2005 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual M

Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... 1-1 Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1
Front Seats ............................................... 1-3 Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ........ 4-1
Rear Seats ............................................... 1-8 Towing ................................................... 4-57
Safety Belts ............................................. 1-21 Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1
Child Restraints ....................................... 1-42 Service ..................................................... 5-3
Airbag System ......................................... 1-66 Fuel ......................................................... 5-5
Restraint System Check ............................ 1-81 Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-10
Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1 All-Wheel Drive ........................................ 5-50
Keys ........................................................ 2-3 Rear Axle ............................................... 5-51
Doors and Locks ....................................... 2-8 Four-Wheel Drive ..................................... 5-52
Windows ................................................. 2-15 Front Axle ............................................... 5-53
Theft-Deterrent Systems ............................ 2-17 Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-54
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ........... 2-19 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-60
Mirrors .................................................... 2-42 Tires ...................................................... 5-61
OnStar® System ...................................... 2-51 Appearance Care ................................... 5-100
HomeLink® Transmitter ............................. 2-53 Vehicle Identification ............................... 5-109
Storage Areas ......................................... 2-57 Electrical System .................................... 5-109
Sunroof .................................................. 2-62 Capacities and Specifications ................... 5-118
Vehicle Personalization ............................. 2-63 Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1
Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1 Maintenance Schedule ................................ 6-2
Instrument Panel Overview .......................... 3-4 Customer Assistance and Information .............. 7-1
Climate Controls ...................................... 3-21 Customer Assistance and Information ........... 7-2
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ........ 3-36 Reporting Safety Defects ........................... 7-10
Driver Information Center (DIC) .................. 3-54 Index ................................................................ 1
Audio System(s) ....................................... 3-76
 Canadian Owners
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer or from:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,

CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the
How to Use This Manual
names TAHOE and SUBURBAN are registered Many people read the owner manual from beginning to
trademarks of General Motors Corporation. end when they first receive their new vehicle. If this
This manual includes the latest information at the time it is done, it can help you learn about the features
was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work
the product after that time without notice. For vehicles together in the owner manual to explain things.
first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division Index
wherever it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if you A good place to quickly locate information about the
ever need it while you are on the road. If you sell the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an
vehicle, leave this manual with the vehicle. alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the
page number where it can be found.

Litho in U.S.A.
©
Part No. 05TAHOE A First Edition 2004 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ii
Safety Warnings and Symbols You will also find a circle
with a slash through it in
There are a number of safety cautions in this book. this book. This safety
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell about symbol means “Do Not,”
things that could hurt you if you were to ignore “Do Not do this” or “Do Not
the warning. let this happen.”

{CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
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 or reduce
the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you do not,
you or others could be hurt.

iii
Vehicle Damage Warnings Vehicle Symbols
Also, in this manual you will find these notices: The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along
Notice: These mean there is something that could with the text describing the operation or information
damage your vehicle. relating to a specific component, control, message,
A notice tells about something that can damage the gage, or indicator.
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But component, gage, or indicator, reference the
the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage. following topics:
When you read other manuals, you might see • Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors
or in different words. • Features and Controls in Section 2
There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use • Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. • Climate Controls in Section 3
• Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
• Audio System(s) in Section 3
• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

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

v
✍ NOTES

vi
 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Front Seats ......................................................1-3 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Manual Seats ................................................1-3 Children and Small Adults ..........................1-39
Power Seats ..................................................1-4 Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-41
Power Lumbar ...............................................1-5 Child Restraints .............................................1-42
Heated Seats .................................................1-6 Older Children ..............................................1-42
Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-6 Infants and Young Children ............................1-44
Head Restraints .............................................1-8 Child Restraint Systems .................................1-47
Rear Seats .......................................................1-8 Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-50
Rear Seat Operation .......................................1-8 Top Strap ....................................................1-51
60/40 Split Bench Seat ...................................1-9 Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-53
50/50 Split Bench Seat ..................................1-11 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Bench Seat ..................................................1-15 Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-55
Bucket Seats ...............................................1-19 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
Safety Belts ...................................................1-21 the LATCH System ....................................1-57
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................1-21 Securing a Child Restraint in a
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts .........1-26 Rear Outside Seat Position .........................1-57
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-26 Securing a Child Restraint in a
Driver Position ..............................................1-27 Center Rear Seat Position ..........................1-59
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-34 Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-35 Center Front Seat Position ..........................1-61
Center Passenger Position .............................1-35 Securing a Child Restraint in the
Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-36 Right Front Seat Position ............................1-62

1-1
 Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Airbag System ...............................................1-66 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-80
Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-69 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .....................1-71 Vehicle ....................................................1-80
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? .......................1-73 Restraint System Check ..................................1-81
How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-73 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-81
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? ........1-74 Replacing Restraint System Parts
Passenger Sensing System ............................1-76 After a Crash ............................................1-82

1-2
Front Seats
Manual Seats

{CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle
is moving. The sudden movement could startle
and confuse you, or make you push a pedal
when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s
seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
If your vehicle has a manual bucket or a split bench
seat, you can adjust it with this lever located at the front
of the seat.
Lift the lever to unlock the seat. Using your body, slide
the seat to where you want it and release the lever.
Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the
seat is locked into place.

1-3
Power Seats If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it
with these controls located on the outboard sides of
the seats.
• Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by
raising or lowering the forward edge of the
horizontal control.
• Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the
whole horizontal control forward or rearward.
• Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion
by raising or lowering the rear edge of the
horizontal control.
• Moving the whole horizontal control up or down
raises or lowers the entire seat cushion.
If your vehicle has power reclining seats, you can use
the vertical control to adjust the angle of the seatback.
Move the reclining front seatback rearward or forward
by moving the control toward the rear or the front of the
vehicle. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 1-6.

1-4
Power Lumbar To increase support, press and hold the front of the
control. To decrease support, press and hold the rear of
Your vehicle’s seats may be equipped with power lumbar. the control. Let go of the control when the lower
seatback reaches the desired level of support.
You can increase or
You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower
decrease lumbar support
seatback for more lateral support.
in an area of the lower
seatback with this control, To increase support, press and hold the top of the
located on the outboard control. To decrease support, press and hold the bottom
sides of the front seat(s). of the control. Let go of the control when the lower
seatback reaches the desired level of support.
Your vehicle may have a memory function which allows
seat settings to be saved and recalled. See Memory
Seat on page 2-63 for more information.

1-5
Heated Seats Reclining Seatbacks
If your vehicle has this
feature, the button used to
control the driver’s
heated seat is located on
the driver’s door panel.
The button used to control
the passenger’s heated
seat is located on the
passenger’s door panel.

To heat the entire seat, press the horizontal button.

Press the button to cycle through the temperature
settings of high, medium, and low. The indicator light
will glow to indicate the level of heat selected. To adjust the front seatback, lift the manual lever
located on the outboard side of the seat. Release the
To heat only the seatback, press the vertical button with lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lift the
the heated seatback symbol. An indicator light on the lever again without pushing on the seatback and
button will glow to designate that only the seatback the seatback will go to an upright position.
is being heated.
If your vehicle has power seats with a power recliner,
The engine must be running for them to operate. see Power Seats on page 1-4 for further information on
The heated front seats will be canceled after the ignition how to operate the reclining seatback feature.
is turned off. If you still want to use the heated front
seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need
to press the heated seat button again.

1-6
 {CAUTION:
Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle
is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you
buckle up, your safety belts can not do their
job when you are reclined like this.
The shoulder belt can not do its job. In a
crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or
other injuries.
The lap belt can not do its job either. In a
crash the belt could go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there, not at your
pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal
injuries.
But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is For proper protection when the vehicle is in
moving.
motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit
well back in the seat and wear your safety belt
properly.

1-7
Head Restraints Rear Seats
Rear Seat Operation
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats

{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
is locked.

Extended models: The passenger’s side of the

second row 60/40 or rear bucket seats has an easy
entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of
Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint the third seat, if your vehicle has one.
is closest to the top of your head. This position To operate the easy entry seat turn the release lever,
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. located on the back of the seat upward.
To raise the head restraint pull up on the head restraint. Tilt the seatback toward the front of the vehicle by
pulling the top of the seat forward. When you do the seat
Your vehicle may have rear seat head restraints that bottom will release. Pull the seat forward until it stops.
can be adjusted up and down.
Be sure to return the seat to the passenger position
when finished. Push and pull on the seat to make sure
it is locked in place.

1-8
60/40 Split Bench Seat Make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat
and that the head restraints are completely lowered.
Standard models: The rear seat may have a On Tahoe models the rear seatbacks may be equipped
60/40 split seat which may be folded down to give with rearward folding head restraints. When the
you more cargo space. seatback is being folded down, the head restraint will
Extended models: The second row rear seat of automatically fold rearward to allow a flat load floor
extended models may have a 60/40 split seat. for cargo or entry to the third row seat (if equipped).
Either side of the rear seat my be folded down to
To fold, pull up on the
provide more cargo space.
strap loop at the rear
Folding the Seatbacks of the seat cushion. Then,
pull the seat cushion up
and fold it forward.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
is locked.

1-9
After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the To return the seat to the passenger position on a
seatback forward and fold the seatback down until extended model do the following:
it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because
it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat 1. Lift the floor load panels and latch them into
forward and/or bring the front seatback more upright. the seatback.
On the passenger side of the extended models, the lever 2. Lift the seatback up and push rearward all
at the base of the seat must be turned rearward to the way.
release the seatback. 3. Lower the seat cushion until it latches into position.
4. Pull forward on the seatback and up on the
seat cushion to make sure the seat is securely
in place.
On regular models make sure the head restraints are
returned to the upright position.

To create a load floor release the panels from the

seatback by pushing forward on the latch. Then fold the
panels back to cover the rear seat footwell area.

1-10
50/50 Split Bench Seat Tilting the 50/50 Split Bench Seat
If your vehicle has a 50/50 split bench, the seatback(s)
can be folded and the entire seat(s) tilted or removed
from the vehicles.
{CAUTION:
Folding the Seatbacks If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
{CAUTION: press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
is locked.
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it {CAUTION:
is locked.

If the support rod is not properly engaged,

To fold the seatbacks do the following: the folded third row seat could come loose in a
• Pull up on the release lever, labeled 1, located sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
on the rear of the seatback, and push the to people and damage to your vehicle. Always
seatback forward. be sure the support rod is properly engaged
• To return the seat to the passenger position, pull up when the third row seat is folded forward.
on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on
the seatback until the seatback locks into the
upright position.
Push forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked
into position.

1-11
Once the third seatback has been folded down, To return the seat to the seating position do the
the entire seat can be tilted forward to create a flat following:
load floor. To do this, do the following: 1. Push forward on the seat and release the support
1. Enter the rear cargo area of the vehicle. lock rod.
2. Make sure the head restraints have been lowered 2. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the
completely. underside of the seat.
3. With the seat folded, unlatch the seat from the floor 3. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop
by pulling up on the lever located under the into place.
carrying handle at the rear of the seat labeled 2. 4. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat
4. Lift the rear of the seat up, off the floor. You will not is locked in place.
be able to unlatch the seat from the floor unless the 5. Return the seatback to the upright position by
seatback is folded down. pulling up on the release lever labeled 1 before
5. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place the back can be folded upright.
using the support rod located on the underside 6. Pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked
of the seat on the passenger’s side. Make sure the in place.
rod pin is fully engaged in the lock.
6. Push and pull on the seat. Make sure the support
rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in
this position only when necessary for additional
cargo space.

1-12
Removing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat 3. To unlatch the seat
from the floor, pull up
To remove the 50/50 split bench seat, do the following: on the release lever
1. Open the rear doors and enter the rear of labeled 2, located at the
the vehicle. rear of the seat, and lift
the rear of the seat up
2. Fold the seatback off the floor.
forward onto the seat
cushion by using
the lever labeled 1.
The seat cannot
be removed unless the
seatback is folded.

4. Squeeze the release lever, located in the lower

middle to unlatch the seat from the floor, while
pulling the seat out.
5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat
out of the vehicle.

1-13
Replacing the 50/50 Split Bench Seat
{CAUTION:
{CAUTION: A safety belt that is improperly routed, not
properly attached, or twisted will not provide
If the seatback is not locked, it could move the protection needed in a crash. The person
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could wearing the belt could be seriously injured.
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always After raising the rear seatback, always check
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it to be sure that the safety belts are properly
is locked. routed and attached, and are not twisted.

To reinstall the 50/50 split bench, do the following:

{CAUTION: 1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front
wheels into the slots on the floor. The front latches
should lock into place. If the latches do not lock,
A seat that is not locked into place properly try tilting the rear of the seats upwards.
can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure 2. Once the latches are engaged, let the seat drop
into place. Release the lever labeled 1 to return
to lock the seat into place properly when
the seat to its upright position.
installing it.
3. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked
into place. The seatback cannot be raised to the
upright position unless the seat is secured to
the floor.

1-14
Bench Seat To fold the seatback on the bench seat, do the following:

If your vehicle has a full bench seat, the seatback can 1. Pull up on the release
be folded and the seat can be tilted or removed lever, labeled 1,
from the vehicle. located on the rear of
the seatback and
Folding the Seatback push the seatback
forward.

{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
is locked. 2. To return the seat to an upright position, pull up
on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on
the seatback until the seatback locks into the
upright position.
Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked
into place.

1-15
Tilting the Bench Seat Once the third seatback has been folded down,
the entire seat can be tilted forward to create a flat load
floor. To do this, do the following:
{CAUTION: 1. Enter the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
2. Make sure the head restraints have been lowered
If the seatback is not locked, it could move completely.
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always 3. With the seat folded,
unlatch the seat from
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
the floor by pulling
is locked. up on the lever located
under the carrying
handle at the rear of
the seat labeled 2.
{CAUTION:
If the support rod is not properly engaged,
the folded third row seat could come loose in a
sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury
to people and damage to your vehicle. Always
be sure the support rod is properly engaged 4. Lift the rear of the seat up, off the floor. You will not
when the third row seat is folded forward. be able to unlatch the seat from the floor unless the
seatback is folded down.

1-16
 5. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place Removing the Bench Seat
using the support rod located on the underside
of the seat on the passenger’s side. Make sure the To remove the full bench seat, do the following:
rod pin is fully engaged in the lock. 1. Open the rear doors and enter the rear of
6. Push and pull on the seat. Make sure the support the vehicle.
rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in this
position only when necessary for additional 2. Fold the seatback
cargo space. forward onto the seat
cushion by using
To return the seat to the seating position do the the lever labeled 1.
following: The seat cannot
1. Push forward on the seat and release the support be removed unless the
lock rod. seatback is folded.
2. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the
underside of the seat.
3. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop
into place.
4. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat
is locked in place.
5. Return the seatback to the upright position by
pulling up on the release lever labeled 1 before
the back can be folded upright.
6. Pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked
in place.

1-17
 3. To unlatch the seat Replacing the Bench Seat
from the floor, pull up
on the release lever
labeled 2, located at the {CAUTION:
rear of the seat, and lift
the rear of the seat up
off the floor. If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
is locked.

4. Squeeze the release lever, located in the lower {CAUTION:

middle to unlatch the seat from the floor while
pulling the seat out.
A seat that is not locked into place properly
5. While holding the rear of the seat up, roll the seat
out of the vehicle. can move around in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure
to lock the seat into place properly when
installing it.

1-18
 Bucket Seats
{CAUTION: If your vehicle has bucket seats, the seatbacks can be
reclined and the seats can be folded to give you more
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not cargo room.
properly attached, or twisted will not provide Reclining the Seatbacks
the protection needed in a crash. The person On the extended models with bucket seats, the
wearing the belt could be seriously injured. seatbacks can be reclined. To adjust the seatback
After raising the rear seatback, always check do the following:
to be sure that the safety belts are properly 1. Pull forward the lever located at the base of the seat.
routed and attached, and are not twisted.
2. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you
want it. If you pull the lever without pushing on the
To reinstall the full bench seat, do the following: seatback, the seatback will go to an upright position.
1. While holding the rear of the seat up, slide the front Folding the Seatbacks
wheels into the slots on the floor. The front latches
should lock into place. If the latches do not lock,
try tilting the rear of the seats upwards. {CAUTION:
2. Once the latches are engaged, let the seat drop
into place. Release the lever labeled 1 to return
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
the seat to its upright position.
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
3. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
into place. The seatback cannot be raised to the press rearward on the seatback to be sure it
upright position unless the seat is secured to is locked.
the floor.

The seatbacks on the bucket seats may be folded

forward to give you more cargo space.

1-19
On extended models with rear bucket seats, the head 2. Pull the seatback
restraints need to be removed in order to fold the release lever up and
rear seats. To do this follow these directions: pull the seatback
1. Lift the head restraints up until they stop. forward. Then fold it
until it is flat.
2. Press in the button on the side of the head restraint
guide cap and lift up on the head restraint.
3. Do the same for the other cap.
The head restraint can be removed and stored in the
space provided in the folded up seat cushion.
To fold the seatbacks on the bucket seats, do the
following:
1. Pull up on the strap If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with
loop located at the the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or
rear of the seat bringing the front seatback more upright.
cushion and pull the
seat cushion up.
Then fold it forward.

1-20
Once the seatbacks are folded down, the rear seat
footwell area will be exposed and will have to be
Safety Belts
covered by the load floor panel. To create a load floor,
do the following: Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
This part of the manual tells you how to use safety
belts properly. It also tells you some things you should
not do with safety belts.

{CAUTION:
Do not let anyone ride where he or she can not
wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a
crash and you are not wearing a safety belt,
your injuries can be much worse. You can hit
things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it.
You can be seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be, if you are
1. Release the panels from the seatbacks by pushing
buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt,
forward on the latches.
and check that your passengers’ belts are
2. Then fold the panels back to cover the rear seat
fastened properly too.
footwell area.
If you have removed the head restraints to fold the rear
bucket seat, be sure to reinstall them on the seatback
after it has been returned to the normal seating position.

1-21
 In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law
says to wear safety belts. Here is why: They work.
{CAUTION: You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have
a crash, you do not know if it will be a bad one.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so
area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a
serious that even buckled up, a person would not
collision, people riding in these areas are more survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of
likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes
allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle walk away. Without belts they could have been badly
that is not equipped with seats and safety hurt or killed.
belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles,
seat and using a safety belt properly. the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up
does matter...a lot!

Your vehicle has a light

that comes on as a
reminder to buckle up.
See Safety Belt Reminder
Light on page 3-39.

1-22
Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as
it goes.

Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat

on wheels.

1-23
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider The person keeps going until stopped by something.
does not stop. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...

1-24
or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why
safety belts make such good sense.

1-25
Questions and Answers About Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
Safety Belts
A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in an
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident accident — even one that is not your fault — you
if I am wearing a safety belt? and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver does not protect you from things beyond your
A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety control, such as bad drivers.
belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt,
even if you are upside down. And your chance of Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km)
being conscious during and after an accident, of home. And the greatest number of serious
so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
you are belted. 40 mph (65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will This part is only for people of adult size.
be in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different rules for
safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag
smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your
system ever offered for sale has required the use of
vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-42 or Infants and
safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has Young Children on page 1-44. Follow those rules for
airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most everyone’s protection.
protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions. First, you will want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We will start with the driver position.

1-26
Driver Position 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
Lap-Shoulder Belt If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear Extender on page 1-41.
it properly. Make sure the release button on the buckle is
1. Close and lock the door. positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see
how, see “Seats” in the Index.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle

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

1-27
 The lap part of the belt should be worn low and
snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash,
this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you will
be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.
The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and
across the chest. These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or
a crash.

1-28
Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt
is too loose. In a crash, you would move
forward too much, which could increase injury.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give nearly

as much protection this way.

1-29
Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt is
buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash,
the belt would go up over your abdomen.
The belt forces would be there, not at the
pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt into the
buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

1-30
Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if your belt goes
over an armrest like this. The belt would be
much too high. In a crash, you can slide under
the belt. The belt force would then be applied
at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and
that could cause serious or fatal injuries.
Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

1-31
Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured if you wear the
shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your
body would move too far forward, which would
increase the chance of head and neck injury.
Also, the belt would apply too much force to
the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder
bones. You could also severely injure internal
organs like your liver or spleen.

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

1-32
Q: What is wrong with this?
{CAUTION:
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt.
In a crash, you would not have the full width
of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it can work
properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

1-33
 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant
women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be
seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.

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

The belt should go back out of the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage
both the belt and your vehicle.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and
the lap portion should be worn as low as possible,
below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother.
When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that
the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women,
as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is
wearing them properly.

1-34
Right Front Passenger Position Lap Belt
To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety When you sit in a center seating position other than in
belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-27. the second row you have a lap belt.
The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing.
If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the
way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature
which may turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag.
If this happens unintentionally, just let the belt go back
all the way and start again.

Center Passenger Position

If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone
can sit in the center positions.
When you sit in the center seating position in the
second row you have a lap-shoulder belt which is
similar to the belt in the rear outside seating positions.
A lap safety belt does not have a retractor. To make the
To learn how to wear this belt see “Lap-Shoulder
belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.
Belt” under Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-36.

1-35
 Rear Seat Passengers
It is very important for rear seat passengers to buckle
up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in
the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those
who are wearing safety belts.
Rear passengers who are not safety belted can be
thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike
others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown

until the belt is snug.
Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap
part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt is not long
enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-41.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned
so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt
quickly if you ever had to.

1-36
Lap-Shoulder Belt 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Here is how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way,
it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and
start again.
If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt
Extender on page 1-41.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

1-37
 3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle
end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you would be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the
belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go
over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of
the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.

1-38
The safety belt locks if there is a sudden stop or a crash. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
for Children and Small Adults
{CAUTION: Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added
safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt booster seats and for small adults. When installed on
is too loose. In a crash, you would move a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions
forward too much, which could increase injury. the belt away from the neck and head.
The shoulder belt should fit against your body. There is one guide for each outside passenger position
in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort
guide and use the safety belt:
1. For the second row, remove the guide from its
storage clip on the trim panel near the side of
the seatback or from the side of the center seat.
For the third row, remove the guide from its storage
clip on the side of the seatback

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

1-39
 2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. The guide must be on top of the belt.

1-40
 Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,
you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will
order you an extender. It is free. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use
it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has
been designed for adults. Never use it for securing
child seats. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety
belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet
that comes with the extender.

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-36.
Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the
shoulder.
To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out of the
guides. Make sure you remove the comfort guide from
the belt before you fold a rear seat down or use an
easy-entry seat, if your vehicle has one.

1-41
Child Restraints Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?
A: If possible, an older child should wear a
Older Children lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint
a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt
should not cross the face or neck. The lap
belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching
the top of the thighs. It should never be worn
over the abdomen, which could cause severe or
even fatal internal injuries in a crash.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat.
In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike
other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety
belts properly.

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should

wear the vehicle’s safety belts.
If you have the choice, a child should sit in a seat that
has a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a
shoulder belt can provide.

1-42
 Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt
is very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position,
move the child toward the center of the vehicle. If
the child is sitting in the second row center position,
move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In
either case, be sure that the shoulder belt still is on
the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s
upper body would have the restraint that belts
provide. See Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Children and Small Adults on page 1-39. If the
child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very
close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to
place the child a seat that has a lap belt, if your
vehicle has one.
{CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt.
The belt can not properly spread the impact
forces. In a crash, the two children can be
crushed together and seriously injured. A belt
must be used by only one person at a time.

1-43
 Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt
should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching
the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s
pelvic bones in a crash.

Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes
infants and all other children. Neither the distance
traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes
the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact,
the law in every state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says children up to some age
must be restrained while in a vehicle.
Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles,
they should have the protection provided by appropriate
restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s
{CAUTION: adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice.
Instead, they need to use a child restraint.
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is
behind the child. If the child wears the belt in
this way, in a crash the child might slide under
the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied
right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries.

1-44
{CAUTION: {CAUTION:
People should never hold a baby in their arms Children who are up against, or very close to,
while riding in a vehicle. A baby does not any airbag when it inflates can be seriously
weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder
baby will become so heavy it is not possible belts offer protection for adults and older
to hold it. For example, in a crash at only children, but not for young children and
25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system
suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a nor its airbag system is designed for them.
person’s arms. A baby should be secured in Young children and infants need the protection
an appropriate restraint. that a child restraint system can provide.

1-45
Q: What are the different types of add-on
child restraints? {CAUTION:
A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the
vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Newborn infants need complete support,
Selection of a particular restraint should take including support for the head and neck.
into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, This is necessary because a newborn infant’s
and age but also whether or not the restraint will neck is weak and its head weighs so much
be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will compared with the rest of its body. In a crash,
be used. an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into
For most basic types of child restraints, there are the restraint, so the crash forces can be
many different models available. When purchasing a distributed across the strongest part of an
child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used infant’s body, the back and shoulders.
in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a Infants always should be secured in
label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle appropriate infant restraints.
safety standards.
The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come
with the restraint state the weight and height
limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition,
there are many kinds of restraints available for
children with special needs.

1-46
 Child Restraint Systems
{CAUTION:
The body structure of a young child is quite
unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom
the safety belts are designed. A young child’s
hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s
regular safety belt may not remain low on the
hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle
up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash,
the belt would apply force on a body area
that is unprotected by any bony structure.
This alone could cause serious or fatal
injuries. Young children always should be
secured in appropriate child restraints.

An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a

motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed
to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat
surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward
the center of the vehicle.

1-47
A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for
the seating surface against the back of the infant. the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes
The harness system holds the infant in place and, with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.
in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in
the restraint.

1-48
 Q: How do child restraints work?
A: A child restraint system is any device designed for
use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position
children. A built-in child restraint system is a
permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on
child restraint system is a portable one, which
is purchased by the vehicle’s owner.
For many years, add-on child restraints have used
the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce
the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured
within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system
secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and
the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the
child in place within the restraint.
One system, the three-point harness, has straps that
come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and
A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and
Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner,
a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip
and some high-back booster seats have a five-point
straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that
harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see
out the window. are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the
child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has
straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield
that swings up or to the side.

1-49
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child Where to Put the Restraint
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will
have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
safety standards. are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
General Motors recommends that child restraints
Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system or child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.
the LATCH system in your vehicle, but the child also
has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate
chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor
child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.”
restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is
booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint so great, if the airbag deploys.
instructions are important, so if they are not available,
obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inflating airbag.
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal
airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child
CAUTION: (Continued)

1-50
 Top Strap
CAUTION: (Continued)
Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.”
It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision.
restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one
For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to
can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are
under some unusual circumstance, even designed for use with or without the top strap being
though it is turned off. General Motors anchored. Others require the top strap always to be
recommends that rear-facing child restraints be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off. your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be
anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored
If you need to secure a forward-facing child
properly.
restraint in the right front seat, always move the
front passenger seat as far back as it will go. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can
It is better to secure the child restraint in a be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints.
rear seat. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a
kit is available.

Do not use child restraints in the center front seat

position. The restraints will not work properly.
Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child
restraint properly.
Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can
move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure
any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child
is in it.

1-51
 If you have an adjustable head restraint, route the
top strap under it.

{CAUTION:
Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor
only one child restraint. Attaching more than
one child restraint to a single bracket could
cause the anchor to come loose or even break
during a crash. A child or others could be
injured if this happens. To help prevent injury
to people and damage to your vehicle, attach
only one child restraint per bracket.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be
anchored. In the United States, some child restraints Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be
also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the
top strap, it should be anchored. top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions say.
Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor
points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the
same side of the vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be placed.

1-52
Top Strap Anchor Location
Suburban
A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in
the second or third row.
Do not secure a child restraint in the right front
passenger’s position or the third row outboard seating
positions if a national or local law requires that the
top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top strap must
be anchored. There is no place to anchor the top strap
in these positions.

Suburban Third Row Seat

An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located at
the bottom rear of the seat cushion for each seating
position in the second row, and for the center seating
position in the third row.

Suburban Second Row Seat (Bucket Seats Similar)

1-53
Tahoe
A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in
the second or third row.
Do not secure a child restraint in the right front
passenger’s position or the third row driver’s-side and
center seating positions if a national or local law requires
that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions
that come with the child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored. There is no place to anchor the
top strap in these positions.
Tahoe Third Row Seat
An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located at the
bottom rear of the seat cushion for each seating
position in the second row and in the outboard
passenger-side seating position in the third row.

Tahoe Second Row Seat

1-54
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers
for Children (LATCH System)
Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You will find
anchors in the center and right side passenger second
row seating positions for bench seats, and the
outboard passenger positions for bucket seats.
This system, designed to make installation of child
restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts.
Instead, it uses vehicle anchors and child restraint
attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints
also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top
tether strap.

A. Lower Anchorage
B. Lower Anchorage
C. Top Tether

1-55
 To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this
child restraint system, each seating position with the
LATCH system has a visible metal anchorage point in
the seat where the seatback meets the seat cushion.

{CAUTION:
If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached
to its anchorage points, the restraint will not
be able to protect the child correctly. In a
crash, the child could be seriously injured or
killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child
restraint is properly installed using the
A. Lower Anchorage anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety
B. Lower Anchorage belts to secure the restraint, following the
In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, instructions that came with that restraint, and
you need a child restraint designed for that system. also the instructions in this manual.

1-56
Securing a Child Restraint Designed Securing a Child Restraint in a
for the LATCH System Rear Outside Seat Position
1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
position you want to use, where the bottom of the system see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. Children (LATCH System) on page 1-55. See Top Strap
See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for on page 1-51 if the child restraint has one.
Children (LATCH System) on page 1-55.
For the third row, if your vehicle has a bench seat,
2. Put the child restraint on the seat. there are no top strap anchors in the outboard seating
3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the positions. If your vehicle has a 50/50 split bench seat in
child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the the third row, there is no top strap anchor in the
vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show driver-side seating position. Do not secure a child
you how. restraint in these positions if a national or local
law requires that the top strap be anchored or if the
4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and instructions that come with the child restraint say that
tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. the top strap must be anchored.
The child restraint instructions will show you how.
Also see Top Strap on page 1-51.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the
top tether from the top tether anchorage and then
disconnect the LATCH attachments from the
LATCH anchorages.

1-57
If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system,
you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child
restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions
that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the
child restraint when and as the instructions say.
1. Put the child restraint on the seat.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

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

3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is

positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-58
 Securing a Child Restraint in a
Center Rear Seat Position
Second Row
The center seat position in the second row has a
lap-shoulder belt which works the same way as the
safety belt in the rear outside seat positions. For
instructions on how to secure a child restraint using a
lap-shoulder belt see Securing a Child Restraint in
a Rear Outside Seat Position on page 1-57.

Third Row
If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the Children (LATCH System) on page 1-55. See Top Strap
lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder on page 1-51 if the child restraint has one.
belt back into the retractor. If you are using a If your vehicle has 50/50 split bench seat in the third
forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful row, there is no top strap anchor in the center seating
to use your knee to push down on the child position. Do not secure a child restraint in this position if
restraint as you tighten the belt. a national or local law requires that the top strap be
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different anchored or if the instructions that come with the child
directions to be sure it is secure. restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety
belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an
adult or larger child passenger.

1-59
The center seat position in the third row has a lap belt. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint you how.
when and as the instructions say.

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is

1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
plate and pulling it along the belt. safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

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 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push Securing a Child Restraint in the
down on the child restraint. If you are using a
forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful Center Front Seat Position
to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different {CAUTION:
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s A child in a child restraint in the center front
safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or seat can be badly injured or killed by the right
larger child passenger. front passenger’s airbag if it inflates. Never
secure a child restraint in the center front seat.
It is always better to secure a child restraint in
the rear seat.
If you need to secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the right front passenger seat,
always move the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in this position. The restraints

will not work properly.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position {CAUTION:
Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. A rear
seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-50. seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
system. The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag would be very close to the inflating airbag.
when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a small Even though the passenger sensing system is
child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal
detected. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-76 airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child
and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-40 restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one
for more information on this including important
can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
safety information.
under some unusual circumstance, even
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing though it is turned off. General Motors
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the recommends that rear-facing child restraints
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag
is off.

1-62
If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the
the right front seat position, move the seat as far child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the
back as it will go before securing the forward-facing instructions that came with the child restraint.
child restraint. See Power Seats on page 1-4 or Manual Secure the child in the child restraint when and as
Seats on page 1-3. the instructions say.
If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH 1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal
system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for airbag. See Passenger Sensing System on
Children (LATCH System) on page 1-55. page 1-76. General Motors recommends that
rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat,
There is no top strap anchor at the right front seating
even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint is
position. Do not secure a child seat in this position
forward-facing, move the seat as far back as it
if a national or local law requires that the top strap be
will go before securing the child restraint in this seat.
anchored or if the instructions that come with the
See Power Seats on page 1-4 or Manual Seats
child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.
on page 1-3.
See Top Strap on page 1-51 if your child restraint
has one. When the passenger sensing system has turned off
the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off
indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator
should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to
RUN or START. See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 3-40.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

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 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or
around the restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

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

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is

positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-64
 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
8. If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system
and the airbag is off, the off indicator in the rearview
mirror will be lit and stay lit when the key is turned
to RUN or START.
If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child
restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint.
If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting
the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make
sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child
restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly
recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat
6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is
pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this
lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt happens, adjust the head restraint.
back into the retractor. If you are using a If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child
forward-facing child restraint, you may find it restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and
helpful to use your knee to push down on the check with your dealer.
child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should
not be able to pull more of the belt from the retractor To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
once the lock has been set. safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety
belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an
adult or larger child passenger.

