have treadwearindicators.

You need a new tire if any of the followingstatements are true:

• You can see the indicators at three or moreplaces around the tire.

• You can see cord or fabric showing throughthe tire’s rubber.

• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut orsnagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.

• The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.

• The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damagethat cannot be repaired well because of thesize or location of the damage.

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Buying New TiresGM has developed and matched specific tires foryour vehicle. The original equipment tiresinstalled on your vehicle, when it was new, weredesigned to meet General Motors TirePerformance Criteria Specification (TPC spec)system rating. If you need replacement tires, GMstrongly recommends that you get tires withthe same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehiclewill continue to have tires that are designed togive the same performance and vehicle safety,during normal use, as the original tires.

GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers overa dozen critical specifications that impact theoverall performance of your vehicle, includingbrake system performance, ride and handling,traction control, and tire pressure monitoringperformance. GM’s TPC Spec number is moldedonto the tire’s sidewall by the tire manufacturer.If the tires have an all-season tread design,the TPC spec number will be followed by an MSfor mud and snow. See Tire Sidewall Labelingon page 484 for additional information.

{CAUTION:

Mixing tires could cause you to losecontrol while driving. If you mix tires ofdifferent sizes, brands, or types (radialand bias-belted tires), the vehicle may nothandle properly, and you could have acrash. Using tires of different sizes,brands or types may also cause damageto your vehicle. Be sure to use the samesize, brand, and type tires on all wheels.

Your vehicle may have a different sizespare than the road tires (those originallyinstalled on your vehicle). When new, yourvehicle included a spare tire and wheelassembly with a similar overall diameteras your vehicle’s road tires and wheels,so it is all right to drive on it. Becausethis spare was developed for use on yourvehicle, it will not affect vehicle handling.

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{CAUTION:

If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle,the wheel rim flanges could developcracks after many miles of driving. A tireand/or wheel could fail suddenly, causinga crash. Use only radial-ply tires with thewheels on your vehicle.

If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with thosethat do not have a TPC Spec number, makesure they are the same size, load range, speedrating, and construction type (radial andbias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original tires.

Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoringsystem may give an inaccurate low-pressurewarning if non-TPC spec rated tires are installedon your vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated tiresmay give a low-pressure warning that is higher orlower than the proper warning level you wouldget with TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire PressureMonitor System on page 492.

Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listedon the Tire and Loading Information Label.This label is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar(B-pillar). See Loading Your Vehicle on page 390,for more information about the Tire and LoadingInformation Label and its location on your vehicle.

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Different Size Tires and WheelsIf you add wheels or tires that are a different sizethan your original equipment wheels and tires,this may affect the way your vehicle performs,including its braking, ride and handlingcharacteristics, stability, and resistance to rollover.Additionally, if your vehicle has electronicsystems such as, anti-lock brakes, traction control,and electronic stability control, the performanceof these systems can be affected.

{CAUTION:

If you add different sized wheels, yourvehicle may not provide an acceptablelevel of performance and safety if tires notrecommended for those wheels areselected. You may increase the chancethat you will crash and suffer seriousinjury. Only use GM specific wheel andtire systems developed for your vehicle,and have them properly installed by a GMcertified technician.

See Buying New Tires on page 500 andAccessories and Modifications on page 426 foradditional information.

Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applicable onthe tire sidewall between tread shoulder andmaximum section width. For example:

Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature AThe following information relates to the systemdeveloped by the United States National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), whichgrades tires by treadwear, traction, andtemperature performance. This applies only tovehicles sold in the United States. The grades aremolded on the sidewalls of most passenger cartires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)system does not apply to deep tread, winter-typesnow tires, space-saver, or temporary usespare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to somelimited-production tires.

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While the tires available on General Motorspassenger cars and light trucks may vary withrespect to these grades, they must also conform tofederal safety requirements and additional GeneralMotors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.

TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating basedon the wear rate of the tire when tested undercontrolled conditions on a specified governmenttest course. For example, a tire graded 150 wouldwear one and a half (1.5) times as well on thegovernment course as a tire graded 100. Therelative performance of tires depends upon theactual conditions of their use, however, and maydepart significantly from the norm due to variationsin driving habits, service practices, and differencesin road characteristics and climate.

Traction – AA, A, B, CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, areAA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’sability to stop on wet pavement as measuredunder controlled conditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.A tire marked C may have poor tractionperformance.

Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tireis based on straight-ahead braking tractiontests, and does not include acceleration, cornering,hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature – A, B, CThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B,and C, representing the tire’s resistance tothe generation of heat and its ability to dissipateheat when tested under controlled conditions on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustainedhigh temperature can cause the material of the tireto degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to sudden tire failure.The grade C corresponds to a level of performancewhich all passenger car tires must meet underthe Federal Motor Vehicle Safety StandardNo. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levelsof performance on the laboratory test wheelthan the minimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade for this tire isestablished for a tire that is properly inflatedand not overloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessive loading, eitherseparately or in combination, can cause heatbuildup and possible tire failure.

503

Wheel Alignment and Tire BalanceThe tires and wheels on your vehicle were alignedand balanced carefully at the factory to give youthe longest tire life and best overall performance.Adjustments to wheel alignment and tirebalancing will not be necessary on a regular basis.However, if you notice unusual tire wear or yourvehicle pulling to one side or the other, thealignment may need to be checked. If you noticeyour vehicle vibrating when driving on a smoothroad, your tires and wheels may need to berebalanced. See your dealer for proper diagnosis.

Wheel ReplacementReplace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badlyrusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep comingloose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheelnuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air,replace it (except some aluminum wheels,which can sometimes be repaired). See yourdealer if any of these conditions exist.

Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.

Each new wheel should have the sameload-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset andbe mounted the same way as the one itreplaces.

If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheelbolts, or wheel nuts, replace them only withnew GM original equipment parts. This way, youwill be sure to have the right wheel, wheelbolts, and wheel nuts for your vehicle.

504

{CAUTION:

Using the wrong replacement wheels,wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehiclecan be dangerous. It could affect thebraking and handling of your vehicle,make your tires lose air and make youlose control. You could have a collision inwhich you or others could be injured.Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,and wheel nuts for replacement.

Notice: The wrong wheel can also causeproblems with bearing life, brake cooling,speedometer or odometer calibration,headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle groundclearance, and tire or tire chain clearanceto the body and chassis.

See Changing a Flat Tire on page 508 for moreinformation.

Used Replacement Wheels

{CAUTION:

Putting a used wheel on your vehicle isdangerous. You cannot know how it hasbeen used or how far it has been driven. Itcould fail suddenly and cause a crash. Ifyou have to replace a wheel, use a newGM original equipment wheel.

505

Tire Chains

{CAUTION:

If your vehicle has P265/65R18 orP275/55R20 size tires, do not use tirechains. They can damage your vehiclebecause there is not enough clearance.Tire chains used on a vehicle without theproper amount of clearance can causedamage to the brakes, suspension, orother vehicle parts. The area damaged bythe tire chains could cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle and you or othersmay be injured in a crash.

Use another type of traction device only ifits manufacturer recommends it for useon your vehicle and tire size combinationand road conditions. Follow thatmanufacturer’s instructions.



To help avoid damage to your vehicle,drive slowly, readjust or remove thedevice if it is contacting your vehicle, anddo not spin your vehicle’s wheels.

If you do find traction devices that will fit,install them on the rear tires.

Notice: If your vehicle has P265/70R17 sizetires, use tire chains only where legal and onlywhen you must. Use chains that are theproper size for your vehicle’s tires. Install themon the rear tires only.

Do not use chains on the front tires.

Tighten them as tightly as possible with theends securely fastened. Drive slowly and followthe chain manufacturer’s instructions. If youcan hear the chains contacting your vehicle,stop and retighten them. If the contactcontinues, slow down until it stops. Drivingtoo fast or spinning the wheels with chains onwill damage your vehicle.

506

If a Tire Goes FlatIt is unusual for a tire to blowout while you aredriving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’stires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it ismuch more likely to leak out slowly. But if youshould ever have a blowout, here are a few tipsabout what to expect and what to do:

If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a dragthat pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take yourfoot off the accelerator pedal and grip thesteering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain laneposition, and then gently brake to a stop well outof the traffic lane.

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts muchlike a skid and may require the same correctionyou would use in a skid. In any rear blowoutremove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Getthe vehicle under control by steering the wayyou want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpyand noisy, but you can still steer. Gently braketo a stop, well off the road if possible.

{CAUTION:

Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to domaintenance or repairs is dangerouswithout the appropriate safety equipmentand training. The jack provided with yourvehicle is designed only for changing aflat tire. If it is used for anything else, youor others could be badly injured or killedif the vehicle slips off the jack. Use thejack provided with your vehicle only forchanging a flat tire.

If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to usethe jacking equipment to change a flat tiresafely.

507

Changing a Flat TireIf a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheeldamage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn onyour hazard warning flashers. See HazardWarning Flashers on page 188 for moreinformation.

{CAUTION:

Changing a tire can be dangerous. Thevehicle can slip off the jack and roll overor fall on you or other people. You andthey could be badly injured or even killed.Find a level place to change your tire. Tohelp prevent the vehicle from moving:

1. Set the parking brake firmly.

2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).

3. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle,be sure the transfer case is in a drivegear— not in NEUTRAL.



4. Turn off the engine and do not restartwhile the vehicle is raised.

5. Do not allow passengers to remain inthe vehicle.

6. Put the wheel blocks at the front andrear of the tire farthest away from theone being changed. That would bethe tire on the other side, at theopposite end of the vehicle.

When your vehicle has a flat tire, use the followingexample as a guide to assist you in the placementof wheel blocks.

508

The following information will tell you how to usethe jack and change a tire.

Removing the Spare Tire and ToolsThe equipment you will need to change a flattire is stored under the storage tray, whichis located on the driver’s side trim panel (over therear wheelhouse).

1. Remove the tray to access the tools by pullingup on the finger depression under the jacksymbol.

Regular Wheelbase shown, Extended Wheelbasesimilar.

509

2. Remove the wing nut (B) used to retain thetool bag by turning it counterclockwise.

3. Turn the knob (A) on the jackcounterclockwise to release the jack andwheel blocks from the bracket.

4. Remove the wheel blocks and the wheelblock retainer by turning the wing nut (C)counterclockwise.

The tools you will be using include the following:A. JackB. Wheel BlocksC. Jack Handle

D. Jack HandleExtensions

E. Wheel Wrench

510

To access the spare tire, refer to the followinggraphics and instructions:

A. Hoist AssemblyB. Hoist ShaftC. Hoist Shaft Access

Cover/HoleD. Jack Handle

ExtensionsE. Wheel WrenchF. Hoist Cable

G. Tire RetainerH. Spare Tire (Valve

Stem Pointed Down)I. Hoist Shaft

Access HoleJ. Hoist End of

Extension ToolK. Spare Tire Lock

1. Open the hoist shaft access door (C) on thebumper to access the spare tire lock (K).

2. Insert the ignition key, turn it clockwise andthen pull it to remove the spare tire lock.

3. Assemble the two jack handle extensions (D)and wheel wrench (E) as shown.

4. Insert the open endof the extension (J)through the hole inthe rear bumper (I)(hoist shaftaccess hole).

Be sure the hoist end (J) of the extension (D)connects to the hoist shaft (B). The ribbedsquare end of the extension is used to lowerthe spare tire.

511

5. Turn the wheel wrench (E) counterclockwiseto lower the spare tire (H) to the ground.Continue to turn the wheel wrench until thespare tire can be pulled out from underthe vehicle.If the spare tire does not lower to the ground,the secondary latch is engaged causingthe tire not to lower. See Secondary LatchSystem on page 519 for more information.

6. Use the wheelwrench hook thatallows you topull the hoist cabletowards you, toassist in reachingthe spare tire.

7. Tilt the tireretainer (G) at theend of the cablewhen the tirehas been lowered,so it can bepulled up throughthe wheel opening.

8. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.

512

Removing the Flat Tire andInstalling the Spare TireUse the following pictures and instructions toremove the flat tire and raise the vehicle.

1. Remove the center cap, if your vehicle hasone, by placing the chisel end of the wheelwrench in the slot on the wheel and gently prythe cap out.If the wheel has bolt-on wheel covers, loosenthe plastic nut caps by turning the wheelwrench counterclockwise. If needed, finishloosening them by hand.

The nut caps will not come off. Using the flatend of the wheel wrench, pry along the edge ofthe cover until it comes off.If your vehicle has only wheel nut caps, loosenthe plastic nut caps with the wheel wrenchin a counterclockwise direction. If needed,finish loosening them by hand.

2. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheelnuts. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwiseto loosen the wheel nuts. Do not removethe wheel nuts yet.

513

A. Front PositionB. Rear Position

{CAUTION:

Getting under a vehicle when it is jackedup is dangerous. If the vehicle slips offthe jack you could be badly injured orkilled. Never get under a vehicle when it issupported only by a jack.

{CAUTION:

Raising your vehicle with the jackimproperly positioned can damage thevehicle and even make the vehicle fall. Tohelp avoid personal injury and vehicledamage, be sure to fit the jack lift head intothe proper location before raising thevehicle.

3. Position the jack under the vehicle as shown.

Jacking Locations (Overall View)

514

Front Tire Flat: If the flat tire is on a front tireof the vehicle, you will need to use the jackhandle (B) and only one jack handleextension (C). Attach the wheel wrench (D) tothe jack handle extension (C). Attach thejack handle (B) to the jack (A). Position the jackon the frame behind the flat tire where theframe sections overlap (E). Turn the wheelwrench (D) clockwise to raise the vehicle.

Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground sothere is enough room for the spare tire toclear the ground.

Front Position

Rear Position – 1500 Models

515

Rear Tire Flat: If the flat tire is on a rear tire ofthe vehicle, you will need to use the jackhandle (B) and both jack handle extensions (C).Attach the wheel wrench (D) to the jack handleextensions (C). Attach the jack handle (B) to thejack (A). Use the jacking pad provided on therear axle. Turn the wheel wrench (D) clockwiseto raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle farenough off the ground so there is enough roomfor the spare tire to clear the ground.

4. Remove all of thewheel nuts.

5. Take off the flat tire.

Rear Position – All Other Models

516

{CAUTION:

Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the partsto which it is fastened, can make thewheel nuts become loose after a time. Thewheel could come off and cause anaccident. When you change a wheel,remove any rust or dirt from the placeswhere the wheel attaches to the vehicle. Inan emergency, you can use a cloth or apaper towel to do this; but be sure to usea scraper or wire brush later, if needed, toget all the rust or dirt off.

6. Remove any rust ordirt from the wheelbolts, mountingsurfaces and sparewheel.

{CAUTION:

Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.If you do, the nuts might come loose.Your wheel could fall off, causing aserious accident.

7. Put the wheel nuts back on with the roundedend of the nuts toward the wheel aftermounting the spare tire.

8. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then usethe wheel wrench to tighten the nuts until thewheel is held against the hub.

517

9. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise tolower the vehicle. Lower the jack completely.

{CAUTION:

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperlytightened wheel nuts can cause the wheelto come loose and even come off. Thiscould lead to an accident. Be sure to usethe correct wheel nuts. If you have toreplace them, be sure to get new GMoriginal equipment wheel nuts. Stopsomewhere as soon as you can and havethe nuts tightened with a torque wrench tothe proper torque specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications on page 548for wheel nut torque specification.

Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts canlead to brake pulsation and rotor damage.To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenlytighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequenceand to the proper torque specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications on page 548 forthe wheel nut torque specification.

10. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscrosssequence as shown by turning the wheelwrench clockwise.

When you reinstall the regular wheel and tire, youmust also reinstall the either the center cap, orbolt-on hub cap, depending on what your vehiclehas. For center caps, place the cap on thewheel and tap it into place until it seats flush withthe wheel. The cap only goes on one way. Besure to line up the tab on the center cap with theindentation on the wheel. For bolt-on hub caps,align the plastic nut caps with the wheel nuts andthen tighten by hand. Then use the wheelwrench to tighten.

518

Secondary Latch SystemYour vehicle has an underbody-mounted tire hoistassembly which has a secondary latch system.It is designed to stop the spare tire from suddenlyfalling off your vehicle. For the secondary latchto work, the spare tire must be installed withthe valve stem pointing down. See Storing a Flator Spare Tire and Tools on page 522.

{CAUTION:

Before beginning this procedure read allthe instructions. Failure to read and followthe instructions could damage the hoistassembly and you and others could gethurt. Read and follow the instructionslisted below.

To release the spare tire from the secondary latch,do the following:

1. Check under thevehicle to see if thecable end isvisible. If the cableis not visible,proceed to Step 6.

2. If it is visible, first try to tighten the cable byturning the wheel wrench clockwise until youhear two clicks or feel it skip twice. Youcannot overtighten the cable.

3. Loosen the cable by turning the wheel wrenchcounterclockwise three or four turns.

519

4. Repeat this procedure at least two times.If the spare tire lowers to the ground,continue with Step 5 of Removing the SpareTire and Tools on page 509.

5. If the spare tire does not lower, turn the wheelwrench counterclockwise until approximately6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed.

6. Stand the wheel blocks on their shortest ends,with the backs facing each other.

7. Place the bottomedge of the jack (A)on the wheelblocks (B),separating them sothat the jack isbalanced securely.

8. Attach the jack handle, extension, and wheelwrench to the jack and place it (with thewheel blocks) under the vehicle toward thefront of the rear bumper.

520

9. Position the center lift point of the jack underthe center of the spare tire.

10. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise to raise thejack until it lifts the end fitting.

11. Continue raising the jack until the spare tirestops moving upward and is held firmly inplace so that the secondary latch has releasedand the spare tire is balancing on the jack.

12. Lower the jack by turning the wheel wrenchcounterclockwise. Keep lowering the jackuntil the spare tire slides off the jack oris hanging by the cable.

{CAUTION:

Someone standing too close during theprocedure could be injured by the jack.If the spare tire does not slide off the jackcompletely, make sure no one is behindyou or on either side of you as you pullthe jack out from the spare.

13. Disconnect the jack handle from the jack andcarefully remove the jack. with the other hand.

14. Use one hand to push against the spare whilefirmly pulling the jack out from under thespare tire with the other hand. If the spare tireis hanging from the cable, insert the hoistend of the extension and wheel wrench intothe hoist shaft hole in the bumper and turn thewheel wrench counterclockwise to lower thespare the rest of the way.

521

15. Tilt the tireretainer (G) at theend of the cable andpull it through thewheel opening. Pullthe tire out fromunder the vehicle.

16. Turn the wheel wrench in the hoist shaft holein the bumper clockwise to raise the cableback up if the cable is hanging underthe vehicle.

Have the hoist assembly inspected as soon asyou can. You will not be able to store a spare orflat tire using the hoist assembly until it hasbeen replaced.

To continue changing the flat tire, see Removingthe Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire onpage 513.

Storing a Flat or Spare Tireand Tools

{CAUTION:

Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipmentin the passenger compartment of thevehicle could cause injury. In a suddenstop or collision, loose equipment couldstrike someone. Store all these in theproper place.

Notice: Storing an aluminum wheel with a flattire under your vehicle for an extended period oftime or with the valve stem pointing up maydamage the wheel. Always stow the wheel withthe valve stem pointing down and have thewheel/tire repaired as soon as possible.

Store the tire under the rear of the vehicle in thespare tire carrier. Refer to the following graphicsand instructions to help you:

522

A. Hoist AssemblyB. Hoist ShaftC. Hoist Shaft Access

Cover/HoleD. Jack Handle

ExtensionsE. Wheel WrenchF. Hoist CableG. Tire Retainer

H. Spare Tire/FlatTire (Valve StemPointed Down)

I. Hoist Shaft AccessHole

J. Hoist End ofExtension Tool

K. Spare Tire Lock

1. Put the tire (H) on the ground at the rear ofthe vehicle with the valve stem pointeddown, and to the rear.

2. Tilt the retainerdownward andthrough the wheelopening. Makesure the retainer isfully seatedacross the undersideof the wheel.

523

3. Assemble the two jack handle extensions (D)and wheel wrench (E) as shown.

4. Insert the open endof the extension (I)through the hole inthe rear bumper (J)(hoist shaftaccess hole).

5. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure theretainer is seated in the wheel opening.

6. Raise the tire fully against the underside ofthe vehicle by turning the wheel wrenchclockwise until you hear two clicks or feel itskip twice. You cannot overtighten the cable.

7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push,pull (A), and then try to turn (B) the tire. If thetire moves, use the wheel wrench to tightenthe cable.

8. Reinstall the spare tire lock.

9. Reinstall the hoist shaft access cover.

524

To store the tools, do the following.

A. Wheel BlocksB. Tool Bag with Jack

ToolsC. Retaining BracketD. Wing Nut Retaining

Tool Bag

E. JackF. Wing Nut

Retaining WheelBlocks

G. Wing Nut on Jack

1. Return the tools (wheel wrench, jack handle,and jack handle extensions) to the tool bag (B).

2. Assemble wheel blocks (A) and jack (E)together with the wing nut (F).

3. Position the jack (E) and wheel blocks (A) inthe driver’s side trim panel over thewheelhouse.

4. Turn the wing nut (G) clockwise until the jackis secured tight in the mounting bracket. Besure to position the holes in the base ofthe jack onto the pin in the mounting bracket.

5. Use the retaining bracket (C) to fasten the toolbag (B) on the stud and turn the wing nut (D)clockwise to secure.

525

6. Return the storage tray to its original storedposition.

Spare TireYour vehicle, when new, had a fully-inflated sparetire. A spare tire may lose air over time, so check itsinflation pressure regularly. See Inflation - TirePressure on page 490 and Loading Your Vehicle onpage 390 for information regarding proper tireinflation and loading your vehicle. For instruction onhow to remove, install or store a spare tire, seeRemoving the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tireon page 513 and Storing a Flat or Spare Tire andTools on page 522.

Your vehicle may have a different size spare tirethan the road tires originally installed on yourvehicle. This spare tire was developed for use onyour vehicle, so it is all right to drive on it.If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and thedifferent size spare tire is installed, keep thevehicle in two-wheel drive.

526

Notice: If your vehicle has four-wheel driveand the different size spare tire is installed onyour vehicle, do not drive in four-wheeldrive until you can have your flat tire repairedand/or replaced. You could damage yourvehicle, and the repair costs would not becovered by your warranty. Never usefour-wheel drive when the different size sparetire is installed on your vehicle.

After installing the spare tire on your vehicle, youshould stop as soon as possible and makesure the spare tire is correctly inflated. Have thedamaged or flat road tire repaired or replacedas soon as you can and installed back onto yourvehicle. This way, the spare tire will be availablein case you need it again.

Do not mix tires and wheels of different sizes,because they will not fit. Keep your spare tire andits wheel together. If your vehicle has a sparetire that does not match your vehicle’s original roadtires and wheels in size and type, do not includethe spare in the tire rotation.

Appearance CareCleaning products can be hazardous. Some aretoxic. Other cleaning products can burst intoflames if a match is struck near them or if they geton a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerousif their fumes are inhaled in an enclosed space.When anything from a container is used to cleanthe vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’swarnings and instructions. Always open the doorsor windows of the vehicle when cleaning theinside.

Never use these to clean the vehicle:

• Benzene

• Naphtha

• Carbon Tetrachloride

• Acetone

• Paint Thinner

• Turpentine

• Lacquer Thinner

• Nail Polish Remover

They can all be hazardous — some more thanothers — and they can all damage the vehicle, too.

527

Do not use any of these products unless thismanual says you can. In many uses, these willdamage the vehicle:

• Alcohol• Laundry Soap

• Bleach• Reducing Agents

Cleaning the Inside of Your VehicleYour vehicle’s interior will continue to look itsbest if it is cleaned often. Although not alwaysvisible, dust and dirt can accumulate on yourupholstery. Dirt can damage carpet, fabric, leather,and plastic surfaces. Regular vacuuming isrecommended to remove particles from yourupholstery. It is important to keep your upholsteryfrom becoming and remaining heavily soiled.Soils should be removed as quickly as possible.Your vehicle’s interior may experience extremes ofheat that could cause stains to set rapidly.

Lighter colored interiors may require more frequentcleaning. Use care because newspapers andgarments that transfer color to your homefurnishings may also transfer color to yourvehicle’s interior.

When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only usecleaners specifically designed for the surfacesbeing cleaned. Permanent damage may resultfrom using cleaners on surfaces for whichthey were not intended. Use glass cleaner only onglass. Remove any accidental over-spray fromother surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.

Notice: If you use abrasive cleaners whencleaning glass surfaces on your vehicle, youcould scratch the glass and/or cause damageto the rear window defogger. When cleaningthe glass on your vehicle, use only a soft clothand glass cleaner.Many cleaners contain solvents that may becomeconcentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space.Before using cleaners, read and adhere to all safetyinstructions on the label. While cleaning yourvehicle’s interior, maintain adequate ventilation byopening your vehicle’s doors and windows.Dust may be removed from small buttons andknobs using a small brush with soft bristles.

Your GM dealer has a product for cleaning yourvehicle’s glass. Should it become necessary,you can also obtain a product from your GM dealerto remove odors from your vehicle’s upholstery.

528

Do not clean your vehicle using the followingcleaners or techniques:• Never use a knife or any other sharp object to

remove a soil from any interior surface.• Never use a stiff brush. It can cause damage

to your vehicle’s interior surfaces.• Never apply heavy pressure or rub

aggressively with a cleaning cloth. Use ofheavy pressure can damage your interior anddoes not improve the effectiveness of soilremoval.

• Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoidlaundry detergents or dishwashing soaps withdegreasers. Using too much soap will leavea residue that leaves streaks and attracts dirt.For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops pergallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.

• Do not heavily saturate your upholstery whilecleaning.

• Damage to your vehicle’s interior may resultfrom the use of many organic solvents suchas naptha, alcohol, etc.

Fabric/CarpetUse a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachmentfrequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canistervacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only beused on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. Forsoils, always try to remove them first with plainwater or club soda. Before cleaning, gently removeas much of the soil as possible using one of thefollowing techniques:• For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a

paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into thepaper towel until no more can be removed.

• For solid dry soils: remove as much as possibleand then vacuum.

529

To clean, use the following instructions:1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with

water or club soda.2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently

rub toward the center. Continue cleaning,using a clean area of the cloth each time itbecomes soiled.

4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until thecleaning cloth remains clean.

5. If the soil is not completely removed, use amild soap solution and repeat the cleaningprocess that was used with plain water.

If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabriccleaner or spot lifter may be necessary. When acommercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to beused, test a small hidden area for colorfastnessfirst. If the locally cleaned area gives anyimpression that a ring formation may result, cleanthe entire surface.After the cleaning process has been completed, apaper towel can be used to blot excess moisturefrom the fabric or carpet.