1-65
Airbag System Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of
injury from the force of an inflating frontal airbag.
Your vehicle has airbags — a frontal airbag for the But these airbags must inflate very quickly to do their
driver and another frontal airbag for the right front job and comply with federal regulations.
passenger. Your vehicle may also have side impact Here are the most important things to know about the
airbags. Side impact airbags are available for the driver airbag system:
and right front passenger.
If your vehicle has a side impact airbag for the driver
and/or the right front passenger, the words AIR BAG {CAUTION:
will appear on the airbag covering on the side of
the seatback closest to the door.
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash
if you are not wearing your safety belt — even
if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt
during a crash helps reduce your chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or being
ejected from it. Airbags are designed to work
with safety belts but do not replace them.
Frontal airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are designed to deploy only in
moderate to severe frontal and near frontal
crashes. They are not designed to inflate in
rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes,
CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION: (Continued)
{CAUTION:
or in many side crashes. And, for some
unrestrained occupants, frontal airbags may Both frontal and side impact airbags inflate
provide less protection in frontal crashes with great force, faster than the blink of an
than more forceful airbags have provided in eye. If you are too close to an inflating airbag,
the past. as you would be if you were leaning forward,
it could seriously injure you. Safety belts
Side impact airbags for the driver and right help keep you in position for airbag inflation
front passenger are designed to inflate only in before and during a crash. Always wear
moderate to severe crashes where something your safety belt, even with frontal airbags.
hits the side of your vehicle. They are not The driver should sit as far back as possible
designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
rear crashes. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety against the door.
belt properly — whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.

1-67
 There is an airbag
readiness light on the
{CAUTION: instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
Anyone who is up against, or very close to, symbol.
any airbag when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder
belts offer the best protection for adults, but
not for young children and infants. Neither the The system checks the airbag electrical system for
vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
system is designed for them. Young children problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-39
and infants need the protection that a child for more information.
restraint system can provide. Always secure
children properly in your vehicle. To read how,
see Older Children on page 1-42 or Infants and
Young Children on page 1-44.

1-68
Where Are the Airbags?

The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the

instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.

1-69
If your vehicle has one, the driver’s side impact airbag If your vehicle has one, the right front passenger’s side
is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door. impact airbag is in the side of the passenger’s
seatback closest to the door.

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 When Should an Airbag Inflate?
{CAUTION: The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags
are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal
If something is between an occupant and an or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate
airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment
or it might force the object into that person threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account
a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment
causing severe injury or even death. The path
events and are used to predict how severe a crash
of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help
Do not put anything between an occupant and restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags
an airbag, and do not attach or put anything will or should deploy is not based on how fast your
on the steering wheel hub or on or near any vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit,
other airbag covering. Do not let seat covers the direction of the impact and how quickly your
block the inflation path of a side impact airbag. vehicle slows down.
In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags,
which adjust the restraint according to crash severity.
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal
sensors which help the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate and a more severe frontal
impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags
inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more
severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.

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If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are
that does not move or deform, the threshold level for not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
the reduced deployment is about 10 to 16 mph impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation
(16 to 25 km/h), and the threshold level for a full would not likely help the occupants.
deployment is about 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h). Vehicles with dual stage airbags are also equipped with
(The threshold level can vary, however, with specific special sensors which enable the sensing system to
vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above monitor the position of both the driver and passenger
or below this range.) front seats. The seat position sensor provides
Airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. information which is used to determine if the airbags
For example: should deploy at a reduced level or at full deployment.
• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbag Your vehicle may or may not have a side impact
could inflate at a different crash speed than if airbag. See Airbag System on page 1-66. Side impact
the object were moving. airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes. A side impact airbag will inflate if the crash
• If the object deforms, the airbag could inflate at a severity is above the system’s designed “threshold
different crash speed than if the object does level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle
not deform. design. Side impact airbags are not designed to
• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear
airbag could inflate at a different crash speed impacts, because inflation would not likely help the
than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). occupant. A side impact airbag will only deploy on the
side of the vehicle that is struck.
• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the
airbag could inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

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In any particular crash, no one can say whether an How Does an Airbag Restrain?
airbag should have inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel
the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
impact airbags, inflation is determined by the location of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection
and severity of the impact. provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of
The airbag system is designed to work properly under the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the
Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough frontal airbags would not help you in many types
terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See Off-Road of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many
Driving on page 4-22 for tips on off-road driving. side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion
is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags would not
help you in many types of collisions, including frontal
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts,
primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and
frontal and side impact airbags, the sensing system then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
the airbag. The inflator, the airbag and related hardware frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe
are all part of the airbag modules. Frontal airbag modules side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s and right front
are located inside the steering wheel and instrument passenger’s side impact airbag.
panel. For vehicles with side impact airbags, the airbag
modules are located in the seatback closest to the
driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door.

1-73
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inflates? {CAUTION:
After the airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the airbag When an airbag inflates, there is dust in the
inflated. Some components of the airbag module will be air. This dust could cause breathing problems
hot for a short time. These components include the for people with a history of asthma or other
steering wheel hub for the driver’s frontal airbag and the breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s frontal the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
airbag. For vehicles with side impact airbags, the side of to do so. If you have breathing problems but
the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front can not get out of the vehicle after an airbag
passenger’s door will be hot. The parts of the bag that inflates, then get fresh air by opening a
come into contact with you may be warm, but not window or a door. If you experience breathing
too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust
problems following an airbag deployment,
coming from the vents in the deflated airbags.
Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing you should seek medical attention.
or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop
people from leaving the vehicle.

1-74
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an airbag, Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the airbag
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s
the right front passenger airbag. seatback, the airbag may not work properly.
• Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an You may have to replace the airbag module in the
steering wheel, both the airbag module and the
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s
your airbag system. If you do not get them, the air
airbag, or both the airbag module and seatback
bag system will not be there to help protect you
for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
in another crash. A new system will include airbag
side impact airbag. Do not open or break the
modules and possibly other parts. The service
airbag coverings.
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information after
a crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders on page 7-9.
• Let only qualified technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.

1-75
Passenger Sensing System The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions.
If your rearview mirror has one of the indicators pictured The driver’s airbag and the side airbags are not part
in the following illustrations, your vehicle has a passenger of the passenger sensing system.
sensing system. The indicator will be visible when you The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
turn your ignition key to START or RUN. The words ON are part of the right front passenger’s seat and safety
and OFF or the symbol for on and off, will be visible on belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence
the rearview mirror during the system check. When the of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the
system check is complete, either the word ON or the word passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled
OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off will be (may inflate) or not.
visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on
page 3-40. If your rearview mirror does not have either of Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
the indicators pictured, then your vehicle does not have are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
the passenger sensing system. General Motors recommends that child restraints
be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a
rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing
child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – United States

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – Canada

1-76
Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate a The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off
rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor says, the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if:
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is • the right front passenger seat is unoccupied
because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys. • the system determines that an infant is present in a
rear-facing infant seat
• the system determines that a small child is present
{CAUTION: in a forward-facing child restraint
• the system determines that a small child is present
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be in a booster seat
seriously injured or killed if the right front
• a right front passenger takes his/her weight off of
passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because
the seat for a period of time
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inflating airbag. • the right front passenger seat is occupied by a
smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown
Even though the passenger sensing system is child restraints
designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal
airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child
• or if there is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.
restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can
guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under When the passenger sensing system has turned off the
some unusual circumstance, even though it is passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator will light
turned off. General Motors recommends that and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off.
rear-facing child restraints be secured in the If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator
rear seat, even if the airbag is off. is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint
from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following
the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer
to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position on page 1-62.

1-77
If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to
recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit
cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the
not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle
happens, adjust the head restraint. and have the person remain in this position for about two
minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person
If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child
and then enable the passenger’s airbag.
restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check
with your dealer.
The passenger sensing system is designed to enable
(may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag
anytime the system senses that a person of adult size
is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat.
When the passenger sensing system has allowed
the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and
stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active.
For some children who have outgrown child restraints
and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system
may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating
posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who
has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety
belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for
that person.

1-78
 Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
{CAUTION: You may want to consider not using seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument sensing system. See Adding Equipment to Your
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-80 for more
information about modifications that can affect how the
it means that something may be wrong with
system operates.
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
{CAUTION:
of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness
Light on page 3-39 for more on this, including Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
important safety information. or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.

1-79
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Adding Equipment to Your
Vehicle Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are airbag system parts in several places around
Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or
sides of the vehicle that could keep the
your vehicle. You do not want the system to inflate while
airbags from working properly?
someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information about servicing your A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet
manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information metal or height, they may keep the airbag system
on page 7-11. from working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
{CAUTION: you should contact Customer Assistance before
you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is and addresses for Customer Assistance are in
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure
airbag can still inflate during improper service. in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction
You can be injured if you are close to an airbag Procedure on page 7-2.
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag system.
Be sure to follow proper service procedures,
and make sure the person performing work for
you is qualified to do so.

The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.

1-80
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my Restraint System Check
vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my advanced airbag system?
Checking Your Restraint Systems
A: Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
module (located under the driver’s seat), or and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
the inside rearview mirror can affect the operation and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
of the advanced airbag system. If you have loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
Procedure in this manual. See Customer crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)

1-81
Replacing Restraint System Parts If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?
After a Crash After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
{CAUTION: new parts.
If the LATCH system was being used during a more
A crash can damage the restraint systems in severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
may not properly protect the person using it, damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
resulting in serious injury or even death in a system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
crash. To help make sure your restraint New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
systems are working properly after a crash, or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
have them inspected and any necessary the collision.
replacements made as soon as possible. If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.

1-82
 Section 2 Features and Controls
Keys ...............................................................2-3 Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-24
Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-5 Tow/Haul Mode ............................................2-26
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-6 Four-Wheel Drive ..........................................2-27
Doors and Locks .............................................2-8 All-Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak® .....................2-32
Door Locks ....................................................2-8 Parking Brake ..............................................2-36
Power Door Locks ..........................................2-9 Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-37
Delayed Locking ...........................................2-10 Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-39
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ..............2-11 Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-39
Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-13 Engine Exhaust ............................................2-40
Lockout Protection ........................................2-13 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked .......2-40
Liftgate ........................................................2-14 Mirrors ...........................................................2-42
Windows ........................................................2-15 Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-42
Manual Windows ..........................................2-15 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
Power Windows ............................................2-16 with OnStar®, Compass and
Sun Visors ...................................................2-16 Temperature Display ..................................2-42
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-17 Compass and Temperature Display ..............2-44
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-17 Outside Manual Mirrors ..................................2-47
Passlock® ....................................................2-19 Outside Camper-Type Mirrors .........................2-47
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-19 Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-48
New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-19 Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror .................2-48
Ignition Positions ..........................................2-20 Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .....................2-49
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-20 Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................2-50
Starting Your Engine .....................................2-21 Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors ....................2-50
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ................2-22 Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-50
Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-22 Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-50

2-1
 Section 2 Features and Controls
OnStar® System .............................................2-51 Luggage Carrier ...........................................2-58
HomeLink® Transmitter ...................................2-53 Rear Storage Area ........................................2-59
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter .........2-54 Convenience Net ..........................................2-59
Cargo Cover ................................................2-60
Storage Areas ................................................2-57
Glove Box ...................................................2-57 Sunroof .........................................................2-62
Cupholder(s) ................................................2-57 Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-63
Front Storage Area .......................................2-57 Memory Seat ...............................................2-63
Center Console Storage Area .........................2-58

2-2
Keys

{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. They could
operate the power windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move. The children or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-3
 Your vehicle has one Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
double-sided key for the you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
ignition and all door Be sure you have spare keys.
locks as well as the spare If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle, call the
tire hoist lock, if equipped. GM Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6. If your vehicle is
equipped with the OnStar® system with an active
subscription and you lock your keys inside the vehicle,
OnStar® may be able to send a command to unlock
your vehicle. See OnStar® System on page 2-51
for more information.

If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to

assist you with obtaining replacements.

2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
If equipped, the keyless entry system operates on a transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
radio frequency subject to Federal Communications to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. • Check the distance. You may be too far from your
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: rainy or snowy weather.
1. This device may not cause interference. • Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
2. This device must accept any interference received, be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
including interference that may cause undesired left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
operation of the device. try again.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. • Check to determine if battery replacement is
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
1. This device may not cause interference. page 2-6.
2. This device must accept any interference received, • If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
including interference that may cause undesired qualified technician for service.
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System You can choose different feedback options for each
press of the unlock button. See “Lock Feedback” and
Operation “Unlock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle Customization on
page 3-70 for more information.
You can lock and unlock your doors from about
3 feet (1 m) up to 100 feet (30 m) away using the Q (Lock): Press this button once to lock all of the
remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with doors. Pressing lock again within three seconds
your vehicle. may cause the horn to chirp for lock confirmation.
You can choose different feedback options for each
K (Unlock): Press this press of the lock button. See “Lock Feedback” and
button once to unlock the “Unlock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle Customization on
driver’s door. The interior page 3-70 for more information.
lamps will come on.
Pressing unlock again L (Panic): Press this button to sound the horn and
within three seconds will flash the headlamps and taillamps for up to 30 seconds.
cause the remaining doors Panic can be turned off by pressing the button again,
to unlock. by waiting for 30 seconds, or by starting the vehicle.

2-6
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter,
do the following:
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum
of four transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about two years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not 1. Insert a thin object, such as a coin, in the slot
work at the normal range in any location. If you have between the covers of the transmitter housing
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, near the key ring hole. Remove the bottom
it is probably time to change the battery. by twisting the coin.
Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to 2. Remove and replace the battery with a three-volt
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up.
transferred to these surfaces may damage the 3. Align the covers and snap them together.
transmitter.
4. Resynchronize the transmitter. See
“Resynchronization” following this information.
5. Check the operation of the transmitter.

2-7
Resynchronization Doors and Locks
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the
security method used by this system. The transmitter Door Locks
does not send the same signal twice to the receiver.
The receiver will not respond to a signal that has been
sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording {CAUTION:
and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
To resynchronize your transmitter, stand close to your Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
vehicle and press and hold the lock and unlock • Passengers — especially children — can
buttons on the transmitter at the same time for
easily open the doors and fall out of a
15 seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm
moving vehicle. When a door is locked,
synchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see your
the handle will not open it. You increase
dealer for service.
the chance of being thrown out of the
vehicle in a crash if the doors are not
locked. So, wear safety belts properly and
lock the doors whenever you drive.
• Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
• Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.

2-8
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. Power Door Locks
You can use the keyless entry system, if equipped,
or you can also use your key. If your vehicle is equipped
with power door locks,
To lock the door from the press the raised side of
inside, slide the lever the switch, with the
rearward. To unlock lock symbol, on either front
the door, slide the door to lock all the doors
lever forward. at once.

Press the recessed side of the switch with the

unlock symbol, to unlock all the doors at once.
If your vehicle has the delayed locking feature,
see “Delayed Locking” later in this section.

2-9
 If your vehicle has this Delayed Locking
power door lock switch,
press the bottom of When locking the doors with the power lock switch or
the switch on either front the keyless entry transmitter and a door or the
door to lock all the liftgate (if equipped) is open, the delayed locking feature
doors at once. will delay locking the doors until five seconds after
the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to
signal that the delayed locking feature is in use.
Pressing the power lock switch or the lock button on the
keyless entry transmitter twice will override the delayed
locking feature and immediately lock all the doors.
You can turn the delayed locking feature off or back on
again by doing the following:
Press the top of the switch to unlock all the doors 1. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
at once. lock position.
The power door locks will operate at any time even 2. Press unlock twice on the remote keyless entry
when the ignition is off. transmitter.
Operating the power locks may interact with the This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition.
theft-deterrent system (if equipped). See Content
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17. You can also program this feature using the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See “Door Lock Delay” under
DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-70.

2-10
Programmable Automatic 2. Turn the key to RUN and LOCK twice. Then, with the
key in LOCK, release the turn signal/multifunction
Door Locks lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock switch
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic lock/unlock lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a
feature which enables you to program your vehicle’s 30 second program timer will begin. You are now
power door locks. You can program this feature ready to program the automatic door locks.
through the Driver Information Center (DIC), or by the 3. Select one of the two programming options listed
following method. previously, and press the lock side of the power
door lock switch to cycle through the lock options.
Programmable Locking Feature You will have 30 seconds to begin programming.
Following are the two available programming options: If you exceed the 30 second limit, the locks
will automatically lock and unlock and the horn
Mode 1: All doors lock when the transmission is shifted will chirp twice to indicate that you have left
into gear. the program mode. If this occurs, repeat the
Mode 2: All doors lock when the vehicle speed is procedure beginning with Step 1 to re-enter the
greater than 8 mph (13 km/h). programming mode.
The automatic door locks were pre-programmed at the You can exit the program mode any time by turning the
factory to lock all the doors when the transmission ignition to RUN (the locks will automatically lock and
is shifted into gear. The following instructions detail how unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you
to program your door locks differently than the factory are leaving the program mode). If the lock/unlock
setting. Choose one of the two programming options switches are not pressed while in the programming
listed above before entering the program mode. mode, the current auto lock/unlock setting will not
be modified.
To enter the program mode, do the following:
1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn See your dealer for more information.
signal/multifunction lever toward you and hold
it there while you perform the next step.

2-11
Programmable Unlocking Feature 3. You are now ready to program the automatic door
locks. Select one of the four programming options
The following is the list of available programming options: listed previously, and press the unlock side of
Mode 1: Driver’s door unlocks when the transmission is the power door lock switch to cycle through the
shifted into PARK (P). unlocking options. You will have 30 seconds
to begin programming. If you exceed the 30-second
Mode 2: All doors unlock when the transmission is limit, the locks will automatically lock and unlock
shifted into PARK (P). and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that
Mode 3: All doors unlock when the key is removed you have left the program mode. If this occurs,
from the ignition. repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1
to re-enter the programming mode.
Mode 4: No automatic door unlock.
You can exit the program mode any time by turning the
The automatic door locks were pre-programmed at the ignition to RUN. The locks will automatically lock and
factory to unlock the driver’s door once the transmission unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you
is shifted to PARK (P). The following instructions are leaving the program mode. If the lock/unlock
detail how to program your door locks differently than switches are not pressed while in the programming
the factory setting. Choose one of the four programming mode, the current auto lock/unlock setting will not
options listed above before entering the program mode. be modified.
To enter the program mode, do the following: See your dealer for more information.
1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn
signal/multifunction lever toward you and hold
it there while you perform the next step.
2. Turn the key to RUN and LOCK twice. Then, with the
key in LOCK, release the turn signal/multifunction
lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock switch
lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a
30-second program timer will begin.

2-12
Rear Door Security Locks To use one of the locks do the following:
1. Open one of the rear doors.
If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, you can
lock the rear side doors so they cannot be opened from 2. To engage the rear door security locks, move the
the inside by passengers. lever forward.
3. To disengage the lock, move the lever rearward.
This feature is located on
the inside edge of the 4. Close the door.
rear doors. 5. Do the same thing to the other rear door.
The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open the rear door while the security lock is engaged,
unlock the door and open the door from the outside.

Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from locking your key in the
vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a door
is open.
If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open
and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock
and then the driver’s door will unlock.

2-13
Liftgate Liftgate Glass and Liftgate
To open a mechanical lock system from the outside,
insert the key into the lock and turn it counterclockwise
{CAUTION: to unlock the glass and liftgate.
The liftgate glass can be opened using the button on
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate the liftgate after the doors have been unlocked.
glass, liftgate or rear doors open because This can be done by using either the power door locks
carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your or the remote keyless entry system.
vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can
To open the entire liftgate, lift the handle located in the
cause unconsciousness and even death. center of the door.
If you must drive with the liftgate glass, To lock a power lock system from the outside, insert the
liftgate, or rear doors open, or if electrical key into the lock button and turn clockwise. All doors will
wiring or other cable connections must pass lock. You may also use the keyless entry system or the
through the seal between the body and the power door locks to lock the liftgate and liftgate glass.
liftgate glass, liftgate, or rear doors:
• Make sure all other windows are shut.
• Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
setting on VENT or OUTSIDE AIR. That will
force outside air into your vehicle. See
Climate Control System on page 3-21.
• If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See Engine Exhaust on page 2-40.

2-14
Windows

{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the extreme heat
and suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a child,
a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows closed in warm
or hot weather.

Manual Windows
Turn the hand crank on each door to manually raise or
lower the manual windows.

2-15
Power Windows Express-Down Windows
If you have power windows, the controls are located on The driver and front passenger windows have an
each of the side doors. express-down feature that allows the windows to be
lowered without holding the switch. Press down fully on
the window switch, then release, to activate the
express-down mode. The express-down mode can be
canceled at any time by pulling up on the switch.
To open the window in small amounts, press the switch
to the first depression position until the window is at
the desired position.

Lock-Out Switch
If you have power windows, the driver’s door power
window switch has a lock-out feature. The lock-out
switch is located in front of the power window switches.
This feature prevents all passenger windows from
operating, except from the driver’s position. To engage
the lock-out feature press the switch, and an indicator
light will illuminate. To disengage the feature, press the
The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger and switch again and the indicator light will go off.
rear windows as well. Your power windows will
work when the ignition has been turned to ACCESSORY
or RUN or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is Sun Visors
active. See Ignition Positions on page 2-20. To block out glare, you can swing down the top and
Press the switch to lower the window. bottom visors (if equipped). You can also swing
the bottom visor from side-to-side. Your visors may
Pull up the front edge of the switch to raise the window. have an extension that can be pulled out for additional
glare protection.

2-16
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror This message reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent
system. Here’s how to do it:
If equipped, pull the sun visor down and lift the mirror
1. Open the door.
cover to turn on the lamps. There is a slide switch
to adjust the brightness of the lamps. 2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The security light
should come on and flash. If using the remote
Theft-Deterrent Systems keyless entry transmitter, the door does not need
to be open.
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent If the delayed locking feature is active, the alarm
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it will not be activated until all doors are closed
impossible to steal. and the security light goes off.
3. Close all doors. The security light will stop flashing
Content Theft-Deterrent and stay solid. The light should go off after
approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed
Your vehicle may be equipped with a content until the security light goes off.
theft-deterrent alarm system.
If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless
With this system, the entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s
security light will flash as headlamps will flash and the horn will sound for about
you open the door, with the two minutes, then will turn off to save the battery power.
ignition off, to let you
know that you are
activating the system.

2-17
Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate Testing the Alarm
if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless 1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
entry transmitter. You should also remember that you and open the driver’s door.
can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the
alarm has been set off. 2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident: with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
• If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent 3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
system, the vehicle should be locked with the door the security light to go out.
key after the doors are closed.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the
• Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote door with the manual door lock and open the
keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any door. This should set off the alarm.
other way will set off the alarm if the system
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
has been armed.
vehicle’s headlamps flash, check to see if the horn
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace
with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110.
UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter or
If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s headlamps
by placing the key in the ignition and turning it to
do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an
START.
authorized service center.

2-18
Passlock® Starting and Operating
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock ®
Your Vehicle
theft-deterrent system.
Passlock® is a passive theft-deterrent system. New Vehicle Break-In
Passlock® enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled. break-in. But it will perform better in the long
If the engine stalls and the security light flashes, wait run if you follow these guidelines:
until the light stops flashing before trying to restart the • Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less
engine. Remember to release the key from START for the first 500 miles (805 km).
as soon as the engine starts.
• Do not drive at any one speed — fast or
If the engine is running and the security light comes on, slow — for the first 500 miles (805 km).
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine Do not make full-throttle starts.
off. However, your Passlock® system is not working
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your • Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
vehicle is not protected by Passlock® at this time. You (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
Breakers on page 5-110. See your dealer for service. linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance every time you get new brake linings.
Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
• Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a
Trailer on page 4-62 for more information.

2-19
Ignition Positions B (Accessory): This position lets you use things
like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off.
Notice: Lengthy operation of features such as the
radio in the accessory ignition position may drain
the battery and prevent your vehicle from starting.
Do not operate your vehicle in the accessory ignition
position for a long period of time.
C (Run): This is the position for driving.
D (Start): This position starts the engine.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain
Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four different features on your vehicle to continue to work up to
positions. 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF.
Your radio, power windows, sunroof (if equipped), and
A (Lock): This position locks the ignition and
OnStar® System (if equipped) will work when the ignition
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will
key is in RUN or ACCESSORY. Once the key is
only be able to remove the key when the ignition
turned from RUN to LOCK, these features will continue
is turned to LOCK.
to work for up to 10 minutes or until a door is opened.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If none
of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

2-20
Starting Your Engine 2. If it does not start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
Your vehicle is equipped with Starter Motor Control. hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
This feature assists in starting the engine and protects starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
the electrical system. This feature may cause the engine pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
to crank even after the ignition key is not in START. When starting your engine in very cold weather
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). (below 0°F or −18°C), do this:
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
a safety feature. To restart when you are already ignition key to START and hold it there up to
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of
Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your the key.
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the 2. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
vehicle is stopped. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, START for about three seconds. When the engine
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the
your engine gets warm. vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing, but this time keep the pedal down
Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than for five or six seconds. This clears the extra
15 seconds at a time will disengage the starter motor, gasoline from the engine.
cause your battery to be drained much sooner, and
add excessive heat that can damage your starter Notice: Your engine is designed to work with the
motor. Try not to hold the key in START for longer electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
than 15 seconds and wait about 15 seconds between parts or accessories, you could change the way the
each try to help avoid draining your battery or engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
damaging your starter. check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.

2-21
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal Engine Coolant Heater
If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, you can Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine
change the position of the throttle and brake pedals. coolant heater.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
the pedals can not move farther away from the standard coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
position, but can move toward the driver for better
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
pedal reach.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
The vehicle must be in PARK (P) for this feature
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
to operate. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord.
This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater
on the driver’s side
door panel. when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as
noted on the cord.

Press the arrow at the end of the switch closest to you

to move the pedals closer to your body. Press the
arrow at the far end of the switch to move the pedals
away from your body.

2-22
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
1. Turn off the engine. from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. damaged.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
engine compartment, near the power steering fluid in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
reservoir. kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
{CAUTION: for that particular area.

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet

could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a fire. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

2-23
Automatic Transmission Operation
CAUTION: (Continued)
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
and features an electronic shift position indicator when you are on fairly level ground, always set
within the instrument panel cluster. This display must be your parking brake and move the shift lever
powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) on
moved out of PARK (P). page 2-37. If you are pulling a trailer, see
PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It is Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.

{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the will be free to roll — even if your shift lever
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the is in PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is drive gear, two-wheel high (2H) or four-wheel
running unless you have to. If you have left high (4H) or four-wheel low (4L) — not in
the engine running, the vehicle can move NEUTRAL. See Shifting Into Park (P) on
suddenly. You or others could be injured. page 2-37.
CAUTION: (Continued)

2-24
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
is moving forward could damage the transmission. by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, need more power for passing, and you are:
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, • Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h),
see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
page 4-50.
• Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more,
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not push the accelerator all the way down.
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are You will shift down to the next gear and have
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use more power.
NEUTRAL (N) when your two-wheel drive vehicle
is being towed. DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer,
carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for
off-road driving. You may want to shift the transmission
{CAUTION: to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection
if the transmission shifts too often.

Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving,
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless however it offers more power and lower fuel economy
your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your than DRIVE (D).
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.

2-25
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but Tow/Haul Mode
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use your brakes off and on.
If you manually select SECOND (2) in a light duty
automatic transmission, the transmission will drive in
second gear. You may use this feature for reducing the
speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start
your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission will not shift into
first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tow/Haul mode.
one place on a hill using only the accelerator If so, the selector button is located on the end of
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are the column shift lever. You can use this feature to assist
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, when towing or hauling a heavy load. See Towing a
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. Trailer on page 4-62 for more information.
On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your
transmission is designed to shift differently until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is
intended to improve heater performance.

2-26
 When Tow/Haul mode is Four-Wheel Drive
selected the Tow/Haul
indicator light will If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your
illuminate. engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra
traction. To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel
drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read
the part that follows before using four-wheel drive.
See the appropriate text for the transfer case in your
vehicle.
The Tow/Haul mode also interacts with the Autoride™
feature, if your vehicle is so equipped, to enhance Notice: Driving on clean, dry pavement in
the ride when trailering or with a loaded vehicle. four-wheel drive for an extended period of time may
See Autoride™ on page 4-61. cause premature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain.
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel
drive for extended periods of time.

Front Axle Locking Feature

The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when
you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to
lock or unlock is normal.

2-27
Automatic Transfer Case You can choose among four driving settings:
h (2HI): This setting is used for driving in most street
and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged
{CAUTION: in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the
best fuel economy.
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road
cause your vehicle to roll even if the conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the vehicle
the parking brake before placing the transfer senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically
case in NEUTRAL. See Parking Brake on engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in
page 2-36. slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI.
G (4HI): Use the 4HI position when you need extra
The transfer case buttons traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most
are located to the left of off-road situations. This setting also engages your front
the instrument panel axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting
cluster. to use when plowing snow.
For four-wheel drive 5(4LO): This setting also engages your front axle
vehicles with StabiliTrak®, and delivers extra torque. You may never need this
see StabiliTrak® System setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels.
on page 4-11. You might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in deep
sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing or descending
steep hills. Four-wheel drive vehicles with StabiliTrak®
will not engage in this mode. See StabiliTrak®
System on page 4-11 for more information.
Use these buttons to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.

2-28
 Indicator lights in the button show which setting you
are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when you
{CAUTION: turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights
do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can dealer for service. An indicator light will flash while
cause your vehicle to roll even if the shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when
the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set last chosen setting.
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. See Parking Brake on If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should
page 2-36. take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See “Service
4WD message” under Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-54.
NEUTRAL (N): Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to Shifting Into 4HI or AUTO 4WD
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-57 or Towing Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD button.
Your Vehicle on page 4-57 for more information. This can be done at any speed, except when shifting
from 4LO, and the indicator light will flash while shifting.
It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 2HI
Press and release the 2HI button. This can be done at
any speed, except when shifting from 4LO.

2-29
Shifting Into 4LO Shifting Out of 4LO
To shift to the 4LO position, the ignition must be in RUN To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI,
and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than your vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N)
The preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have and the ignition in RUN. The preferred method for
your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). shifting out of 4LO is to have your vehicle moving
Press and release the 4LO button. You must wait for 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4HI,
the 4LO indicator light to stop flashing and remain AUTO 4WD or 2HI button. You must wait for the 4HI,
illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear. AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light to stop flashing
and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before into gear.
the 4LO indicator light has stopped flashing could
damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before
your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO indicator light the 4LO indicator light has stopped flashing could
to stop flashing before shifting the transmission damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging
into gear. your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO indicator light
to stop flashing before shifting the transmission
It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant into gear.
engagement noise and bump when shifting between
4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant
engine running. engagement noise and bump when shifting between
4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the
If the 4LO button is pressed when your vehicle is in engine running.
gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI,
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light will flash for
the transfer case will shift to 4HI mode. 30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and
the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).

2-30
Shifting into NEUTRAL Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following: To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
not roll. brake pedal.
2. Set the parking brake. 2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn
the ignition to RUN with the engine off.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
4. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle. position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD OR 4LO).
5. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). 4. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
6. Shift the transfer case to 2HI. the NEUTRAL light will go out.
7. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO 5. Release the parking brake.
buttons for 10 seconds. The NEUTRAL light will 6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
come on when the transfer case shift to NEUTRAL desired position.
is complete.
Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the
8. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one different modes may cause the transfer case to enter the
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) shift protection mode. This will protect the transfer case
for one second. from possible damage and will only allow the transfer
9. Turn the ignition to LOCK. case to respond to one shift per 10 seconds. The transfer
case may stay in this mode for up to three minutes.
10. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
11. Release the parking brake prior to towing.

2-31
All-Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak® The three modes you can choose between are:

With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels d (StabiliTrak®): This button is used to enable or
all the time. disable the StabiliTrak® on and off and is also used to
shift the transfer case into Neutral (N). For more
AWD is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate information on using StabiliTrak®, see StabiliTrak®
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front System on page 4-11.
axle. It is fully automatic, and when combined with
StabiliTrak®, the AWD system adjust itself as needed f (All-Wheel Drive): This button allows the transfer
for road conditions. case to distribute power to all four wheels as needed
depending on road and driving conditions.
The transfer case buttons
are located to the left of g (4LO): This button allows the transfer case to
the instrument panel delivers extra torque to the wheels, and provides for
cluster. Use these buttons precise control of wheel speed by engine braking.
to shift between the You may never need this setting. It sends maximum
various modes of power to all four wheels. You might choose 4LO if you
four-wheel drive. are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep
snow and climbing or descending steep hills.

2-32
 Indicator lights in the buttons show which mode you
are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when
{CAUTION: you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights
do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can dealer for service. An indicator light will flash while
cause your vehicle to roll even if the the transfer case is shifting. It will remain illuminated
when the shift is complete. If for some reason the
transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone
transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will
else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set return to the last chosen setting.
the parking brake before placing the transfer
case in NEUTRAL. See Parking Brake on If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you
should take your vehicle to your dealer for service.
page 2-36.
See SERVICE 4WD under Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
N (Neutral): Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to
NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-57 or Towing
Your Vehicle on page 4-57 for more information.

2-33
Shifting Into 4LO Shifting Out of 4LO
To shift to the 4LO position, the ignition must be in RUN To shift from 4LO to all-wheel drive, your vehicle must
and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition
Press and release the 4LO switch. You must wait for in RUN. Press and release the all-wheel drive button.
the 4LO indicator light to stop flashing and remain You must wait for the AWD indicator light to stop
illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear. flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your
transmission into gear.
Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before
the 4LO indicator light has stopped flashing could If the All-Wheel Drive button is pressed when your
damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the All-Wheel Drive
your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO indicator light indicator light will flash for 30 seconds but will not
to stop flashing before shifting the transmission complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less
into gear. than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the transmission is in
NEUTRAL (N).
If the 4LO button is pressed when your vehicle is in
gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your
vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the
transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds, the
transfer case will return to the setting last chosen.
When in 4LO, StabiliTrak® is automatically disabled.
For more information see StabiliTrak® System on
page 4-11.

2-34
Shifting Into NEUTRAL Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL, do the following: To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following:
1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll. 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
brake pedal.
2. Set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN.
ignition to RUN with the engine off.
4. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
5. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). position (All-Wheel Drive or 4LO).
6. Shift the transfer case to All-Wheel Drive. 4. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL
7. Simultaneously press and hold the StabiliTrak® and the NEUTRAL light will go out.
4LO buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL 5. Release the parking brake.
light will come on when the transfer case shift
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the
to NEUTRAL is complete.
desired position.
8. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P).
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK.
11. Release the parking brake prior to towing.

2-35
Parking Brake If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can
brake pedal with your left foot. overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
A chime will activate and the warning light will flash when the parking brake is fully released and the brake
the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at warning light is off before driving.
least 3 mph (5 km/h) for at least three seconds.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake

pedal down. Pull the bottom edge of the lever, located
above the parking brake pedal, with the parking
brake symbol, to release the parking brake.

2-36
Shifting Into Park (P) 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
{CAUTION: as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle in NEUTRAL (N).
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can 4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
roll. If you have left the engine running, the 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. With
four-wheel drive, if your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
in NEUTRAL. If you are pulling a trailer,
see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.

2-37
Leaving Your Vehicle With the If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
Engine Running parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
{CAUTION: shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it
toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into PARK (P).
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle could Torque Lock
move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the
to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
So be sure the transfer case is in a drive To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
gear — not in NEUTRAL.
driver’s seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park (P)
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine on page 2-37.
running, it could overheat and even catch fire. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
You or others could be injured. Do not leave PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
your vehicle with the engine running unless
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
you have to.
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-38
Shifting Out of Park (P) Parking Over Things That Burn
Automatic Transmission
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P)
when the ignition is in the LOCK position. You have
to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift
from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-24.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then,
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift
out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY. There is no shift
interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
{CAUTION:
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear you want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as you can. Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other
things that can burn.

2-39
Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
{CAUTION: It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. {CAUTION:
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Idling the engine with the climate control
• Your exhaust system sounds strange
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
or different.
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
• Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Engine Exhaust on page 2-40.
• Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
• Your vehicle was damaged when driving
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
over high points on the road or over
road debris. the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
• Repairs were not done correctly. One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
• Your vehicle or exhaust system had been NEVER park in a garage with the engine
modified improperly.
running.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
your vehicle:
See Winter Driving on page 4-45.
• Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
• Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

2-40
{CAUTION: {CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with case in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll,
the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not
is running unless you have to. If you have left in NEUTRAL. Always set your parking brake.
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even not move. See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-37.
when you are on fairly level ground, always set
If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer
your parking brake and move the shift lever
on page 4-62.
to PARK (P).

2-41
Mirrors Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located to the far left, briefly to
Manual Rearview Mirror turn the compass/temperature display on or off.
If the display reads CAL, the compass needs to be
Pull the tab under the mirror toward you to reduce glare calibrated. For more information, see “Compass
from headlamps behind you after dark. Push the tab Calibration” following.
away from you for normal daytime operation.
To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius, do the
following:
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
1. Press and hold the on/off button for approximately
with OnStar®, Compass and four seconds until either a flashing F or C appears.
Temperature Display 2. Press the button again to change the display to the
desired unit of measurement. After approximately
Your vehicle may have this feature. When on, the four seconds of inactivity, the new unit will be locked
automatic dimming mirror dims to the proper level to in and the compass/temperature display will return.
minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
The mirror has a dual display in the upper right corner extended period of time, please see your GM dealer.
of the mirror face that shows the compass reading Under certain circumstances, a delay in updating
and the outside temperature. the temperature is normal.
Control buttons for the OnStar® system are at the bottom
of the mirror. See OnStar® System on page 2-51 for
more information about the services OnStar® provides.
P (On/Off): This is the on/off button.

2-42
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation To adjust for compass variance, do the following:
1. Find your current location and variance zone
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on number on the following zone map.
automatically each time the ignition is started. To operate
the automatic dimming mirror, do the following:
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 for approximately six seconds
until the green light comes on, indicating that the
mirror is in automatic dimming mode.
2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function
by pressing and holding the on/off button for
approximately six seconds, until the green indicator
light turns off.
Compass Variance
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory.
It will be necessary to adjust the compass to
compensate for compass variance if the vehicle is
outside of zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as
2. Press and hold the on/off button until a Z and a
during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be
zone number appears in the display. The compass
necessary to adjust for compass variance. Compass
is now in zone mode.
variance is the difference between earth’s magnetic
north and true geographic north. If not adjusted 3. Keep pressing the on/off button until the desired
to account for compass variance, the compass could zone number appears in the display. Release the
give false readings. button. After approximately four seconds of
inactivity, the new zone number will be locked in
and the compass/temperature display will return.
4. Calibrate the compass as described next.

2-43
Compass Calibration Passenger Air Bag Indicator
The compass may need calibration if one of the The vehicle may be equipped with a passenger airbag
following occurs: indicator, on the mirror glass, just above the buttons.
For more information, see Passenger Sensing System
• After approximately five seconds, the display does on page 1-76 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
not show a compass heading, N for North, for on page 3-40.
example, there may be a strong magnetic field
interfering with the compass. Such interference may Cleaning the Mirror
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item. When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
• The compass does not display the correct heading glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
and the compass zone variance is set correctly. the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
the on/off button for approximately 12 seconds or
until CAL is displayed.
with Compass and Temperature
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
Display
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature. When on,
reads a direction. an automatic dimming mirror will dim to the proper level to
minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the upper
right corner of the mirror with the compass reading and
the outside temperature. The display can be turned
on or off by briefly pressing either the TEMP or the
COMP button.

2-44
Temperature Display Compass Operation
The temperature can be displayed by pressing the Press the COMP button once briefly to turn the compass
TEMP button. Pressing the TEMP button once briefly, on or off.
will toggle the temperature reading on and off. To When the ignition is started and the compass feature is
alternate the temperature reading between Fahrenheit on, the compass will show two character boxes for
and Celsius, press and hold the TEMP button for
approximately two seconds. After two seconds,
approximately four seconds until the display blinks F the mirror will display the compass heading.
and C. Press and release the TEMP button to toggle
between the Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. After Compass Calibration
approximately four seconds of inactivity, the display will
The compass may need calibration if one of the
stop blinking and display the last selection made.
following occurs:
Press and release the TEMP button to toggle the • If CAL is displayed while driving in the vehicle.
temperature display between Fahrenheit or Celsius.
• After approximately five seconds, the display
If an abnormal reading is displayed, please consult your does not show a compass heading, N for North,
GM dealer. for example, there may be a strong magnetic field
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
Press and hold the TEMP button for approximately note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
eight seconds to turn the automatic dimming feature • The compass does not display the correct heading
on or off. The indicator light to the left of the TEMP and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
button will turn on or off to indicate when the feature In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
is on. Once the mirror is turned off, it will remain off until mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
it is turned back on, or until the vehicle is restarted. in the COMP button for approximately eight seconds
or until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle
in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.

2-45
Compass Variance To adjust for compass variance:
1. Find your current location and variance zone
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory.
number on the following zone map.
It will be necessary to adjust the compass to
compensate for compass variance if the vehicle is
outside zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as
during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be
necessary to adjust for compass variance. Compass
variance is the difference between earth’s magnetic
north and true geographic north. If not adjusted
to account for compass variance, your compass could
give false readings.

2. Press and hold the COMP button for five seconds

until a zone number appears in the display.
3. Press the COMP button on the bottom of the mirror
until the new zone number appears in the display.
After you stop pressing the button, the display
will show a compass direction within a few seconds.

2-46
Passenger Air Bag Indicator Outside Camper-Type Mirrors
The mirror may be equipped with a passenger air bag
indicator on the mirror glass, just above the buttons.
If the vehicle has this feature, the mirror will display the
word ON, or an airbag symbol in Canada, when the
passenger airbag is enabled. See Passenger Sensing
System on page 1-76 for more information.

Cleaning the Mirror

Use a paper towel or similar material dampened with
glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror as that may cause the liquid cleaner to enter
the mirror housing.
If your vehicle is equipped with camper-type mirrors,
they can be adjusted so you can have a clear view
Outside Manual Mirrors of the objects behind you.
Adjust your outside mirrors so you can just see the Pull out the mirror head to extend it for better visibility
side of your vehicle and have a clear view of objects when towing a trailer.
behind you. The mirrors can be folded in to enter
narrow areas.
The use of hood-mounted air deflectors and add-on
convex mirror attachments may adversely affect mirror
performance.

2-47
Outside Power Mirrors Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror
If your vehicle is equipped If your vehicle is equipped with outside power
with power outside mirrors, camper-type mirrors, they can be adjusted so you
the controls are located can have a clear view of objects behind you.
on the driver’s door To extend the mirrors move the selector switch,
armrest. located above the mirror control, to the middle position.
The mirror control will illuminate. Press the left side
of the mirror control to slide the mirror heads away from
the body of the vehicle. Press the right side of the
mirror control to slide the mirror heads toward the body
of the vehicle.

Move the selector switch located above the control pad

to the left or right to choose the mirror you want to
adjust, then press the dots located on the four-way
control pad to adjust the mirror.

2-48
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors To fold or unfold the mirrors, move the selector switch,
located above the mirror control, to the middle
If your vehicle is equipped position. The mirror control will illuminate. Press the
with this feature, the right or left side of the mirror control to fold or unfold the
controls are located on the mirrors. You may notice the mirror glass adjust as the
driver’s door armrest. mirrors fold in; this is normal. The mirror glass will
reposition itself once the mirrors are unfolded.
If the mirrors are accidentally folded/unfolded manually,
they may shake or flutter at normal driving speeds
and may not stay in the unfolded position. If this
happens, you will need to reset the mirrors.
See “Resetting the Power Foldaway Mirrors” next.
Resetting the Power Foldaway Mirrors
Move the upper selector switch to the left or right to You will need to reset the power foldaway mirrors if the
choose the mirror you want to adjust; then press following occurs:
the dots located on the four-way control pad to adjust
the mirror. • They are accidentally manually folded/unfolded.
The mirrors may also include a memory function which • The mirrors will not stay in the unfolded position.
works together with the memory seats. See “Memory • The mirrors shake and flutter at normal driving
Seats” under Memory Seat on page 2-63 for more
speeds.
information.
To reset the power foldaway mirrors, fold and unfold
them at least three times using the mirror controls.
This will reset them to their normal position.

2-49
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror Outside Convex Mirror
If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, the Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
driver’s outside mirror will adjust for the glare of mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from
headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled by the driver’s seat.
the on and off settings found on the electrochromic
mirror. See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass and Temperature Display on page 2-44. {CAUTION:
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors A convex mirror can make things (like other
If the vehicle has the memory package, the outside vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
mirrors are able to perform the curb view assist mirror If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
function. This feature will cause the passenger’s and/or could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
driver’s mirror to tilt to a preselected position when the inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
vehicle is in REVERSE (R). This feature may be useful in before changing lanes.
allowing the driver to view the curb when parallel parking.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (R) and a
short delay has occurred, the passenger’s and/or driver’s
mirror will return to its original position. Outside Heated Mirrors
To change the preselected tilt position, adjust the The vehicle may have outside heated mirrors which
mirrors to the desired position while the vehicle is in help clear them of condensation, snow, and ice.
REVERSE (R). When the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE (R), this new position is saved in memory When the rear window defogger button is pressed, the
as the tilt position. heated mirrors are also turned on. See “Rear Window
Defogger” under Dual Automatic Climate Control System
This feature can be turned on or off through the on page 3-24 for more information.
Driver Information Center (DIC).

2-50
OnStar® System Safe and Sound Plan
OnStar® uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
• Automatic Notification of Airbag Deployment
technology, wireless communications, and call centers • Emergency Services
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services.
• Roadside Assistance
A complete OnStar® user’s guide and the terms and
• Stolen Vehicle Tracking
conditions of the OnStar® Subscription Service • AccidentAssist
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com
• Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
or www.onstarcanada.com. Contact OnStar® at • Remote Diagnostics
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the
OnStar® button to speak to an OnStar® advisor 24 hours
• Information and Convenience Services
a day, 7 days a week. • Online Concierge
Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service Directions and Connections Plan
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com. • All Safe and Sound Plan Services
® • Driving Directions
OnStar Services
®
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar , the Safe and • RideAssist
Sound Plan is included for the first year. You can • Information and Convenience Services
extend this plan beyond the first year, or upgrade to the
Directions and Connections Plan to meet your needs.
For more information, press the OnStar® button to speak
to an advisor.

2-51
OnStar® Personal Calling OnStar® Steering Wheel Controls
As an OnStar® subscriber, the Personal Calling A steering wheel control can be used to interact with
capability is available if your hand-held cell phone is the OnStar® personal calling feature.
lost, forgotten, or has a low battery. It is a hands-free
wireless phone that is integrated into the vehicle. Press the control with
Calls can be placed nationwide using simple voice this symbol on the
commands with no additional contracts and no additional steering wheel to make
roaming charges. To find out more about OnStar® a phone call.
Personal Calling, refer to the OnStar® user’s guide in
the vehicle’s glove box, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com; or speak to an OnStar®
advisor by pressing the OnStar® button or calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
When calling into voice mail systems, or to dial directory
OnStar® Virtual Advisor numbers, press the control, say the number(s), then
say “dial”.
Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar® Personal Calling
that uses minutes to access up-to-date weather and See the OnStar® user’s guide for more information.
traffic reports for your area, news and sports updates,
stock quotes, entertainment, and more. You are
also able to listen and reply to E-mail through the
vehicle’s audio system. Customize your information
profile at www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar® user’s
guide for more information.

2-52
HomeLink® Transmitter This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including
HomeLink® a combined universal transmitter and interference that may cause undesired operation of
receiver, provides a way to replace up to three hand-held the device.
transmitters used to activate devices such as gate Changes and modifications to this system by other than
operators, garage door openers, entry door locks, an authorized service facility could void authorization
security systems and home lighting. Additional to use this equipment.
HomeLink® information can be found on the Internet at
www.homelink.com or by calling 1-800-355-3515.

2-53
Programming the HomeLink® Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage
door or gate operator you are programming. When
Transmitter programming a garage door, it is advised to park outside
of the garage.
Do not use the HomeLink® Transmitter with any garage
door opener that does not have the “stop and reverse” It is recommended that a new battery be installed in
feature. This includes any garage door opener model your hand-held transmitter for quicker and more
manufactured before April 1, 1982. If you have a newer accurate transmission of the radio frequency.
garage door opener with rolling codes, please be
sure to follow Steps 6 through 8 to complete the Programming HomeLink®
programming of your HomeLink® Transmitter. Your vehicle’s engine should be turned off while
Read the instructions completely before attempting to programming the transmitter. Follow these steps to
program the HomeLink® Transmitter. Because of program up to three channels:
the steps involved, it may be helpful to have another 1. Press and hold down the two outside buttons,
person available to assist you in programming releasing only when the indicator light begins to
the transmitter. flash, after 20 seconds. Do not hold down the
Keep the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as buttons for longer than 30 seconds and do not
well as for future HomeLink® programming. It is also repeat this step to program a second and/or third
recommended that upon the sale of the vehicle, the transmitter to the remaining two HomeLink® buttons.
programmed HomeLink® buttons should be erased for 2. Position the end of your hand-held transmitter about
security purposes. Refer to “Erasing HomeLink® Buttons” 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from the HomeLink®
or, for assistance, contact HomeLink® on the Internet at: buttons while keeping the indicator light in view.
www.homelink.com or by calling 1-800-355-3515.

2-54
3. Simultaneously press and hold both the desired 6. Locate in the garage, the garage door opener
button on HomeLink® and the hand-held transmitter receiver (motor-head unit). Locate the “Learn”
button. Do not release the buttons until Step 4 or “Smart” button. This can usually be found where
has been completed. the hanging antenna wire is attached to the
Some entry gates and garage door openers may motor-head unit.
require you to substitute Step 3 with the procedure 7. Firmly press and release the “Learn” or “Smart”
noted in “Gate Operator and Canadian button. The name and color of the button may
Programming” later in this section. vary by manufacturer.
4. The indicator light will flash slowly at first and then You will have 30 seconds to start Step 8.
rapidly after HomeLink® successfully receives the 8. Return to the vehicle. Firmly press and hold the
frequency signal from the hand-held transmitter. programmed HomeLink® button for two seconds,
Release both buttons. then release. Repeat the press/hold/release
5. Press and hold the newly-trained HomeLink® button sequence a second time, and depending on the
and observe the indicator light. brand of the garage door opener (or other rolling
If the indicator light stays on constantly, code device), repeat this sequence a third time
programming is complete and your device should to complete the programming.
activate when the HomeLink® button is pressed and HomeLink® should now activate your rolling-code
released. equipped device.
To program the remaining two HomeLink® buttons, To program the remaining two HomeLink® buttons,
begin with Step 2 under “Programming HomeLink®.” begin with Step 2 of “Programming HomeLink®.”
Do not repeat Step 1 as this will erase all of the You do not want to repeat Step 1, as this will erase
programmed channels. all previous programming.
If the indicator light blinks rapidly for two seconds
and then turns to a constant light, continue with
Steps 6 through 8 following to complete the
programming of a rolling-code equipped device
(most commonly, a garage door opener).

2-55
Gate Operator and Canadian Using HomeLink®
Programming Press and hold the appropriate HomeLink® button for
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter at least half of a second. The indicator light will come on
signals to “time out” or quit after several seconds of while the signal is being transmitted.
transmission. This may not be long enough for Erasing HomeLink® Buttons
HomeLink® to pick up the signal during programming.
Similarly, some U.S. gate operators are manufactured To erase programming from the three buttons do
to “time out” in the same manner. the following:
If you live in Canada, or you are having difficulty 1. Press and hold down the two outside buttons until
programming a gate operator by using the the indicator light begins to flash, after 20 seconds.
“Programming HomeLink® ” procedures (regardless of Do not hold the two outside buttons for longer
where you live), replace Step 3 under “Programming than 30 seconds.
HomeLink® ” with the following: 2. Release both buttons.
Continue to press and hold the HomeLink® button while HomeLink® is now in the train (learning) mode and can
you press and release every two seconds (cycle) be programmed at any time beginning with Step 2
your hand-held transmitter until the frequency signal under “Programming HomeLink® ” shown earlier in
has been successfully accepted by HomeLink®. this section.
The indicator light will flash slowly at first and then
rapidly. Proceed with Step 4 under “Programming Individual buttons cannot be erased, but they can be
HomeLink® ” to complete. reprogrammed. See “Reprogramming a Single
HomeLink® Button” following this section.

2-56
Reprogramming a Single Storage Areas
HomeLink® Button
To program a device to HomeLink® using a HomeLink® Glove Box
button previously trained, follow these steps:
Open the glove box by pulling the bottom of the
1. Press and hold the desired HomeLink® button. handle upward.
Do not release the button.
2. The indicator light will begin to flash after Cupholder(s)
20 seconds. While still holding the HomeLink®
button, proceed with Step 2 under “Programming Your vehicle may have cupholders located in the front
HomeLink® ” shown earlier in this section. and rear floor console or in the fold down armrest, and in
the quarter trim.
Resetting Defaults
To reset HomeLink® to default settings do the following: Front Storage Area
1. Hold down the two outside buttons for about
Your vehicle may be equipped with a center armrest
20 seconds until the indicator light begins to flash.
storage compartment in the front bench seat.
2. Continue to hold both buttons until the HomeLink®
indicator light turns off. To open it, fold down the armrest and press the latch
handle located at the front of the armrest. Then, let the
3. Release both buttons. lid pop up and swing open.
For questions or comments, contact HomeLink® The storage compartment may have a cassette/compact
at 1-800-355-3515, or on the Internet at disc holder.
www.homelink.com.

2-57
Center Console Storage Area To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re leaving,
check now and then to make sure the luggage and
Your vehicle may have a console compartment with cargo are still securely fastened.
cupholders between the bucket seats. Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.
To open it, press the button and swing the console • If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, place
lid open. the load in the area over the rear wheels (behind the
The rear of the console has a cupholder that swings rear side door on extended models). If you need to,
down for the rear seat passenger to use. cut a piece of 3/8 inch plywood to fit inside the
crossrails and siderails to spread the load. If plywood
is used, tie it to the siderail supports.
Luggage Carrier
• Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderail supports.
If you have the luggage carrier, you can load things on Use the crossrails only to keep the load from sliding.
top of your vehicle. To move the crossrails, pull out on the latch release
The luggage carrier has slats and siderails attached to handle at each end. Slide the crossrail to the desired
the roof and crossrails which can be moved back position balancing the force side to side. Push the
and forth to help secure cargo. Tie the load to the release handle back into the latched position and
siderails or siderail supports. slide the crossrail back and forth slightly to be sure
the latch snaps securely into place.
Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) or hangs over • If you need to carry long items, move the crossrails
the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage your as far apart as they will go. Tie the load to the
vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests on the slats crossrails and the siderails or siderail supports.
as far forward as possible and against the side rails, Also tie the load to the bumpers. Do not tie the load
making sure to fasten it securely. so tightly that the crossrails or siderails are damaged.
Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when • After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securely locked
loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle into the siderail.
capacity and loading, see “Loading Your Vehicle”.

2-58
Your vehicle has a Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Rear Storage Area
(CHMSL) located above the glass or above the rear
load doors. Your vehicle may have a storage compartment located
If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, care in the rear cargo area of the vehicle in the driver’s
should be taken not to block or damage the CHMSL unit. side trim panel.

If your vehicle has the Z71 option, your vehicle’s To open the utility compartment, press in on the release
luggage carrier has a roller crossrail at the rear of latch and swing the compartment door open.
the vehicle. To open the compartment on extended models, pull the
To load cargo, place cargo on the roller and roll the latch to access.
cargo forward onto the two front crossrails.
To move the crossrails do the following: Convenience Net
1. Loosen the thumbscrew at each end. The convenience net (if equipped) in the rear of your
2. Move crossrail to desired position. vehicle helps to keep small loads in place during sharp
turns or quick stops and starts.
3. Tighten the thumbscrews.
The net is not designed for larger, heavier items.
Make sure the crossrail is secured.
To install the net, attach the hooks to the raised cargo
tie downs. Then, attach the cord loops to the button
retainers in the side trim.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when
you’re not using it.

2-59
Cargo Cover To return the cover to the retracted position, do the
following:
1. Pull up on the cover handle to release the cover
posts from the retaining sockets.
{CAUTION:
2. Let the cover move forward to the full retracted
position.
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or To remove the cover from the vehicle, do the following:
sudden maneuver. You or others could be 1. Let the cover go all the way into the holder.
injured. If you remove the cover, always store 2. Then, grasping the passenger’s side cover endcap,
it in the proper storage location. When you push the cover endcap toward the driver’s side of
put it back, always be sure that it is securely the vehicle. The endcap should lock in the
reattached. compressed position.
3. Lift the cover up on the passenger’s side, swing the
If you have a cargo cover, you can use it to cover items cover rearward and take it out of the vehicle.
in the cargo area of your vehicle.
To use the cover, do the following:
1. Pull the cover handle toward the rear of the vehicle.
2. Latch the cover posts into the retaining sockets
on the cargo area trim panels.

2-60
To put the cover in the vehicle, do the following: Cargo Tie Downs
1. Make sure the cover slot in the holder faces
rearward with the round surface facing down. Your vehicle may be
equipped with cargo tie
2. Then, hold the cover at an angle and place the
downs in the rear
cover holder tab into the slot in the driver’s side
cargo area that allow you
trim panel.
to strap cargo in and
3. Move the other end of the cover forward and hold it keep it from moving inside
next to the passenger’s side trim panel slot. the vehicle.
4. Push the button on top of the passenger’s side
endcap. This will allow the cover to extend into
the trim slot.
5. Lightly pull on the cover holder to make sure
it is secure.
When not using the tie downs, flip them down out of
On some models there are two slots. The slots the way.
furthest forward allow the cover to be used if the
third seat is removed or folded down.

2-61
Sunroof The sunroof is also equipped with a sunshade which
you can pull forward to block sun rays. The sunshade
will not close when the sunroof is open.
If a hand, arm, or other object is blocking the sunroof
glass panel as it is closing, the glass panel will stop
at the obstruction. After the obstruction is removed, the
glass panel can be closed or opened.
Use care not to leave the sunroof open for long periods
of time as debris may collect in the tracts.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding If the battery has been recharged, disconnected or is
sunroof. To open or close your sunroof, the ignition or not working, you may need to reprogram the sunroof.
RAP needs to be active. See Retained Accessory Power To do this, start the vehicle and press the forward
(RAP) on page 2-20. side of the sunroof switch until the glass panel moves
to a fully closed position. Release, and press again
Press and release the rear side of the button located in
to move to the vent position which occurs when
the front overhead console to express-open the glass
the sunroof is fully tilted rearward. This will reset the
panel and sunshade. To close the glass panel, press
memory and enable the sunroof to function properly.
and hold the front of the button. The glass will not
be fully seated unless the button is held until the glass
stops moving. With the sunroof closed, press the
forward side of the button to open the sunroof to the
vent position.

2-62
Vehicle Personalization To store the settings, do the following:
1. While the vehicle is in PARK (P), adjust the driver’s
seat, including the seatback recliner, lumbar, and
Memory Seat side wing area, throttle and brake pedals and
both of the outside mirrors to your preference.
If your vehicle has this
feature, the controls 2. Press and hold the 1 or 2 button of the memory
for the memory function control for three seconds. A double chime will
are located on the sound to let you know that the position has
driver’s door. been stored.
To repeat the procedure for a second driver, follow
the preceding steps, but press the other numbered
memory control button.
Each time button 1 or 2 is pressed and released while
the vehicle is in PARK (P), a single chime will sound and
the memory position will be recalled.

These buttons are used to program and recall memory To stop recall movement of the memory seat feature at
settings for the driver’s seat, throttle and brake any time, press one of the memory buttons or power
pedals and both the driver’s and passenger’s outside seat controls.
mirrors. The settings for these features can be saved for
up to two drivers.

2-63
Easy Exit Seat To repeat the procedure for a second driver, follow the
preceding steps, but press the other numbered
The controls for this memory function are located on the memory control button.
driver’s door.
To use the seat exit position, do one of the following:
B (Easy Exit Seat): This button is used to program • Press the exit button on the memory control.
and recall the desired driver’s seat position when
exiting/entering the vehicle. The seat position can be • Or, if this feature is activated in the Driver
saved for up to two drivers. Information Center (DIC), removing the key from
the ignition will move the seat to the exit position.
To store the seat exit position, do the following:
See “Easy Exit Seat” under DIC Vehicle Customization
1. Press and release the 1 or 2 button. The seat will on page 3-70 for more information on activating this
move to the stored memory position. feature in the DIC.
2. Adjust the seat to the desired exit position.
3. Press and hold the exit button of the memory
control for three seconds. A double chime will sound
to let you know that the position has been stored
for the selected button (1 or 2).

2-64
 Section 3 Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview ...............................3-4 Front Reading Lamps ....................................3-19
Hazard Warning Flashers ................................3-6 Battery Run-Down Protection ..........................3-19
Other Warning Devices ...................................3-6 Accessory Power Outlets ...............................3-20
Horn .............................................................3-6 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter ........................3-20
Tilt Wheel .....................................................3-6 Climate Controls ............................................3-21
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever .........................3-7 Climate Control System .................................3-21
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ........................3-8 Dual Climate Control System ..........................3-22
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer ..................3-8 Dual Automatic Climate Control System ...........3-24
Flash-to-Pass .................................................3-9 Outlet Adjustment .........................................3-30
Windshield Wipers ..........................................3-9 Rear Air Conditioning System .........................3-31
Windshield Washer .......................................3-10 Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System .......3-32
Cruise Control ..............................................3-11 Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
Headlamps ..................................................3-14 and Electronic Climate Controls ...................3-34
Headlamps on Reminder ................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) .......................3-15 Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ............3-36
Automatic Headlamp System ..........................3-16 Instrument Panel Cluster ................................3-37
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-17 Speedometer and Odometer ...........................3-38
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp .........................3-17 Trip Odometer ..............................................3-38
Instrument Panel Brightness ...........................3-18 Tachometer .................................................3-38
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-18 Safety Belt Reminder Light .............................3-39
Dome Lamp Override ....................................3-18 Airbag Readiness Light ..................................3-39
Entry Lighting ...............................................3-18 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ...................3-40
Exit Lighting .................................................3-19 Battery Warning Light ....................................3-41

3-1
 Section 3 Instrument Panel
Voltmeter Gage ............................................3-42 Audio System(s) .............................................3-76
Brake System Warning Light ..........................3-42 Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light .............3-44 Data Systems (RDS) ..................................3-77
Traction Off Light ..........................................3-44 Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage ..................3-45 Data Systems (RDS) ..................................3-77
Transmission Temperature Gage .....................3-46 AM-FM Radio ...............................................3-78
Tire Pressure Light .......................................3-47 Radio with CD ..............................................3-81
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............................3-48 Radio with Cassette and CD ..........................3-91
Oil Pressure Gage ........................................3-51 Radio with Six-Disc CD ................................3-105
Security Light ...............................................3-52 Rear Seat Entertainment System ...................3-119
Cruise Control Light ......................................3-52 Navigation/Radio System ..............................3-130
Highbeam On Light .......................................3-52 Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ................................3-130
Four-Wheel-Drive Light ..................................3-52 Theft-Deterrent Feature ................................3-132
Tow/Haul Mode Light ....................................3-53 Audio Steering Wheel Controls ......................3-132
Fuel Gage ...................................................3-53 Radio Reception .........................................3-133
Low Fuel Warning Light .................................3-53 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ...............3-134
Driver Information Center (DIC) .......................3-54 Care of Your CDs and DVDs ........................3-135
DIC Operation and Displays ...........................3-55 Care of Your CD and DVD Player .................3-135
DIC Warnings and Messages .........................3-58 Fixed Mast Antenna ....................................3-135
DIC Vehicle Customization .............................3-70 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ............3-135
Chime Level Adjustment ...............................3-135

3-2
✍ NOTES

3-3
Instrument Panel Overview

3-4
A. Dome Lamp Override Button. See “Dome Lamps” K. Instrument Panel Fuse Block. See Instrument Panel
under Dome Lamp Override on page 3-18. Fuse Block on page 5-110.
B. Headlamp Controls. See Headlamps on page 3-14. L. Hood Release. See Hood Release on page 5-11.
C. Air Outlets. See Outlet Adjustment on page 3-30. M. Steering Wheel Control Buttons (If Equipped).
D. Automatic Transfer Case/StabiliTrak® Mode Button See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
(AWD Vehicles)/Traction Assist System (TAS). N. Center Instrument Panel Utility Block. See Center
See Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-27. Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-112.
E. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See Turn O. Tilt Wheel Lever. See Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7. P. Parking Brake Release. See Parking Brake on
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. See Instrument Panel page 2-36.
Cluster on page 3-37. Q. Lighter. See Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
G. Gearshift Lever. See Automatic Transmission page 3-20. Accessory Power Outlets. See Accessory
Operation on page 2-24. Power Outlets on page 3-20.
H. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped). R. Storage Area (If Equipped). See “Storage Areas”
See Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-26. in Section 2.
I. Audio System. See Audio System(s) on page 3-76. S. Ashtray. See Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
J. Dual Climate Control System. See Dual Climate page 3-20.
Control System on page 3-22. Dual Automatic T. Glovebox. See Glove Box on page 2-57.
Climate Control System Dual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-24.

3-5
Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They If you carry reflective triangles, you can set them up at
also let police know you have a problem. Your front the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off. your vehicle.

The hazard warning

flasher button is located Horn
on top of the steering To sound the horn, press the center pad on the
column. steering wheel.

Tilt Wheel
If your vehicle is equipped with a tilt wheel, it will allow
Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive.
position your key is in, and even if the key is not You can raise it to the highest level to give your legs
in the ignition. more room when you exit and enter your vehicle.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals will not work.

3-6
 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the steering column

includes the following:
The tilt steering wheel lever is located on the lower left • G Turn and Lane Change Signals. See Turn and
side of the column. Lane-Change Signals on page 3-8.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the • 3 Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer. See
lever. Then move the steering wheel to a comfortable Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
position and release the lever to lock the wheel in place. • Flash-to-Pass. See Flash-to-Pass on page 3-9.
• N Windshield Wipers. See Windshield Wipers
on page 3-9.
• L Windshield Washer. See Windshield Washer
on page 3-10.
• I Cruise Control. See Cruise Control on page 3-11.
For information on the headlamps, see Headlamps on
page 3-14.

3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and a blown fuse.
downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-110.
to signal a turn or a lane change.
Turn Signal On Chime
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or
down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return If your turn signal is left on for more than 3/4 of a mile
automatically. (1.2 km), a chime will sound at each flash of the
turn signal and the message TURN SIGNAL ON will
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever also appear in the DIC. To turn the chime and message
until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you off, move the turn signal lever to the off position.
complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself
when you release it. Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
An arrow on the instrument 53(Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer): To
panel cluster will flash in change the headlamps from low to high beam, push the
the direction of the lever toward the instrument panel. To return to
turn or lane change. low-beam headlamps, pull the multifunction lever toward
you. Then release it.

When the high beams are

on, this indicator light on
the instrument panel
As you signal a turn or a lane change, if the arrows
cluster will also be on.
flash more quickly than normal, a signal bulb may
be burned out and other drivers won’t see your
turn signal.

3-8
Flash-to-Pass N(Delay): You can set the wiper speed for a long or
short delay between wipes. This can be very useful
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to in light rain or snow. Turn the band to choose the delay
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass. time. The closer to the top of the lever, the shorter
It works even if your headlamps are in the automatic the delay.
position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you, then 6 (Low Speed): For steady wiping at low speed,
release it. turn the band away from you to the first solid band past
the delay settings. For high-speed wiping, turn the
If your headlamps are in the automatic position or on band further, to the second solid band past the delay
low beam, your high-beam headlamps will turn on. settings. To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
They’ll stay on as long as you hold the lever toward you.
The high-beam indicator on the instrument panel 1 (High Speed): For high-speed wiping, turn
cluster will come on. Release the lever to return to the band further, to the second solid band past the
normal operation. delay settings.