LeatherA soft cloth dampened with water may be used toremove dust. If a more thorough cleaning isnecessary, a soft cloth dampened with a mild soapsolution can be used. Allow the leather to drynaturally. Do not use heat to dry. Never use steamto clean leather. Never use spot lifters or spotremovers on leather. Many commercial leathercleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve andprotect leather may permanently change theappearance and feel of your leather and are notrecommended. Do not use silicone or wax-basedproducts, or those containing organic solvents toclean your vehicle’s interior because they can alterthe appearance by increasing the gloss in anon-uniform manner. Never use shoe polish onyour leather.

530

Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and OtherPlastic SurfacesA soft cloth dampened with water may be used toremove dust. If a more thorough cleaning isnecessary, a clean soft cloth dampened with amild soap solution can be used to gently removedust and dirt. Never use spot lifters or removerson plastic surfaces. Many commercial cleaners andcoatings that are sold to preserve and protectsoft plastic surfaces may permanently change theappearance and feel of your interior and arenot recommended. Do not use silicone orwax-based products, or those containing organicsolvents to clean your vehicle’s interior becausethey can alter the appearance by increasingthe gloss in a non-uniform manner.

Some commercial products may increase gloss onyour instrument panel. The increase in glossmay cause annoying reflections in the windshieldand even make it difficult to see through thewindshield under certain conditions.

Care of Safety BeltsKeep belts clean and dry.

{CAUTION:

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If youdo, it may severely weaken them. In acrash, they might not be able to provideadequate protection. Clean safety beltsonly with mild soap and lukewarm water.

WeatherstripsSilicone grease on weatherstrips will make themlast longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth. Duringvery cold, damp weather frequent application maybe required. See Recommended Fluids andLubricants on page 564.

531

Washing Your VehicleThe paint finish on the vehicle provides beauty,depth of color, gloss retention, and durability.

The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is tokeep it clean by washing it often with lukewarmor cold water.

Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of thesun. Use a car washing soap. Do not usestrong soaps or chemical detergents. Be sure torinse the vehicle well, removing all soapresidue completely. GM-approved cleaningproducts can be obtained from your dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 537.Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleumbased, or that contain acid or abrasives. Allcleaning agents should be flushed promptly andnot allowed to dry on the surface, or theycould stain. Dry the finish with a soft, cleanchamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surfacescratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water toenter the vehicle.

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/LensesUse only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth anda car washing soap to clean exterior lampsand lenses. Follow instructions under WashingYour Vehicle on page 532.

Finish CareOccasional waxing or mild polishing of yourvehicle by hand may be necessary to removeresidue from the paint finish. You can getGM-approved cleaning products from your dealer.See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials onpage 537.

If your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paintfinish, the clearcoat gives more depth and gloss tothe colored basecoat. Always use waxes andpolishes that are non-abrasive and made for abasecoat/clearcoat paint finish.

532

Notice: Machine compounding or aggressivepolishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paintfinish may damage it. Use only non-abrasivewaxes and polishes that are made for abasecoat/clearcoat paint finish on your vehicle.

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride andother salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, treesap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrialchimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish ifthey remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicleas soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasivecleaners that are marked safe for painted surfacesto remove foreign matter.

Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging,weather and chemical fallout that can take their tollover a period of years. You can help to keepthe paint finish looking new by keeping yourvehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.

Protecting Exterior Bright Metal PartsBright metal parts should be cleaned regularly tokeep their luster. Washing with water is allthat is usually needed. However, you may usechrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, ifnecessary.

Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoiddamaging protective trim, never use auto orchrome polish, steam or caustic soap to cleanaluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish,is recommended for all bright metal parts.

533

Windshield, Backglass, and WiperBladesIf the windshield is not clear after using thewindshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatterswhen running, wax, sap or other material maybe on the blade or windshield.

Clean the outside of the windshield with afull-strength glass cleaning liquid. The windshieldis clean if beads do not form when you rinse itwith water.

Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiperblades and affect their performance. Cleanthe blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soakedin full-strength windshield washer solvent. Thenrinse the blade with water.

Check the wiper blades and clean them asnecessary; replace blades that look worn.

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated WheelsYour vehicle may be equipped with eitheraluminum or chrome-plated wheels.

Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean clothwith mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft cleantowel. A wax may then be applied.

Notice: If you use strong soaps, chemicals,abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, orcleaners that contain acid on aluminum orchrome-plated wheels, you could damage thesurface of the wheel(s). The repairs wouldnot be covered by your warranty. Useonly GM-approved cleaners on aluminum orchrome-plated wheels.

The surface of these wheels is similar to thepainted surface of your vehicle. Do not use strongsoaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasivecleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaningbrushes on them because you could damagethe surface. Do not use chrome polish onaluminum wheels.

534

Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminumwheels could damage the wheels. The repairswould not be covered by your warranty.Use chrome polish on chrome wheels only.

Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels,but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, andbuff off immediately after application.

Notice: If you drive your vehicle through anautomatic car wash that has silicone carbidetire cleaning brushes, you could damagethe aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Therepairs would not be covered by your warranty.Never drive a vehicle equipped with aluminumor chrome-plated wheels through anautomatic car wash that uses silicone carbidetire cleaning brushes.

Do not take your vehicle through an automatic carwash that has silicone carbide tire cleaningbrushes. These brushes can also damage thesurface of these wheels.

TiresTo clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tirecleaner.

Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressingproducts on your vehicle may damage the paintfinish and/or tires. When applying a tiredressing, always wipe off any overspray from allpainted surfaces on your vehicle.

Sheet Metal DamageIf the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metalrepair or replacement, make sure the body repairshop applies anti-corrosion material to partsrepaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.Original manufacturer replacement parts willprovide the corrosion protection while maintainingthe warranty.

535

Finish DamageAny stone chips, fractures or deep scratches inthe finish should be repaired right away. Baremetal will corrode quickly and may develop intomajor repair expense.

Minor chips and scratches can be repaired withtouch-up materials available from your GM dealer.Larger areas of finish damage can be correctedin your GM dealer’s body and paint shop.

Underbody MaintenanceChemicals used for ice and snow removal anddust control can collect on the underbody. If theseare not removed, corrosion and rust can developon the underbody parts such as fuel lines,frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even thoughthey have corrosion protection.

At least every spring, flush these materials from theunderbody with plain water. Clean any areas wheremud and debris can collect. Dirt packed in closeareas of the frame should be loosened before beingflushed. Your dealer or an underbody car washingsystem can do this for you.

Chemical Paint SpottingSome weather and atmospheric conditions cancreate a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants canfall upon and attack painted surfaces on thevehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy,ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregulardark spots etched into the paint surface.

Although no defect in the paint job causes this,GM will repair, at no charge to the owner,the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by thisfallout condition within 12 months or12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,whichever occurs first.

536

Vehicle Care/Appearance MaterialsDescription Usage

Polishing ClothWax-Treated

Interior and exteriorpolishing cloth.

Tar and Road OilRemover

Removes tar, road oil,and asphalt.

Chrome Cleaner andPolish

Use on chrome orstainless steel.

White Sidewall TireCleaner

Removes soil and blackmarks from whitewalls.

Vinyl Cleaner Cleans vinyl.

Glass Cleaner Removes dirt, grime,smoke and fingerprints.

Chrome and Wire WheelCleaner

Removes dirt and grimefrom chrome wheels andwire wheel covers.

Finish Enhancer

Removes dust,fingerprints, and surfacecontaminants. Spray onand wipe off.

Description Usage

Swirl Remover PolishRemoves swirl marks, finescratches, and other lightsurface contamination.

Cleaner Wax Removes light scratchesand protects finish.

Foaming Tire ShineLow Gloss

Cleans, shines, andprotects in one step.No wiping necessary.

Wash Wax Concentrate

Medium foamingshampoo. Cleans andlightly waxes.Biodegradable andphosphate free.

Spot Lifter

Quickly removes spotsand stains from carpets,vinyl, and clothupholstery.

Odor EliminatorOdorless spray odoreliminator used on fabrics,vinyl, leather and carpet.

537

Vehicle Identification

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. Itappears on a plate in the front corner of theinstrument panel, on the driver’s side. You can seeit if you look through the windshield from outsideyour vehicle. The VIN also appears on the VehicleCertification and Service Parts labels and thecertificates of title and registration.

Engine IdentificationThe eighth character in the VIN is the enginecode. This code will help you identify your vehicle’sengine, specifications, and replacement parts.

Service Parts Identification LabelYou will find this label on the inside of the glovebox. It is very helpful if you ever need to orderparts. On this label, you will find the following:

• VIN

• Model designation

• Paint information

• Production options and special equipment

Do not remove this label from the vehicle.

538

Electrical System

Add-On Electrical Equipment

Notice: Don’t add anything electrical to yourvehicle unless you check with your dealerfirst. Some electrical equipment can damageyour vehicle and the damage wouldn’t becovered by your warranty. Some add-onelectrical equipment can keep othercomponents from working as they should.

Your vehicle has an airbag system. Beforeattempting to add anything electrical to yourvehicle, see Servicing Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle on page 104.

Windshield Wiper FusesThe windshield wiper motor is protected by aninternal circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motoroverheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper willstop until the motor cools. If the overload iscaused by some electrical problem and not snow,etc., be sure to get it fixed.

Power Windows and Other PowerOptionsCircuit breakers protect the power windows andother power accessories. If the current load is tooheavy, the circuit breaker opens and thencloses after a cool down period, protecting thecircuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.

539

Fuses and Circuit BreakersThe wiring circuits in your vehicle are protectedfrom short circuits by a combination of fuses,circuit breakers and fusible thermal links.This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused byelectrical problems.Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse.If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse.Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a newone of the identical size and rating.If you ever have a problem on the road and don’thave a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has thesame amperage. Just pick some feature of yourvehicle that you can get along without – like theradio or cigarette lighter – and use its fuse, if it is thecorrect amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.

Instrument Panel Fuse BlockThe instrument panel fuse block access door islocated on the driver’s side edge of the instrumentpanel.

540

Fuses UsageLT DR Driver’s Door Harness Connection

LT DR Driver’s Side Power Window CircuitBreaker

REAR SEAT Rear SeatsAUX PWR2 Rear Cargo Area Power OutletsSWC BKLT Steering Wheel Controls BacklightDDM Driver Door Module

CTSY Dome Lamps, Driver’s Side TurnSignal

LT STOP TRN Driver’s Side Turn Signal, StoplampDIM Instrument Panel Back Lighting

RT STOP TRN Passenger’s Side Turn Signal,Stoplamp

BCM Body Control ModuleUNLCK2 Power Door Lock 2 (Unlock Feature)LCK2 Power Door Lock 2 (Lock Feature)

STOP LAMPS Stoplamps, Center-High MountedStoplamp

Fuses UsageREAR HVAC Rear Climate Controls

PDM Passenger Door Module, UniversalHome Remote System

AUX PWR Accessory Power OutletsIS LPS Interior LampsUNLCK1 Power Door Lock 1 (Unlock Feature)

OBS DET Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist,Power Liftgate

LCK1 Power Door Lock 1 (Lock Feature)REAR WPR Rear WiperCOOLEDSEATS Not Used

DSM Driver Seat Module, RemoteKeyless Entry System

BODY Harness ConnectorBODY Harness Connector

541

Center Instrument Panel Fuse BlockThe center instrument panel fuse block islocated underneath the instrument panel, to theleft of the steering column.

Top View

Fuses UsageBODY 2 Body Harness Connector 2BODY 1 Body Harness Connector 1BODY 3 Body Harness Connector 3

HEADLINER 3 Headliner Harness Connector 3HEADLINER 2 Headliner Harness Connector 2HEADLINER 1 Headliner Harness Connector 1

BRAKECLUTCH Brake Clutch Harness Connector

SEO/UPFITTER Special Equipment Option UpfitterHarness Connector

Circuit Breaker Usage

CB1 Passenger’s Side Power WindowCircuit Breaker

CB2 Passenger’s Seat Circuit BreakerCB3 Driver’s Seat Circuit BreakerCB4 Not Used

542

Underhood Fuse Block The underhood fuse block is located in the enginecompartment, on the driver’s side of the vehicle.Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block.To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse betweenyour thumb and index finger and pull straight out.