Windshield Wipers 9(Off): To stop the wipers, move the band to off.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
with the wiper symbol on it.
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become
8(Mist): For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to worn or damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
mist. Hold it there until the wipers start. Then let go.
The wipers will stop after one wipe. If you want
more wipes, hold the band on mist longer.

3-9
Windshield Washer Rear Window Washer/Wiper
L(Washer Fluid): There is a paddle marked with the This knob is located on the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction instrument panel to the left
lever. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push of the steering wheel.
the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and then
either stop or return to your preset speed.

{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, To turn the rear wiper on, turn the knob to either 1 or 2.
blocking your vision. For long delayed wiping, turn the knob to 1. For short
delayed wiping, turn the knob to 2
9(Off): To turn the wiper off, turn the knob to this
symbol.
=(Washer Fluid): To wash the window, press the
knob with this symbol.
The rear window washer uses the same fluid bottle as
the windshield washer. However, the rear window
washer will run out of fluid before the windshield washer.
If you can wash your windshield but not your rear
windows, check the fluid level.

3-10
Cruise Control If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.

9(Off): This position {CAUTION:

turns the system off.

Cruise control can be dangerous where you

cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
R(On): This position activates the system. control on slippery roads.

+ (Resume/Accelerate): Push the lever to this symbol

to make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a
previously set speed.

T(Set): Press this button to set the speed.

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).

3-11
Setting Cruise Control Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This, of course,
{CAUTION: disengages the cruise control. But you don’t need to
reset it.
If you leave your cruise control on when you Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more,
are not using cruise, you might hit a button you can move the cruise control switch briefly from on
and go into cruise when you do not want to. to resume/accelerate.
You could be startled and even lose control. You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and
Keep the cruise control switch off until you stay there.
want to use cruise control.
If you hold the switch at resume/accelerate the vehicle
will keep going faster until you release the switch or
1. Move the cruise control switch to on. apply the brake. So unless you want to go faster, don’t
hold the switch at resume/accelerate.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press in the set button at the end of the lever and Increasing Speed While Using
release it. Cruise Control
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. There are two ways to go to a higher speed:
The cruise symbol on the • Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher
instrument panel will speed. Press the set button at the end of the lever,
illuminate when the cruise then release the button and the accelerator pedal.
control is engaged. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed. If the
accelerator pedal is held longer than 60 seconds,
cruise control will turn off.

3-12
 • Move the cruise switch from on to Using Cruise Control on Hills
resume/accelerate. Hold it there until you get up to
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
the speed you want, and then release the switch.
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the
To increase your speed in very small amounts,
hills. When going up steep hills, you may want to step
move the switch briefly to resume/accelerate.
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
to a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
Reducing Speed While Using applying the brake takes you out of cruise control.
Many drivers find this to be too much trouble and don’t
Cruise Control use cruise control on steep hills.
• Press in the button at the end of the lever until you Ending Cruise Control
reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
There are four ways to turn off the cruise control:
• To slow down in very small amounts, briefly press
the set button. Each time you do this, you’ll go
• Step lightly on the brake pedal,
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. • move the cruise control switch to off, or
• shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
• If your vehicle has the StabiliTrak® feature, cruise
Cruise Control control will turn off if road conditions cause
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed. StabiliTrak® to activate.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will • If the accelerator pedal is held for 60 seconds or
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier. longer, cruise control will turn off.

Erasing Speed Memory

When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your
cruise control set speed memory is erased.

3-13
Headlamps ; (Parking Lamps): Turning the control to this
position turns on the parking lamps, together with
the following:
• Sidemarker Lamps
• Taillamps
• License Plate Lamps
• Instrument Panel Lights
• Roof Marker Lamps (If Equipped)
5 (Headlamps): Turning the control to this position
turns on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
You can switch your headlamps from high to low-beam
by pushing the turn signal/high-beam lever towards
The control on the driver’s side of your instrument panel the instrument panel.
operates the headlamps. A circuit breaker protects your headlamps. If you have
Turn the control clockwise to operate the lamps. an electrical overload, your headlamps will flicker on and
off. Have your headlamp wiring checked right away if
The headlamp control has four positions: this happens.
9 (Off): Turning the control to this position turns off
the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic
headlamps.
AUTO (Automatic): Turning the control to this position
puts the system into automatic headlamp mode.

3-14
Headlamps on Reminder When the DRL are on, only your DRL lamps will be on.
The taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be
A reminder chime will sound when your headlamps or on. The instrument panel won’t be lit up either.
parking lamps are manually turned on and your ignition
is off, in LOCK, ACCESSORY, or your door is open. When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlamp
To disable the chime, turn the light off then back on. system will switch from DRL to the headlamps.
When you turn the headlamp switch off, the headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) will go off, and your DRL lamps will illuminate,
provided it is not dark outside.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for Shifting the transmission into PARK (P) will allow you to
others to see the front of your vehicle during the idle the vehicle with the DRL off. The DRL will stay
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving off until you shift the transmission out of PARK (P).
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional This procedure applies only to vehicles first sold in
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles the United States.
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system will come on when the following
conditions are met:
• The ignition is on
• The exterior lamps control is AUTO
• The automatic transmission is not in PARK (P)
• The light sensor determines it is daytime

3-15
Automatic Headlamp System There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the Daytime Running
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp systems so
headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the that driving under bridges or bright overhead street
normal brightness along with other lamps such as lights does not affect the system. The DRL and
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the automatic headlamp system will only be affected when
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim. the light sensor sees a change in lighting lasting
longer than the delay.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn the
exterior lamps switch to the off position and then If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
release. Turning off the automatic headlamp system headlamp system will come on immediately. Once you
with the headlamp switch is not available for vehicles leave the garage, it will take approximately one minute for
first sold in Canada. For vehicles first sold in Canada, the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
you can turn off the automatic headlamp system bright enough outside. During that delay, your instrument
when parked at night by applying the parking brake panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
before starting your vehicle. The headlamps will remain your instrument panel brightness control is in the full
off once the vehicle is started for as long as you are bright position. See Instrument Panel Brightness on
parked. If you release the parking brake, the lights will page 3-18.
turn on. If the parking brake is not released before To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
you begin to drive, the exterior lamps will turn on above system off, turn the control to the off position.
2 mph (3.2 km/h).
You may be able to turn off your Automatic Headlamp
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor located on System. See “Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)” later
the top of the instrument panel in the defroster grille. in this section for more information.
Be sure it is not covered, or the system will be on
whenever the ignition is on. Your headlamps will also stay on after you exit the
vehicle. You can program this feature using the
The system may also turn on your headlamps when Driver Information Center (DIC). See Driver Information
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need them.

3-16
Fog Lamps The fog lamps will be cancelled after the ignition is
turned off. If you still want to use the fog lamps after
If your vehicle has fog lamps, use them for better vision you restart the vehicle, you will need to press the
in foggy or misty conditions. fog lamp button again.
The fog lamp button is Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp
located on the left side of
the instrument panel. If your vehicle has this feature, this switch includes
wiring provisions for a dealer or a qualified service
center to install an auxiliary roof lamp.

This switch is located

on the center of the
instrument panel near
the climate controls.

Your parking lamps and/or

low-beam headlamps must be on for your fog lamps
to work.
Press the button to turn the fog lamps on. Press the
button again to turn them off. An indicator light will glow
in the button when the fog lamps are on.
Remember, fog lamps alone will not give off as much
light as your headlamps. Never use your fog lamps When the switch wiring is connected to an auxiliary
in the dark without turning on your headlamps. roof mounted lamp, pressing the switch will activate
the lamp and illuminate an indicator light near the
The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam switch. Pressing the switch again will turn off the
headlamps come on. When the high beams go roof mounted lamp.
off, the fog lamps will come on again.

3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness Dome Lamp Override
D (Instrument Panel Brightness): This feature E (Dome Lamp Override): You can use the dome
controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights. override button, located below the exterior lamps control,
The thumbwheel for this feature is located next to to set the dome lamps to come on automatically when
the headlamp control. a door is opened, or to remain off. To turn the lamps off,
press the button into the in position. With the button
Turn the thumbwheel up to adjust the instrument panel in this position, the dome lamps will remain off when the
lights. Turn the thumbwheel up to return the radio doors are open. To return the lamps to automatic
display to full brightness when the headlamps or parking operation, press the button again and return it to the out
lamps are on. To turn on the dome lamps, turn the position. With the button in this position, the dome
thumbwheel all the way up. lamps will come on when you open a door.

Dome Lamps Entry Lighting

The dome lamps will come on when you open a door. Your vehicle is equipped with an illuminated entry
You can also turn the dome lamps on by turning feature.
the thumbwheel, located next to the exterior lamps When the doors are opened, the dome lamps will come
control, all the way up. In this position, the dome lamps on if the dome override button is in the out position.
will remain on whether a door is opened or closed. If the dome override button is pressed in, the lamps will
not come on.

3-18
Exit Lighting
With exit lighting, the interior lamps will come on when
you remove the key from the ignition. The lights will
not come on if the dome override button is pressed in.

Front Reading Lamps

The reading lamps
are located on the
overhead console.
Your vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn the lamps on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp. The lamps are fixed and
cannot be adjusted.

Battery Run-Down Protection

This feature shuts off the dome, and reading lamps
if they are left on for more than 10 minutes when
To turn on the reading lamps, press the button the ignition is off. This will keep the battery from
located next to each lamp. To turn them off, running down.
press the button again.
The lamps can be adjusted to point in the direction
you want.

3-19
Accessory Power Outlets Notice: Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
With accessory power outlets you can plug in auxiliary hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
electrical equipment such as a cellular telephone or from the plug because the power outlets are
CB radio. designed for accessory power plugs only.
Your vehicle may have two accessory power outlets, or
may have one accessory power outlet located near Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
the cigarette lighter, if equipped. The cigarette lighter
is designed to fit only in the receptacle to the right of the The front ashtray is located near the center of the
accessory power outlet. instrument panel or on the front console, if equipped.
Pull on the ashtray door to open it.
To use the outlet, lift the cover. When not using it,
Notice: If you put papers or other flammable items
always close the cover.
in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible materials could ignite them and possibly damage
to the accessory power outlet and could result in your vehicle. Never put flammable items in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a the ashtray.
problem, see your dealer for additional information on
To remove the front ashtray pull the ashtray up.
the accessory power plugs.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and
Notice: Adding any electrical equipment to your let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
be covered by your warranty. Check with your heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
dealer before adding electrical equipment. the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
the proper installation instructions included with cigarette lighter in while it is heating. Do not use
the equipment. anything other than the cigarette lighter in the
heating element.

3-20
Climate Controls Turn the knob clockwise toward the red area for
warmer air. Turn the knob counterclockwise toward the
blue area for cooler air.
Climate Control System
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
H (Vent): This setting directs the air through the
instrument panel outlets.
) (Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the floor outlets
as well as the instrument panel outlets. The flow can
be divided between vent and floor outlets depending
upon where the knob is placed between the settings.
6 (Floor): This setting directs most of the air through
Fan Knob the floor outlets, and the rest of the air is divided
The fan knob on the left side of the control panel between the windshield defroster outlets and the side
adjusts the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob window defroster outlets.
clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. W (Defog): Airflow is delivered through the floor
To turn the fan off, turn the knob to the off position.
outlets, the windshield defroster outlets and the side
9 (Off): If the fan is off, outside air will still enter the window defroster outlets. The air flow can be divided
vehicle, and will be directed based on the position of between floor and defrost depending upon where
the mode knob. The temperature can also be adjusted the knob is placed between the settings.
using the temperature knob.
1 (Defrost): This setting directs most air through the
Temperature Knob windshield defroster outlets, side window defroster
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select the outlets and some through the floor outlets.
temperature of the air flowing into the passenger area.

3-21
Dual Climate Control System To change the current mode, select one of the following:

With this system you can control the heating, cooling

H (Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument
panel vents.
and ventilation for your vehicle.
)(Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel vents; then directs most of the
remaining air to the floor vents. A little air is directed
toward the windshield and the side window vents. Cooler
air is directed to the upper vents and warmer air to
the floor vents.
6 (Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the
floor vents with a little air directed to the windshield and
the side window vents.
@ (Recirculation): The recirculation mode is used
to recirculate the air inside of your vehicle. Use this
mode to help prevent outside odors and/or dust
9(Fan): Turn the left knob clockwise or
from entering your vehicle or to help cool the air inside
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed. of your vehicle more quickly. Press this button to
Turn the knob to the off position to turn off the fan. If turn the recirculation mode on or off. The light on the
the knob is in off outside air will still enter the vehicle, recirculation button will illuminate. Recirculation cannot
and will be directed based on the position of the be used in floor, bi-level, defog or defrost modes.
mode knob. The temperature can also be adjusted An indicator on the button will light up, flash three times
using the temperature levers. and turn off when recirculation is selected in these
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to modes. The air-conditioning compressor will also come
direct the airflow inside of your vehicle. on when this mode is activated. While in recirculation
mode the windows may fog when the weather is
cold and damp. To clear the fog, select either the blend
or defrost mode and increase fan speed.

3-22
Temperature Control Defogging and Defrosting
Driver’s Side: The lever on the left side of the climate Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
control panel is used to raise or lower the temperature humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
on the driver’s side of the vehicle. This lever also glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
adjusts the temperature to the center console outlets system is used properly. There are two modes to choose
(if equipped). from to clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use
Passenger’s Side: The lever on the right side of the the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture
climate control panel is used to raise or lower the and warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
temperature on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select one of the following modes:
#(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn
the air-conditioning system on or off. When the -(Defog): This mode directs the air to the floor
button is pressed, an indicator light will come on outlets, windshield and the side window vents.
and the system will begin to cool and dehumidify The air conditioning compressor will run automatically
the air inside of your vehicle. You may notice a to dehumidify the air to prevent window fogging.
slight change in engine performance when the air The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
conditioning compressor shuts off and turns on again. defog mode.
This is normal.
1(Defrost): This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield and the side window vents, with only a
little air directed to the floor vents. The air conditioning
compressor will run automatically to dehumidify the
air to prevent window fogging. The recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in defrost mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.

3-23
Rear Window Defogger Dual Automatic Climate Control
The lines you see on the rear window warm the glass. System
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window. With this system, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also
< (Rear): Press this button to turn the rear window has a flow-through ventilation system described later in
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button this section.
will come on to let you know that the rear window
defogger is activated.
The rear window defogger will automatically turn off
several minutes after the button is pressed. Pressing the
button while the defogger is running can also turn off
the defogger.
If your vehicle is equipped with heated mirrors this
button will activate them.
Notice: Don’t use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary You can select different climate control settings for the
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar driver and passengers.
to the defogger grid.

3-24
Driver’s Side Temperature Knob Passenger’s Side Temperature Knob
The driver’s side knob is used to adjust the temperature The passenger’s side knob can be used to change the
of the air coming through the system on the driver’s temperature of the air coming through the system on
side. The temperature can be adjusted even if the the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The temperature
system is turned off. This is possible since outside air can be adjusted even if the system is turned off. This is
will always flow through the system as the vehicle possible since outside air will always flow through
is moving forward unless it is set to recirculation mode. the system as the vehicle is moving forward unless it is
See “Recirculation” later in this section. set to recirculation mode. See “Recirculation” later in
this section.
Turn the knob counterclockwise or clockwise to lower or
increase the cabin temperature. The display will show Turn the knob counterclockwise or clockwise to lower or
the temperature setting decreasing or increasing and an increase the cabin temperature. The display will show
arrow pointing to the driver will be displayed under the temperature setting decreasing or increasing and an
and to the left of the temperature setting. arrow pointing to the passenger will be displayed
under and to the right of the temperature setting.
The passenger’s temperature setting can be set to
match the driver’s temperature setting by pressing and
holding the AUTO button for four seconds. Both the
driver and passenger arrows will be displayed.

3-25
Automatic Operation 2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
AUTO (Automatic): When automatic operation is To find your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
active the system will control the inside temperature, temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
the air delivery, and the fan speed. for the system to regulate. Turn the driver’s or
passenger’s side temperature knob to adjust the
Use the steps below to place the entire system in temperature setting as necessary. If you choose the
automatic mode: temperature setting of 60°F (15°C) the system
1. Press the AUTO button. will remain at the maximum cooling setting. If you
choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C)
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
the system will remain at the maximum heat setting.
show the current driver’s set temperature, delivery
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
mode and fan speed. Press the AUTO button again
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
within five seconds to display the passenger’s set
temperature. Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
If the driver and passenger’s temperature settings
This sensor regulates air temperature based
are not the same, the opposite side temperature
on sun load, and also turns on your headlamps.
setting will be displayed for an additional
five seconds. To make the passenger’s temperature To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather,
the same as the driver’s press and hold the the system will delay turning on the fan until warm
AUTO button for about four seconds. air is available. The length of delay depends on
the engine coolant temperature. Pressing the
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
fan switch will override this delay and change the
operation and air inlet will be automatically
fan to a selected speed.
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will run
when the outside temperature is over about
40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down your vehicle. The light on the
button will illuminate in recirculation.

3-26
9(Off): Press this button to turn off the entire current status of the system. When the system is
climate control system. Outside air will still enter the turned off, the display will go blank after displaying the
vehicle, and will be directed to the floor. This direction current status of the system.
can be changed by pressing the mode button.
The temperature can also be adjusted using either H (Panel): This setting will deliver air to the
temperature knob. Press the up or down arrows on the instrument panel outlets.
fan switch, the defrost button, the AUTO button, or
the air conditioning button to turn the system on )(Bi-Level): This setting will deliver warmer air to the
when it is off. floor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets.

Manual Operation 6 (Floor): This setting will deliver air to the floor
outlets.
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed. - (Defog): See “Defogging and Defrosting” later
in this section.
w9x (Fan): The switch with the fan symbol allows
you to manually adjust the fan speed. Press the up @(Recirculation): Press this button to limit the
arrow to increase fan speed and the down arrow amount of outside air entering your vehicle. The light on
to decrease fan speed. the recirculation button will glow. This is helpful when you
Pressing this button when the system is off will turn the are trying to limit odors entering your vehicle and for
system on. maximum air conditioning performance in hot weather.
Press this button again to allow outside air to enter the
C (Mode): Press this button to manually change the vehicle. The light on the recirculation button will go off.
direction of the airflow in your vehicle; keep pressing the
Pressing this button also cancels the auto recirculation
button until the desired mode appears on the display.
feature. To resume the auto recirculation function, press
If you press the mode button to select an air delivery the AUTO button. Each time the vehicle is started, the
mode, the display will change to show you the selected system will revert to the auto recirculation function.
air mode delivery. The display will then show the

3-27
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or floor, Display
the light in the button will flash and then go out to let you
know that this is not allowed. This is normal and helps to If you press the MODE button to select an air delivery
prevent fogging. mode, the display will change to show you the selected
air delivery mode. After ten seconds, the display will
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system change to show the driver’s temperature setting and the
in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause selected mode.
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
If you press the up or down arrows on the fan switch,
either defog or front defrost.
the display will change to show the selected fan speed.
You may also notice that the A/C compressor will run After ten seconds, the display will change to show
while in recirculation mode. This is normal and helps to the driver temperature setting and the selected mode.
prevent fogging. Whenever you press AUTO, the display will change
to show the following:
9(Off): Press this button to turn off the entire
climate control system. Outside air will still enter • The current driver’s set temperature and an arrow
the vehicle, and will be directed to the floor. for five seconds
This direction can be changed by pressing the mode • The current passenger’s set temperature setting
button. The temperature can also be adjusted using and an arrow for five seconds
either temperature knob. Press the up or down arrows
on the fan switch, the defrost button, the AUTO button, • The automatic air delivery mode and fan speed
or the air conditioning button to turn the system on If the driver’s and passenger’s temperature settings are
when it is off. the same when AUTO is pressed, the temperature
setting and both arrows will be displayed for five
seconds along with the automatic air delivery mode and
fan speed. After the five second update, the display
will change to show the temperature setting, both arrows
and AUTO.

3-28
Air Conditioning On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm
#(Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn air to the floor and cooler air to the instrument panel
the air conditioning (A/C) compressor on and off. outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, turn the
The snowflake symbol will appear on the display temperature knob to the desired setting.
when the A/C is on and will turn off when the air In AUTO mode the system will cool and dehumidify the
conditioning is off. air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the
system will maximize its performance by using
Pressing this button when the outside temperature is recirculation as necessary.
too cool for air conditioning will make the snowflake
symbol flash three times and then turn off to let Defogging and Defrosting
you know the air conditioning mode is not available.
If the air conditioning is on and the outside temperature You can use either defog or front defrost to clear fog or
drops below a temperature which is too cool for air frost from your windshield. Use the defog mode to
conditioning to be effective, the snowflake symbol will clear the windows of fog or moisture. Use the front
turn off to let you know the air conditioning mode defrost button to defrost the front windshield.
has been canceled.
-(Defog): Use this setting to clear the windows of
When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode, the
fog or moisture. Press the mode button to select
system will run the air conditioning automatically to cool
this setting. This setting will deliver air to the floor and
and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle. If you select
windshield outlets.
A/C off while in front defrost, defog or recirculation,
the A/C snowflake symbol will turn off, but the A/C 0 (Front Defrost): Press the front defrost button to
compressor will still run to help prevent fogging.
defrost the windshield. The system will automatically
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot control the fan speed if you select defrost from
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C)
your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows or warmer, your air conditioning compressor will
closed for the air conditioner to work its best. automatically run to help dehumidify the air and dry the
windshield.

3-29
Rear Window Defogger Outlet Adjustment
If your vehicle has this feature, the lines you see on Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
the rear window warm the glass. The rear window of your instrument panel to direct the airflow.
defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window. Operation Tips
<(Rear): Press this button to turn the rear window • Keep the hood and front air inlets free of ice, snow,
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The
will come on to let you know that the rear window heater and defroster will work far better, reducing
defogger is activated. the chance of fogging the inside of your windows.
The rear window defogger will turn off about 10 minutes • When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, turn the
after the button is pressed. If you need additional fan knob all the way to the right for a few moments
warming time, press the button again. before driving. This helps clear the intake ducts
of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of
If your vehicle is equipped with heated mirrors this fogging the inside of your window.
button will activate them.
• Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
Notice: Using a razor blade or sharp object to clear objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
the inside rear window may damage the rear your vehicle.
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear • Adding outside equipment to the front of your
window with sharp objects. vehicle, such as hood-air deflectors, may affect the
performance of the heating and air conditioning
system. Check with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of your vehicle.

3-30
Rear Air Conditioning System The knob has three speed positions. To increase the
flow of cooled air, turn the knob clockwise. To decrease
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional rear air the flow of cooled air, turn it counterclockwise. To turn
conditioner it has two rear air conditioning fan speed the fan off, turn the knob to the off position.
selectors. One fan speed selector is located in the To operate the rear system using the front control,
overhead console and the other is located in the just turn the knob to the fan position you want.
headliner above the second row seats.

Rear Control
Front Control
To use the rear control, first turn the front control to the
To increase and decrease the flow of cooled air to the AUX position. Then, the rear control can be used to
rear vents, turn the knob to the fan speed you want. increase and decrease the airflow.

3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Fan Knob
Heating System The fan knob on the left side of the control panel
adjusts the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob
If your vehicle is equipped with this system, there are clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise.
two rear heat and air conditioning controls. One control To turn the fan off, turn the knob to the off position.
is located in the overhead console and the other is 9 (Off): An off setting, located on the front climate
located in the headliner above the second row seats. control panel also allows the driver to turn off the
The system can be controlled from the front controls as rear seat passenger seat controls from the front seat.
well as the rear controls.
Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select
the temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
area. Turn the knob clockwise toward the red area for
warmer air. Turn the knob counterclockwise toward
the blue area for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
H (Vent): This setting directs the air through the
Front Control headliner outlets.
The front control has three knobs that control airflow ) (Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the floor outlets
speed, temperature and airflow location. as well as the headliner outlets. The flow can be
divided between vent and floor outlets depending upon
where the knob is placed between the settings.
6 (Floor): This setting directs most of the air through
the floor outlets.

3-32
 Temperature Knob
The middle knob on the control panel lets you select
the temperature of the air flowing into the passenger
area. Turn the knob clockwise toward the red area for
warmer air. Turn the knob counterclockwise toward
the blue area for cooler air.
Mode Knob
The right knob on the control panel allows you to
choose the direction of air delivery.
Rear Controls H (Vent): This setting directs the air through the
To use the rear control, first turn the front control to headliner outlets.
the AUX position. Then, the rear control can be
used to adjust the airflow speed, temperature, and ) (Bi-Level): Air is delivered through the floor outlets
airflow location. as well as the headliner outlets. The flow can be
divided between vent and floor outlets depending upon
Fan Knob where the knob is placed between the settings.
The fan knob on the left side of the control panel adjusts
the fan speed. To increase airflow, turn the knob 6 (Floor): This setting directs most of the air through
clockwise. To decrease airflow, turn it counterclockwise. the floor outlets.
To turn the fan off, turn the knob to the off position.
9(Off): Turn the knob to this position to turn the rear
seat comfort controls on or off.

3-33
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating AUX: Turn the knob, located on the left side of the
control panel, to this position to allow the rear seat
System and Electronic Climate passengers to have control over the rear climate control
system. See “Rear Passenger Console Control” later
Controls for more information.
With this system the front or rear passengers can 9 (Off): Turn the knob, located on the left side of the
control the air temperature, airflow and fan speed for control panel, to this position to turn the rear climate
the rear seat passengers. The climate control has control system off.
an overhead control near the driver and a control on the
back of the center console. 9(Fan): To adjust the airflow speed, turn the fan
knob located on the left side of the control panel to the
Driver Overhead Control desired setting. Choose AUTO if you want the system
to automatically choose the fan speed to maintain
a selected temperature. See “Auto Mode” later in this
section for more information on using this feature.
°F (°C): To adjust the air temperature, turn the
temperature knob on the center of the control panel.
For cooler or warmer air turn the knob counterclockwise
toward 66°F (19°C) or clockwise toward 82°F (27°C).
To regulate the airflow direction, adjust the right knob on
the control panel. Turn the knob clockwise for floor
vent airflow or counterclockwise for headliner vent
Front Controls airflow. Generally, the upper vents are used for air
conditioning and the floor vents for heating. The knob
To control the rear climate control from the front seat can be set to any blend setting. Choose AUTO if
position, use the driver overhead control. The rear you want the system to automatically regulate the
console control must be on. airflow. See “Auto Mode” later in this section for more
information on using this feature.

3-34
Rear Passenger Console Control The rear seat controls have the following settings:
To control the rear climate control from the rear O (On/Off): Press this button to turn the rear seat
passenger seat position, use the rear passenger console comfort controls on or off when the front overhead
control. The driver overhead control fan knob must be control is set to AUX.
set to the AUX position.
%(Mode): Press this button to select the air delivery
mode and AUTO mode. Choose AUTO if you want
the system to automatically regulate the airflow.
See “Auto Mode” later in this section for more
information on using this feature.
b (Temperature): Press this button up or down to
increase or decrease the temperature setting.
w9x(Fan): Press this button up or down to adjust
the fan speed. Choose AUTO if you want the system
to automatically choose the fan speed to maintain
a selected temperature. See “Auto Mode” later in this
section for more information on using this feature.
AUTO Mode
When using the system in auto mode, find your
Rear Controls
comfort setting by placing the temperature control to
74°F (23°C) and allowing about 20 minutes for the
system to regulate. Then adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If you choose full cold 60° F (15°C),
the system will remain at the maximum cooling setting.
If you choose full hot 90°F (32°C), the system will
remain at the maximum heat setting.

3-35
Warning Lights, Gages, and Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
Indicators and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
locate them. when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to costly – and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages could also save you your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.
or others from injury.
Your vehicle also has a driver information system that
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a works along with the warning lights and gages.
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine
just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar
with this section, you should not be alarmed when
this happens.

3-36
Instrument Panel Cluster

United States Heavy Duty Transmission version shown.

Canada and Light Duty Transmission Clusters similar.
Your instrument cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, about how much fuel you have and many other things you’ll need to know to drive safely
and economically.

3-37
Speedometer and Odometer Trip Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). has been driven since you last set the trip odometer
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has to zero.
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) Press the reset button, located on the instrument panel
or kilometers (used in Canada).
cluster next to the trip odometer display, to toggle
Engine Hour Meter Display between the trip odometer and the regular odometer.
Holding the reset button for approximately one second
The Driver Information Center (DIC) can also display while the trip odometer is displayed will reset it.
the number of hours the engine has run. To display the To display the odometer reading with the ignition off,
engine hours, turn the ignition off, press and hold the press the reset button.
reset button for at least four seconds. The hour meter
will be displayed for up to 30 seconds, or until the
ignition is turned on. See DIC Operation and Displays Tachometer
on page 3-55 for more information.
Your tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).

3-38
Safety Belt Reminder Light Airbag Readiness Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
be provided for several seconds to remind people to panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
buckle their safety belts. The driver safety belt light will The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
also be provided and stay on for several seconds, malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
then it will flash for several more. You should buckle problem. The system check includes the airbag
your seat belt. sensors, the airbag modules, the passenger sensing
system (if equipped), the wiring and the crash sensing
If your vehicle is not and diagnostic module. For more information on the
equipped with the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 1-66.
passenger sensing system,
this chime and light will be This light will come on
repeated if the driver when you start your
remains unbuckled and the vehicle, and it will flash
vehicle is in motion. for a few seconds.
This means the system
is ready.
See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-76 for more
information.
If the driver’s belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the
light will come on. If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your airbag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.

3-39
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either
the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the
If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system right front passenger’s frontal airbag.
your rearview mirror will have a passenger airbag If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
status indicator. airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger’s frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate).

{CAUTION:
If the on indicator comes on when you have a
rear-facing child restraint installed in the right
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – United States front passenger’s seat, it means that the
passenger sensing system has not turned off
the passenger’s frontal airbag. A child in a
rear-facing child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front passenger’s
airbag inflates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very close
to the inflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front passenger’s
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – Canada
seat unless the airbag has been turned off.
When the ignition key is turned to RUN or START,
the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and
OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds
as a system check. Then, after several more seconds,

3-40
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag Battery Warning Light
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal
If this light is displayed
airbag. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-76
when the engine is
for more on this, including important safety information.
running, you may have
If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights remain a problem with your
on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a charging system.
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer for service.

The battery display will also stay on while the key is in

{CAUTION: RUN until the engine is started.
If the light stays on after starting the engine it could
If the off indicator and the airbag readiness indicate a problem with the generator drive belt, or some
light ever come on together, it means that other charging system problem. Have it checked right
something may be wrong with the airbag away. Driving with this light displayed could drain
system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle your battery.
serviced promptly, because an adult-size If you must drive a short distance with this light
person sitting in the right front passenger seat displayed, it helps to turn off all your accessories,
may not have the protection of the frontal such as the radio and the air conditioner.
airbag. See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 3-39.

3-41
Voltmeter Gage at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.
When your engine is not
running, but the ignition You can only drive for a short time with the reading
is in RUN, this gage shows in either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off
your battery’s state of all unnecessary accessories.
charge in DC volts. Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.

Brake System Warning Light

With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will
flash when you set the parking brake. The light will flash if
When the engine is running, the gage shows the the parking brake doesn’t release fully. If you try to drive
condition of the charging system. The gage may with the parking brake engaged, a chime will sound when
transition from a higher to lower or a lower to higher the vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
reading, this is normal. Readings between the low and Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two
high warning zones indicate the normal operating range. parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need
large number of electrical accessories are operating in both parts working well.
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full power

3-42
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
could be a brake problem. Have your brake system road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
inspected right away. harder to push or may go closer to the floor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See Towing Your Vehicle on
page 4-57.

{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
United States Canada properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s on after you have pulled off the road and
a problem. stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.

3-43
Anti-Lock Brake System Traction Off Light
Warning Light If you have the Traction
Assist System, this light
With the anti-lock brake should come on briefly
system, this light will come when you turn the ignition
on when you start your to RUN.
engine and may stay on for
several seconds.

If the light doesn’t come on then, the system may

require service; have it fixed so it will be there to warn
That’s normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it you if the system is turned off.
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving,
If the light stays on, or comes on when you’re driving, there may be a problem with your Traction Assist
your vehicle needs service. You will also hear a System and your vehicle may need service. When this
chime sound when the light is on steady. If the regular light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have driving accordingly.
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on you don’t The traction off light may come on for the following
have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with reasons:
your regular brakes. In addition to both lights, you will • If you turn the system off by pressing the TAS
also hear a chime sound on the first occurrence of on/off button located to the left of the steering wheel,
a problem and each time the vehicle is shut off and then the light will come on and stay on. To turn the
restarted. See Brake System Warning Light on system back on, press the button again; the light
page 3-42. should go off.

3-44
• If you move the shift lever to FIRST (1), the light will Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
come on and stay on to indicate that the traction
system is off. This is normal operation. To turn the
system back on, move the shift lever back to a
position other than FIRST (1); the light should go off.
See Traction Assist System (TAS) on page 4-9.
• The light will come on and stay on if the TAS
automatic engagement feature has been turned off.
To turn the system on, press the TAS off/on button;
the light should go off. To turn the automatic
engagement feature back on, see Traction Assist
System (TAS) on page 4-9.
• If the Traction Assist System is affected by an United States Canada
anti-lock brake system, TAS or engine-related
problem, the system will turn off and the light will This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
come on. Have your vehicle serviced.
It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is
• If the vehicle is driven over an extremely rough road, working. During a majority of the operation, the gage
the system will turn off and the light will come on. will read 210°F (100°C) or less. If you are pulling a load
The light will go off a few seconds after the rough or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to
road conditions go away or when the vehicle comes fluctuate and approach the 250°F (122°C) mark. If the
to a complete stop. This is normal operation. gage reaches the 260°F (125°C) mark, it indicates
that the cooling system is working beyond its capacity.
See Engine Overheating on page 5-29.

3-45
Transmission Temperature Gage shifting patterns. The transmission will return to normal
shifting patterns when the transmission fluid temperature
falls below 260°F (127°C).
See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-54 for
further information.
If the transmission fluid reaches temperatures of
approximately 275°F (135°C) or greater, the Driver
Information Center will display a TRANS HOT IDLE
ENGINE warning message, and a chime will sound.
Pull the vehicle off the roadway when it is safe to
do so. Set the parking brake, place the transmission
in PARK (P) and allow the engine to idle until the
transmission temperature falls below 260°F (127°C).
United States Canada
If the transmission continues to operate above
265°F (130°C), contact your nearest dealer or the
Your vehicle may be equipped with a transmission
GM Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside
temperature gage.
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
When your ignition is on, the gage shows the
temperature of the transmission fluid. The normal Notice: If you drive your vehicle with the
operating range is from 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C). transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
At approximately 265°F (130°C), the message center This could lead to costly repairs that would not
will display a TRANSMISSION HOT message and be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
the transmission will enter a transmission protection vehicle while the transmission temperature gage
mode. When the transmission enters the protection reading is above normal. See your dealer for service.
mode, you may notice a change in the transmission

3-46
The following situations can cause the transmission to Tire Pressure Light
operate at higher temperatures:
• Towing a trailer If your vehicle is equipped
• Hot outside air temperatures with the Tire Pressure
Monitor system, this light
• Hauling a large or heavy load will come on if the
• Vehicle overloading system detects low tire
pressure.
• Low transmission fluid level
• High transmission fluid level
• Restricted air flow to the radiator and the auxiliary A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE DIC message will
transmission oil cooler (if equipped). accompany the light.
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating This light will also come on for a bulb check when the
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down. vehicle is started.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-71 for
on a frequent basis, see Scheduled Maintenance more information.
on page 6-4 for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals. For more information on your tires, see Tires on
page 5-61.

3-47
Malfunction Indicator Lamp be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that
Check Engine Light may not be covered by your warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine,
Your vehicle is equipped transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
with a computer which your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
monitors operation of the with other than those of the same Tire Performance
fuel, ignition, and emission Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
control systems. controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modifications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics
Second Generation) and is intended to assure that This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. not running. If the light does not come on, have it
The check engine light comes on to indicate that repaired. This light will also come on during a
there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions malfunction in one of two ways:
often will be indicated by the system before any • Light Flashing — A misfire condition has been
problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to and may damage the emission control system on
assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
any malfunction. required.
Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with this • Light On Steady — An emission control system
light on, after awhile, your emission controls malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not Diagnosis and service may be required.

3-48
If the Light is Flashing If the Light Is On Steady
The following may prevent more serious damage to You may be able to correct the emission system
your vehicle: malfunction by considering the following:
• Reducing vehicle speed Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
• Avoiding hard accelerations If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See Filling Your Tank on page 5-8. The
• Avoiding steep uphill grades
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
• If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, should turn the light off.
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle. If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart will usually be corrected when the electrical system
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
flashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.

3-49
Have you recently changed brands of fuel? Emissions Inspection and
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. Maintenance Programs
See Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. Some state/provincial and local governments have or
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling may begin programs to inspect the emission control
when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
(These conditions may go away once the engine is registration.
warmed up.) This will be detected by the system and Here are some things you need to know to help your
cause the light to turn on. vehicle pass an inspection:
If you experience one or more of these conditions, Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least engine light is on or not working properly.
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off, (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has emission control systems have not been completely
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
any mechanical or electrical problems that may considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
have developed. if you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.

3-50
Oil Pressure Gage A reading in the low pressure zone may be caused
by a dangerously low oil level or some other problem
causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as soon
as possible. See “OIL PRESSURE LOW” under DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-58 and Engine Oil
on page 5-16.

{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
United States Canada it catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure your vehicle serviced.
in psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine
is running. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in
kPa (kilopascals). Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would not be
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside covered by your warranty. Always follow the
temperature and oil viscosity, but readings above the maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
low pressure zone indicate the normal operating range. engine oil.

3-51
Security Light Highbeam On Light
This light flashes when the This light will come on
vehicle security system when the high-beam
is activated. headlamps are in use.

See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.

Cruise Control Light
Four-Wheel-Drive Light
This light comes on
whenever you set your The four-wheel-drive
cruise control. indicator will light up
when you shift a manual
transfer case into
four-wheel drive and the
front axle engages.

The light will go out when the cruise control is turned off.
See Cruise Control on page 3-11 for more information. Some delay between shifting and the indicator’s lighting
is normal.
See Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-27 for more
information.

3-52
Tow/Haul Mode Light The gage will first indicate empty before you are out of
fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as possible.
This light is displayed When the fuel tank is low, the FUEL LEVEL LOW
when the Tow/Haul mode message will appear. See Driver Information
has been activated. Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
Here are some situations you may experience with your
fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem with the
fuel gage.
• At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before
For more information, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62. the gage reads full.
• It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
Fuel Gage fuel gage indicated. For example, the gage may
have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than half the tank’s
capacity to fill the tank.
• The gage goes back to empty when you turn off
the ignition.

Low Fuel Warning Light

The light next to the fuel gage will come on briefly
when you are starting the engine.
This light comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel.
United States Canada To turn it off, add fuel to the fuel tank. See Fuel on
page 5-5.
The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about
how much fuel you have left in your tank.

3-53
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) display is located
on the instrument panel cluster, below the speedometer.
The DIC buttons, if equipped, are located on the
steering wheel. The DIC can display information such
as the trip odometer, fuel economy, customization
features and warning/status messages.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the DIC steering
wheel buttons, you will not have all of the features listed.
You will scroll through the odometer, trip odometer
and engine hours by pressing the trip odometer reset
stem located on the instrument panel cluster. You will A 3 (Trip Information): Press this button to display
also turn off, or acknowledge, DIC messages by the odometer, trip odometers, tire pressure for vehicles
pressing the trip odometer reset stem. See Speedometer equipped with a tire pressure monitor, timer and
and Odometer on page 3-38 for information on engine hours.
features for vehicles without DIC buttons.
B r (Fuel Information): Press this button to display
the current range, fuel used, average fuel economy and
engine oil life.
C 4 (Customization): Press this button to access the
vehicle settings menu and customize the personal
settings on your vehicle.
D r (Select): Press this button to reset certain
DIC functions and set your customization settings.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons will acknowledge
DIC messages and clear them from the DIC display.

3-54
DIC Operation and Displays Trip A: Press the trip information button until TRIP A
appears on the display. This mode shows the current
The Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on when the distance traveled since the last reset for TRIP A in either
ignition is on. After a short delay, the DIC will display miles or kilometers.
the information that was last displayed before the engine
was turned off. Trip B: Press the trip information button until TRIP B
appears on the display. This mode shows the current
The DIC has different modes which can be accessed by distance traveled since the last reset for TRIP B in
pressing the four DIC buttons located on the steering either miles or kilometers.
wheel. These buttons are trip information, fuel
information, customization and select. The button To reset TRIP A or TRIP B information, press and hold
functions are detailed in the following pages. the select button for one second while in one of the
trip modes. This will reset the information for TRIP A
Trip Information Button or TRIP B.
3 (Trip Information): Press the trip information You can also reset TRIP A or TRIP B while they are
button to scroll through the ODOMETER, TRIP A, displayed by pressing the reset stem on the cluster.
TRIP B, TIRE PRESSURES, TIMER and ENGINE If you press and hold the reset stem or the select
HOURS. button for four seconds, the display will show the
distance traveled since the last ignition cycle for
Odometer: Press the trip information button until TRIP A or TRIP B.
ODOMETER appears on the display. This mode shows
the total distance the vehicle has been driven in
either miles or kilometers. Pressing the reset stem
located on the instrument cluster with the vehicle off
will also display the odometer.

3-55
Tire Pressures: The tire pressure mode is available To stop the counting of time, press the select button
only on vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitor. briefly while TIMER is displayed.
Press the trip information button until TIRE PRESSURES
appears on the display. This mode shows the tire To reset the timer to zero, press and hold the select
pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals button while TIMER is displayed.
(kPa). Press the select button to scroll through the Engine Hours: Press the trip information button until
following information: ENGINE HOURS appears on the display. This mode
• LF TIRE shows the tire pressure for the shows the total number of hours the engine has
left front tire. run. Pressing and holding the reset stem located on the
instrument cluster for about four seconds will also
• RF TIRE shows the tire pressure for the display the engine hour information after the odometer
right front tire. is displayed when the vehicle is off.
• LR TIRE shows the tire pressure for the Fuel Information Button
left rear tire.
• RR TIRE shows the tire pressure for the t (Fuel Information): Press the fuel information
right rear tire. button to scroll through the range, fuel used, average
fuel economy and the engine oil life system.
Timer: The DIC can be used as a timer. Press the
Fuel Range: Press the fuel information button until
select button while TIMER is displayed to start the timer.
RANGE appears on the display. This mode shows the
The display will show the amount of time that has
remaining distance you can drive without refueling. It is
passed since the timer was last reset, not including time
based on fuel economy and the fuel remaining in the
the ignition is off. Time will continue to be counted as
tank. The display will show LOW if the fuel level is low.
long as the ignition is on, even if another display is being
shown on the DIC. The timer will record up to 99 hours, The fuel economy data used to determine fuel range is
59 minutes and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after which an average of recent driving conditions. As your driving
the display will roll back to zero. conditions change, this data is gradually updated.
Fuel range cannot be reset.

3-56
Fuel Used: Press the fuel information button until Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
FUEL USED appears on the display. This mode shows change. To reset the engine oil life system, use the fuel
the number of gallons or liters of fuel used since the button to reach the ENGINE OIL LIFE screen and then
last reset of this menu item. To reset the fuel used press and hold the select button for five seconds while
information, press and hold the select button for one ENGINE OIL LIFE is displayed. OIL LIFE RESET will
second while FUEL USED is displayed. appear on the display for 10 seconds to let you know the
system is reset. See Engine Oil Life System on page 5-20
Average Fuel Economy: Press the fuel information
for more information.
button until AVG ECON appears on the display.
This mode shows how many miles per gallon (MPG) or In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) your vehicle is oil life, additional maintenance is recommended in the
getting based on current and past driving conditions. Maintenance Schedule in this manual. See Engine Oil on
page 5-16 and Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Press and hold the select button for one second
while AVG ECON is displayed to reset the average fuel Customization Button
economy. Average fuel economy will then be calculated
starting from that point. If the average fuel economy 4 (Customization): Press the customization button to
is not reset, it will be continually updated each time access the VEHICLE SETTINGS menu and customize
you drive. the settings to your vehicle. See DIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-70 for more information.
Engine Oil Life System: Press the fuel information
button until ENGINE OIL LIFE appears on the display. Select Button
The engine oil life system shows an estimate of the
oil’s remaining useful life. It will show 100% when the r (Select): Press the select button to reset certain
system is reset after an oil change. It will alert you DIC functions and set your customization settings.
to change your oil on a schedule consistent with your For example, this button will reset the trip odometers
driving conditions. and scroll through the languages in which you can select
the DIC to display information.

3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages BATTERY NOT CHARGING
Warning messages are displayed on the Driver On some vehicles, if the battery is not charging during
Information Center (DIC) to notify the driver that the operation, this message will appear on the DIC.
status of the vehicle has changed and that some action Driving with this problem could drain your battery.
may be needed by the driver to correct the condition. Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer
If there is more than one message that needs to as soon as possible. See Battery Warning Light on
be displayed, they will appear one after another. page 3-41 and Voltmeter Gage on page 3-42.
Some messages may not require immediate action, Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
but you should press any of the four DIC buttons on the will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
steering wheel, if equipped, to acknowledge that you DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
received the messages and clear them from the display. the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
If your vehicle is not equipped with DIC buttons on stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from
the steering wheel, press the trip odometer reset stem the DIC display.
located on the instrument panel cluster to acknowledge
messages and clear them from the display. Some
messages cannot be cleared from the display because
they are more urgent. These messages require
action before they can be removed from the DIC display.
You should take any messages that appear on the
display seriously and remember that clearing the
messages will only make the messages disappear, not
correct the problem. The following are the possible
messages that can be displayed and some information
about them.

3-58
BUCKLE PASSENGER BUCKLE SEATBELT
If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing
system, this message reminds you to buckle the system, this message reminds you to buckle the
passenger’s seat belt. See Passenger Sensing System driver’s seat belt. See Passenger Sensing System on
on page 1-76. page 1-76.
This message will display and a chime will sound when This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is buckled, the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
the passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled with the and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle
passenger airbag enabled and the vehicle is in motion. your seat belt.
You should have the passenger buckle their seat belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is on
This reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be
the vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the repeated. If the driver’s seat belt is already buckled,
passenger is still unbuckled and the passenger this message and chime will not come on.
airbag is enabled. If the passenger’s seat belt is already
This message is an additional reminder to the Safety
buckled, this message and chime will not come on.
Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-39.
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
DIC display. stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.

3-59
CHANGE ENGINE OIL CHECK OIL LEVEL
This message is displayed when the engine oil needs If your vehicle is equipped with an oil level sensor and
to be changed. the oil level in the vehicle is low, this message will
When you change the engine oil, be sure to reset the appear on the DIC. Check the oil level and correct it
CHANGE ENGINE OIL message. This message as necessary. You may need to let the vehicle cool or
warm up and cycle the ignition to be sure this message
will clear itself after 10 seconds until the next ignition
cycle or until the message is reset. See Engine Oil will clear. The message will clear itself after 10 seconds,
until the next ignition cycle. Once the problem is
on page 5-16 and Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
corrected, pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
for more information.
equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
generator and battery charging system, this message DIC display.
will appear on the DIC, a chime will sound and the
battery warning light on the instrument panel cluster will CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
come on. Driving with this problem could drain your
battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Stop and If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
turn off the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Monitor System and a low tire pressure is detected in
Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer any of the vehicle’s tires, this message will appear
immediately. See Battery Warning Light on page 3-41 on the DIC, along with a chime. Pressing any of the
and Voltmeter Gage on page 3-42 for more information. four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the
message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display. It will
appear at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure.

3-60
CHECK WASHER FLUID ENGINE COOLANT HOT
If the washer fluid level is low, this message will appear If the cooling system temperature gets hot, this message
on the DIC. Adding washer fluid will clear the message. will appear in the DIC. Stop the vehicle and let the
See Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-40. engine idle in PARK (P) to allow the coolant to reach
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, a safe temperature. This message will clear when
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the the coolant temperature drops to safe operating
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with temperature. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons,
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped
the DIC display. The message will clear itself after with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer
10 seconds or until the next ignition cycle. reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear
it from the DIC display.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
ENGINE OVERHEATED
If the driver’s door is not fully closed, this message
will appear on the display and you will hear a chime. If the engine cooling system reaches unsafe
Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for temperatures for operation, this message will appear in
obstacles and close the door again. Check to see if the the DIC and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the
message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid severe
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the damage. The message will clear when the engine has
message and clear it from the DIC display. If your cooled to a safe operating temperature.
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
the message and clear it from the DIC display. If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. See Engine Overheating
on page 5-29 for more information.

3-61
FUEL LEVEL LOW LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the If the driver’s side rear door is not fully closed, this
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as message will appear on the display and you will hear a
possible. See Fuel Gage on page 3-53 and Fuel on chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door
page 5-5. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, for obstacles and close the door again. Check to see if
if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped of the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge
with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer the message and clear it from the DIC display.
reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
from the DIC display. pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
If a remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low,
this message will appear on the DIC. The battery If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant level
needs to be replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery sensor, this message will appear on the DIC if the
Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry System engine coolant level is low. Adding coolant will clear
Operation on page 2-6. Pressing any of the four DIC the message. See Cooling System on page 5-32.
buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message and four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
clear it from the DIC display. will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display.
Notice: Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” in the Index for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.

3-62
OIL LIFE RESET PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
This message will appear on the DIC display for about If the passenger’s door is not fully closed, this message
10 seconds after the change engine oil message is will appear on the display and you will hear a chime.
reset. See “Engine Oil Life System” under DIC Operation Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for
and Displays on page 3-55 and Engine Oil on page 5-16 obstacles and close the door again. Check to see if the
for more information. message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the
OIL PRESSURE LOW message and clear it from the DIC display. If your
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
If low oil pressure levels occur, this message will be
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
displayed on the DIC and a chime will sound. Stop the
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
vehicle as soon as safely possible and do not operate
it until the cause of the low oil pressure has been REAR ACCESS OPEN
corrected. Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. See Engine If the liftgate is open while the ignition is in RUN, this
Oil on page 5-16. message will appear on the DIC display and you
will hear a chime. Turn the vehicle off and check the
Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine liftgate. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may on the DIC display. Pressing any of the four DIC
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the message and
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle clear it from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until equipped with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. odometer reset stem will acknowledge the message
See Engine Oil on page 5-16 for more information. and clear it from the DIC display.

3-63
REDUCED ENGINE POWER SERVICE 4WD
This message is displayed when the cooling system If a problem occurs with the four-wheel-drive system
temperature gets too hot and the engine further enters this message will appear on the DIC. If this message
the engine coolant protection mode. See Engine appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
Overheating on page 5-29 for further information. vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
REPLACE LIFTGATE FUSE or appears again when you begin driving, the
four-wheel-drive system needs service. See your
This message will be displayed if the liftgate lock
GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if
malfunctions and/or the liftgate fuse blows. For more
equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it
information on fuses, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
page 5-110. If the message returns after replacing the
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
fuse, see your GM dealer for service.
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR DIC display.

If the passenger’s side rear door is not fully closed, this SERVICE 4 WHEEL STEER
message will appear on the display and you will hear If a problem occurs with the four-wheel steer system,
a chime. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the door for this message will appear on the DIC. If the message
obstacles and close the door again. Check to see if appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
the message still appears on the DIC. Pressing any of vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
the message and clear it from the DIC display. If your or appears again when you begin driving, the four-wheel
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, steer system needs service. See your GM dealer.
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge See QUADRASTEER™ on page 4-16. Pressing any of
the message and clear it from the DIC display. the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons,
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge
the message and clear it from the DIC display.

3-64
SERVICE AIRBAG SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM
If there is a problem with the airbag system, this On some vehicles, if there is a problem with the battery
message will be displayed on the DIC. Have your charging system, this message will appear on the
GM dealer inspect the system for problems. See Airbag DIC. Under certain conditions, the battery warning light
Readiness Light on page 3-39 and Airbag System on may also turn on in the instrument panel cluster.
page 1-66 for more information. Pressing any of See Battery Warning Light on page 3-41. The battery
the four DIC buttons, if equipped, will acknowledge the will not be charging at an optimal rate and the vehicle
message and clear it from the DIC display. If your will lose the ability to enter the fuel economy mode.
vehicle is not equipped with the four DIC buttons, The vehicle is safe to drive, however you should have
pressing the trip odometer reset stem will acknowledge the electrical system checked by your GM dealer.
the message and clear it from the DIC display. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
If there is a problem with the brake system, this
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from
message will be displayed on the DIC. If this message
the DIC display.
appears, stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message is still displayed
or appears again when you begin driving, the brake
system needs service. See your GM dealer.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with
the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
stem will acknowledge the message and clear it
from the DIC display.

3-65
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
this message will appear on the DIC. If the message four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset stem
appears turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and will acknowledge the message and clear it from the
check for the message on the DIC display. If the DIC display.
message is still displayed or appears again when you
begin driving, the ride control needs service. See your SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
GM dealer. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons,
if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped Monitor System, this message will be displayed if one or
with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer more of the tire monitor sensors have malfunctioned
reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it or if all of the tire monitor sensors have not been
from the DIC display. programmed successfully. See your GM dealer.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons, if equipped,
SERVICE STABILITY will acknowledge the message and clear it from
the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped with the
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer reset
it means there may be a problem with your StabiliTrak® stem will acknowledge the message and clear it from
system. If you see this message, try to reset the system. the DIC display. The message will reappear at each
Stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again. ignition cycle until the system has been serviced.
If the SERVICE STABILITY message still comes on,
it means there is a problem. You should see your
GM dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benefit of StabiliTrak®,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.

3-66
STABILITY SYS ACTIVE conditions and require more wheel spin. See If You
Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-50.
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on To turn the StabiliTrak® system back on, press the
the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled StabiliTrak® button again.
system has come on to help your vehicle continue to
go in the direction in which you are steering. StabiliTrak® There are several conditions that can cause this
activates when the computer senses that your vehicle message to appear.
is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice • One condition is overheating, which could occur if
or other slippery spot on the road. When the system StabiliTrak® activates continuously for an extended
activates, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the period of time.
brake pedal. This is normal. When the STABILITY
SYS ACTIVE message is on, you should continue to
• The message will also be displayed if the brake
steer in the direction you want to go. The system system warning light is on. See Brake System
is designed to help you in bad weather or other difficult Warning Light on page 3-42.
driving situations by making the most of whatever • The message could be displayed if the stability
road conditions will permit. system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions.
STABILITY SYS DISABLED
• If an engine or vehicle related problem has been
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on detected and the vehicle needs service, the
when you press the StabiliTrak® button or when the message will appear. See your GM dealer.
stability control has been automatically disabled.
To limit wheel spin and realize the full benefits of the • The message will also appear if the vehicle is
stability enhancement system, you should normally shifted into 4LO.
leave StabiliTrak® on. However, you should turn The message will turn off as soon as the conditions
StabiliTrak® off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, that caused the message to be displayed are
ice or snow and you want to “rock” your vehicle to no longer present.
attempt to free it, or if you are driving in extreme off-road

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TIGHTEN FUEL CAP TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly, this If the transmission fluid in the vehicle gets hot, this
message may appear along with the check engine light message will appear on the DIC and you will hear a
on the instrument panel. Reinstall the fuel cap, chime. The chime will stop when the transmission fluid
making sure to fully install the cap. See Filling Your temperature is less that 265°F (129°C). Driving with
Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system can determine the transmission fluid temperature high can cause
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate allow the transmission to cool. This message will
into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap clear when the fluid temperature reaches a safe level.
properly installed should turn the light and message off. See Transmission Temperature Gage on page 3-46.

TRACTION ACTIVE Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the

transmission fluid is overheating and the
When the traction control system has detected that any transmission temperature warning is displayed on
of the vehicle’s wheels are spinning, the traction the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
control system will activate and this message will appear can damage the transmission. This could lead to
on the DIC. For more information, see Traction Assist costly repairs that would not be covered by your
System (TAS) on page 4-9. warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission fluid or while transmission temperature
TRACTION SYS LIMITED warning is displayed.
If the brake traction control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed
braking, brake traction control will be displayed and the
TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed.
The system will return to normal operation after the
brakes have cooled.

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TRANSMISSION HOT • Low transmission fluid level
If the transmission fluid temperature becomes high, • High transmission fluid level
this message will appear on the DIC. • Restricted air flow to the radiator and the auxiliary
When the transmission enters the protection mode, transmission oil cooler
you may notice a change in the transmission shifting A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
patterns. When the transmission fluid temperature temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal. on a frequent basis, see Scheduled Maintenance
Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the on page 6-4 for the proper transmission maintenance
transmission fluid is overheating and the intervals.
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you TURN SIGNAL ON
can damage the transmission. This could lead to If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
costly repairs that would not be covered by message will appear on the display and you will hear a
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
overheated transmission fluid or while transmission off position. Pressing any of the four DIC buttons,
temperature warning is displayed. if equipped, will acknowledge the message and clear it
The following situations can cause the transmission to from the DIC display. If your vehicle is not equipped
operate at higher temperatures: with the four DIC buttons, pressing the trip odometer
reset stem will acknowledge the message and clear it
• Towing a trailer from the DIC display.
• Hot outside air temperatures
• Hauling a large or heavy load
• Over-loading

3-69
DIC Vehicle Customization Lock Doors
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that Press the customization button until LOCK DOORS
allow you to program some features to one setting appears in the display. To select your preference
based on your preference. All of the customizable for automatic locking, press the select button while
options listed may not be available on your vehicle. LOCK DOORS is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the
Only the options available will be displayed on select button will scroll through the following choices:
your Driver Information Center (DIC).
LOCK DOORS: IN GEAR (default): The doors will lock
The default settings for the customization features were when the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then. LOCK DOORS: WITH SPEED: The doors will lock
when the vehicle speed is above 8 mph (13 km/h) for
To change feature preferences, make sure the ignition
three seconds.
is on and the vehicle is in PARK (P). Press the
customization button to scroll through the available Choose one of the available options and press the
customizable options. customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it and move on to the next feature. For more
After pressing the customization button, VEHICLE information on automatic door locks, see Programmable
SETTINGS will momentarily display before going to a Automatic Door Locks on page 2-11.
customization option.
Unlock Doors
Press the customization button until UNLOCK DOORS
appears in the display. To select your preference for
automatic unlocking, press the select button while
UNLOCK DOORS is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the
select button will scroll through the following choices:
UNLOCK DOORS: IN PARK (default): All of the doors
will unlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).

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UNLOCK DRIVER: IN PARK: The driver’s door will be Press the customization button until DOOR LOCK
unlocked when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P). DELAY appears in the display. To select your
preference for delayed locking, press the select button
UNLOCK DOORS: KEY OUT: All of the doors
while DOOR LOCK DELAY is displayed on the DIC.
will unlock when the key is taken out of the ignition.
Pressing the select button will scroll through the
UNLOCK DOORS: MANUALLY: The doors will not be following choices:
unlocked automatically.
DOOR LOCK DELAY: OFF (default): The doors will
Choose one of the available options and press the lock immediately when pressing the power lock switch or
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
select it and move on to the next feature. For more
information on automatic door locks, see Programmable DOOR LOCK DELAY: ON: The doors will not lock
Automatic Door Locks on page 2-11. until five seconds after the last door or the liftgate
is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the
Door Lock Delay delayed locking feature is in use. You can temporarily
If your DIC does not have this feature, you can still override delayed locking by pressing the lock button on
program the delayed locking feature. See Delayed the door or the remote keyless entry transmitter a
Locking on page 2-10 for more information. second time.
When locking the doors with the power lock switch or Choose one of the available options and press the
the remote keyless entry transmitter and a door or customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to
the liftgate is open, the delayed locking feature will delay select it and move on to the next feature. For more
locking the doors and liftgate until five seconds after information on automatic door locks, see Programmable
the last door is closed. Automatic Door Locks on page 2-11.
This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition.

3-71
Lock Feedback Unlock Feedback
Press the customization button until LOCK FEEDBACK Press the customization button until UNLOCK
appears in the display. To select your preference for FEEDBACK appears in the display. To select your
the feedback you receive when locking the vehicle with preference for the feedback you will receive when
the remote keyless entry transmitter, press the select unlocking the vehicle with the remote keyless entry
button while LOCK FEEDBACK is displayed on the DIC. transmitter, press the select button while UNLOCK
Pressing the select button will scroll through the FEEDBACK is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the select
following choices: button will scroll through the following choices:
LOCK FEEDBACK: BOTH (default): The parking UNLOCK FEEDBACK: LAMPS (default): The parking
lamps will flash each time you press the button with the lamps will flash each time you press the button with the
lock symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter unlock symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
and the horn will chirp the second time you press the
lock button. UNLOCK FEEDBACK: HORN: The horn will chirp the
second time you press the button with the unlock
LOCK FEEDBACK: LAMPS: The parking lamps will symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
flash each time you press the button with the lock
symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter. UNLOCK FEEDBACK: BOTH: The parking lamps will
flash each time you press the button with the unlock
LOCK FEEDBACK: HORN: The horn will chirp the symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter and
second time you press the button with the lock symbol the horn will chirp the second time you press the
on the remote keyless entry transmitter. unlock button.
LOCK FEEDBACK: OFF: There will be no feedback UNLOCK FEEDBACK: OFF: There will be no feedback
when locking the vehicle. when unlocking the vehicle.
Choose one of the available options and press the Choose one of the available options and press the
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it and move on to the next feature. select it and move on to the next feature.

3-72
Headlamp Delay Perimeter Lights
Press the customization button until HEADLAMP Press the customization button until PERIMETER
DELAY appears in the display. To select your LIGHTS appears in the display. To select your
preference for how long the headlamps will stay on preference for perimeter lighting, press the select button
when you turn off the vehicle, press the select button while PERIMETER LIGHTS is displayed on the DIC.
while HEADLAMP DELAY is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the select button will scroll through the
Pressing the select button will scroll through the following choices:
following choices:
PERIMETER LIGHTS: ON (default): The headlamps
• HEADLAMP DELAY: 10 SEC (default) and back-up lamps will come on for 40 seconds,
• HEADLAMP DELAY: 20 SEC if it is dark enough outside, when you unlock the vehicle
with the remote keyless entry transmitter.
• HEADLAMP DELAY: 40 SEC
PERIMETER LIGHTS: OFF: The perimeter lights will
• HEADLAMP DELAY: 1 MIN
not come on when you unlock the vehicle with the
• HEADLAMP DELAY: 2 MIN remote keyless entry transmitter.
• HEADLAMP DELAY: 3 MIN Choose one of the available options and press the
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to
• HEADLAMP DELAY: OFF select it and move on to the next feature.
The amount of time you choose will be the amount of
time that the headlamps stay on after you turn off
the vehicle. If you choose off, the headlamps will turn
off as soon as you turn off the vehicle.
Choose one of the available options and press the
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it and move on to the next feature.

3-73
Easy Exit Seat Curb View
Press the customization button until EASY EXIT SEAT Press the customization button until CURB VIEW
appears in the display. To select your preference for appears in the display. To select your preference for
seat position exit, press the select button while curb view, press the select button while CURB VIEW is
EASY EXIT SEAT is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the displayed on the DIC. Pressing the select button will
select button will scroll through the following choices: scroll through the following choices:
EASY EXIT SEAT: OFF (default): No seat exit CURB VIEW: OFF (default): Neither outside mirror will
recall will occur. be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted into
REVERSE (R).
EASY EXIT SEAT: ON: The driver’s seat will move to
the exit position when the key is removed from the CURB VIEW: PASSENGER: The passenger’s outside
ignition. mirror will be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted
into REVERSE (R).
Choose one of the available options and press the
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to CURB VIEW: DRIVER: The driver’s outside mirror will
select it and move on to the next feature. For more be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted into
information on seat position exit, see Memory Seat on REVERSE (R).
page 2-63.
CURB VIEW: BOTH: The driver’s and passenger’s
outside mirrors will be tilted down when the vehicle is
shifted into REVERSE (R).
Choose one of the available options and press the
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to
select it and move on to the next feature. For more
information on tilt mirror in reverse, see Outside Curb
View Assist Mirrors on page 2-50.

3-74
Alarm Warning Language
Press the customization button until ALARM WARNING To select your preference for display language, press
appears in the display. To select your preference for the select button while LANGUAGE is displayed on the
alarm warning, press the select button while ALARM DIC. Pressing the select button will scroll through the
WARNING is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the select following languages:
button will scroll through the following choices: • ENGLISH
ALARM WARNING: BOTH (default): The headlamps • FRANCAIS (French)
will flash and the horn will chirp when the alarm
is active. • ESPANOL (Spanish)
Choose one of the available options and press the
ALARM WARNING: OFF: There will be no alarm
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC
warning on activation.
to select it.
ALARM WARNING: HORN: The horn will chirp when If you accidentally choose a language that you do not
the alarm is active. want or understand, press and hold the customization
ALARM WARNING: LAMPS: The headlamps will flash button and the trip information button at the same
when the alarm is active. time. The DIC will begin scrolling through the languages
in their particular language. English will be in English,
Choose one of the available options and press the Francais will be in French and Espanol will be in
customization button while your choice is displayed on Spanish. When you see the language that you would
the DIC to select it and move on to the next feature. like, release both buttons. The DIC will then display the
For more information on alarm warning type, information in the language you chose.
see Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.
You can also scroll through the different languages
by pressing and holding the trip reset stem for
four seconds, as long as you are in the odometer mode.

3-75
Display Units Audio System(s)
Press the customization button until DISPLAY UNITS
appears in the display. To select English or metric, press Notice: Before adding any sound equipment to
the select button while DISPLAY UNITS is displayed your vehicle, like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
on the DIC. Pressing the select button will scroll through telephone, or two-way radio, make sure that it can
the following choices: be added by checking with your dealer. Also,
check federal rules covering mobile radio and
• DISPLAY UNITS: ENGLISH telephone units. If sound equipment can be added,
• DISPLAY UNITS: METRIC it is very important to do it properly. Added
sound equipment may interfere with the operation
If you choose English, all information will be displayed of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems,
in English units. For example, distance in miles and fuel and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may
economy in miles per gallon. interfere with the operation of sound equipment
Choose one of the available options and press the that has been added improperly.
customization button while it is displayed on the DIC to Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, find
select it and end out of the customizable options. out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-20 for
more information.

3-76
Setting the Time for Radios without To synchronize the time with an FM station broadcasting
Radio Data System (RDS) information, press and
Radio Data Systems (RDS) hold the hour and minute buttons at the same time until
RDS TIME appears on the display. To accept this
Press and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the time, press and hold the hour and minute buttons, at the
display. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute same time, for another two seconds. If the time is not
appears on the display. There is an initial two-second available from the station, NO UPDAT will appear on
delay before the clock goes into time-set mode. the display.
Display the time with the ignition off, by pressing RCL,
HR, or MIN. RDS time is broadcast once a minute. After tuning to an
RDS broadcast station, it may take a few minutes for
the time to update.
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS)
The radio may have a button marked with an H or HR to
represent hours and an M or MN to represent minutes.
Press and hold the hour button until the correct hour
appears on the display. Press and hold the minute
button until the correct minute appears on the display.
The time can be set with the ignition on or off.

3-77
AM-FM Radio Finding a Station
AM FM: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2,
or AM. The display will show the selection.
TUNE: Turn this knob to select radio stations.

o SEEK p: Press the right or the left arrow to go to

the next or to the previous station and stay there.
To scan stations, press and hold either SEEK arrow for
two seconds until you hear a beep. The radio will go
to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to
the next station. Press either SEEK arrow again to
stop scanning.
Playing the Radio
To scan preset stations, press and hold either SEEK
PWR (Power): Press this knob to turn the system arrow for more than four seconds until you hear
on and off. two beeps. The radio will go to the first preset station
stored on the pushbuttons, play for a few seconds, then
VOL (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to go on to the next preset station. Press either SEEK
decrease the volume. arrow again to stop scanning presets.
RCL (Recall): Press this knob to switch the display The radio will only seek and scan stations with a strong
between the radio station frequency and the time. signal that are in the selected band.
When the ignition is off, press this knob to display
the time.