543

Fuses Usage1 Not Used

2Electronic Stability SuspensionControl, Automatic Level ControlExhaust

3 Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp4 Engine Controls

5 Engine Control Module, ThrottleControl

6 Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp7 Front Washer8 Oxygen Sensors9 Anti-lock Brakes System 2

10 Trailer Back-up Lamps11 Driver’s Side Low-Beam Headlamp12 Engine Control Module (Battery)

13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils(Right Side)

14 Transmission Control Module(Battery)

15 Vehicle Back-up Lamps

16 Passenger’s Side Low-BeamHeadlamp

17 Air Conditioning Compressor18 Oxygen Sensors19 Transmission Controls (Ignition)

Fuses Usage20 Fuel Pump21 Not Used22 Rear Washer

23 Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils(Left Side)

24 Trailer Park Lamps25 Driver’s Side Park Lamps26 Passenger’s Side Park Lamps27 Fog Lamps28 Horn

29 Passenger’s Side High-BeamHeadlamp

30 Daytime Running Lamps31 Driver’s Side High-Beam Headlamp32 Daylight Running Lamps 233 Sunroof

34 Key Ignition System, Theft DeterrentSystem

35 Windshield Wiper36 SEO B2 Upfitter Usage (Battery)37 Electric Adjustable Pedals38 Climate Controls (Battery)39 Airbag System (Ignition)40 Amplifier

545

Fuses Usage41 Audio System42 Four-Wheel Drive

43 Miscellaneous (Ignition), Rear VisionCamera, Cruise Control

44 Liftgate Release

45 OnStar®, Rear Seat EntertainmentDisplay

46 Instrument Panel Cluster47 Not Used48 Not Used

49 Auxiliary Climate Control (Ignition),Compass-Temperature Mirror

50 Rear Defogger51 Airbag System (Battery)52 SEO B1 Upfitter Usage (Battery)

53 Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary PowerOutlet

54 Automatic Level Control CompressorRelay, SEO Upfitter Usage

55 Climate Controls (Ignition)

56 Engine Control Module, SecondaryFuel Pump (Ignition)

J-Case Fuses Usage60 Cooling Fan 161 Automatic Level Control Compressor62 Heavy Duty Anti-lock Brake System63 Cooling Fan 264 Anti-lock Brake System 165 Starter66 Stud 2 (Trailer Brakes)67 Left Bussed Electrical Center 168 Electric Running Boards69 Heated Windshield Washer System70 Four-Wheel Drive System

71 Stud 1 (Trailer Connector BatteryPower)

72 Mid-Bussed Electrical Center 173 Climate Control Blower74 Power Liftgate Module75 Left Bussed Electrical Center 2

546

Relays UsageFAN HI Cooling Fan High SpeedFAN LO Cooling Fan Low SpeedENG EXH VLV Not UsedFAN CNTRL Cooling Fan ControlHDLP LO/HID Low-Beam HeadlampFOG LAMP Front Fog LampsA/C CMPRSR Air Conditioning CompressorSTRTR Starter

Relays UsagePWR/TRN PowertrainFUEL PMP Fuel PumpPRK LAMP Parking LampsREAR DEFOG Rear DefoggerRUN/CRANK Switched Power

547

Capacities and SpecificationsThe following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See RecommndedFluids and Lubricants on page 564 for more information.

ApplicationCapacities

English MetricAir Conditioning Refrigerant R134a

Regular 2.5 lbs 0.7 kgExtended 1500 Series 2.8 lbs 1.3 kgExtended 2500 Series 3.0 lbs 1.4 kg

Cooling System4.8L V8 17.8 qt 16.9 L5.3L V8 18.3 qt 17.3 L6.0L V8 1500 Series 17.9 qt 16.9 L6.0L V8 2500 Series 17.4 qt 16.5 L

Engine Oil with Filter 6.0 qt† 5.7 L†Fuel Tank

Regular 26.0 gal 98.4 LExtended 1500 Series 31.5 gal 119.2 LExtended 2500 Series 39.0 gal 147.6 L

Transmission Fluid4L70-E Super Duty Transmission and 4L60-E ElectronicTransmission 3.8 qt 4.0 L

4L80-E Transmission 7.7 qt 7.3 L

548

ApplicationCapacities

English MetricTransfer Case Fluid 2.0 qt 1.9 LWheel Nut Torque 140 lb ft 190 Y†Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.After refill, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine coolant so that the fluid is within the properoperating range.

Engine SpecificationsEngine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap

4.8L V8 C Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)

5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with DOD(Iron) 0 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)

5.3L V8 Flexible Fuel with DOD(Aluminum Block) 3 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)

5.3L V8 with DOD J Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)

6.0L V8 K Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)

6.0L V8 with DOD Y Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)

549

✍ NOTES

550

Maintenance Schedule .................................552Introduction ................................................552Maintenance Requirements .........................552Your Vehicle and the Environment .............552Using the Maintenance Schedule ...............553Scheduled Maintenance ..............................555Additional Required Services ......................557Maintenance Footnotes ..............................558

Owner Checks and Services ......................560At Each Fuel Fill ........................................560At Least Once a Month ..............................561At Least Once a Year ................................562Recommended Fluids and Lubricants .........564Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ....566Engine Drive Belt Routing ..........................567Maintenance Record ...................................567

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule

551

Maintenance Schedule

IntroductionImportant: Keep engine oil at the proper leveland change as recommended.

Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan?The Plan supplements your new vehiclewarranties. See your Warranty and OwnerAssistance booklet or your dealer for details.

Maintenance Requirements

Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks,inspections, replacement parts, andrecommended fluids and lubricants asprescribed in this manual are necessary tokeep your vehicle in good working condition.Any damage caused by failure to followscheduled maintenance may not be covered bywarranty.

Your Vehicle and the EnvironmentProper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keepyour vehicle in good working condition, but alsohelps the environment. All recommendedmaintenance is important. Improper vehiclemaintenance can even affect the quality of the airwe breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrongtire inflation can increase the level of emissionsfrom your vehicle. To help protect our environment,and to keep your vehicle in good condition, besure to maintain your vehicle properly.

552

Using the Maintenance ScheduleWe at General Motors want to help you keep yourvehicle in good working condition. But we donot know exactly how you will drive it. You maydrive very short distances only a few times a week.Or you may drive long distances all the time invery hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehiclein making deliveries. Or you may drive it towork, to do errands, or in many other ways.

Because of all the different ways people use theirvehicles, maintenance needs vary. You mayneed more frequent checks and replacements.So please read the following and note howyou drive. If you have any questions on how tokeep your vehicle in good condition, see yourGM Goodwrench® dealer.

This schedule is for vehicles that:

• carry passengers and cargo withinrecommended limits. You will find these limitson the tire and loading information label.See Loading Your Vehicle on page 390.

• are driven on reasonable road surfaces withinlegal driving limits.

• are driven off-road in the recommendedmanner. See Off-Road Driving on page 356.

• use the recommended fuel. See GasolineOctane on page 428.

The services in Scheduled Maintenance onpage 555 should be performed when indicated.See Additional Required Services on page 557 andMaintenance Footnotes on page 558 for furtherinformation.

553

{CAUTION:

Performing maintenance work on avehicle can be dangerous. In trying to dosome jobs, you can be seriously injured.Do your own maintenance work only ifyou have the required know-how and theproper tools and equipment for the job.If you have any doubt, see your GMGoodwrench® dealer to have a qualifiedtechnician do the work. See Doing YourOwn Service Work on page 427.

Some maintenance services can be complex.So, unless you are technically qualified and havethe necessary equipment, you should haveyour GM Goodwrench® dealer do these jobs.

When you go to your GM Goodwrench® dealer foryour service needs, you will know that GM-trainedand supported service technicians will performthe work using genuine GM parts.

If you want to purchase service information, seeService Publications Ordering Information onpage 590.

Owner Checks and Services on page 560 tells youwhat should be checked, when to check it, andwhat you can easily do to help keep your vehicle ingood condition.

The proper replacement parts, fluids, andlubricants to use are listed in RecommendedFluids and Lubricants on page 564 and NormalMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 566.When your vehicle is serviced, make sure theseare used. All parts should be replaced and allnecessary repairs done before you or anyone elsedrives the vehicle. We recommend the use ofgenuine GM parts.

554

Scheduled MaintenanceWhen the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comeson, it means that service is required for yourvehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon aspossible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It ispossible that, if you are driving under the bestconditions, the engine oil life system may notindicate that vehicle service is necessary for over ayear. However, your engine oil and filter must bechanged at least once a year and at this time thesystem must be reset. Your GM Goodwrench®

dealer has GM-trained service technicians who willperform this work using genuine GM parts and resetthe system.

If the engine oil life system is ever resetaccidentally, you must service your vehicle within3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last service.Remember to reset the oil life system wheneverthe oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life System onpage 441 for information on the Engine Oil LifeSystem and resetting the system.

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL messageappears, certain services, checks, and inspectionsare required. Required services are describedin the following for “Maintenance I” and“Maintenance II.” Generally, it is recommendedthat your first service be Maintenance I, yoursecond service be Maintenance II, and that youalternate Maintenance I and Maintenance IIthereafter. However, in some cases,Maintenance II may be required more often.

Maintenance I — Use Maintenance I if theCHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes onwithin 10 months since the vehicle was purchasedor Maintenance II was performed.

Maintenance II — Use Maintenance II if theprevious service performed was Maintenance I.Always use Maintenance II whenever the messagecomes on 10 months or more since the lastservice or if the message has not come on at allfor one year.

555

Scheduled MaintenanceService Maintenance I Maintenance II

Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil on page 438. Reset oil life system.See Engine Oil Life System on page 441. An Emission Control Service. • •

Lubricate chassis components. See footnote #. • •Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j). • •Inspect engine air cleaner filter or change indicator (if equipped). If necessary,replace filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 443. See footnote (l). •

Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection andRotation on page 497 and “Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month onpage 561.

• •

Inspect brake system. See footnote (a). • •Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid asneeded. • •

Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” inthis section. • •

Inspect suspension and steering components. See footnote (b). •Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c). •Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d). •Inspect restraint system components. See footnote (e). •Lubricate body components. See footnote (f). •Check transmission fluid level and add fluid as needed. •

556

Additional Required ServicesThe following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (I or II) after the indicatedmiles (kilometers) shown for each item.

Additional Required Services

Service and Miles (Kilometers) 25,000(40 000)

50,000(80 000)

75,000(120 000)

100,000(160 000)

125,000(200 000)

150,000(240 000)

Inspect fuel system for damageor leaks. • • • • • •

Inspect exhaust system for loose ordamaged components. • • • • • •

Vehicles without a filter restrictionindicator: Replace engine air cleanerfilter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter onpage 443.

• • •

Change automatic transmission fluidand filter (severe service).See footnote (h).

• • •

Change automatic transmission fluidand filter (normal service). •

Four-wheel drive: Change transfer casefluid. See footnote (g). • • •

Inspect evaporative control system.An Emission Control Service.See footnotes † and (k).

• • •

557

Additional Required Services (cont’d)

Service and Miles (Kilometers) 25,000(40 000)

50,000(80 000)

75,000(120 000)

100,000(160 000)

125,000(200 000)

150,000(240 000)

Replace spark plugs and inspect sparkplug wires. An Emission ControlService.

•

Engine cooling system service (or everyfive years, whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.See footnote (i).

•

Inspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission Control Service.See footnote (m).

•

Maintenance Footnotes† The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency orthe California Air Resources Board has determinedthat the failure to perform this maintenance itemwill not nullify the emission warranty or limitrecall liability prior to the completion of thevehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge that allrecommended maintenance services be performedat the indicated intervals and the maintenancebe recorded.

# Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,transmission shift linkage, and parking brakecable guides. Control arm ball joints on2500 series vehicles require lubrication but shouldnot be lubricated unless their temperature is10°F (−12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.Control arm ball joints on 1500 series vehiclesare maintenance-free.

558

(a) Visually inspect brake lines and hoses forproper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors forsurface condition. Inspect other brake parts,including calipers, parking brake, etc.

(b) Visually inspect front and rear suspension andsteering system for damaged, loose, or missingparts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Inspectpower steering lines and hoses for properhook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.Visually check constant velocity joints, rubberboots, and axle seals for leaks.

(c) Visually inspect hoses and have them replacedif they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.Inspect all pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace withgenuine GM parts as needed. To help ensureproper operation, a pressure test of the coolingsystem and pressure cap and cleaning the outsideof the radiator and air conditioning condenser isrecommended at least once a year.

(d) Visually inspect wiper blades for wear orcracking. Replace wiper blades that appear wornor damaged or that streak or miss areas ofthe windshield.

(e) Make sure the safety belt reminder light and allyour belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, andanchorages are working properly. Look forany other loose or damaged safety belt systemparts. If you see anything that might keep a safetybelt system from doing its job, have it repaired.Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Alsolook for any opened or broken airbag coverings,and have them repaired or replaced. Theairbag system does not need regular maintenance.

(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latchassembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor,release pawl, rear compartment hinges, outerliftgate handle pivot points, rear door detent link,roller mechanism, liftgate handle pivot points, latchbolt, fuel door hinge, cargo door hinge, locks,and folding seat hardware. More frequentlubrication may be required when exposed to acorrosive environment. Applying silicone grease onweatherstrips with a clean cloth will make themlast longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.

(g) Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks andproper installation.

559

(h) Change automatic transmission fluid and filterif the vehicle is mainly driven under one ormore of these conditions:

− In heavy city traffic where the outsidetemperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) orhigher.

− In hilly or mountainous terrain.− When doing frequent trailer towing.− Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery

service.

(i) Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. Thisservice can be complex; you should have yourdealer perform this service. See Engine Coolant onpage 449 for what to use. Inspect hoses. Cleanradiator, condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck.Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.

(j) A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicatea problem. Have the system inspected andrepaired and the fluid level checked. Add fluid ifneeded.

(k) Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor linesand hoses for proper hook-up, routing, andcondition. Check that the purge valve worksproperly, if equipped. Replace as needed.

(l) If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,inspect the filter at each engine oil change.

(m) Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessivecracks, or obvious damage. Replace belt ifnecessary.

Owner Checks and ServicesThese owner checks and services should beperformed at the intervals specified to helpensure the safety, dependability, and emissioncontrol performance of your vehicle. YourGM Goodwrench® dealer can assist you withthese checks and services.Be sure any necessary repairs are completed atonce. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are addedto your vehicle, make sure they are the properones, as shown in Recommended Fluids andLubricants on page 564.

At Each Fuel FillIt is important to perform these underhood checksat each fuel fill.