3-78
Setting Preset Stations Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
Up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM) can be AUDIO: To adjust bass and treble, press and release
programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons, by AUDIO until BAS or TRE appears on the display.
performing the following steps: Then press and hold the up or the down arrow to
1. Turn the radio on. increase or to decrease. If a station is weak or noisy,
decrease the treble.
2. Press AM FM to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station. To adjust bass or treble to the middle position, select
BAS or TRE. Then press and hold AUDIO for more than
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons two seconds until you hear a beep. B and a zero
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered or T and a zero will appear on the display.
pushbutton is pressed, the station that was set
will return. To adjust both tone controls and both speaker controls
to the middle position, first end out of audio mode
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. by pressing another button, causing the radio to perform
that function or by waiting five seconds for the display
to return to time of day. Then press and hold AUDIO
for more than two seconds until you hear a beep.
CEN will appear on the display.

3-79
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) Radio Messages
AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right CAL (Calibrated): The audio system has been
and the left speakers, press and release AUDIO until calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If CAL
BAL appears on the display. Then press and hold the up appears on the display it means that the radio has not
or the down arrow to move the sound toward the right been configured properly for your vehicle and must
or the left speakers. be returned to your GM dealer for service.
To adjust the fade between the front and the rear LOC (Locked): This message is displayed when the
speakers, press and release AUDIO until FAD appears THEFTLOCK® system has locked up. Take the vehicle
on the display. Then press and hold the up or the to your GM dealer for service.
down arrow to move the sound toward the front or the
rear speakers. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your GM dealer.
To adjust balance or fade to the middle position, select
BAL or FAD. Then press and hold AUDIO for more
than two seconds until you hear a beep. L (balance) and
a zero or F and a zero will appear on the display.
To adjust both tone controls and both speaker controls
to the middle position, first end out of audio mode
by pressing another button, causing the radio to perform
that function or by waiting five seconds for the display
to return to time of day. Then press and hold AUDIO
for more than two seconds until you hear a beep.
CEN will appear on the display.
Fade may not be available if the vehicle is a regular
cab model.

3-80
Radio with CD Radio Data System (RDS)
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS).
RDS features are available for use only on FM stations
that broadcast RDS information.
With RDS, the radio can do the following:
• Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type
of programming
• Receive announcements concerning local and
national emergencies
• Display messages from radio stations
This system relies upon receiving specific information
from these stations and will only work when the
information is available. In rare cases, a radio station
may broadcast incorrect information that will cause
Base Radio Shown, Bose® Similar the radio features to work improperly. If this happens,
If your vehicle has the Bose® audio system, your contact the radio station.
vehicle will have six Bose® amplified speakers. While the radio is tuned to an RDS station, the station
name or call letters will appear on the display instead
of the frequency. RDS stations may also provide
the time of day, a program type (PTY) for current
programming, and the name of the program
being broadcast.

3-81
XM™ Satellite Radio Service For XM™ (if equipped), press the INFO knob while in
XM™ mode to retrieve four different categories of
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in information related to the current song or channel:
the 48 contiguous United States. XM™ offers Artist, Song Title, Category or PTY, Channel
100 coast-to-coast channels including music, news, Number/Channel Name.
sports, talk, and children’s programming. XM™ provides
digital quality audio and text information that includes To change the default on the display, press the INFO
song title and artist name. A service fee is required knob until you see the display you want, then hold
in order to receive the XM™ service. For more the knob until you hear a beep. The selected display will
information, contact XM™ at www.xmradio.com or now be the default.
call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): With automatic
Playing the Radio volume, the audio system will adjust automatically to
make up for road and wind noise as you drive by
PWR (Power): Press this knob to turn the system on increasing the volume as vehicle speed increases.
and off.
Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to
o VOL p (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to select LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. AVOL will appear
decrease the volume. on the display. Each higher setting will provide more
volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds.
INFO (Information): Press this knob to switch the To turn automatic volume off, press this button until
display between the radio station frequency and AVOL OFF appears on the display.
the time. When the ignition is off, press this knob to
display the time.
For RDS, press the INFO knob to change what appears
on the display while using RDS. The display options
are station name, RDS station frequency, PTY, and the
name of the program (if available).

3-82
Finding a Station Setting Preset Stations
BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM,
AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped). The display will six XM1 and six XM2 (if equipped)), can be programed
show the selection. on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the
following steps:
o TUNE p: Turn this knob to select radio stations.
1. Turn the radio on.
© SEEK ¨: Press either the SEEK or the TYPE
arrows to go to the next or to the previous station and 2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, AM, or
stay there. XM1 or XM2.

The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal 3. Tune in the desired station.
that are in the selected band. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered
© SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or the pushbutton is pressed, the station that was set will
TYPE arrows for two seconds until SCAN appears return for that pushbutton.
on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to
a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
next station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows To store an equalization setting to a preset station
again to stop scanning. perform the following:
To scan preset stations, press and hold either the 1. Tune to the preset station.
SCAN or the TYPE arrows for more than four seconds. 2. Press and release the AUTO EQ button to select
PSCN will appear on the display and you will hear a the equalization setting.
double beep. The radio will go to a preset station, play
for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset Once the equalization no longer appears on the
station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows display, the equalization will be set for that
again to stop scanning presets. preset station.

The radio will only scan stations with a strong signal

that are in the selected band.

3-83
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
AUDIO: Push and release the AUDIO knob until BASS AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right
or TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob to and the left speakers, push and release the AUDIO
increase or to decrease. The display will show the knob until BAL appears on the display. Turn the knob to
bass or treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, move the sound toward the right or the left speakers.
decrease the treble.
To adjust the fade between the front and the rear
To adjust the bass and treble to the middle position, speakers, push and release the AUDIO knob until FADE
push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the
produce one beep and adjust the display level to the sound toward the front or the rear speakers.
middle position.
To adjust the balance and fade to the middle position,
To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle push the AUDIO knob, then push it again and hold
position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone it until the radio produces one beep. The balance and
or speaker control is displayed. ALL CENTERED will fade will be adjusted to the middle position and the
appear on the display, you will hear a beep, and display will show the speaker balance.
the display level will be adjusted to the middle position.
To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle
AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press this button position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone
to select customized equalization settings designed for or speaker control is displayed. ALL CENTERED will
country/western, jazz, talk, pop, rock, and classical. appear on the display, you will hear a beep, and
Selecting CUSTOM or changing bass or treble, returns the display level will be adjusted to the middle position.
the EQ to the manual bass and treble settings.
The radio will save separate AUTO EQ settings for each
preset and source.
If the radio is equipped with the Bose® audio system,
the equalization settings are either CUSTOM or TALK.

3-84
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station SCAN: Scan the stations within a PTY by performing
the following:
(RDS and XM™)
1. Press the TYPE button to activate program type
To select and find a desired PTY perform the following: select mode. TYPE and the last selected PTY will
1. Press the TYPE button to activate program type appear on the display.
select mode. TYPE and a PTY will appear on 2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the
the display. TYPE button to select a PTY.
2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the 3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and hold
TYPE button to select a PTY. either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows for two
3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and seconds, and the radio will begin scanning the
release either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows to stations in the PTY.
select and to take you to the PTY’s first station. 4. Press either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows to stop
4. To go to another station within that PTY and the at a station.
PTY is displayed, press either the TYPE or the
BAND (Alternate Frequency): Alternate frequency
SEEK arrows once. If the PTY is not displayed,
allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the
go back to Step 1.
same program type. To turn alternate frequency on,
5. Press either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows to exit press and hold BAND for two seconds. AF ON will
program type select mode. appear on the display. The radio may switch to stations
If the radio cannot find the desired program type, with a stronger frequency.
NONE will appear on the display and the radio will To turn alternate frequency off, press and hold BAND
return to the last station you were listening to. again for two seconds. AF OFF will appear on the
display. The radio will not switch to other stations.
This function does not apply for XM™ Satellite
Radio Service.

3-85
Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
These buttons have factory PTY presets. Up to 12 PTYs through the message, press and release the INFO button.
(six FM1 and six FM2), can be programmed on the A new group of words will appear on the display after
six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the every press of the button. Once the complete message
following steps: has been displayed, the information symbol will
1. Press BAND to select FM1 or FM2. disappear from the display until another new message is
2. Press the TYPE button to activate program type received. The last message can be displayed by pressing
select mode. TYPE and the last selected PTY the INFO button. You can view the last message until a
will appear on the display. new message is received or a different station is tuned to.
3. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the
TYPE button to select a PTY. Radio Messages
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons CAL ERR (Calibration Error): The audio system has
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory.
pushbutton is pressed, the PTY that was set If CAL ERR appears on the display, it means that
will return. the radio has not been configured properly for the
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. vehicle and must be returned to your GM dealer
for service.
RDS Messages LOCKED: This message is displayed when the
INFO (Information): If the current station has a THEFTLOCK® system has locked up. Take the vehicle
message, the information symbol will appear on the to your GM dealer for service.
display. Press this button to see the message.
If any error occurs repeatedly, or if an error cannot be
The message may display the artist, song title, call in
corrected, contact your GM dealer.
phone numbers, etc.

3-86
 XM™ Radio Messages
Radio Display
Condition Action Required
Message
XL (Explicit Language XL on the radio display, These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a
Channels) after the channel name, customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
indicates content with
explicit language.
Updating Updating encryption code The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process should take no longer
than 30 seconds.
No Signal Loss of signal The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a
location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you move
into an open area, the signal should return.
Loading XM Acquiring channel audio The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and
(after 4 second delay) text data. No action is needed. This message should
disappear shortly.
CH Off Air Channel not in service This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another
channel.
CH Unavail Channel no longer This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned.
available Tune to another station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for that preset button.
No Info Artist Name/Feature No artist information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.
No Info Song/Program Title No song title information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.

3-87
 XM™ Radio Messages (cont’d)
Radio Display
Condition Action Required
Message
No Info Category Name No category information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.
No Info No Text/Informational No text or informational messages are available at this
message available time on this channel. The system is working properly.
Not Found No channel available for There are no channels available for the selected category.
the chosen category The system is working properly.
XM Locked Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this
message is received after having your vehicle serviced,
check with your GM dealer.
Radio ID Radio ID label (channel 0) If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown Radio ID not known If this message is received when tuned to channel 0,
(should only be if there may be a receiver fault. Consult with your
hardware failure) GM dealer.
Chk XMRcvr Hardware failure If this message does not clear within a short period of
time, the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your
GM dealer.

3-88
Playing a CD 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to
the beginning of the current track if more than
Insert a CD part way into the slot, label side up. eight seconds have played. TRACK and the track
The player will pull it in and the CD should begin playing. number will appear on the display. If this pushbutton is
If you want to insert a CD with the ignition off, first held or pressed more than once, the player will
press the eject button or the INFO knob. continue moving backward through the CD.
If the ignition or radio is turned off with the CD in the 2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to go to the next track.
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition TRACK and the track number will appear on the display.
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it If this pushbutton is held or pressed more than once, the
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. player will continue moving forward through the CD.
When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on
the display. As each new track starts to play, the 3 REV (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to
track number will appear on the display. quickly reverse within a track. Press and hold this
pushbutton for less than two seconds to reverse at
The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single six times the normal playing speed. Press and hold it
CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the for more than two seconds to reverse at 17 times
smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner. the normal playing speed. Release this pushbutton to
If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced play the passage. ET and the elapsed time of the track
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality will appear on the display.
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the 4 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase quickly advance within a track. Press and hold this
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in pushbutton for less than two seconds to advance
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a at six times the normal playing speed. Press and hold it
known good CD. for more than two seconds to advance at 17 times
Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught the normal playing speed. Release this pushbutton to
in the CD player. play the passage. ET and the elapsed time of the track
will appear on the display.
If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages”
later in this section.

3-89
6 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the CD AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to play a CD
tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. RDM ON when listening to the radio. The inactive CD will remain
will appear on the display. RDM T and the track safely inside the radio for future listening.
number will appear on the display when each track Z (Eject): Press this button to stop a CD when it is
starts to play. Press this pushbutton again to turn playing or to eject a CD when it is not playing. Eject
off random play. RDM OFF will appear on the display. may be activated with either the ignition or radio off. CDs
© SEEK ¨: Press the left arrow to go to the start may be loaded with the radio and ignition off if this
of the current or to the previous track. Press the button is pressed first.
right arrow to go to the start of the next track. If either
arrow is held or pressed more than once, the player will CD Messages
continue moving backward or forward through the CD. If the CD comes out, it could be for one of the
following reasons:
© SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or the
TYPE arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN • It is very hot. When the temperature returns to
appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio normal, the CD should play.
will go to the next track, play for 10 seconds, then go • You are driving on a very rough road. When the
on to the next track. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE road becomes smoother, the CD should play.
arrows again, to stop scanning. • The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down.
INFO (Information): Press this knob to see how long • The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
the current track has been playing. ET and the elapsed try again.
time will appear on the display. To change the default • There may have been a problem while burning the CD.
on the display, track or elapsed time, press the
knob until you see the display you want, then hold the • The label may be caught in the CD player.
knob for two seconds. The radio will produce one If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason,
beep and the selected display will now be the default. try a known good CD.
BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
a CD is playing. The inactive CD will remain safely corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays
inside the radio for future listening. an error message, write it down and provide it to
your GM dealer when reporting the problem.

3-90
Radio with Cassette and CD Radio Data System (RDS)
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS).
RDS features are available for use only on FM stations
that broadcast RDS information.
With RDS, the radio can do the following:
• Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type
of programming
• Receive announcements concerning local and
national emergencies
• Display messages from radio stations
This system relies upon receiving specific information
from these stations and will only work when the
information is available. In rare cases, a radio station
may broadcast incorrect information that will cause
Base Radio Shown, Bose® Similar the radio features to work improperly. If this happens,
If your vehicle has the Bose® audio system, your contact the radio station.
vehicle will have six Bose® amplified speakers. While the radio is tuned to an RDS station, the station
name or call letters will appear on the display instead
of the frequency. RDS stations may also provide
the time of day, a program type (PTY) for current
programming, and the name of the program
being broadcast.

3-91
XM™ Satellite Radio Service For XM™ (if equipped), press the INFO knob while in
XM™ mode to retrieve four different categories of
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in information related to the current song or channel:
the 48 contiguous United States. XM™ offers Artist, Song Title, Category or PTY, Channel
100 coast-to-coast channels including music, news, Number/Channel Name.
sports, talk, and children’s programming. XM™ provides
digital quality audio and text information that includes To change the default on the display, press the INFO
song title and artist name. A service fee is required knob until you see the display you want, then hold
in order to receive the XM™ service. For more the knob until the display flashes. The selected display
information, contact XM™ at www.xmradio.com or will now be the default.
call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696). AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): With automatic
Playing the Radio volume, the audio system will adjust automatically to
make up for road and wind noise as you drive by
PWR (Power): Press this knob to turn the system increasing the volume as vehicle speed increases.
on and off.
Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to
o VOL p (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to select LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. AVOL will appear
decrease the volume. on the display. Each higher setting will provide more
volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds.
INFO (Information): Press this knob to switch the To turn automatic volume off, press this button until
display between the radio station frequency and AVOL OFF appears on the display.
the time. When the ignition is off, press this knob to
display the time.
For RDS, press the INFO knob to change what appears
on the display while using RDS. The display options
are station name, RDS station frequency, PTY, and the
name of the program (if available).

3-92
Finding a Station Setting Preset Stations
BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM,
AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped). The display will six XM1 and six XM2 (if equipped)), can be programed
show the selection. on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the
following steps:
o TUNE p: Turn this knob to select radio stations.
1. Turn the radio on.
© SEEK ¨: Press either the SEEK or the TYPE
2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, AM, or
arrows to go to the next or to the previous station and XM1 or XM2.
stay there.
3. Tune in the desired station.
The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered
© SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or the pushbutton is pressed, the station that was set will
TYPE arrows for two seconds until SCAN appears return for that pushbutton.
on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to
a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
next station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows To store an equalization setting to a preset station
again to stop scanning. perform the following:
To scan preset stations, press and hold either the 1. Tune to the preset station.
SCAN or the TYPE arrows for more than four seconds. 2. Press and release the AUTO EQ button to select
PSCN will appear on the display and you will hear a the equalization setting.
double beep. The radio will go to a preset station, play
Once the equalization no longer appears on
for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset
the display, the equalization will be set for that
station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows
preset station.
again to stop scanning presets.
The radio will only scan stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.

3-93
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
AUDIO: Push and release the AUDIO knob until BASS AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right
or TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob to and the left speakers, push and release the AUDIO
increase or to decrease. The display will show the bass knob until BAL appears on the display. Turn the knob to
or treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, decrease move the sound toward the right or the left speakers.
the treble.
To adjust the fade between the front and the rear
To adjust the bass and treble to the middle position, speakers, push and release the AUDIO knob until FADE
push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the
produce one beep and adjust the display level to the sound toward the front or the rear speakers.
middle position.
To adjust the balance and fade to the middle position,
To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle push the AUDIO knob, then push it again and hold
position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone it until the radio produces one beep. The balance and
or speaker control is displayed. ALL CENTERED will fade will be adjusted to the middle position and the
appear on the display, you will hear a beep, and display will show the speaker balance.
the display level will be adjusted to the middle position.
To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle
AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press this button position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone
to select customized equalization settings designed for or speaker control is displayed. ALL CENTERED will
country/western, jazz, talk, pop, rock, and classical. appear on the display, you will hear a beep, and
Selecting CUSTOM or changing bass or treble, returns the display level will be adjusted to the middle position.
the EQ to the manual bass and treble settings.
The radio will save separate AUTO EQ settings for each
preset and source.
If the radio is equipped with the Bose® audio system,
the equalization settings are either CUSTOM or TALK.

3-94
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station SCAN: Scan the stations within a PTY by performing
the following:
(RDS and XM™)
1. Press the TYPE button to activate program type
To select and find a desired PTY perform the following: select mode. TYPE and the last selected PTY will
1. Press the TYPE button to activate program type appear on the display.
select mode. TYPE and a PTY will appear on 2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the
the display. TYPE button to select a PTY.
2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the 3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and
TYPE button to select a PTY. hold either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows for
3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and two seconds, and the radio will begin scanning
release either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows to the stations in the PTY.
select and to take you to the PTY’s first station. 4. Press either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows to stop
4. To go to another station within that PTY and the at a station.
PTY is displayed, press either the TYPE or the BAND (Alternate Frequency): Alternate frequency
SEEK arrows once. If the PTY is not displayed, allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the
go back to Step 1. same program type. To turn alternate frequency on,
5. Press either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows to exit press and hold BAND for two seconds. AF ON will
program type select mode. appear on the display. The radio may switch to stations
with a stronger frequency.
If the radio cannot find the desired program type,
NONE will appear on the display and the radio will return To turn alternate frequency off, press and hold BAND
to the last station you were listening to. again for two seconds. AF OFF will appear on the
display. The radio will not switch to other stations.
This function does not apply for XM™ Satellite
Radio Service.

3-95
Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
These buttons have factory PTY presets. Up to 12 PTYs through the message, press and release the INFO
(six FM1 and six FM2), can be programmed on the button. A new group of words will appear on the display
six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the after every press of the button. Once the complete
following steps: message has been displayed, the information symbol
1. Press BAND to select FM1 or FM2. will disappear from the display until another new
message is received. The last message can be
2. Press the TYPE button to activate program type displayed by pressing the INFO button. You can view
select mode. TYPE and the last selected PTY will the last message until a new message is received
appear on the display. or a different station is tuned to.
3. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the
TYPE button to select a PTY. Radio Messages
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons CAL ERR (Calibration Error): The audio system
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory.
pushbutton is pressed, the PTY that was set If CAL ERR appears on the display, it means that
will return. the radio has not been configured properly for the
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. vehicle and must be returned to your GM dealer
for service.
RDS Messages LOCKED: This message is displayed when the
INFO (Information): If the current station has a THEFTLOCK® system has locked up. Take the vehicle
message, the information symbol will appear on the to your GM dealer for service.
display. Press this button to see the message. If any error occurs repeatedly, or if an error cannot be
The message may display the artist, song title, corrected, contact your GM dealer.
call in phone numbers, etc.

3-96
 XM™ Radio Messages
Radio Display
Condition Action Required
Message
XL (Explicit Language XL on the radio display, These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a
Channels) after the channel name, customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
indicates content with
explicit language.
Updating Updating encryption code The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process should take no longer
than 30 seconds.
No Signal Loss of signal The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a
location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you move
into an open area, the signal should return.
Loading XM Acquiring channel audio The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and
(after 4 second delay) text data. No action is needed. This message should
disappear shortly.
CH Off Air Channel not in service This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another
channel.
CH Unavail Channel no longer This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned.
available Tune to another station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for that preset button.
No Info Artist Name/Feature No artist information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.
No Info Song/Program Title No song title information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.

3-97
 XM™ Radio Messages (cont’d)
Radio Display
Condition Action Required
Message
No Info Category Name No category information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.
No Info No Text/Informational No text or informational messages are available at this
message available time on this channel. The system is working properly.
Not Found No channel available for There are no channels available for the selected category.
the chosen category The system is working properly.
XM Locked Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this
message is received after having your vehicle serviced,
check with your GM dealer.
Radio ID Radio ID label (channel 0) If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown Radio ID not known If this message is received when tuned to channel 0,
(should only be if there may be a receiver fault. Consult with your
hardware failure) GM dealer.
Chk XMRcvr Hardware failure If this message does not clear within a short period of
time, the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your
GM dealer.

3-98
Playing a Cassette Tape 1 PREV (Previous): The tape must have at least
three seconds of silence between each selection for
The tape player is built to work best with tapes that are previous to work. Press this pushbutton to go to
up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes the previous selection on the tape if the current selection
longer than that are so thin they may not work well in has been playing for less than three seconds. If pressed
this player. The longer side with the tape visible should when the current selection has been playing from
face to the right. If you hear nothing or hear a garbled three to 13 seconds, it will go to the beginning of the
sound, the tape may not be in squarely. Press the eject previous selection or the beginning of the current
button to remove the tape and start over. selection, depending on the position on the tape.
If the ignition and radio are off, press the eject button or If pressed when the current selection has been playing
the INFO knob to insert and to begin play of a tape. for more than 13 seconds, it will go to the beginning
If the ignition is on and the radio is off, the tape can be of the current selection.
inserted and will begin playing. SEEK and a negative number will appear on the display
While the tape is playing, use the VOL, AUDIO, and while the cassette player is in the previous mode.
SEEK controls just as you do for the radio. The cassette Pressing this pushbutton multiple times will increase the
tape symbol will appear on the display and an arrow number of selections to be searched back, up to −9.
showing which side of the tape is playing. The tape
2 NEXT: The tape must have at least three seconds
player will play the other side of the tape when it
of silence between each selection for next to work.
reaches the end.
Press this pushbutton to go to the next selection on the
Cassette tape adapter kits for portable CD players will tape. Pressing this pushbutton multiple times, in next
work in the cassette tape player. See “CD Adapter Kits” mode, will increase the number of selections to be
later for more information. searched forward. SEEK and a positive number
The tape bias is set automatically when a metal or will appear on the display.
chrome tape is inserted.
If an error appears on the display, see “Cassette Tape
Messages” later in this section.

3-99
3 REV (Reverse): Press this pushbutton to quickly © SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or the
reverse the tape. The radio will play while the tape TYPE arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN
reverses. Press it again to return to playing speed. appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio
The station frequency and REV will appear on the will go to the next selection, play for 10 seconds,
display. Select stations during reverse operation by then go on to the next selection. Press either the
using TUNE and SEEK. SCAN or the TYPE arrows again, to stop scanning.
4 FWD (Forward): Press this pushbutton to quickly The tape must have at least three seconds of silence
advance the tape. The radio will play while the tape between each selection for scan to work.
advances. Press this pushbutton again to return BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when a
to playing speed. The station frequency and FWD will cassette tape or CD is playing. The inactive tape or CD
appear on the display. Select stations during forward will remain safely inside the radio for future listening.
operation by using TUNE and SEEK.
TAPE DISC: Press this button to play a cassette tape or
5 X SIDE: Press this pushbutton to play the other side CD when listening to the radio. The inactive tape or
of the tape. CD will remain safely inside the radio for future listening.

© SEEK ¨: The right arrow is the same as the Z (Eject): Press this button to stop a tape when it
NEXT pushbutton, and the left arrow is the same as the is playing or to eject a tape when it is not playing.
PREV pushbutton. If either arrow is held or pressed Eject may be activated with the radio off. Cassette tapes
more than once, the player will continue moving forward may be loaded with the radio off if this button is
or backward through the tape. SEEK and a positive pressed first.
or negative number will appear on the display.

3-100
Cassette Tape Messages CD Adapter Kits
CHK TAPE (Check Tape): If this message appears on It is possible to use a portable CD player with the
the display, the tape will not play due to one of the cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature
following errors: on your tape player.
• The tape is tight and the player cannot turn the To activate the bypass feature, perform the
tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with following steps:
the open end down and try to turn the right
1. Turn the ignition on.
hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape
over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, 2. Turn the radio off.
the tape may be damaged and should not be used 3. Press and hold the TAPE DISC button for five
in the player. Try a new tape to make sure your seconds. READY will appear on the display and
player is working properly. the tape symbol on the display will flash, indicating
• The tape is broken. Try a new tape. the feature is active.
• The tape is wrapped around the tape head. 4. Insert the adapter into the cassette tape slot. It will
Attempt to get the cassette out. Try a new tape. power up the radio and begin playing.
CLEAN: If this message appears on the display, the The override feature will remain active until the eject
cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play button is pressed.
tapes, but it should be cleaned as soon as possible to
prevent damage to the tapes and player. See Care
of Your Cassette Tape Player on page 3-134.
If the cassette tape is not playing correctly, for any other
reason, try a known good cassette.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays
an error message, write it down and provide it to
your GM dealer when reporting the problem.

3-101
Playing a CD Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught
in the CD player.
Insert a CD part way into the slot, label side up.
The player will pull it in and the CD should begin playing. If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages”
If you want to insert a CD with the ignition off, first later in this section.
press the eject button or the INFO knob. 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to
If the ignition or radio is turned off with the CD in the the beginning of the current track if more than
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition eight seconds have played. TRACK and the track
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it number will appear on the display. If this pushbutton is
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. held or pressed more than once, the player will
continue moving backward through the CD.
When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on
the display. As each new track starts to play, the 2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to go to the next track.
track number will appear on the display. TRACK and the track number will appear on the
The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single display. If this pushbutton is held or pressed more than
CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the once, the player will continue moving forward through
smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner. the CD.

If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced 3 REV (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality quickly reverse within a track. Press and hold this
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the pushbutton for less than two seconds to reverse at
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase six times the normal playing speed. Press and hold it
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in for more than two seconds to reverse at 17 times
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a the normal playing speed. Release this pushbutton to
known good CD. play the passage. ET and the elapsed time of the track
will appear on the display.

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4 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to INFO (Information): Press this knob to see how long
quickly advance within a track. Press and hold this the current track has been playing. ET and the elapsed
pushbutton for less than two seconds to advance time will appear on the display. To change the default
at six times the normal playing speed. Press and hold it on the display, track or elapsed time, press the
for more than two seconds to advance at 17 times knob until you see the display you want, then hold the
the normal playing speed. Release this pushbutton to knob for two seconds. The radio will produce one
play the passage. ET and the elapsed time of the track beep and the selected display will now be the default.
will appear on the display.
BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when
6 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the a cassette tape or CD is playing. The inactive tape or
tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. RDM ON CD will remain safely inside the radio for future listening.
will appear on the display. RDM and the track number
will appear on the display when each track starts to play. TAPE DISC: Press this button to play a cassette
Press this pushbutton again to turn off random play. tape or CD when listening to the radio. The inactive
RDM OFF will appear on the display. tape or CD will remain safely inside the radio for
future listening.
© SEEK ¨: Press the left arrow to go to the start of
the current or to the previous track. Press the right Z (Eject): Press this button to stop a CD when
arrow to go to the start of the next track. If either arrow it is playing or to eject a CD when it is not playing.
is held or pressed more than once, the player will Eject may be activated with either the ignition or
continue moving backward or forward through the CD. radio off. CDs may be loaded with the radio and
© SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or ignition off if this button is pressed first.
the TYPE arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN
appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio
will go to the next track, play for 10 seconds, then
go on to the next track. Press either the SCAN or the
TYPE arrows again, to stop scanning.

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CD Messages Listening to a DVD
If the CD comes out, it could be for one of the If your vehicle has the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
following reasons: system and a DVD is playing, the DVD symbol will
• It is very hot. When the temperature returns to appear on the radio display indicating that the DVD is
normal, the CD should play. available and can be listened to through your vehicle’s
speakers. To listen to the DVD, press the TAPE
• You are driving on a very rough road. When the DISC button until RSE appears on the radio display.
road becomes smoother, the CD should play. The current radio source will stop and the DVD sound
• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down. will come through the speakers. To stop listening to
• The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour the DVD, press the TAPE DISC button, if a cassette
and try again. tape or a CD is loaded, or press the BAND button
• There may have been a problem while burning to select a different source.
the CD. When the RSE system is turned off, the DVD symbol
• The label may be caught in the CD player. will go off of the radio display and RSE OFF will appear
on the radio display. The radio will return to the last
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, radio source that you were listening to.
try a known good CD.
See Rear Seat Entertainment System on page 3-119
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be for more information.
corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays
an error message, write it down and provide it to
your GM dealer when reporting the problem.

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Radio with Six-Disc CD Radio Data System (RDS)
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS).
RDS features are available for use only on FM stations
that broadcast RDS information.
With RDS, the radio can do the following:
• Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type
of programming
• Receive announcements concerning local and
national emergencies
• Display messages from radio stations
This system relies upon receiving specific information
from these stations and will only work when the
information is available. In rare cases, a radio station
may broadcast incorrect information that will cause
Base Radio Shown, Bose® Similar the radio features to work improperly. If this happens,
If your vehicle has the Bose® audio system, your contact the radio station.
vehicle will have six Bose® amplified speakers. While the radio is tuned to an RDS station, the station
name or call letters will appear on the display instead
of the frequency. RDS stations may also provide
the time of day, a program type (PTY) for current
programming, and the name of the program
being broadcast.

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XM™ Satellite Radio Service For XM™ (if equipped), press the INFO knob while in
XM™ mode to retrieve four different categories of
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in information related to the current song or channel:
the 48 contiguous United States. XM™ offers Artist, Song Title, Category or PTY, Channel
100 coast-to-coast channels including music, news, Number/Channel Name.
sports, talk, and children’s programming. XM™ provides
digital quality audio and text information that includes To change the default on the display, press the INFO
song title and artist name. A service fee is required knob until you see the display you want, then hold
in order to receive the XM™ service. For more the knob until you hear a beep. The selected display
information, contact XM™ at www.xmradio.com or will now be the default.
call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696). AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): With automatic
Playing the Radio volume, the audio system will adjust automatically to
make up for road and wind noise as you drive by
PWR (Power): Push this knob to turn the system increasing the volume as vehicle speed increases.
on and off.
Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to
o VOLUME p: Turn this knob to increase or to select MIN, MED, or MAX. AUTO VOL will appear on
decrease the volume. the display. Each higher setting will provide more
volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds.
INFO (Information): Press this knob to switch the To turn automatic volume off, press this button until
display between the radio station frequency and AUTO VOL OFF appears on the display.
the time. When the ignition is off, press this knob to
display the time.
For RDS, press the INFO knob to change what appears
on the display while using RDS. The display options
are station name, RDS station frequency, PTY, and the
name of the program (if available).

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Finding a Station Setting Preset Stations
BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM,
AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped). The display will six XM1 and six XM2 (if equipped)), can be programed
show the selection. on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the
following steps:
o TUNE p: Turn this knob to select radio stations.
1. Turn the radio on.
© SEEK ¨: Press either the SEEK or the TYPE
2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, AM, or
arrows to go to the next or to the previous station and XM1 or XM2.
stay there.
3. Tune in the desired station.
The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered
© SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or the pushbutton is pressed, the station that was set will
TYPE arrows for two seconds until SCN appears on return for that pushbutton.
the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to a
station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the 5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
next station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows To store an equalization setting to a preset station
again to stop scanning. perform the following:
To scan preset stations, press and hold either the 1. Tune to the preset station.
SCAN or the TYPE arrows for more than four seconds. 2. Press and release the AUTO EQ button to select
PSC will appear on the display and you will hear a the equalization setting.
double beep. The radio will go to a preset station, play
Once the equalization no longer appears on the
for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset
display, the equalization will be set for that
station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows
preset station.
again to stop scanning presets.
The radio will only scan stations with a strong signal
that are in the selected band.

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Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
AUDIO: Push and release the AUDIO knob until BASS, AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right
MID (without Bose®), or TREB appears on the display. and the left speakers, push and release the AUDIO
Turn the knob to increase or to decrease. The display knob until BAL appears on the display. Turn the knob to
will show the bass, midrange (without Bose®), or move the sound toward the right or the left speakers.
treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, decrease
the treble. To adjust the fade between the front and rear speakers,
push and release the AUDIO knob until FAD appears
To adjust the bass, midrange (without Bose®), and on the display. Turn the knob to move the sound toward
treble to the middle position, push and hold the the front or the rear speakers.
AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and
adjust the display level to the middle position. To adjust the balance and fade to the middle position,
push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will
To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle produce one beep and adjust the display level to the
position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone middle position.
or speaker controls are displayed. ALL CENTERED
will appear on the display and you will hear a beep. To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle
position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone
AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press this button or speaker controls are displayed. ALL CENTERED
to select customized equalization settings designed will appear on the display and you will hear a beep.
for country/western, jazz, talk, pop, rock, and classical.
The radio will save separate AUTO EQ settings for
each preset and source.
If the radio is equipped with the Bose® audio system,
the equalization settings are either CUSTOM or TALK.