560

Engine Oil Level CheckCheck the engine oil level and add the proper oil ifnecessary. See Engine Oil on page 438 forfurther details.

Notice: It is important to check your oilregularly and keep it at the proper level. Failureto keep your engine oil at the proper levelcan cause damage to your engine not coveredby your warranty.

Engine Coolant Level CheckCheck the engine coolant level and addDEX-COOL® coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant on page 449 for further details.

Windshield Washer Fluid Level CheckCheck the windshield washer fluid level inthe windshield washer fluid reservoir and add theproper fluid if necessary.

At Least Once a Month

Tire Inflation CheckVisually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make surethey are inflated to the correct pressures. Do notforget to check the spare tire. See Tires onpage 482 for further details. Check to make surethe spare tire is stored securely. See Changing aFlat Tire on page 508.

Tire Wear InspectionTire rotation may be required for high mileagehighway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life Systemservice notification. Check the tires for wearand, if necessary, rotate the tires. See TireInspection and Rotation on page 497.

561

At Least Once a Year

Starter Switch Check

{CAUTION:

When you are doing this inspection, thevehicle could move suddenly. If thevehicle moves, you or others could beinjured.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enoughroom around the vehicle.

2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and theregular brake. See Parking Brake onpage 151.Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be readyto turn off the engine immediately if it starts.

3. Try to start the engine in each gear. Thevehicle should start only in PARK (P) orNEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in any otherposition, contact your GM Goodwrench® dealerfor service.

Automatic Transmission Shift LockControl System Check

{CAUTION:

When you are doing this inspection, thevehicle could move suddenly. If thevehicle moves, you or others could beinjured.

1. Before you start, be sure you have enoughroom around the vehicle. It should be parkedon a level surface.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See ParkingBrake on page 151.Be ready to apply the regular brakeimmediately if the vehicle begins to move.

3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN,but do not start the engine. Without applyingthe regular brake, try to move the shiftlever out of PARK (P) with normal effort. If theshift lever moves out of PARK (P), contactyour GM Goodwrench® dealer for service.

562

Ignition Transmission Lock CheckWhile parked, and with the parking brake set, tryto turn the ignition to LOCK in each shift leverposition.

• The ignition should turn to LOCK only whenthe shift lever is in PARK (P).

• The key should come out only in LOCK.

Contact your GM Goodwrench® dealer if service isrequired.

Parking Brake and AutomaticTransmission Park (P) Mechanism Check

{CAUTION:

When you are doing this check, yourvehicle could begin to move. You orothers could be injured and propertycould be damaged. Make sure there isroom in front of your vehicle in case itbegins to roll. Be ready to apply theregular brake at once should the vehiclebegin to move.

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facingdownhill. Keeping your foot on the regularbrake, set the parking brake.

• To check the parking brake’s holding ability:With the engine running and transmission inNEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressurefrom the regular brake pedal. Do this until thevehicle is held by the parking brake only.

• To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holdingability: With the engine running, shift toPARK (P). Then release the parking brakefollowed by the regular brake.

Contact your GM Goodwrench® dealer if service isrequired.

Underbody Flushing ServiceAt least every spring, use plain water to flush anycorrosive materials from the underbody. Takecare to clean thoroughly any areas where mud andother debris can collect.

563

Recommended Fluids andLubricantsFluids and lubricants identified below by name,part number, or specification may be obtained fromyour dealer.

Usage Fluid/Lubricant

Engine Oil

Engine oil which meets GMStandard GM6094M and displaysthe American Petroleum InstituteCertified for Gasoline Enginesstarburst symbol. GM Goodwrench®

oil meets all the requirements foryour vehicle. To determine theproper viscosity for your vehicle’sengine, see Engine Oil on page 438.

Engine Coolant

50/50 mixture of clean, drinkablewater and use only DEX-COOL®

Coolant. See Engine Coolant onpage 449.

Hydraulic BrakeSystem

Delco® Supreme 11 Brake Fluid orequivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.

WindshieldWasher GM Optikleen® Washer Solvent.


Power SteeringSystem

GM Power Steering Fluid(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, inCanada 89021186).

AutomaticTransmission

DEXRON®-VI AutomaticTransmission Fluid.

Key LockCylinders

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, inCanada 10953474).

ChassisLubrication

Chassis Lubricant(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, inCanada 88901242) or lubricantmeeting requirements of NLGI #2,Category LB or GC-LB.

Front Axle(1500 SeriesVehicles withFour-Wheel

Drive)

SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant(GM Part No. U.S. 1052271, inCanada 10950849).

Front Axle(2500 SeriesVehicles withFour-Wheel

Drive)

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic AxleLubricant (GM PartNo. U.S. 12378261, inCanada 10953455) meeting GMSpecification 9986115.

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Front Axle(All-Wheel

Drive)

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic AxleLubricant (GM PartNo. U.S. 12378261, inCanada 10953455) meetingGM Specification 9986115.

Rear Axle

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic AxleLubricant (GM Part No. U.S.12378261, in Canada 10953455)meeting GM Specification 9986115.

Transfer Case(All-WheelDrive with

StabiliTrak®)

DEXRON®-III AutomaticTransmission Fluid. Look for“Approved for the H-Specification”on the label.

AutomaticTransfer Case(Four-Wheel

Drive)

AUTO-TRAK II Fluid(GM Part No. U.S. 12378508, inCanada 10953626).

Front AxlePropshaftSpline or

One-PiecePropshaft

Spline(Two-WheelDrive with

Auto. Trans.)

Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879, inCanada 10953511) or lubricantmeeting requirements ofGM 9985830.


Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, inCanada 10953474).

Outer TailgateHandle Pivot

Points

Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, inCanada 10953474).

WeatherstripConditioning

Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No.U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518)or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GMPart No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada992887).

WeatherstripSqueaks

Synthetic Grease with Teflon,Superlube (GM Part No. U.S.12371287, in Canada 10953437).

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Normal Maintenance Replacement PartsReplacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your GMdealer.

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Part GM Part Number ACDelco® PartNumber

Engine Air Cleaner /Filter

High Capacity Filter 25313349 A1518C

Standard Filter 25313348 A1519C*

Oil Filter 89017524 PF48

Spark Plugs 12571164 41-985

Wiper Blades (ITTA Type)

Front – 21.6 inches (55.0 cm) 15284095 —

Rear – 11.8 inches (30.0 cm) 15173728 —

*A1518C high-capacity air cleaner filter may be substituted.

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Engine Drive Belt Routing

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Maintenance RecordAfter the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed theservice, and the type of services performed in the boxes provided. See Maintenance Requirements onpage 552. Any additional information from Owner Checks and Services on page 560 can be added on thefollowing record pages. You should retain all maintenance receipts.

Maintenance Record

Date OdometerReading Serviced By Maintenance I or

Maintenance II Services Performed

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Maintenance Record (cont’d)



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Maintenance Record (cont’d)



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Customer Assistance and Information ........572Customer Satisfaction Procedure ................572Online Owner Center ..................................574Customer Assistance for Text

Telephone (TTY) Users ...........................575Customer Assistance Offices ......................575GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .........577Roadside Assistance Program ....................577Courtesy Transportation ..............................581Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data

Recorders ...............................................583Collision Damage Repair ............................584

Reporting Safety Defects .............................588Reporting Safety Defects to the United

States Government .................................588Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian

Government ............................................589Reporting Safety Defects to General

Motors ....................................................589Service Publications Ordering Information ...590

Section 7 Customer Assistance Information

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Customer Assistance andInformation

Customer Satisfaction ProcedureYour satisfaction and goodwill are important to yourdealer and to GMC. Normally, any concerns withthe sales transaction or the operation of the vehiclewill be resolved by your dealer’s sales or servicedepartments. Sometimes, however, despite thebest intentions of all concerned, misunderstandingscan occur. If your concern has not been resolved toyour satisfaction, the following steps shouldbe taken:

STEP ONE: Discuss your concern with a memberof dealership management. Normally, concernscan be quickly resolved at that level. If the matterhas already been reviewed with the sales,service or parts manager, contact the owner of thedealership or the general manager.

STEP TWO: If after contacting a member ofdealership management, it appears your concerncannot be resolved by the dealership without furtherhelp, in the U.S., contact the GMC ConsumerRelations Manager by calling 1-800-GMC-8782(1-800-462-8782, Customer Assistance prompt).In Canada, contact General Motors of CanadaCustomer Communication by calling1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854(French).

We encourage you to call the toll-free number inorder to give your inquiry prompt attention. Pleasehave the following information available to give theCustomer Assistance Representative:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This isavailable from the vehicle registration or title, orthe plate at the top left of the instrument paneland visible through the windshield.

• Dealership name and location.

• Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.

When contacting GMC, please remember that yourconcern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.That is why we suggest you follow Step One first ifyou have a concern.

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STEP THREE — U.S. Owners: Both GeneralMotors and your dealer are committed to makingsure you are completely satisfied with yournew vehicle. However, if you continue to remainunsatisfied after following the procedure outlined inSteps One and Two, you should file with theBBB Auto Line Program to enforce your rights.

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out ofcourt program administered by the Council ofBetter Business Bureaus to settle automotivedisputes regarding vehicle repairs or theinterpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.Although you may be required to resort to thisinformal dispute resolution program prior to fillingout a court action, use of the program is freeof charge and your case will generally be heardwithin 40 days. If you do not agree with thedecision given in your case, you may reject it andproceed with any other venue for relief availableto you.

You may contact the BBB Auto Line Programusing the toll-free telephone number or write themat the following address:

BBB Auto Line ProgramCouncil of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.4200 Wilson BoulevardSuite 800Arlington, VA 22203-1838

Telephone: 1-800-955-5100

This program is available in all 50 states and theDistrict of Columbia. Eligibility is limited byvehicle age, mileage, and other factors. GeneralMotors reserves the right to change eligibilitylimitations and/or discontinue its participation inthis program.

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STEP THREE — Canadian Owners:: In theevent that you do not feel your concerns havebeen addressed after following the procedureoutlined in steps 1 and 2, General Motorsof Canada Limited wants you to be aware of itsparticipation in a no-charge Mediation/ArbitrationProgram. General Motors of Canada Limitedhas committed to binding arbitration of ownerdisputes involving factory-related vehicle serviceclaims. The program provides for the review of thefacts involved by an impartial third party arbiter,and may include an informal hearing beforethe arbiter. The program is designed so that theentire dispute settlement process, from thetime you file your complaint to the final decision,should be completed in approximately 70 days. Webelieve our impartial program offers advantagesover courts in most jurisdictions because it isinformal, quick, and free of charge.

For further information concerning eligibility in theCanadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan(CAMVAP), call toll-free 1-800-207-0685.

Alternatively, you may call the General MotorsCustomer Communication Centre, 1-800-263-3777(English), 1-800-263-7854 (French), or you maywrite to the Mediation/Arbitration Program,c/o Customer Communication Centre, GeneralMotors of Canada Limited, Mail Code:CA1-163-005, 1908 Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa,Ontario, L1H 8P7. Your inquiry should beaccompanied by your Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN).

Online Owner CenterThe Owner Center is a resource for your GMownership needs. Specific vehicle information canbe found in one place.

The Online Owner Center allows you to:• Get e-mail service reminders.

• Access information about your specificvehicle, including tips and videos andan electronic version of this owner’s manual(United States only).

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• Keep track of your vehicle’s service historyand maintenance schedule.

• Find GM dealers for service nationwide.

• Receive special promotions and privilegesonly available to members (UnitedStates only).

Refer to the web for updated information.

To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com(United States) or My GM Canada withinwww.gmcanada.com (Canada).

Customer Assistance for TextTelephone (TTY) UsersTo assist customers who are deaf, hard ofhearing, or speech-impaired and who use the TextTelephones (TTYs), GMC has TTY equipmentavailable at its Customer Assistance Center. AnyTTY user can communicate with GMC bydialing: 1-800-GMC-8583 (462-8583). (TTY usersin Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)

Customer Assistance OfficesGMC encourages customers to call the toll-freenumber for assistance. However, if a customerwishes to write or e-mail GMC, the letter should beaddressed to:

United StatesGMC Customer Assistance CenterP.O. Box 33172Detroit, MI 48232-5172

www.GMC.com1-800-GMC-8782 (462-8782)1-800-GMC-8583 (462-8583)(For Text Telephone devices (TTYs))Roadside Assistance: 1-800-GMC-8782(462-8782)Fax Number: 313-381-0022

From Puerto Rico1-800-496-9992 (English)1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)Fax Number: 313-381-0022

U.S. Virgin Islands:1-800-496-9994Fax Number: 313-381-0022

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CanadaGeneral Motors of Canada LimitedCustomer Communication Centre, CA1-163-0051908 Colonel Sam DriveOshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

www.gmcanada.com1-800-263-3777 (English)1-800-263-7854 (French)1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephonedevices (TTYs))Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800

All Overseas LocationsPlease contact the local General MotorsBusiness Unit.

Mexico, Central America and CaribbeanIslands/Countries (Except PuertoRico and U.S. Virgin Islands)

General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.Customer Assistance CenterPaseo de la Reforma # 2740Col. Lomas de BezaresC.P. 11910, Mexico, D.F.01-800-508-0000Long Distance: 011-52-53 29 0 800

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GM Mobility ReimbursementProgram

This program, available to qualified applicants, canreimburse you up to $1,000 of the cost of eligibleaftermarket adaptive equipment required foryour vehicle, such as hand controls or awheelchair/scooter lift.

The offer is available for a very limited period oftime from the date of vehicle purchase/lease.For more details, or to determine your vehicle’seligibility, visit gmmobility.com or call the GMMobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.

General Motors of Canada also has a MobilityProgram. Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483)for details. TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.

Roadside Assistance ProgramIn the U.S. call, 1-800-GMC-8782(1-800-462-8782)

In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800

Service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

As the owner of a new GMC vehicle, you areautomatically enrolled in the GMC RoadsideAssistance program. This value-added service isintended to provide you with peace of mind as youdrive in the city or travel the open road.

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Who is Covered?Roadside Assistance coverage is for the vehicleoperator, regardless of ownership. A person drivingthis vehicle without the consent of the owner isnot eligible for coverage.The following services are provided in the U.S.during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period and,in Canada, during the Base Warranty coverageperiod of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, up toa maximum coverage of $100.• Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel for the

customer to get to the nearest service station(approximately $5 in the U.S. and 10 litresin Canada). Service to provide diesel may berestricted. For safety reasons, propaneand other alternative fuels will not be providedthrough this service.

• Lock-out Service: To ensure security, thedriver must present the vehicle registration andpersonal ID before lock-out service is provided.Lock-out service will be covered at no charge ifyou are unable to gain entry into your vehicle.If your vehicle will not start, RoadsideAssistance will arrange to have your vehicletowed to the nearest authorized dealership.

In the U.S., replacement keys made at thecustomer’s expense will be covered within10 miles (16 km).

• Emergency Tow From a Public Roadway orHighway: Tow to the nearest dealership forwarranty service or in the event of avehicle-disabling accident. Winch-outassistance when the vehicle is mired in sand,mud, or snow.

• Flat Tire Change: Installation of your spare tirein good condition will be covered at no charge.The customer is responsible for the repair orreplacement of the tire if not covered by awarrantable failure.

• Jump Start: No-start occurrences whichrequire a battery jump start will be covered atno charge.

• Dealer Locator Service: Information on thedealer nearest your location.

• Trip Routing: Your Roadside AssistanceRepresentative can provide you with specificinformation regarding this feature.

• Trip Interruption Expense Benefits: YourRoadside Assistance Representative canprovide you with specific information regardingthis feature.

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Additional Services for CanadianCustomers• Trip Routing Service: Upon Request,

Roadside Assistance will send you detailed,computer-personalized maps, highlighting yourchoice of either the most direct route or themost scenic route to your destination,anywhere in North America, along with anyhelpful travel information we may havepertaining to your trip. To request this service,please call us toll-free at 1-800-268-6800.We’ll make every attempt to send yourpersonalized trip routing as quickly aspossible, but it’s best to allow three weeksbefore your planned departure date. Triprouting requests will be limited to sixper calendar year.

• Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:In the event of a warranty related vehicledisablement, while en route and over250 kilometres from original point of departure,you may qualify for trip interruption expenseassistance.

This assistance covers reasonablereimbursement of up to a maximum of$500 (Canadian) for (A) meals (maximum of$50/day), (B) lodging (maximum of $100/night)and (C) alternate ground transportation(maximum of $40/day). This benefit is to assistyou with some of the unplanned expenseyou may incur while waiting for your vehicle tobe repaired.Pre-authorization, original detailed receiptsand a copy of the repair order are required.Once authorization has been given, youradvisor will help you make any necessaryarrangements and explain how to claim for tripinterruption expense assistance.

• Alternative Service: There may be times,when Roadside Assistance cannot providetimely assistance, your advisor may authorizeyou to secure local emergency road service,and you will be reimbursed up to $100upon submission of the original receipt toRoadside Assistance.

In many instances, mechanical failures are coveredunder GMC’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty.However, when other services are utilized, ourRoadside Assistance Representatives will explainany payment obligations you might incur.

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For prompt and efficient assistance when calling,please provide the following to the RoadsideAssistance Representative:

• Your name, home address, and hometelephone number.

• Telephone number of your location.

• Location of the vehicle.

• Model, year, color, and license plate numberof the vehicle.

• Odometer reading, Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) and delivery date of the vehicle.

• Description of the problem.

While we hope you never have the occasion touse our service, it is added security while travelingfor you and your family. Remember, we areonly a phone call away. U.S. customers callGMC Roadside Assistance: 1-800-462-8782, texttelephone (TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438.Canadian customers call 1-800-268-6800.

GMC and General Motors of Canada Limitedreserve the right to limit services or reimbursementto an owner or driver when, in their solediscretion, the claims become excessive infrequency or type of occurrence.

Roadside Assistance is not part of or included inthe coverage provided by the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty. GMC and General Motors of Canadareserve the right to make any changes ordiscontinue the Roadside Assistance program atany time without notification.

Towing and Road Service ExclusionsSpecifically excluded from Roadside Assistancecoverage are towing or services for vehiclesoperated on a non-public roadway or highway,fines, impound towing caused by a violationof local, Municipal, State, Provincial, or Federallaw, and mounting, dismounting or changingof snow tires, chains, or other traction devices.

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Courtesy TransportationTo enhance your ownership experience, we andour participating dealers are proud to offerCourtesy Transportation, a customer supportprogram for new vehicles.

For warranty repairs during the Bumper-to-Bumper(U.S.) or Base Warranty Coverage period(Canada), provided by the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty, interim transportation may be availableunder the Courtesy Transportation program.Several courtesy transportation options areavailable to assist in reducing your inconveniencewhen warranty repairs are required.

Courtesy Transportation is not a part of the NewVehicle Limited Warranty and is available onlyat participating dealers. A separate booklet entitled“Warranty and Owner Assistance Information”furnished with each new vehicle provides detailedwarranty coverage information.

Scheduling Service AppointmentsWhen your vehicle requires warranty service, youshould contact your dealer and request anappointment. By scheduling a service appointmentand advising your service consultant of yourtransportation needs, your dealer can helpminimize your inconvenience.

If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into theservice department immediately, keep driving ituntil it can be scheduled for service, unless,of course, the problem is safety-related. If it is,please call your dealership, let them know this, andask for instructions.

If the dealer requests that you simply drop thevehicle off for service, you are urged to do so asearly in the work day as possible to allow forthe same day repair.

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Transportation OptionsWarranty service can generally be completedwhile you wait. However, if you are unable to wait,GM helps to minimize your inconvenience byproviding several transportation options.Depending on the circumstances, your dealer canoffer you one of the following:

Shuttle ServiceShuttle service is the preferred means of offeringCourtesy Transportation and participatingdealers can provide you with shuttle service to getyou to your destination with minimal interruptionof your daily schedule. This includes one-wayor round trip shuttle service within reasonable timeand distance parameters for the dealer’s area.

Public Transportation or FuelReimbursementIf your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,and public transportation is used as ‘shuttleservice,’ the reimbursement is limited to theassociated shuttle allowance and must besupported by original receipts.

In addition, for U.S. customers, should youarrange transportation through a friend or relative,limited reimbursement for reasonable fuelexpenses may be available. Claim amounts shouldreflect actual costs and be supported by originalreceipts.

Courtesy Rental VehicleYour dealer may arrange to provide you with acourtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you fora rental vehicle that you obtain if your vehicle iskept for an overnight warranty repair. Rentalreimbursement will be limited and must besupported by original receipts. This requires thatyou sign and complete a rental agreementand meet state, local and rental vehicle providerrequirements. Requirements vary and may includeminimum age requirements, insurance coverage,credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel usagecharges and may also be responsible for taxes,levies, usage fees, excessive mileage or rentalusage beyond the completion of the repair.

Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicleas a courtesy rental.

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Additional Program InformationAll program options, such as shuttle service, maynot be available at every dealer. Please contactyour dealer for specific information aboutavailability. All Courtesy Transportationarrangements will be administered by appropriatedealer personnel.General Motors reserves the right to unilaterallymodify, change or discontinue CourtesyTransportation at any time and to resolve allquestions of claim eligibility pursuant to the termsand conditions described herein at its solediscretion.

Vehicle Data Collection and EventData RecordersYour vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, hasa number of sophisticated computer systems thatmonitor and control several aspects of the vehicle’sperformance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehiclecomputers to monitor emission control componentsto optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions forairbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provideanti-lock braking and to help the driver control thevehicle in difficult driving situations.

Some information may be stored during regularoperations to facilitate repair of detectedmalfunctions; other information is stored only in acrash event by computer systems, such as thosecommonly called event data recorders (EDR).

In a crash event, computer systems, such as theAirbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)in your vehicle may record information about thecondition of the vehicle and how it was operated,such as data related to engine speed, brakeapplication, throttle position, vehicle speed, safetybelt usage, airbag readiness, airbag performance,and the severity of a collision. If your vehicle isequipped with StabiliTrak®, steering performance,including yaw rate, steering wheel angle, andlateral acceleration, is also recorded. Thisinformation has been used to improve vehiclecrash performance and may be used to improvecrash performance of future vehicles anddriving safety. Unlike the data recorders on manyairplanes, these on-board systems do notrecord sounds, such as conversation of vehicleoccupants.

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To read this information, special equipment isneeded and access to the vehicle or the devicethat stores the data is required. GM will not accessinformation about a crash event or share it withothers other than:

• with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if thevehicle is leased, with the consent of thelessee,

• in response to an official request of police orsimilar government office,

• as part of GM’s defense of litigation throughthe discovery process, or

• as required by law.

In addition, once GM collects or receives data,GM may:

• use the data for GM research needs,

• make it available for research whereappropriate confidentiality is to be maintainedand need is shown, or

• share summary data which is not tied to aspecific vehicle with non-GM organizationsfor research purposes.

Others, such as law enforcement, may haveaccess to the special equipment that can read theinformation if they have access to the vehicleor the device that stores the data.

If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar®, pleasecheck the OnStar® subscription service agreementor manual for information on its operations anddata collection.

Collision Damage RepairIf your vehicle is involved in a collision and it isdamaged, have the damage repaired by a qualifiedtechnician using the proper equipment andquality replacement parts. Poorly performedcollision repairs will diminish your vehicle’s resalevalue, and safety performance can becompromised in subsequent collisions.

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Collision PartsGenuine GM Collision parts are new parts madewith the same materials and construction methodsas the parts with which your vehicle wasoriginally built. Genuine GM Collision parts areyour best choice to assure that your vehicle’sdesigned appearance, durability and safety arepreserved. The use of Genuine GM parts can helpmaintain your GM New Vehicle Warranty.

Recycled original equipment parts may also beused for repair. These parts are typically removedfrom vehicles that were total losses in prioraccidents. In most cases, the parts being recycledare from undamaged sections of the vehicle. Arecycled original equipment GM part, maybe an acceptable choice to maintain your vehicle’soriginally designed appearance and safetyperformance, however, the history of these partsis not known. Such parts are not covered byyour GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and anyrelated failures are not covered by that warranty.

Aftermarket collision parts are also available.These are made by companies other than GM andmay not have been tested for your vehicle. As aresult, these parts may fit poorly, exhibit prematuredurability/corrosion problems, and may notperform properly in subsequent collisions.Aftermarket parts are not covered by your GMNew Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any vehiclefailure related to such parts are not covered by thatwarranty.

Repair FacilityGM also recommends that you choose a collisionrepair facility that meets your needs before youever need collision repairs. Your GM dealermay have a collision repair center with GM-trainedtechnicians and state of the art equipment, orbe able to recommend a collision repair center thathas GM-trained technicians and comparableequipment.

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Insuring Your VehicleProtect your investment in your GM vehicle withcomprehensive and collision insurance coverage.There are significant differences in the qualityof coverage afforded by various insurance policyterms. Many insurance policies provide reducedprotection to your GM vehicle by limitingcompensation for damage repairs by usingaftermarket collision parts. Some insurancecompanies will not specify aftermarket collisionparts. When purchasing insurance, we recommendthat you assure your vehicle will be repairedwith GM original equipment collision parts. If suchinsurance coverage is not available from yourcurrent insurance carrier, consider switchingto another insurance carrier.

If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company mayrequire you to have insurance that assuresrepairs with Genuine GM Original EquipmentManufacturer (OEM) parts or GenuineManufacturer replacement parts. Read your leasecarefully, as you may be charged at the end ofyour lease for poor quality repairs.

If an Accident OccursHere is what to do if you are involved in anaccident.

• Try to relax and then check to make sure youare all right. If you are uninjured, make surethat no one else in your vehicle, or theother vehicle, is injured.

• If there has been an injury, call 911 for help.Do not leave the scene of an accident untilall matters have been taken care of. Moveyour vehicle only if its position puts youin danger or you are instructed to move it by apolice officer.

• Give only the necessary and requestedinformation to police and other parties involvedin the accident. Do not discuss your personalcondition, mental frame of mind, or anythingunrelated to the accident. This will help guardagainst post-accident legal action.

• If you need roadside assistance, callGM Roadside Assistance. See RoadsideAssistance Program on page 577 for moreinformation.

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• If your vehicle cannot be driven, know wherethe towing service will be taking it. Get acard from the tow truck operator or write downthe driver’s name, the service’s name, andthe phone number.

• Remove any valuables from your vehiclebefore it is towed away. Make sure thisincludes your insurance information andregistration if you keep these items in yourvehicle.

• Gather the important information you will needfrom the other driver. Things like name,address, phone number, driver’s licensenumber, vehicle license plate, vehicle make,model and model year, Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN), insurance company andpolicy number, and a general description ofthe damage to the other vehicle.