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Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station SCAN: Scan the stations within a PTY by performing
the following:
(RDS and XM™)
1. Press the TYPE button to activate program type
To select and find a desired PTY perform the following: select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY
1. Press the TYPE button to activate program type will appear on the display.
select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY 2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the
will appear on the display. TYPE button to select a PTY.
2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the 3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and hold
TYPE button to select a PTY. either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows for two
3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press either the seconds, and the radio will begin scanning the
TYPE or the SEEK arrows to select and to take you stations in the PTY.
to the PTY’s first station. 4. Press either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows to stop
4. To go to another station within that PTY and the at a station.
PTY is displayed, press either the TYPE or the
BAND (Alternate Frequency): Alternate frequency
SEEK arrows once. If the PTY is not displayed,
allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the
go back to Step 1.
same program type. To turn alternate frequency on,
5. Press either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows to exit press and hold BAND for two seconds. AF ON will
program type select mode. appear on the display. The radio may switch to stations
with a stronger frequency.
To turn alternate frequency off, press and hold BAND
again for two seconds. AF OFF will appear on the
display. The radio will not switch to other stations.
This function does not apply for XM™ Satellite
Radio Service.

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Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the
message will appear every three seconds. To scroll
These pushbuttons have factory PTY presets. Up to through the message, press and release the INFO
12 PTYs (six FM1 and six FM2), can be programmed on button. A new group of words will appear on the display
the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the after every press of this button. Once the complete
following steps: message has been displayed, INFO will disappear from
1. Press BAND to select FM1 or FM2. the display until another new message is received.
The last message can be displayed by pressing
2. Press the TYPE button to activate program type the INFO button. You can view the last message until
select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY a new message is received or a different station is
will appear on the display. tuned to.
3. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the
TYPE button to select a PTY. Radio Messages
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons CAL ERR (Calibration Error): The audio system has
until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory.
pushbutton is pressed, the PTY that was set If CAL ERR appears on the display, it means that
will return. the radio has not been configured properly for the
5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. vehicle and must be returned to your GM dealer
for service.
RDS Messages LOCKED: This message is displayed when the
INFO (Information): If the current station has a THEFTLOCK® system has locked up. Take the vehicle
message, INFO will appear on the display. Press this to your GM dealer for service.
button to see the message. The message may display If any error occurs repeatedly, or if an error cannot be
the artist, song title, call in phone numbers, etc. corrected, contact your GM dealer.

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 XM™ Radio Messages
Radio Display
Condition Action Required
Message
XL (Explicit Language XL on the radio display, These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a
Channels) after the channel name, customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
indicates content with
explicit language.
Updating Updating encryption code The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process should take no longer
than 30 seconds.
No Signal Loss of signal The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a
location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you move
into an open area, the signal should return.
Loading XM Acquiring channel audio The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and
(after 4 second delay) text data. No action is needed. This message should
disappear shortly.
CH Off Air Channel not in service This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another
channel.
CH Unavail Channel no longer This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned.
available Tune to another station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for that preset button.
No Info Artist Name/Feature No artist information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.
No Info Song/Program Title No song title information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.

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 XM™ Radio Messages (cont’d)
Radio Display
Condition Action Required
Message
No Info Category Name No category information is available at this time on this
not available channel. The system is working properly.
No Info No Text/Informational No text or informational messages are available at this
message available time on this channel. The system is working properly.
Not Found No channel available for There are no channels available for the selected category.
the chosen category The system is working properly.
XM Locked Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this
message is received after having your vehicle serviced,
check with your GM dealer.
Radio ID Radio ID label (channel 0) If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown Radio ID not known If this message is received when tuned to channel 0,
(should only be if there may be a receiver fault. Consult with your
hardware failure) GM dealer.
Chk XMRcvr Hardware failure If this message does not clear within a short period of
time, your receiver may have a fault. Consult with your
GM dealer.

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Playing a CD LOAD: Press this button to load CDs into the CD
player. This CD player will hold up to six CDs.
If the ignition or radio is turned off, with a CD in the
player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition To insert one CD, do the following:
or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it 1. Turn the ignition on.
stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. 2. Press and release the LOAD button.
When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on 3. Wait for the indicator light, located to the right of the
the display. As each new track starts to play, the slot, to turn green.
track number will appear on the display. 4. Load a CD. Insert the CD part way into the slot,
The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single label side up. The player will pull the CD in.
CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the To insert multiple CDs, do the following:
smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner.
1. Turn the ignition on.
If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced 2. Press and hold the LOAD button for two seconds.
due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality
You will hear a beep and the indicator light, located
of the music that has been recorded, and the way the
to the right of the slot, will begin to flash and
CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase
MULTI LOAD # will appear on the display.
in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in
loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a 3. Once the light stops flashing and turns green,
known good CD. INSERT CD # will appear on the display, load
a CD. Insert the CD part way into the slot, label side
Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught up. The player will pull the CD in.
in the CD player.
Once the CD is loaded, the indicator light will begin
If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages” flashing again. Once the light stops flashing and
later in this section. turns green, you can load another CD. The CD
player takes up to six CDs. Do not try to load
more than six.

3-113
To load more than one CD but less than six, complete To eject multiple CDs, do the following:
Steps 1 through 3. When finished loading CDs, 1. Press and hold the CD eject button for five seconds.
press the LOAD button to cancel the loading function.
The radio will begin to play the last CD loaded. You will hear a beep and the indicator light,
located to the right of the slot, will begin to flash
If more than one CD has been loaded, a number for and EJECT ALL will appear on the display.
each CD will appear on the display.
2. Once the light stops flashing and turns green,
Playing a Specific Loaded CD REMOVE CD # will appear on the display.
The CD will eject and can be removed.
For every CD loaded, a number will appear on the
Once the CD is removed, the indicator light will
display. To play a specific CD, first press the CD AUX
begin flashing again and another CD will eject.
button, then press the numbered pushbutton that
corresponds to the CD. A small bar will appear under To stop ejecting the CDs, press the LOAD or the
the CD number that is playing and the track number will eject button.
appear on the display. If the CD is not removed, after 25 seconds, the CD will be
If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages” automatically pulled back into the player. If CD is pushed
later in this section. back into the player, before the 25-second time period is
complete, the player will sense an error and will try to
CD Z (Eject): Press this button to eject CD(s). eject the CD several times before stopping.
To eject the CD that is currently playing, press and Do not repeatedly press the CD eject button to
release this button. eject a CD after you have tried to push it in manually.
The player’s 25-second eject timer will reset at each
press of eject, causing the player to not eject the
CD until the 25-second time period has elapsed.

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{ REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button to RDM (Random): With random, you can listen to the
reverse quickly within a track. You will hear sound at a tracks in random, rather than sequential, order, on one
reduced volume. Release the button to play the CD or on all of the CDs. To use random, do one of
passage. The elapsed time of the track will appear on the following:
the display. • To play the tracks on the CD you are listening to in
random order, press and release the RDM button.
FWD | (Forward): Press and hold this button to RANDOM ONE will appear on the display. Press
advance quickly within a track. You will hear sound at a RDM again to turn off random play.
reduced volume. Release the button to play the
passage. The elapsed time of the track will appear on • To play the tracks on all of the CDs that are loaded
the display. in random order, press and hold RDM for more
than two seconds. You will hear a beep and
RPT (Repeat): With repeat, one track or an entire CD RANDOM ALL will appear on the display. Press
can be repeated. RDM again to turn off random play.
To use repeat, do the following: AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press AUTO EQ
• To repeat the track you are listening to, press and to select the equalization setting while playing a CD.
release the RPT button. RPT will appear on the The equalization will be stored whenever a CD is played.
display. Press RPT again to turn off repeat play. For more information on AUTO EQ, see “AUTO EQ”
listed previously in this section.
• To repeat the CD you are listening to, press and
hold the RPT button for two seconds. RPT will ©SEEK ¨: Press the left arrow to go to the start of
appear on the display. Press RPT again to turn off the current track, if more than ten seconds have played.
repeat play. Press the right arrow to go to the next track. If either
arrow is held or pressed more than once, the player will
continue moving backward or forward through the CD.

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©SCAN ¨: To scan one CD, press and hold either Using Song List Mode
SCAN arrow for more than two seconds until TRACK The six-disc CD changer has a feature called song list.
SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. This feature is capable of saving 20 track selections.
The radio will go to the next track, play for 10 seconds,
then go on to the next track. Press either SCAN To save tracks into the song list feature, perform
arrow again, to stop scanning. the following steps:

To scan all loaded CDs, press and hold either SCAN 1. Turn the CD player on and load it with at least
arrow for more than four seconds until ALL CD one CD. See “LOAD CD” listed previously in this
SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. section for more information.
Use this feature to listen to 10 seconds of the first track 2. Check to see that the CD changer is not in song list
of each loaded CD. Press either SCAN arrow again, mode. S-LIST should not appear on the display.
to stop scanning. If S-LIST is present, press the SONG LIST button to
turn it off.
INFO (Information): Press this knob to see how long
the current track has been playing. To change the 3. Select the desired CD by pressing the numbered
default on the display, track or elapsed time, press the pushbutton and then use the SEEK or TYPE right
knob until you see the display you want, then hold arrow to locate the track to be saved. The track will
the knob until you hear a beep. The selected display begin to play.
will now be the default. 4. Press and hold the SONG LIST button to save the
track into memory. When SONG LIST is pressed,
BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when a one beep will be heard immediately. After two
CD is playing. The inactive CD(s) will remain safely seconds of continuously pressing the SONG LIST
inside the radio for future listening. button, two beeps will sound to confirm the
track has been saved.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for saving other selections.
S-LIST FULL will appear on the display if you try to save
more than 20 selections.

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To play the song list, press the SONG LIST button. After a track has been deleted, the remaining tracks
One beep will be heard and S-LIST will appear on the are moved up the list. When another track is added to
display. The recorded tracks will begin to play in the song list, the track will be added to the end of
the order they were saved. the list.
Seek through the song list by using the SEEK or TYPE To delete the entire song list, perform the
arrows. Seeking past the last saved track will return following steps:
to the first saved track. 1. Turn the CD player on.
To delete tracks from the song list, perform the 2. Press the SONG LIST button to turn song list on.
following steps: S-LIST will appear on the display.
1. Turn the CD player on. 3. Press and hold the SONG LIST button for more
2. Press the SONG LIST button to turn song list on. than four seconds. One beep will be heard,
S-LIST will appear on the display. followed by two beeps after two seconds, and a
3. Press either SEEK or TYPE arrow to select the final beep will be heard after four seconds. S-LIST
desired track to be deleted. EMPTY will appear on the display indicating the
song list has been deleted.
4. Press and hold the SONG LIST button for
two seconds. When SONG LIST is pressed, If a CD is ejected, and the song list contains saved
one beep will be heard immediately. After two tracks from that CD, those tracks are automatically
seconds of continuously pressing the SONG LIST deleted from the song list. Any tracks saved to
button, two beeps will be heard to confirm that the song list again are added to the bottom of the list.
the track has been deleted. To end song list mode, press the SONG LIST button.
One beep will be heard and S-LIST will be removed from
the display.

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CD Messages Listening to a DVD
CHECK CD: If this message appears on the display If your vehicle has the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
and/or the CD comes out, it could be for one of the system and a DVD is playing, the DVD symbol will
following reasons: appear on the radio display indicating that the DVD is
available and can be listened to through your vehicle’s
• It is very hot. When the temperature returns to speakers.
normal, the CD should play.
• You are driving on a very rough road. When the To listen to the DVD, press the CD AUX button until
road becomes smoother, the CD should play. RSE appears on the radio display. The current
radio source will stop and the DVD sound will come
• The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down. through the speakers.
• The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour To stop listening to the DVD, press the CD AUX button,
and try again. if a CD is loaded, or press the BAND button to select
• There may have been a problem while burning a different source.
the CD.
When the RSE system is turned off, the DVD symbol
• The label may be caught in the CD player. will go off of the radio display and RSE OFF will appear
If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, on the radio display. The radio will return to the last
try a known good CD. radio source that you were listening to.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be See Rear Seat Entertainment System on page 3-119 for
corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays more information.
an error message, write it down and provide it to
your GM dealer when reporting the problem.

3-118
Rear Seat Entertainment System Headphones
Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment The RSE system includes two sets of wireless
(RSE) system. The RSE system includes a DVD headphones.
player, a video display screen, two sets of wireless Each set of headphones has an ON/OFF control.
headphones, and a remote control. An indicator light will illuminate on the headphones when
they are on. If the light does not illuminate, the
Parental Control batteries may need to be replaced. See “Battery
This button is located behind the video screen. Press Replacement” following for more information.
this button while a DVD or CD is playing to freeze Each set of headphones has a volume knob. To adjust
the video and mute the audio. The video screen will the volume, adjust this knob.
display Parental Control ON and the power indicator The transmitters are located below the video display
light on the DVD player will flash. It will also disable all screen. The headphones will shut off automatically
other button operations from the remote control and if they lose the signal from the system after about four
the DVD player, with the exception of the eject button. minutes to save battery power. The signal may be lost if
Press this button again to restore operation of the the system is turned off or if the headphones are out
DVD player. of range of the transmitters.
This button may also be used to turn the DVD player When using the wired headphones, if the front seat
power on and automatically resume play if the ignition is passengers play a CD in the Radio with Six-Disc
in RUN, ACCESSORY, or if RAP is active. CD (if equipped) or use XM™ Satellite Radio Service
(if equipped), you will hear the audio for these sources,
Before You Drive instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing
The RSE system is for rear seat passengers only. through the RSE.
The driver cannot safely view the video screen while Notice: Do not store the headphones in heat or
driving and should not try to do so. direct sunlight. This could damage the headphones
and repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Keep the headphones stored in a cool, dry place.

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Battery Replacement To use the auxiliary inputs on the RSE system, connect
an external auxiliary device to the color-coded RCA
To change the batteries, do the following: jacks and turn both the auxiliary device and the
1. Loosen the screw on the battery compartment door RSE system power on. If the RSE system had been
located on the left side of the headphone earpiece. previously in the DVD player mode, pressing the
SRCE button on the faceplate or the remote control will
2. Replace the two AAA batteries in the compartment.
switch the RSE system between the auxiliary device
Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the
and the DVD player.
diagram on the inside of the battery compartment.
3. Tighten the screw to close the compartment door. How to Change the Video Format when in
If the headphones are to be stored for a long period the Auxiliary Mode
of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, The auxiliary input video format is preset to NTSC.
dry place. In some countries, the video format may be in the
PAL system. To change the video format, perform
Stereo RCA Jacks the following:
The RCA jacks are located behind the video screen. 1. Press the display menu button.
The RCA jacks allow audio and video signals to
2. Press the down arrow button to highlight the Video
be connected from an auxiliary device such as a
Format option.
camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE system.
Standard RCA cables, not included, are needed 3. Press the enter button to select Video Format.
to connect the auxiliary device to the RCA jacks. 4. Press the right or left arrow button to select
The yellow connector inputs video and the red and the desired video format.
white connectors input right and left audio. Refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions for proper connection of 5. Press the enter button to accept the change.
the auxiliary device.

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Audio Output Video Screen
Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be The video screen is located in the overhead console.
heard through the following possible sources: To use the video screen, push forward on the release
• Wireless Headphones latch and the screen will fold down. Adjust the screen’s
position as desired. When the video screen is not in
• Vehicle Speakers use, push it up into its latched position.
• Vehicle wired headphone jacks on the Rear Seat
Audio system (if equipped) The DVD player and display will continue to operate
when the screen is in the up or the down position.
The RSE system will always transmit the audio signal The video screen contains the transmitters for the
by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is wireless headphones and the remote control. If the
audio available. See “Headphones” previously for screen is in the closed position, the signals will not be
more information. available for the operation of the headphones or
The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the the remote control.
vehicle speakers by using the radio. The RSE system Notice: Directly touching the video screen may
may be selected as an audio source on the radio if the damage it. Do not touch the screen. See “Cleaning
RSE system power is on. Once the RSE system is the Video Screen” later in this section for more
selected as an audio source on the radio, adjust the information.
speaker volume on the radio, if necessary. If the RSE
system power is not on, the RSE system will not be an
available source on the radio. Refer to the radio
information for the radio that your vehicle has for
more information.
The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the
wired headphone jacks on the rear seat audio system
(if equipped). The RSE system may be selected as
an audio source on the rear seat audio system if
the RSE system power is on. Refer to Rear Seat
Audio (RSA) on page 3-130 for more information.

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DVD Player The DVD player does not support DVD-RAM,
DVD-ROM, and DVD Audio media. An error message
The DVD player is located in the overhead console. will appear on the display if this type of media is inserted
The DVD player can be controlled by the buttons on into the DVD player.
the DVD player and/or by the buttons on the remote
control. See “Remote Control” later in this section When using the wired headphones, not included, if the
for more information. front seat passengers play a CD in the Radio with
Six-Disc CD (if equipped) or use XM™ Satellite Radio
The DVD player power may be turned on when the Service (if equipped), you will hear the audio for
ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when Retained these sources, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. playing through the RSE.
The RSE system DVD player is only compatible with If an error message appears on the video screen,
DVDs of the appropriate region code for the country that see “DVD Messages” later in this section.
the vehicle was sold in. The DVD region code is
printed on the jacket of most DVDs.
Standard audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, Video CD and
Photo CD/CD-R media are fully supported by this DVD
player. DVD-R and DVD-RW media is supported if
formatted as DVD-Video. DVD+R and DVD+RW media
may or may not be supported by the DVD player.

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 y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the
DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every
DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to
move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making
a selection press the enter button. This button only
operates when playing a DVD.

z (Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the

color, tint, brightness, contrast, display mode, and
dynamic range compression. The dynamic range
compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio
and increase low audio produced by some DVDs.
DVD Player Buttons
To change a feature back to the factory default setting,
O(Power): Press this button to turn the RSE system press this button to display the feature, then press
on and off. The power indicator light will illuminate and hold this button. The default setting will appear on
when the power is on. the display.
X (Eject): Press this button to eject a DVD or CD. While playing an Audio or DVD disc, press and hold
this button to display and to remove the track and
SRCE (Source): Press this button to switch between time information.
the DVD player and an auxiliary source.
c(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the
or fast forwarding a DVD or CD. Press this button arrow buttons to navigate through a menu.
twice to return to the beginning of the DVD.
r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices
s (Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a that are highlighted in any menu.
DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is
playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue
the play of the DVD or CD.

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Playing a Disc Ejecting a Disc
To play a disc, gently insert the disc with the label side Press the eject button on the DVD player faceplate to
up into the loading slot. The DVD player will continue eject the disc. There is not an eject button on the
loading the disc and the player will automatically remote control.
start, if the vehicle is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when If a disc is ejected from the player, but is not removed,
RAP is active.
the DVD player will reload the disc after a short period of
If a disc is already in the player, press the play/pause time. The disc will be stored in the DVD player. The DVD
button on the DVD player faceplate or on the remote player will not resume play of the disc automatically.
control.
Remote Control
Some DVDs will not allow fast forwarding or skipping of
the copyright information or the previews. Some DVDs To use the remote control, aim it at the transmitter
will begin playing after the previews have finished. If the window below the video screen and press the desired
DVD does not begin to play the main title, refer to the button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may affect the
on-screen instructions. ability of the RSE system to receive signals from the
remote control. If the remote control does not seem to
Stopping and Resuming Playback be working, the batteries may need to be replaced.
See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
To stop playing a disc, press and release the stop button
on the DVD player faceplate or the remote control. Objects blocking the line of sight may also affect the
function of the remote control.
To resume playback, press the play/pause button on
the DVD player faceplate or the remote control. Notice: Storing the remote control in a hot area or
The movie should resume play from where it was in direct sunlight may damage it, and the repairs
last stopped, if the disc has not been ejected and the would not be covered by your warranty. Keep the
stop button has not been pressed twice. If the disc has remote control stored in a cool, dry place.
been ejected or if the stop button has been pressed
twice, the disc will resume play at the beginning. To extend the life of the batteries, the remote control
does not have a press and hold feature.

3-124
Remote Control Buttons z (Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the
color, tint, brightness, contrast, display mode, and
dynamic range compression. The dynamic range
compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio
and increase low audio produced by some DVDs.
e (Audio): Press this button to display a menu that
will only appear when a DVD is being played. The format
and content of this function will vary for each disc.
r (Fast Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse
the DVD or CD. To stop fast reversing, press this button
again. This button may not work when the DVD is
playing the copyright information or the previews.
SRCE (Source): Press this button to switch between
the DVD player and an auxiliary source.
c (Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding,
O (Power): Press this button to turn the DVD player
or fast forwarding a DVD or CD. Press this button
on and off. twice to return to the beginning of the DVD.
v (Title):Press this button to return the DVD to the t (Previous Track/Chapter): Press this button to
main menu of the DVD. return to the start of the current track or chapter. Press
this button again to return to the previous track or
n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is
arrow buttons to navigate through a menu. playing the copyright information or the previews.
1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The numeric keypad
provides you with the capability of direct chapter,
title, and track number selection.

3-125
}10 (Double Digit Entries): Press this button to | (Camera Angle): Press this button to change
select chapter, title, and track numbers greater than 9. camera angles on DVDs that have this feature when a
Press this button before inputting the number. DVD is playing. The format and content of this
function will vary for each disc.
\ (Clear): Press this button within three seconds after
inputting a number to clear the number(s). { (Subtitle): Press this button to turn on subtitles and
to move through subtitle options when a DVD is
P (Illumination): Press this button to turn the remote playing. The format and content of this function will vary
control backlight on. The backlight will time out after for each disc.
about 7 to 10 seconds if no other button is pressed while
the backlight is on.
[ (Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward
the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding, press this
y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the button again. This button may not work when the DVD
DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every is playing the copyright information or the previews.
DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to s (Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a
move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is
a selection press the enter button. This button only playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue
operates when playing a DVD. the play of the DVD or CD.
r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices When the DVD is playing, press the pause button then
that are highlighted in any menu. press the fast forward button. The DVD will continue
playing in a slow play mode. To cancel slow play mode,
q (Return): Press this button to exit the current press the play/pause button.
active menu and return to the previous menu. This
button will operate only when a DVD is playing and a u (Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance
menu is active. to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button
may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright
information or the previews.

3-126
Battery Replacement Problem Recommended Action
To change the batteries, do the following: No power. The ignition might not be in
1. Remove the battery compartment door located on on or accessory.
the bottom of the remote control. The parental control button
might have been turned on.
2. Replace the two AA batteries in the compartment. The power indicator light
Make sure that they are installed correctly, will flash.
using the diagram on the inside of the battery Disc will not play. The system might be off.
compartment.
The parental control button
3. Close the battery door securely. might have been turned on.
The power indicator light
If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of will flash.
time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool,
The system might be in
dry place. auxiliary mode.
The disc is upside down or
is not compatible.
The picture does not fill Check the display mode
the screen. There are settings in the display menu.
black borders on the top
and bottom or on both
sides or it looks
stretched out.
The disc was ejected, The disc is being stored in
but it was pulled back the DVD player. Press the
into the DVD player. eject button again to eject
the disc.

3-127
 Problem Recommended Action Problem Recommended Action
In auxiliary mode, the Check the auxiliary input After stopping the If the stop button was
picture moves or scrolls. connections at both devices. player, I push Play but pressed one time, the DVD
Change the Video Format to sometimes the DVD player will resume playing
PAL or NTSC. See “Stereo starts where I left off where the DVD was
RCA Jacks” previously and sometimes at the stopped. If the stop button
for how to change the beginning. was pressed two times the
video format. DVD player will begin to
play from the beginning of
The language in the Check the audio or the DVD.
audio or on the screen language selection in the
is wrong. main DVD menu. The auxiliary source is Check that the DVD
running but there is no player is in the auxiliary
The remote control does Check to make sure there is picture or sound. source mode.
not work. no obstruction between the Check the auxiliary input
remote control and the connections at both
transmitter window. devices.
Check the batteries to make
sure they are not dead or My disc is stuck in the Turn the DVD power off,
installed incorrectly. player. The Load/Eject then on, then press the
The parental control button button does not work. load/eject button on the
might have been turned on. DVD player.
The power indicator light Do not attempt to forcibly
will flash. remove the disc from the
DVD player. This could
permanently damage the
disc and DVD player.

3-128
 Problem Recommended Action DVD Messages
Sometimes the wireless Check for obstructions, low The following errors may be displayed on the video
headphone audio cuts batteries, reception range, screen:
out or buzzes. and interference from
cellular telephone towers Disc Format Error: This message will be displayed if a
or by using your cellular disc is inserted upside down, if the disc is not readable,
telephone in the vehicle. or if the format is not compatible with the DVD player.
Check that the headphones
are facing the front of Load/Eject Error: This message will be displayed if the
the vehicle. disc is not properly loaded or ejected.
I lost the remote and/or See your dealer for Disc Play Error: This message will be displayed if the
the headphones. assistance.
DVD player cannot play the disc. Scratched or
The DVD is playing, Check that the DVD player damaged discs will cause this error.
but there is no picture is in DVD mode.
or sound. Region Code Error: This message will be displayed
The audio/video skips The DVD or CD could be if the region code of the DVD is not compatible with the
or jumps. dirty, scratched, or region code of the DVD player.
damaged.
No Disc: This message will be displayed if any of the
The audio from the radio The RSE is working buttons on the DVD faceplate or remote control are
for the Radio with correctly. pressed and no disc is present in the DVD player.
Six-Disc CD and XM™ Use the wireless
has taken over the audio headphones or have the
from the DVD or CD front seat passengers listen
when using the wired to another audio source.
headphones.

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DVD Distortion Navigation/Radio System
There may be an experience with audio distortion in the Your vehicle may have a navigation radio system that
wireless headphones when operating cellular phones, includes Radio Data System (RDS) with Program
scanners, CB radios, Global Positioning Systems Type (PTY) selections that will seek out the kind of
(GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies. music you want to listen to and XM™ Satellite Radio
Service capabilities (if equipped). The radio can
It may be necessary to turn off the DVD player when
operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle. also communicate with the navigation system to
broadcast announcements on traffic, weather, and
* Excludes the OnStar® System. emergency alert communications. For information on
how to use this system, see the “Navigation System”
Cleaning the Video Screen manual.
Pour some isopropyl or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth
and gently wipe the video screen. Do not spray Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
directly onto the screen and do not press too hard or
too long on the video screen. This feature allows rear seat passengers to listen to any
of the sources: radio, cassette tapes, CDs, or DVDs.
However, the rear seat passengers can only control
the sources that the front seat passengers are not
listening to. For example, rear seat passengers may
listen to and control cassette tapes, CDs, or DVDs
through the headphones while the driver listens to the
radio through the front speakers. The rear seat
passengers have control of the volume for each set
of headphones.

3-130
The front seat audio controls always have priority over u (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to decrease
the RSA controls. If the front seat passengers switch the the volume. The left knob controls the left headphones
source for the main radio to a remote source, the RSA will and the right knob controls the right headphones.
not be able to control the source. You can operate the
rear seat audio when the main radio is off. SRC (Source): Press this button to select a source:
radio, cassette tapes, CDs, or DVDs.

x SEEK w: When listening to FM1, FM2, or AM

press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to
the previous station and stay there. This function is
inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to
the radio.
When a cassette tape is playing, press the up or the
down arrow to go to the next or the previous selection.
This function is inactive if the front seat passengers
are listening to a cassette tape.
When a CD is playing, press the up arrow to go to the
next track on the CD. Press the down arrow to go
to the start of the current track if more than
eight seconds have played. This function is inactive if
RSA with HVAC Shown, RSA without HVAC Similar the front seat passengers are listening to a CD.
P (Power): Press this button to turn the system on or PROG (Program): Press this button to go to the next
off. The rear speakers will be muted when the power preset radio station set on the pushbuttons on the
is turned on unless your vehicle is equipped with main radio. This function is inactive if the front seat
the Bose® audio system. passengers are listening to the radio.

3-131
When a cassette tape is playing, press this button to go Audio Steering Wheel Controls
to the other side of the tape. This function is inactive if the
front seat passengers are listening to a cassette tape.
When a CD is playing, press this button to go to the
beginning of the CD. This function is inactive if the front
seat passengers are listening to a CD.
When a CD is playing in the six-disc CD changer, press
this button to select the next CD, if multiple CDs are
loaded. This function is inactive if the front seat
passengers are listening to a CD.

Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK® is designed to discourage theft of your If your vehicle has this feature, some audio controls
vehicle’s radio. The feature works automatically by can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include
learning a portion of the Vehicle Identification Number the following:
(VIN). If the radio is moved to a different vehicle, it will not
operate and LOCKED will appear on the display. g (OnStar/Voice Recognition): If your vehicle has
OnStar®, press this button to interact with the OnStar®
When the radio and vehicle are turned off, the blinking system. See the OnStar® manual provided with your
red light indicates that THEFTLOCK® is armed. vehicle for more information.
With THEFTLOCK® activated, the radio will not operate
If your vehicle does not have OnStar®, press this button
if stolen.
to silence the system. Press it again, or any other
radio button, to turn on the sound.

3-132
PROG (Program): Press this button to play a station Radio Reception
you have programmed on the radio preset pushbuttons.
The radio will only seek preset stations with a strong AM
signal that are in the selected band.
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
When a cassette tape is playing, press this button to FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause
play the other side of the tape. station frequencies to interfere with each other.
When a CD is playing in the CD changer, press this Static can occur on AM stations caused by things like
button to go to the next available CD, if multiple CDs storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to
are loaded. reduce this noise.

Q SOURCE R: Press this button to switch between FM Stereo

FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped), or a FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals
cassette tape or CD. The cassette or CD must be loaded will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
to play. Available loaded sources are shown on the Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals,
display as a tape or a CD symbol. causing the sound to fade in and out.
Q SEEK R: Press the up or the down arrow to go to XM™ Satellite Radio Service
the next or to the previous radio station and stay
there. The radio will only seek stations with a strong XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
signal that are in the selected band. reception from coast to coast. Just as with FM, tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals,
When a cassette tape or CD is playing, press the up or causing the sound to fade in and out. The radio may
the down arrow to fast forward or reverse. display NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.
Q VOLR (Volume): Press the up or the down arrow
to increase or to decrease the volume.

3-133
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected,
use the following steps:
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause 1. Turn the ignition on.
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged 2. Turn the radio off.
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
3. Press and hold the TAPE DISC button for five
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and
seconds. READY will appear on the display and
extreme heat. If they are not, they may not operate
the cassette symbol will flash for five seconds.
properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
The tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s
50 hours of use. The radio may display CLEAN to
recommended cleaning time.
indicate that the tape player has been used for 50 hours
without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message When the cleaning cassette has been ejected,
appears on the display, the cassette tape player the cut tape detection feature will be active again.
needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but it should A non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a
be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent damage cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head
to the tapes and player. If there is a reduction in sound can be used. This type of cleaning cassette will not
quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not
or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning
For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cassette is not recommended.
cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as After the player is cleaned, press and hold the eject
the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN indicator.
cleaning cassette is available through your dealer. The radio will display --- or CLEANED to show the
When cleaning the cassette tape player with the indicator was reset.
recommended non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality
possible that the cassette may eject, because the cut may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette
tape detection feature on the radio may recognize it tape is in good condition before the tape player is
as a broken tape, in error. serviced.

3-134
Care of Your CDs and DVDs XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases System
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen The XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof
a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and
and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. ice build up for clear radio reception.

Be sure never to touch the side without writing when The performance of the XM™ system may be affected if
handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer the sunroof is open.
edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle can interfere
with the performance of the XM™ system. Make sure
Care of Your CD and DVD Player that the XM™ satellite antenna is not obstructed.

The use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is not advised, due Chime Level Adjustment
to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics
with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism. The radio is the vehicle chime producer. To change the
volume level, press and hold pushbutton 6 with the
Fixed Mast Antenna ignition on and the radio power off. The chime volume
level will change from the normal level to loud, and
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes LOUD will appear on the radio display. To change back
without being damaged. If the mast should ever to the default or normal setting, press and hold
become slightly bent, straighten it out by hand. If the pushbutton 6 again. The chime level will change from
mast is badly bent, replace it. the loud level to normal, and NORMAL will appear
on the radio display. Each time the chime volume is
Check occasionally to make sure the mast is still changed, three chimes will sound as an example of the
tightened to the cowl. If tightening is required, tighten by new volume selected. Removing the radio and not
hand, then with a wrench one quarter turn. replacing it with a factory radio or chime module will
disable vehicle chimes.

3-135
✍ NOTES

3-136
 Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..........4-2 City Driving ..................................................4-40
Defensive Driving ...........................................4-2 Freeway Driving ...........................................4-41
Drunken Driving .............................................4-3 Before Leaving on a Long Trip .......................4-42
Control of a Vehicle ........................................4-6 Highway Hypnosis ........................................4-43
Braking .........................................................4-6 Hill and Mountain Roads ................................4-44
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .........................4-7 Winter Driving ..............................................4-45
Braking in Emergencies ...................................4-8 If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Traction Assist System (TAS) ...........................4-9 Ice or Snow ..............................................4-50
Locking Rear Axle ........................................4-10 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out .................4-50
StabiliTrak® System ......................................4-11 Recovery Hooks ...........................................4-51
Steering ......................................................4-14 Loading Your Vehicle ....................................4-52
QUADRASTEER™ ........................................4-16 Towing ..........................................................4-57
Off-Road Recovery .......................................4-19 Towing Your Vehicle .....................................4-57
Passing .......................................................4-19 Recreational Vehicle Towing ...........................4-57
Loss of Control .............................................4-21 Level Control ...............................................4-61
Off-Road Driving ...........................................4-22 Autoride™ ...................................................4-61
Driving at Night ............................................4-37 Trailer Recommendations ...............................4-62
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads ..................4-38 Towing a Trailer ...........................................4-62

4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of
accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following
Your Vehicle distance. It is the best defensive driving maneuver,
in both city and rural driving. You never know when
the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn
Defensive Driving suddenly.
The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on
Drive defensively. the driving task. Anything that distracts from the
driving task — such as concentrating on a cellular
Please start with a very important safety device in your telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on
vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for the floor — makes proper defensive driving more difficult
Everyone on page 1-21. and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury.
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the
On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple
“always expect the unexpected.” defensive driving techniques could save your life.
Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to
be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.