• If possible, call your insurance company fromthe scene of the accident. They will walk youthrough the information they will need. Ifthey ask for a police report, phone or go tothe police department headquarters thenext day and you can get a copy of the reportfor a nominal fee. In some states with “nofault” insurance laws, a report may notbe necessary. This is especially true if thereare no injuries and both vehicles are driveable.

• Choose a reputable collision repair facilityfor your vehicle. Whether you select aGM dealer or a private collision repair facilityto fix the damage, make sure you arecomfortable with them. Remember, you willhave to feel comfortable with their workfor a long time.

• Once you have an estimate, read it carefullyand make sure you understand what workwill be performed on your vehicle. If you havea question, ask for an explanation. Reputableshops welcome this opportunity.

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Managing the Vehicle Damage RepairProcessIn the event that your vehicle requires damagerepairs, GM recommends that you take an activerole in its repair. If you have a pre-determinedrepair facility of choice, take your vehicle there, orhave it towed there. Specify to the facility thatany required replacement collision parts be originalequipment parts, either new Genuine GM partsor recycled original GM parts. Remember, recycledparts will not be covered by your GM vehiclewarranty.

Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you mustlive with the repair. Depending on your policylimits, your insurance company may initially valuethe repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss thiswith your repair professional, and insist onGenuine GM parts. Remember if your vehicle isleased you may be obligated to have thevehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even ifyour insurance coverage does not pay the full cost.

If another party’s insurance company is paying forthe repairs, you are not obligated to accept arepair valuation based on that insurancecompany’s collision policy repair limits, as youhave no contractual limits with that company. Insuch cases, you can have control of the repair andparts choices as long as cost stays withinreasonable limits.

Reporting Safety Defects

Reporting Safety Defects to theUnited States GovernmentIf you believe that your vehicle has a defect whichcould cause a crash or could cause injury ordeath, you should immediately inform the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),in addition to notifying General Motors.If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may openan investigation, and if it finds that a safetydefect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order arecall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSAcannot become involved in individual problemsbetween you, your dealer, or General Motors.

588

To contact NHTSA, you may call the VehicleSafety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY:1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; orwrite to:

Administrator, NHTSA400 Seventh Street, SW.Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motorvehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.

Reporting Safety Defects tothe Canadian GovernmentIf you live in Canada, and you believe that yourvehicle has a safety defect, you shouldimmediately notify Transport Canada, in additionto notifying General Motors of Canada Limited.You may call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:

Transport CanadaPlace de Ville Tower C330 Sparks StreetOttawa, Ontario K1A 0N5

Reporting Safety Defects to GeneralMotorsIn addition to notifying NHTSA (or TransportCanada) in a situation like this, we certainly hopeyou’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-GMC-8782(1-800-462-8782), or write:

GMC Customer Assistance CenterP.O. Box 33172Detroit, MI 48232-5172

In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777(English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:

General Motors of Canada LimitedCustomer Communication Centre, 163-0051908 Colonel Sam DriveOshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

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Service Publications OrderingInformation

Service ManualsService Manuals have the diagnosis and repairinformation on engines, transmission, axlesuspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.

Transmission, Transaxle, TransferCase Unit Repair ManualThis manual provides information on unit repairservice procedures, adjustments, andspecifications for GM transmissions, transaxles,and transfer cases.

Service BulletinsService Bulletins give technical service informationneeded to knowledgeably service GeneralMotors cars and trucks. Each bulletin containsinstructions to assist in the diagnosis and serviceof your vehicle.

In Canada, the service bulletin reference numbercan be obtained by contacting your General Motorsdealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE(1-800-463-7483). This reference number isneeded to order the service bulletin from Helm, Inc.

RETAIL SELL PRICE: $6.00 US +Processing Fee

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Owner’s InformationOwner publications are written specifically forowners and intended to provide basic operationalinformation about the vehicle. The owner’smanual will include the Maintenance Schedule forall models.

In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual,and Warranty Booklet.


Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.


Current and Past Model Order FormsService Publications are available for currentand past model GM vehicles. To request an orderform, please specify year and model name ofthe vehicle.

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMEastern TimeFor Credit Card Orders Only(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. onthe World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com

Or you can write to:

Helm, IncorporatedP.O. Box 07130Detroit, MI 48207

Prices are subject to change without notice andwithout incurring obligation. Allow ample timefor delivery.

Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices arequoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents areto make checks payable in U.S. funds.

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✍ NOTES

592

AAccessories and Modifications ...................... 426Accessory Power Outlet(s) ........................... 208Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment ...... 396Adding Equipment to Your

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ........................... 105Additives, Fuel ............................................. 429Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................ 539Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ............. 140Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine .............................. 443Air Conditioning .................................... 210, 213Airbag

Passenger Status Indicator ....................... 228Readiness Light ........................................ 227

Airbag Sensing and DiagnosticModule (SDM) .......................................... 583

Airbag System ............................................... 90Adding Equipment to Your

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ........................ 105How Does an Airbag Restrain? ................... 98Passenger Sensing System ....................... 100Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...... 104What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ................... 98

Airbag System (cont.)What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? ....................................... 99When Should an Airbag Inflate? .................. 96Where Are the Airbags? .............................. 93

Antenna, Rear Side Window ........................ 337Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio

Antenna System ....................................... 337Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................... 345Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light ........ 233Appearance Care ......................................... 527

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ......... 534Care of Safety Belts ................................. 531Chemical Paint Spotting ............................ 536Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ............... 532Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle ........... 528Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 529Finish Care ............................................... 532Finish Damage .......................................... 536Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other

Plastic Surfaces ..................................... 531Leather ..................................................... 530Sheet Metal Damage ................................ 535Tires ......................................................... 535Underbody Maintenance ............................ 536

593

Appearance Care (cont.)Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ........... 537Washing Your Vehicle ............................... 532Weatherstrips ............................................ 531Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades .... 534

Ashtray(s) ..................................................... 209Audio System(s) ........................................... 274

Audio Steering Wheel Controls ................. 334Care of Your CD and DVD Player ............. 337Care of Your CDs and DVDs .................... 336Navigation/Radio System,

see Navigation Manual .......................... 321Radio with CD .......................................... 278Radio with CD and DVD ........................... 295Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ............................. 332Rear Side Window Antenna ...................... 337Setting the Time ................................ 276, 277Theft-Deterrent Feature ............................. 334Understanding Radio Reception ................ 335XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ....... 337

Automatic Headlamp System ........................ 201Automatic Transmission

Fluid ......................................................... 445Operation .................................................. 142

Autoride® ..................................................... 405Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch ........... 203

BBattery ......................................................... 466

Run-Down Protection ................................ 204Before Leaving on a Long Trip ..................... 380Bench Seat, Split (60/40) ............................... 20Brake

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 345Emergencies ............................................. 347Parking ..................................................... 151System Warning Light ............................... 232

Brake Pedal, Throttle .................................... 140Brakes ......................................................... 463Braking ........................................................ 344Braking in Emergencies ................................ 347Break-In, New Vehicle .................................. 136Bucket Seats, Rear ........................................ 26Bulb Replacement ........................................ 478

Halogen Bulbs .......................................... 478Headlamp Aiming ...................................... 475License Plate Lamps ................................. 480Replacement Bulbs ................................... 481Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and

Back-up Lamps ..................................... 478Buying New Tires ......................................... 500

594

CCalibration ............................................ 157, 160California Fuel .............................................. 429California Proposition 65 Warning ................. 427Canadian Owners ............................................ 3Capacities and Specifications ....................... 548Carbon Monoxide ................. 123, 125, 155, 405Care of

Safety Belts .............................................. 531Your CD and DVD Player ......................... 337Your CDs and DVDs ................................. 336

Cargo Cover ................................................ 176Cargo Management System ......................... 178Center Console Storage Area ....................... 175Center Front Passenger Position,

Safety Belts ................................................ 53Center Seat ................................................... 19Chains, Tire ................................................. 506Charging System Light ................................. 230Check

Engine Light ............................................. 236Checking Things Under the Hood ................. 434Chemical Paint Spotting ............................... 536Child Restraints

Child Restraint Systems .............................. 68Infants and Young Children ......................... 64

Child Restraints (cont.)Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children ..... 73Older Children ............................................ 61Securing a Child Restraint in a

Rear Seat Position .................................. 83Securing a Child Restraint in the

Center Front Seat Position ...................... 85Securing a Child Restraint in the

Right Front Seat Position ........................ 86Where to Put the Restraint ......................... 72

Cigarette Lighter ........................................... 209Cleaning

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ......... 534Exterior Lamps/Lenses .............................. 532Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 529Finish Care ............................................... 532Inside of Your Vehicle ............................... 528Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other

Plastic Surfaces ..................................... 531Leather ..................................................... 530Tires ......................................................... 535Underbody Maintenance ............................ 536Washing Your Vehicle ............................... 532Weatherstrips ............................................ 531Windshield, Backglass, and

Wiper Blades ......................................... 534Climate Control System ................................ 210

595

Dual Automatic .......................................... 213Outlet Adjustment ...................................... 220Rear Air Conditioning and Heating

System .................................................. 220Rear Air Conditioning and Heating

System, Electronic ................................. 222Collision Damage Repair .............................. 584Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt .................. 56Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 132Control of a Vehicle ..................................... 344Coolant

Engine Temperature Gage ........................ 234Heater, Engine .......................................... 140Surge Tank Pressure Cap ......................... 451

Cooling System ............................................ 455Cruise Control .............................................. 196Cruise Control Light ..................................... 242Cupholder(s) ................................................ 174Customer Assistance Information

Courtesy Transportation ............................ 581Customer Assistance for Text Telephone

(TTY) Users .......................................... 575Customer Assistance Offices ..................... 575Customer Satisfaction Procedure ............... 572GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ....... 577Reporting Safety Defects to

General Motors ...................................... 589

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)Reporting Safety Defects to the

Canadian Government ........................... 589Reporting Safety Defects to the

United States Government ..................... 588Roadside Assistance Program ................... 577Service Publications Ordering

Information ............................................ 590

DDaytime Running Lamps .............................. 201Defensive Driving ......................................... 340Delayed Locking ........................................... 121Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™) ............ 141Doing Your Own Service Work ..................... 427Dome Lamp Override ................................... 204Dome Lamps ............................................... 203Door

Delayed Locking ....................................... 121Locks ........................................................ 120Power Door Locks .................................... 121Programmable Automatic Door Locks ........ 121Rear Door Security Locks ......................... 122

DriverPosition, Safety Belt ................................... 44

596

Driver Information Center (DIC) .................... 244DIC Operation and Displays .............. 244, 251DIC Vehicle Customization ........................ 264DIC Warnings and Messages .................... 254

DrivingAt Night .................................................... 373City ........................................................... 378Defensive .................................................. 340Drunken .................................................... 341Freeway .................................................... 379Hill and Mountain Roads ........................... 382In Rain and on Wet Roads ....................... 375Off-Road ................................................... 356Recovery Hooks ....................................... 389Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ........... 388Winter ....................................................... 384

Dual Automatic Climate Control System ........ 213DVD

Rear Seat Entertainment System .............. 321

EElectrical System

Add-On Equipment .................................... 539Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ......... 542Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 540Instrument Panel Fuse Block .................... 540

Electrical System (cont.)Power Windows and Other

Power Options ....................................... 539Underhood Fuse Block .............................. 543Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................ 539

EngineAir Cleaner/Filter ....................................... 443Battery ...................................................... 466Check and Service Engine Soon Light ...... 236Coolant ..................................................... 449Coolant Heater .......................................... 140Coolant Temperature Gage ....................... 234Drive Belt Routing ..................................... 567Engine Compartment Overview ................. 436Exhaust .................................................... 155Fan Noise ................................................. 460Oil ............................................................ 438Oil Life System ......................................... 441Overheated Protection Operating Mode ....... 454Overheating .............................................. 452Starting ..................................................... 138

Entry Lighting ............................................... 204Event Data Recorders (EDR) ....................... 583Exit Lighting ................................................. 204Extender, Safety Belt ...................................... 60Exterior Lamps ............................................. 199

597

FFilter

Engine Air Cleaner .................................... 443Finish Damage ............................................. 536Flashers, Hazard Warning ............................ 188Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 192Flat Tire ....................................................... 507Flat Tire, Changing ....................................... 508Flat Tire, Storing .......................................... 522Fluid

Automatic Transmission ............................. 445Power Steering ......................................... 461Windshield Washer ................................... 462

Fog Lamp Light ............................................ 241Fog Lamps ................................................... 202Four-Wheel Drive ................................. 146, 473Front Axle .................................................... 474Fuel ............................................................. 428

Additives ................................................... 429California Fuel .......................................... 429E85 (85% Ethanol) ................................... 430Filling a Portable Fuel Container ............... 434Filling Your Tank ....................................... 432Fuels in Foreign Countries ........................ 431Gage ........................................................ 243

Fuel (cont.)Gasoline Octane ....................................... 428Gasoline Specifications ............................. 428Low Warning Light .................................... 243

FusesCenter Instrument Panel Fuse Block ......... 542Fuses and Circuit Breakers ....................... 540Instrument Panel Fuse Block .................... 540Underhood Fuse Block .............................. 543Windshield Wiper ...................................... 539

GGage

Engine Coolant Temperature ..................... 234Fuel .......................................................... 243Oil Pressure .............................................. 239Speedometer ............................................ 226Tachometer ............................................... 226Voltmeter Gage ......................................... 231

Garage Door Opener ................................... 169Gasoline

Octane ...................................................... 428Specifications ............................................ 428

Glove Box .................................................... 174GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ........... 577

598

HHazard Warning Flashers ............................. 188Head Restraints ............................................. 18Headlamp

Aiming ...................................................... 475Headlamps

Automatic Headlamp System .................... 201Bulb Replacement ..................................... 478Daytime Running Lamps ........................... 201Flash-to-Pass ............................................ 192Halogen Bulbs .......................................... 478High/Low Beam Changer .......................... 192On Reminder ............................................ 200

Heated Seats ................................................. 12Heater .......................................................... 210Heater .......................................................... 213Highbeam On Light ...................................... 242Highway Hypnosis ........................................ 381Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 382Hood

Checking Things Under ............................. 434Release .................................................... 435

Horn ............................................................ 189How to Use This Manual ................................. 3How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 43

IIgnition Positions .......................................... 137Infants and Young Children, Restraints ........... 64Inflation - Tire Pressure ................................ 490Instrument Panel

Overview .................................................. 186Instrument Panel (I/P)

Brightness ................................................. 203Cluster ...................................................... 225

JJump Starting ............................................... 467

KKeyless Entry System .................................. 112Keys ............................................................ 111

LLabeling, Tire Sidewall ................................. 484Lamps

Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp ................... 203Battery Run-Down Protection .................... 204Dome ....................................................... 203

599

Lamps (cont.)Dome Lamp Override ................................ 204Exterior ..................................................... 199Fog ........................................................... 202Reading .................................................... 204

LATCH SystemChild Restraints .......................................... 73

Level Control ................................................ 404License Plate Lamps .................................... 480Liftgate, Power ............................................. 125Liftgate/Liftglass ............................................ 123Liftglass/Liftgate ............................................ 123Light

Airbag Readiness ...................................... 227Anti-Lock Brake System Warning .............. 233Brake System Warning ............................. 232Charging System ...................................... 230Cruise Control ........................................... 242Fog Lamp ................................................. 241Highbeam On ........................................... 242Low Fuel Warning ..................................... 243Malfunction Indicator ................................. 236Oil Pressure .............................................. 240Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ............. 228Passenger Safety Belt Reminder ............... 227

Light (cont.)Safety Belt Reminder ................................ 226Security .................................................... 241StabiliTrak® Indicator ................................. 234Tire Pressure ............................................ 235Tow/Haul Mode ......................................... 242

LightingEntry ......................................................... 204Exit ........................................................... 204

Loading Your Vehicle .................................... 390Locking Rear Axle ........................................ 347Lockout Protection ........................................ 122Locks

Delayed Locking ....................................... 121Door ......................................................... 120Lockout Protection .................................... 122Power Door .............................................. 121Programmable Automatic Door Locks ........ 121Rear Door Security Locks ......................... 122

Loss of Control ............................................ 355Low Fuel Warning Light ............................... 243Luggage Carrier ........................................... 175Lumbar

Power Controls ........................................... 11

600

MMaintenance Schedule

Additional Required Services ..................... 557At Each Fuel Fill ....................................... 560At Least Once a Month ............................ 561At Least Once a Year ............................... 562Introduction ............................................... 552Maintenance Footnotes ............................. 558Maintenance Record ................................. 568Maintenance Requirements ....................... 552Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ..... 566Owner Checks and Services ..................... 560Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ........ 564Scheduled Maintenance ............................ 555Using ........................................................ 553Your Vehicle and the Environment ............ 552

Malfunction Indicator Light ............................ 236Manual Seats ................................................... 9Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals ................. 13Message

DIC Warnings and Messages .................... 254Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview withCompass and Temperature Display ........ 160

Automatic Dimming Rearview withOnStar®, Compass and TemperatureDisplay .................................................. 157

Mirrors (cont.)Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror ............ 166Outside Convex Mirror .............................. 166Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors .............. 166Outside Heated Mirrors ............................. 167Outside Manual Mirrors ............................. 163Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors ............... 165Outside Power Mirrors .............................. 164Outside Trailer-Tow Mirrors ....................... 163

MyGMLink.com ............................................. 574

NNavigation/Radio System,

see Navigation Manual .............................. 321New Vehicle Break-In ................................... 136Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ...... 566

OOdometer ..................................................... 226Odometer, Trip ............................................. 226Off-Road Driving ........................................... 356Off-Road Recovery ....................................... 353

601

OilEngine ...................................................... 438Pressure Gage .......................................... 239Pressure Light .......................................... 240

Oil, Engine Oil Life System .......................... 441Older Children, Restraints .............................. 61Online Owner Center ................................... 574OnStar® System, see OnStar® Manual ......... 167Other Warning Devices ................................ 188Outlet Adjustment ......................................... 220Outlet(s), Accessory Power ........................... 208Outside

Automatic Dimming Mirror ......................... 166Convex Mirror ........................................... 166Curb View Assist Mirrors ........................... 166Heated Mirrors .......................................... 167Manual Mirrors .......................................... 163Power Foldaway Mirrors ............................ 165Power Mirrors ........................................... 164Trailer-Tow Mirrors .................................... 163

Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode ........................................ 454

Owner Checks and Services ........................ 560Owners, Canadian ........................................... 3

PPaint, Damage ............................................. 536Park Aid ....................................................... 205Park (P)

Shifting Into .............................................. 152Shifting Out of .......................................... 154

ParkingAssist ....................................................... 205Brake ........................................................ 151Over Things That Burn ............................. 154

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ................ 228Passenger Sensing System .......................... 100Passing ........................................................ 353PASS-Key® III+ ............................................ 134PASS-Key® III+ Operation ............................ 134Power

Accessory Outlet(s) ................................... 208Door Locks ............................................... 121Electrical System ...................................... 539Liftgate ..................................................... 125Lumbar Controls ......................................... 11Retained Accessory (RAP) ........................ 138Running Boards ........................................ 129Seat ........................................................... 10

602

Power (cont.)Steering Fluid ........................................... 461Windows ................................................... 131

Pretensioners, Safety Belt .............................. 60Programmable Automatic Door Locks ........... 121

QQuestions and Answers About Safety Belts ....... 42

RRadios ......................................................... 274

Care of Your CD and DVD Player ............. 337Care of Your CDs and DVDs .................... 336Navigation/Radio System,

see Navigation Manual .......................... 321Radio with CD .......................................... 278Radio with CD and DVD ........................... 295Rear Seat Audio ....................................... 332Setting the Time ................................ 276, 277Theft-Deterrent .......................................... 334Understanding Reception .......................... 335

Rainsense™ II Wipers .................................. 193Reading Lamps ............................................ 204

Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System ...... 220Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System

and Electronic Climate Controls ................ 222Rear Axle ..................................................... 472

Locking ..................................................... 347Rear Door Security Locks ............................ 122Rear Heated Seats ........................................ 19Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ................... 56Rear Seat Armrest ....................................... 176Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ................................ 332Rear Seat Entertainment System .................. 321Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts ............... 54Rear Side Window Antenna .......................... 337Rear Storage Area ....................................... 176Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper .................... 195Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with

Compass and Temperature Display ........... 160Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with

OnStar®, Compass and TemperatureDisplay ..................................................... 157

Reclining Seatbacks ....................................... 15Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ........... 564Recovery Hooks ........................................... 389Recreational Vehicle Towing ......................... 401Remote Keyless Entry System ..................... 112

603

Remote Keyless Entry System,Operation .................................................. 113

Removing the Flat Tire and Installingthe Spare Tire ........................................... 513

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ............. 509Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 481Reporting Safety Defects

Canadian Government .............................. 589General Motors ......................................... 589United States Government ........................ 588

Restraint System CheckChecking the Restraint Systems ................ 106Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ........................................ 107Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ................. 138Right Front Passenger Position,

Safety Belts ................................................ 52Roadside

Assistance Program .................................. 577Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ............... 388Routing, Engine Drive Belt ........................... 567Running Boards, Power ................................ 129Running the Engine While Parked ................ 156

SSafety Belt

Passenger Reminder Light ........................ 227Pretensioners .............................................. 60Reminder Light ......................................... 226

Safety BeltsCare of ..................................................... 531Center Front Passenger Position ................. 53Driver Position ............................................ 44How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ............. 43Questions and Answers About

Safety Belts ............................................. 42Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ................ 56Rear Seat Passengers ................................ 54Right Front Passenger Position ................... 52Safety Belt Extender ................................... 60Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .............. 52Safety Belts Are for Everyone ..................... 38Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ..................... 51

Safety Warnings and Symbols .......................... 4Scheduled Maintenance ............................... 555Seats

60/40 Split Bench Seat ............................... 20Bucket Seats, Rear ..................................... 26Center Seat ................................................ 19

604

Seats (cont.)Head Restraints .......................................... 18Heated Seats .............................................. 12Heated Seats - Rear .................................. 19Manual ......................................................... 9Memory, Mirrors, and Pedals ...................... 13Power Lumbar ............................................ 11Power Seats ............................................... 10Reclining Seatbacks .................................... 15Third Row Seat .......................................... 33

Secondary Latch System .............................. 519Securing a Child Restraint

Center Front Seat Position .......................... 85Rear Seat Position ...................................... 83Right Front Seat Position ............................ 86

Security Light ............................................... 241Service ......................................................... 426

Accessories and Modifications ................... 426Adding Equipment to the Outside of

Your Vehicle .......................................... 428California Proposition 65 Warning ............. 427Doing Your Own Work .............................. 427Engine Soon Light .................................... 236Publications Ordering Information .............. 590

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ......... 104Setting the Time ................................... 276, 277Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 535

Shifting Into Park (P) .................................... 152Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................ 154Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ......................... 51Signals, Turn and Lane-Change ................... 191Snow Plow ................................................... 396Spare Tire .................................................... 526

Installing ................................................... 513Removing ................................................. 509Storing ...................................................... 522

Specifications, Capacities ............................. 548Speedometer ................................................ 226Split Bench Seat (60/40) ................................ 20StabiliTrak® System ...................................... 348StabiliTrak® Indicator Light ............................ 234Starting Your Engine .................................... 138Steering ....................................................... 351Steering Wheel Controls, Audio .................... 334Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ........................... 189Storage Areas

Cargo Management System ...................... 178Center Console Storage Area ................... 175Cupholder(s) ............................................. 174Glove Box ................................................. 174Luggage Carrier ........................................ 175Rear Seat Armrest .................................... 176Rear Storage Area .................................... 176

605

Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ................ 388Sun Visors ................................................... 132Sunroof ........................................................ 181

TTachometer .................................................. 226Taillamps

Turn Signal, Stoplamps andBack-up Lamps ..................................... 478

Theft-Deterrent, Radio .................................. 334Theft-Deterrent Systems ............................... 132

Content Theft-Deterrent ............................. 132PASS-Key® III+ ......................................... 134PASS-Key® III+ Operation ......................... 134

Third Row Seat .............................................. 33Throttle, Adjustable ....................................... 140Tilt Wheel ..................................................... 189Tire

Pressure Light .......................................... 235Tires ............................................................ 482

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,Cleaning ................................................ 534

Buying New Tires ...................................... 500Chains ...................................................... 506

Tires (cont.)Changing a Flat Tire ................................. 508Cleaning ................................................... 535Different Size ............................................ 502If a Tire Goes Flat .................................... 507Inflation - Tire Pressure ............................. 490Inspection and Rotation ............................ 497Installing the Spare Tire ............................ 513Pressure Monitor System .......................... 492Removing the Flat Tire ............................. 513Removing the Spare Tire and Tools .......... 509Secondary Latch System .......................... 519Spare Tire ................................................. 526Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ...... 522Tire Sidewall Labeling ............................... 484Tire Terminology and Definitions ................ 487Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..................... 502Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ............ 504Wheel Replacement .................................. 504When It Is Time for New Tires .................. 499

Tow/Haul Mode ............................................ 145Tow/Haul Mode Light .................................... 242Towing

Recreational Vehicle .................................. 401Towing a Trailer ........................................ 405Your Vehicle .............................................. 400

606

TractionStabiliTrak® System .................................. 348

TrailerRecommendations ..................................... 422

TransmissionFluid, Automatic ........................................ 445

Transmission Operation, Automatic ............... 142Trip Odometer .............................................. 226Turn and Lane-Change Signals .................... 191Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ..................... 190

UUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) ......... 205Understanding Radio Reception .................... 335Uniform Tire Quality Grading ........................ 502Universal Home Remote System .................. 169

Operation .................................................. 170

VVehicle

Control ...................................................... 344Damage Warnings ........................................ 5Loading ..................................................... 390Symbols ....................................................... 5

Vehicle Customization, DIC .......................... 264Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data

Recorders ................................................. 583Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN) ........................................... 538Service Parts Identification Label .............. 538

Ventilation Adjustment .................................. 220Visors ........................................................... 132Voltmeter Gage ............................................ 231

WWarning Lights, Gages and Indicators .......... 224Warnings

DIC Warnings and Messages .................... 254Hazard Warning Flashers .......................... 188Other Warning Devices ............................. 188Safety and Symbols ...................................... 4Vehicle Damage ........................................... 5

WheelsAlignment and Tire Balance ...................... 504Different Size ............................................ 502Replacement ............................................. 504

Where to Put the Restraint ............................ 72Windows ...................................................... 130

Power ....................................................... 131

607

WindshieldBackglass, and Wiper Blades,

Cleaning ................................................ 534Rainsense™ II Wipers .............................. 193Washer ..................................................... 194Washer Fluid ............................................ 462Wiper Blade Replacement ......................... 481Wiper Fuses ............................................. 539Wipers ...................................................... 192

Windshield, Rear Washer/Wiper .................... 195Winter Driving .............................................. 384

XXM Radio Messages .................................... 319XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System .......... 337

YYour Vehicle and the Environment ................ 552

608

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