4-2
Drunken Driving Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half the adult
population — choose never to drink alcohol, so they
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is never drive after drinking. For persons under 21,
a national tragedy. It is the number one contributor it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims There are good medical, psychological and
every year. developmental reasons for these laws.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
a vehicle: safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive. But what if people do? How much is
• Judgment
“too much” if someone plans to drive? It is a lot less
• Muscular Coordination than many might think. Although it depends on
each person and situation, here is some general
• Vision
information on the problem.
• Attentiveness
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone
Police records show that almost half of all motor who is drinking depends upon four things:
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, • The amount of alcohol consumed
these deaths are the result of someone who was
drinking and driving. In recent years, more than • The drinker’s body weight
16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been • The amount of food that is consumed before and
associated with the use of alcohol, with more than
during drinking
300,000 people injured.
• The length of time it has taken the drinker to
consume the alcohol

4-3
According to the American Medical Association, a 180 lb It is the amount of alcohol that counts. For example,
(82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) if the same person drank three double martinis
bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour,
of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent.
same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses A person who consumes food just before or during
of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.
(45 ml) of liquors like whiskey, gin, or vodka. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally
have a lower relative percentage of body water
than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this
means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC
level than a man of her same body weight will when
each has the same number of drinks.
The law in most U.S. states, and throughout Canada,
sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other
countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is
0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC
limit for all commercial drivers in the United States
is 0.04 percent.
The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to
six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we have seen,
it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks,
and how quickly the person drinks them.

4-4
But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of There is something else about drinking and driving that
0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills many people do not know. Medical research shows
of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash
0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal
drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. cord, or heart. This means that when anyone who has
Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash,
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of that person’s chance of being killed or permanently
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of disabled is higher than if the person had not been
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a drinking.
collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance
of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater! {CAUTION:
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the
alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
cold showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
not the right answer. What if there is an emergency,
judgment can be affected by even a small
a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts
into the street? A person with even a moderate amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
avoid the collision. Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a
cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.

4-5
Control of a Vehicle second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where emergency, so keeping enough space between
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and your vehicle and others is important.
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
the places where the tires meet the road. with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy);
it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
tires and road can provide. That means you can lose the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
control of your vehicle. See Traction Assist System Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
(TAS) on page 4-9. in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
Braking a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
Braking action involves perception time and faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
reaction time. with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your That means better braking and longer brake life.
foot and do it. That is reaction time. If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
second. But that is only an average. It might be less the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
drugs and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a the brake pedal will be harder to push.

4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on. This is normal.

If there is a problem with

the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. See Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-44.

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem, on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on happens with ABS:
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights
and chime will come on each time the ignition is A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
turned on until the problem is repaired. See your If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
dealer for service. will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.

4-7
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you
faster than any driver could. The computer is need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
programmed to make the most of available tire and decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
road conditions. This can help you steer around the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply
the obstacle while braking hard. your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal.

Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.

As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates

on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.

4-8
Traction Assist System (TAS) When the traction off light
is on, the TAS is off and
Your vehicle may have a Traction Assist System (TAS) will not limit wheel
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery spin. Adjust your
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses driving accordingly.
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
The traction control system is enabled every time your The traction off light will come on under the following
vehicle is started. The system will activate if it senses conditions:
that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to • The Traction Assist System is turned off, either by
lose traction. pressing the TAS on/off button or turning off the
You may hear or feel the system working or notice a automatic engagement feature of the TAS.
lack of accelerator response, but this is normal. • The transmission is in FIRST (1); TAS will not
The Traction Assist System may operate on dry roads operate in this gear. This is normal.
under some conditions. When this happens, you may • The vehicle is driven on an extremely rough road.
notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal and When the vehicle leaves the rough surface, slows
doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle. down or stops, the light will go off and TAS will
Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration be on again. This is normal.
in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of the • A Traction Assist System, Anti-Lock Brake System
transmission or driving on rough roads. or engine-related problem has been detected and
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TAS begins the vehicle needs service.
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically • If the vehicle has been driven with the TAS system
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely on for long periods of time, or if the vehicle has
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. gone through many high speed braking maneuvers
See Cruise Control on page 3-11. the system may be automatically disabled.
The system will automatically re-enable after
approximately two minutes of not using the brakes.

4-9
The Traction Assist System, as delivered from the If desired, you can change the TAS automatic
factory, will automatically come on whenever you start engagement feature so that the system will not come on
your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in automatically when the engine is started. To do so:
slippery road conditions, you should always leave the 1. Park the vehicle with the ignition off and the
system on. But you can turn the TAS off if you ever need transmission in PARK (P).
to. You should turn the TAS off if your vehicle ever
gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle 2. Turn the ignition to RUN; do not start the engine.
is required. See “Rocking Your Vehicle” under If You 3. Apply the brake pedal, shift into NEUTRAL (N),
Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-50. press the accelerator pedal to the floor and then
press the TAS on/off button and hold it down for at
To turn the system on or least six seconds.
off, press the TAS on/off 4. Release the TAS button and both pedals.
button located on the 5. Turn off the ignition and wait a few seconds.
instrument panel.
The next time you start your vehicle, the TAS will not
automatically come on. You can restore the automatic
feature by using the same procedure. Whether the TAS is
set to come on automatically or not, you can always turn
the system on or off by pressing the TAS on/off button.

Locking Rear Axle

If you used the button to turn the system off, the traction If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle
off light will come on and stay on. You can turn the can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand
system back on at any time by pressing the button or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the
again. The traction off light should go off. time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with
traction to move the vehicle.

4-10
StabiliTrak® System The STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message will appear on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) only when the
Your vehicle may be equipped with the StabiliTrak® system is both on and activated. You may also feel or
system which combines antilock brake, traction hear the system working; this is normal. For more
and stability control systems and helps the driver information on the stability messages, see Driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most Information Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
driving conditions.
The StabiliTrak® button
When you first start your vehicle and begin to drive is located on the
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to instrument panel.
ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel
the system working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with your vehicle. The system
should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph
(32 km/h). In some cases, it may take approximately
two miles of driving before the system initializes.
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the STABILITY StabiliTrak® and part of the traction control system
SYS DISABLED or SERVICE STABILITY message can be turned off or back on by pressing the
will be displayed. If the vehicle has gone through heavy StabiliTrak® button. All-wheel drive vehicles must be
acceleration or braking during the first two miles after in all-wheel drive mode to turn the system on or
starting your vehicle, the STABILITY SYS DISABLED off. Four-wheel-drive vehicles must be in 2HI, 4HI or
message may appear. If this is the case, your vehicle AUTO 4WD to turn the system on or off.
does not need servicing. Turn your vehicle off and
back on again to reset the system. If either message
appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC),
and your vehicle hasn’t gone through hard acceleration
or braking in the first two miles, your vehicle should
be taken in for service.

4-11
When the system is turned off, the traction off light Traction Control Operation
will illuminate, and the STABILITY SYS DISABLED
message will appear on the DIC to warn the driver The traction control system is part of the StabiliTrak®
that both the stability system and part of the traction system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing
control system are disabled. Your vehicle will still have engine power to the wheels (engine speed management)
brake-traction control when StabiliTrak® is off, but and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
will not be able to use the engine speed management (brake-traction control) as necessary.
system. See “Traction Control Operation” next for The traction control system is enabled automatically
more information. when you start your vehicle, and it will activate
When the StabiliTrak® system has been turned off, and display the TRACTION ACTIVE message in the
you may still hear system noises as a result of Driver Information Center (DIC) if it senses that any of
the brake-traction control coming on. the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction
while driving. If you turn off StabiliTrak®, only the
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal brake-traction control portion of traction control will work.
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn The engine speed management will be disabled. In
the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, this state, engine power is not reduced automatically
ice or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can
to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions For more information on the traction active message,
where high wheel spin is required. See If You Are Stuck: see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-54.
In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-50.
When the transfer case is in 4 low, the stability system Notice: If the traction off light comes on due
is automatically disabled, and the STABILITY SYS to heavy braking and/or because the traction control
DISABLED message will appear on the DIC. In 4LO, system has been continuously active, do not
the StabiliTrak® button only turns the traction control allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin excessively.
If you do, you may be causing damage to the
system on and off.
transfer case. This could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty.

4-12
If the brake traction-control system activates constantly The traction control system may activate on dry or
or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
braking, brake traction-control will be disabled and the acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed. of the transmission. When this happens, you may
In the limited mode, the traction-control system will only notice a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise
use engine traction-control and is limited in it’s ability or vibration. This is normal.
to provide optimal performance since the system will not If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
utilize brake traction-control to control slip on the activates, the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message will
drive wheels. The system will return to normal operation appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC), and the
after the brakes have cooled. This can take up to cruise control will automatically disengage. When road
two minutes or longer depending on brake usage. conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may
Notice: If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control on
excessively while the traction off, ABS and brake page 3-11.
warning lights and the SERVICE STABILITY StabiliTrak® may also turn off automatically if it
message are displayed, you could damage the determines that a problem exists with the system.
transfer case. The repairs would not be covered by If the problem does not clear itself after restarting the
your warranty. Reduce engine power and do not vehicle, you should see your dealer for service.
spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and
this message are displayed.

4-13
Steering Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
Power Steering systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
If you lose power steering assist because the engine the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but places. You can lose control. See Traction Assist
it will take much more effort. System (TAS) on page 4-9.

Steering Tips What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on

the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
Driving on Curves want it to go, and slow down.
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on are based on good weather and road conditions.
the news happen on curves. Here is why: Under less favorable conditions you will want to
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to go slower.
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when wheels are straight ahead.
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
you will understand this. accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.

4-14
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can
avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop in
time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room.
That is the time for evasive action — steering around
the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes.
See Braking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as
much speed as you can from a possible collision.
Then steer around the problem, to the left or right An emergency like this requires close attention and a
depending on the space available. quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,
and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.

4-15
QUADRASTEER™
The QUADRASTEER™ System has a control and
diagnostic module that monitors and records current
system status and operational information.
If your vehicle is equipped with the 4-Wheel Steer
system, it has the ability to steer the vehicle with all
four wheels.
Once the 4-Wheel Steer mode is selected, it is
recommended to leave the vehicle in this mode at all
times, and during all driving and weather conditions.
The switch is located on the instrument panel.
You can select this mode at any speed, however, if you
are turning, the system will not engage until the turn 2: In this mode, the vehicle will operate like any other
is complete. vehicle with two-wheel steering. If you want to use
The 4-Wheel Steer system is equipped with three 2-wheel steer mode and your vehicle is not in this mode,
different driving modes: press the button until the 2 indicator, located to the
right of the 4-Wheel Steer button, lights up. If the
2: Two-wheel steering 2 indicator is flashing, you will have to center the
steering wheel by turning it to the left or right.
4: Four-wheel steering
Your vehicle will return to 2 when the transmission is
_: Four-wheel steering with a trailer mode shifted into NEUTRAL (N), for example when entering
a car wash.
If you want to use tire chains, the vehicle needs to be
in 2-wheel steer mode. For more information see
Tire Chains on page 5-80.

4-16
4: In this mode, all four wheels will help steer the
vehicle. If you want to use 4, and your vehicle is not in
this mode, press the button, until the 4 indicator,
located to the right of the 4-Wheel Steer button, comes
on and stays on. If the 4 indicator is flashing, you
will have to center the steering wheel by turning it to the
left or right.

Higher Speeds (40 mph (64 km/h), and above)

At higher speeds the front and rear wheels will turn in

the same direction. This improves stability of the vehicle
during lane changes and sweeping turns.

Slower Speeds (below 40 mph (64 km/h))

At slower speeds the front and rear wheels will turn in

opposite directions. This helps the vehicle make
tighter turns, such as during parking, cornering and
turning into tight spaces.

4-17
_ (4-Wheel Steer Tow Mode): When towing a Car Washes for QUADRASTEER™
trailer, the 4-wheel steer tow mode provides enhanced Equipped Vehicles
stability allowing the trailer to follow the path of
the tow vehicle more closely, especially during Notice: Because your vehicle has a wider rear
lane changes. track a small number of older car washes may be
too narrow for your vehicle. Conveyor systems
In this mode the system operates much like the 4 mode, on some automatic car washes may damage your
but is enhanced for trailer towing. It is recommended vehicle. Only use conveyor system car washes
for all types and weights of trailers. with 13-inch (33 cm) wide conveyor rails and/or
To engage the 4-Wheel Steer tow mode, press the stationary washes with at least 82 inches (208 cm)
button until the 4 and tow mode indicators light up on between the rails. Before using the car wash
the instrument panel. If the tow indicator is flashing, you check with the manager.
will have to center the steering wheel by turning it to
the left or right. While in the 4-wheel steer tow mode,
it is possible the steering wheel may be slightly off
center. For more information, see Towing a Trailer on
page 4-62.

A. 13 inches (33 cm)

B. 82 inches (208 cm)
4-18
Off-Road Recovery Passing
You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a
edge of a road onto the shoulder while you are driving. two-lane highway waits for just the right moment,
accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then
goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?
Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane
highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the
passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming
traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in
judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger
can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the
worst of all traffic accidents — the head-on collision.
So here are some tips for passing:
• Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the sides
and to crossroads for situations that might affect
your passing patterns. If you have any doubt
whatsoever about making a successful pass,
wait for a better time.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the • Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might
steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass.
the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to A broken center line usually indicates it is all
one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts right to pass, providing the road ahead is clear.
the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or
straight down the roadway. a double solid line, even if the road seems empty
of approaching traffic.

4-19
 • Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to • Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder and
pass while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one start your left lane change signal before moving out
thing, following too closely reduces your area of of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
vision, especially if you are following a larger ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
vehicle. Also, you will not have adequate space if inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. and move back into the right lane. Remember that if
Keep back a reasonable distance. your right outside mirror is convex, the vehicle you
• When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, just passed may seem to be farther away from you
than it really is.
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and do
not get too close. Time your move so you will be • Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on
increasing speed as the time comes to move into the two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have next vehicle.
a running start that more than makes up for the • Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
Even though the brake lamps are not flashing, it may
something happens to cause you to cancel your
be slowing down or starting to turn.
pass, you need only slow down and drop back again
and wait for another opportunity. • If you are being passed, make it easy for the
• If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you
can ease a little to the right.
wait your turn. But take care that someone is not
trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow
vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and
check the blind spot.

4-20
Loss of Control If you have the Traction Assist System, remember:
It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not
Let us review what driving experts say about what have this system, or if the system is off, then an
happens when the three control systems — brakes, acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction foot off the accelerator pedal.
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
has asked. accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
less danger. for a second skid if it occurs.

Skidding Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,

gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
those conditions. But skids are always possible. vehicle control more limited.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much or braking, including engine braking by shifting to
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
on the road to make a mirrored surface — and
the accelerator pedal.
slow down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.

4-21
Off-Road Driving If you think you will need some more ground clearance
at the front of your vehicle, you can remove the front
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel bumper lower air dam.
drive or all-wheel drive. Also, see Braking on page 4-6.
If your vehicle does not have four-wheel drive or
all-wheel drive, you should not drive off-road unless
you are on a level, solid surface.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some definite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you have left the great North
American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not
marked. Curves are not banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or
downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that
is why it is very important that you read this guide.
You will find many driving tips and suggestions.
The front bumper lower air dam is held in place by a
These will help make your off-road driving safer and
series of push-pins located around the lower edge of the
more enjoyable.
front bumper. The push-pins are accessible from
underneath the front bumper.

4-22
The following steps must be performed on each of the 3. Pull the push-pins
push-pins to remove the air dam: and lower air dam
assembly away from
1. Insert a tool into the the retainers until
push-pin slot and pull the lower air dam
downward until the is free.
push-pin snaps loose.

When you are back on roads, though, be sure to

replace the air dam.
2. While continuing to Notice: Operating your vehicle for extended
pull downward on the periods without the front bumper lower air dam
push-pin, squeeze installed can cause improper air flow to the engine
and turn the and may allow things like fog lamps or tow hooks
expandable end of the on the front of your vehicle to be damaged. Always
push-pin with a tool be sure to replace the front bumper air dam when
until it releases you are finished off-road driving.
from the retainer.

4-23
To reinstall the lower air dam do the following: Before You Go Off-Roading
1. Line up each push-pin There are some things to do before you go out.
with its intended For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance
retainer and push the and service work done. Check to make sure all
washer portion of underbody shields (if so equipped) are properly
the push-pin towards attached. Be sure you read all the information about
the retainer until it locks your four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle in
into place. this manual. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully
inflated? Are the fluid levels up where they should
be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading
where you will be driving? If you do not know, you
should check with law enforcement people in the area.
Will you be on someone’s private land? If so, be sure
to get the necessary permission.
2. Push the flat end of the Loading Your Vehicle for
push-pin towards the Off-Road Driving
retainer until it locks
into place, making sure There are some important things to remember about
each is secure. how to load your vehicle.
• The heaviest things should be on the load floor and
forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far
forward as you can.
• Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on
the off-road terrain does not toss things around.

4-24
 Environmental Concerns
{CAUTION: Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying
recreation. However, it also raises environmental
concerns. We recognize these concerns and urge every
• Cargo on the load floor piled higher than off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting
the seatbacks can be thrown forward the environment:
during a sudden stop. You or your
passengers could be injured. Keep cargo • Always use established trails, roads and areas that
below the top of the seatbacks. have been specially set aside for public off-road
• Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be recreational driving; obey all posted regulations.
tossed about when driving over rough • Avoid any driving practice that could damage
terrain. You or your passengers can be the environment — shrubs, flowers, trees,
struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo grasses — or disturb wildlife (this includes
properly. wheel-spinning, breaking down trees or
• Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s unnecessary driving through streams or over
center of gravity, making it more likely to soft ground).
roll over. You can be seriously or fatally • Always carry a litter bag — make sure all refuse is
injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy
removed from any campsite before leaving.
loads inside the cargo area, not on the
roof. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far • Take extreme care with open fires (where permitted),
forward and low as possible. camp stoves and lanterns.
• Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
You will find other important information in this manual. combustible materials that could catch fire from the
See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52 and Tires heat of the vehicle’s exhaust system.
on page 5-61.

4-25
Traveling to Remote Areas Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road
driving. One of the best ways to control your vehicle
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going is to control your speed. Here are some things to keep
to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your in mind. At higher speeds:
route. You are much less likely to get bad surprises.
Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn of • you approach things faster and you have less time
any blocked or closed roads. to scan the terrain for obstacles.

It is also a good idea to travel with at least one other • you have less time to react.
vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other • you have more vehicle bounce when you drive over
can help quickly. obstacles.
Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure to read • you will need more distance for braking, especially
the winch instructions. In a remote area, a winch can since you are on an unpaved surface.
be handy if you get stuck. But you will want to know how
to use it properly.

Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving {CAUTION:

It is a good idea to practice in an area that is safe
and close to home before you go into the wilderness. When you are driving off-road, bouncing and
Off-road driving does require some new and different quick changes in direction can easily throw
skills. Here is what we mean. you out of position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. So, whether you’re
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals.
driving on or off the road, you and your
Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the
terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to passengers should wear safety belts.
listen for unusual tire or engine sounds. With your arms,
hands, feet and body, you will need to respond to
vibrations and vehicle bounce.

4-26
Scanning the Terrain When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain,
keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs or
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your
of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain hands if you are not prepared.
and its many different features. Here are some things
to consider. When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles,
your wheels can leave the ground. If this happens,
Surface Conditions: Off-roading can take you over even with one or two wheels, you cannot control the
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow vehicle as well or at all.
or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering,
acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is
ways. Depending upon the kind of surface you are on, especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, sudden turns or sudden braking.
delayed acceleration, poor traction and longer braking In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of
distances. alertness from driving on paved roads and highways.
Surface Obstacles: Unseen or hidden obstacles can There are no road signs, posted speed limits or
be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut or bump can startle signal lights. You have to use your own good judgment
you if you are not prepared for them. Often these about what is safe and what is not.
obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any
the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Here are some road. And this is certainly true for off-road driving.
things to consider: At the very time you need special alertness and driving
• Is the path ahead clear? skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can
be affected by even a small amount of alcohol.
• Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead? You could have a serious — or even fatal — accident
• Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been
(There is more discussion of these subjects later.) drinking. See Drunken Driving on page 4-3.
• Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?

4-27
Driving on Off-Road Hills On a very small hill, for example, there may be a
smooth, constant incline with only a small change in
Off-road driving often takes you up, down or across a elevation where you can easily see all the way to
hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment the top. On a large hill, the incline may get steeper as
and an understanding of what your vehicle can and you near the top, but you may not see this because the
cannot do. There are some hills that simply cannot be crest of the hill is hidden by bushes, grass or shrubs.
driven, no matter how well built the vehicle.
Here are some other things to consider as you
approach a hill.
{CAUTION: • Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get
sharply steeper in places?
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. • Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the
If you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive surface cause tire slipping?
down them, you cannot control your speed. • Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you
If you drive across them, you will roll over. will not have to make turning maneuvers?
You could be seriously injured or killed. If you • Are there obstructions on the hill that can block
have any doubt about the steepness, do not your path (boulders, trees, logs or ruts)?
drive the hill.
• What is beyond the hill? Is there a cliff, an
embankment, a drop-off, a fence? Get out and walk
Approaching a Hill the hill if you do not know. It is the smart way to
find out.
When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it is • Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have
one of those hills that is just too steep to climb, ruts, gullies, troughs and exposed rocks because
descend or cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. they are more susceptible to the effects of erosion.

4-28
Driving Uphill • Ease up on your speed as you approach the top
of the hill.
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill,
you need to take some special steps. • Attach a flag to the vehicle to make you more
visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
• Use a low gear and get a firm grip on the
steering wheel. • Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill
to let opposing traffic know you are there.
• Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
your speed. Do not use more power than you • Use your headlamps even during the day.
need, because you do not want your wheels to They make you more visible to oncoming traffic.
start spinning or sliding.
• Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.
If the path twists and turns, you might want to {CAUTION:
find another route.
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed
can cause an accident. There could be a
{CAUTION: drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another
vehicle. You could be seriously injured or
Turning or driving across steep hills can be killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide and stay alert.
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up
hills, always try to go straight up.

4-29
Q: What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or is about • As you are backing down the hill, put your left hand
to stall, and I cannot make it up the hill? on the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position.
This way, you will be able to tell if your wheels are
A: If this happens, there are some things you should straight and maneuver as you back down. It is
do, and there are some things you must not do. best that you back down the hill with your wheels
First, here is what you should do: straight rather than in the left or right direction.
Turning the wheel too far to the left or right
• Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and will increase the possibility of a rollover.
keep it from rolling backwards. Also, apply the
parking brake. Here are some things you must not do if you stall, or
are about to stall, when going up a hill.
• If your engine is still running, shift the transmission
to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and • Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting into
slowly back down the hill in REVERSE (R). NEUTRAL (N) to rev-up the engine and regain
forward momentum. This will not work. Your vehicle
• If your engine has stopped running, you will need to will roll backwards very quickly and you could go
restart it. With the brake pedal pressed and the out of control.
parking brake still applied, shift the transmission to
PARK (P) and restart the engine. Then, shift to Instead, apply the regular brake to stop the
REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and vehicle. Then apply the parking brake. Shift to
slowly back down the hill as straight as possible in REVERSE (R), release the parking brake,
REVERSE (R). and slowly back straight down.

4-30
 Q: Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down
{CAUTION: the hill and decide I just cannot do it.
What should I do?

Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can A: Set the parking brake, put your transmission in
cause your vehicle to roll even if the PARK (P) and turn off the engine. Leave the
transmission is in PARK (P). This is because vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill
the NEUTRAL position on the transfer case side and stay clear of the path the vehicle would
overrides the transmission. You or someone take if it rolled downhill. Do not shift the transfer
else could be injured. If you are going to leave case to NEUTRAL when you leave the vehicle.
Leave it in some gear.
your vehicle, set the parking brake and shift
the transmission to PARK (P). But do not shift
the transfer case to NEUTRAL.

• Never attempt to turn around if you are about to

stall when going up a hill. If the hill is steep
enough to stall your vehicle, it is steep enough to
cause you to roll over if you turn around. If you
cannot make it up the hill, you must back straight
down the hill.

4-31
Driving Downhill Q: Are there some things I should not do when
When off-roading takes you downhill, you will want to driving down a hill?
consider a number of things: A: Yes! These are important because if you ignore
• How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain them you could lose control and have a serious
vehicle control? accident.
• What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough? • When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you
Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel? across the incline of the hill. A hill that is not too
• Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs? steep to drive down may be too steep to drive
Boulders? across. You could roll over if you do not drive
• What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden straight down.
creek bank or even a river bottom with large rocks? • Never go downhill with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N). This is called “free-wheeling.”
If you decide you can go down a hill safely, then try to
Your brakes will have to do all the work and could
keep your vehicle headed straight down, and use a
overheat and fade.
low gear. This way, engine drag can help your brakes
and they will not have to do all the work. Descend
slowly, keeping your vehicle under control at all times.
Q: Am I likely to stall when going downhill?
A: It is much more likely to happen going uphill. But if
it happens going downhill, here is what to do.
{CAUTION: 1. Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes.
Apply the parking brake.
Heavy braking when going down a hill can
2. Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking,
cause your brakes to overheat and fade.
restart the engine.
This could cause loss of control and a serious
accident. Apply the brakes lightly when 3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,
descending a hill and use a low gear to keep and drive straight down.
vehicle speed under control. 4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help.

4-32
Driving Across an Incline For reasons like these, you need to decide carefully
whether to try to drive across an incline. Just because the
Sooner or later, an off-road trail will probably go across trail goes across the incline does not mean you have to
the incline of a hill. If this happens, you have to decide drive it. The last vehicle to try it might have rolled over.
whether to try to drive across the incline. Here are some
things to consider:
• A hill that can be driven straight up or down may be {CAUTION:
too steep to drive across. When you go straight up
or down a hill, the length of the wheel base (the
distance from the front wheels to the rear wheels) Driving across an incline that is too steep will
reduces the likelihood the vehicle will tumble make your vehicle roll over. You could be
end over end. But when you drive across an incline, seriously injured or killed. If you have any
the much more narrow track width (the distance doubt about the steepness of the incline, do
between the left and right wheels) may not prevent not drive across it. Find another route instead.
the vehicle from tilting and rolling over. Also,
driving across an incline puts more weight on the
downhill wheels. This could cause a downhill
slide or a rollover.
Q: What if I am driving across an incline that is not
too steep, but I hit some loose gravel and start
• Surface conditions can be a problem when you to slide downhill. What should I do?
drive across a hill. Loose gravel, muddy spots,
or even wet grass can cause your tires to slip A: If you feel your vehicle starting to slide sideways,
sideways, downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, turn downhill. This should help straighten out the
it can hit something that will trip it (a rock, a rut, etc.) vehicle and prevent the side slipping. However,
and roll over. a much better way to prevent this is to get out and
“walk the course” so you know what the surface
• Hidden obstacles can make the steepness of the
is like before you drive it.
incline even worse. If you drive across a rock with
the uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into
a rut or depression, your vehicle can tilt even more.

4-33
Stalling on an Incline
If your vehicle stalls when you are crossing an incline, {CAUTION:
be sure you (and your passengers) get out on the uphill
side, even if the door there is harder to open. If you Getting out on the downhill (low) side of a
get out on the downhill side and the vehicle starts to roll vehicle stopped across an incline is
over, you will be right in its path.
dangerous. If the vehicle rolls over, you could
If you have to walk down the slope, stay out of the path be crushed or killed. Always get out on the
the vehicle will take if it does roll over. uphill (high) side of the vehicle and stay well
clear of the rollover path.

4-34
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow or Ice Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction.
On these surfaces, it is very easy to lose control.
When you drive in mud, snow or sand, your wheels On wet ice, for example, the traction is so poor that you
will not get good traction. You cannot accelerate will have difficulty accelerating. And if you do get
as quickly, turning is more difficult, and you will need moving, poor steering and difficult braking can cause
longer braking distances. you to slide out of control.
It is best to use a low gear when you are in mud — the
deeper the mud, the lower the gear. In really deep
mud, the idea is to keep your vehicle moving so you {CAUTION:
do not get stuck.
When you drive on sand, you will sense a change in Driving on frozen lakes, ponds or rivers can be
wheel traction. But it will depend upon how loosely dangerous. Underwater springs, currents
packed the sand is. On loosely packed sand (as on under the ice, or sudden thaws can weaken
beaches or sand dunes) your tires will tend to sink into the ice. Your vehicle could fall through the ice
the sand. This has an effect on steering, accelerating
and you and your passengers could drown.
and braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces only.

4-35
Driving in Water
Heavy rain can mean flash flooding, and flood waters CAUTION: (Continued)
demand extreme caution.
water, it can still wash away the ground from
Find out how deep the water is before you drive through
it. If it is deep enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles or under your tires, and you could lose traction
exhaust pipe, do not try it — you probably will not get and roll the vehicle over. Do not drive through
through. Also, water that deep can damage your axle and rushing water.
other vehicle parts.
If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it. See Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads on page 4-38
At faster speeds, water splashes on your ignition system for more information on driving through water.
and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you
get your tailpipe under water. And, as long as your After Off-Road Driving
tailpipe is under water, you will never be able to start your
engine. When you go through water, remember that when Remove any brush or debris that has collected
your brakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop. on the underbody, chassis or under the hood.
These accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
{CAUTION: cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
Driving through rushing water can be system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your cooling system for any leakage.
vehicle downstream and you and your
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
passengers could drown. If it is only shallow
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
CAUTION: (Continued) for additional information.

4-36
Driving at Night Here are some tips on night driving.
• Drive defensively.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
• Since you cannot see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
• Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your
headlamps can light up only so much road ahead.
• In remote areas, watch for animals.
• If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
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 as much
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be What you do in the daytime can also affect your night
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
problems, or by fatigue. sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes
will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you
are driving, do not wear sunglasses at night. They may
cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.

4-37
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even
several seconds, for your eyes to re-adjust to the dark.
When you are faced with severe glare, as from a
driver who does not lower the high beams, or a vehicle
with misaimed headlamps, slow down a little. Avoid
staring directly into the approaching headlamps.
Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your
eyes moving; that way, it is easier to pick out dimly
lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should
be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your
eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from
night blindness — the inability to see in dim light — and Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
are not even aware of it. road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on
dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise to
go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.

4-38
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your Hydroplaning
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even under your tires that they can actually ride on the
people walking. water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
It is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
and keep your windshield washer tank filled with
washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if your
when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
separate from the inserts. standing on the road. If you can see reflections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
going through some car washes can cause problems, hydroplaning.
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before you Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
hit them. just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.

{CAUTION: Driving Through Deep Standing Water

Notice: If you drive too quickly through deep
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not puddles or standing water, water can come in
work as well in a quick stop and may cause through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
pulling to one side. You could lose control of your engine. Never drive through water that is
the vehicle. slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,
After driving through a large puddle of water
drive through them very slowly.
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.

4-39
Driving Through Flowing Water City Driving

{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through flowing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle
can be carried away. As little as six inches of
flowing water can carry away a smaller
vehicle. If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about 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 more visible
to others. One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
• Besides slowing down, allow some extra following amount of traffic on them. You will want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to
distance. And be especially careful when you pass
traffic signals.
another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room
ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted
by road spray.
• Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tires
on page 5-61.

4-40
Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: Freeway Driving
• Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip into
an unknown part of the city just as you would for a
cross-country trip.
• Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and energy.
See Freeway Driving on page 4-41.
• Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic
light is there because the corner is busy enough
to need it. When a light turns green, and just before
you start to move, check both ways for vehicles
that have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.

Mile for mile, freeways — also called thruways, parkways,

expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways — are the
safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules.

4-41
The most important advice on freeway driving is: When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit,
same speed most of the other drivers are driving. do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up.
Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Drive on to the next exit.
Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to The exit speed is usually posted.
the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are
to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close going slower than you actually are.
to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal,
check your mirrors, and glance over your shoulder as
often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the Before Leaving on a Long Trip
traffic flow.
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the must start when you are not fresh — such as after
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it is slower. a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use and shoes you can easily drive in.
your turn signal. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
shoulder to make sure there is not another vehicle in service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
your blind spot. you will find experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across North America. They will be
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you ready and willing to help if you need it.
allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move
slightly slower at night.

4-42
Here are some things you can check before a trip: Highway Hypnosis
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside? Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
• Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
• Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked There is something about an easy stretch of road with
all levels? the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
• Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
• Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, Do not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for leave the road in less than a second, and you could
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to crash and be injured.
the recommended pressure? What can you do about highway hypnosis?
• Weather Forecasts: What is the weather outlook First, be aware that it can happen.
along your route? Should you delay your trip a Then here are some tips:
short time to avoid a major storm system?
• Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
• Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps? comfortably cool interior.
• Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
• If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.

4-43
Hill and Mountain Roads If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable. See Off-Road
Driving on page 4-22 for information about driving
off-road.
• Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system,
and transmission. These parts can work hard
on mountain roads.
• Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.

{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, your brakes could
get so hot that they would not work well.
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in flat or rolling terrain. You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift
down to let your engine assist your brakes on
a steep downhill slope.

4-44
 Winter Driving
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down. They could
get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have your engine running and your
vehicle in gear when you go downhill.

• Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to

a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine
and transmission, and you can climb the hill better.
• Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that
let you stay in your own lane. Here are some tips for winter driving:
• As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could • Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an • You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
accident.
your vehicle.
• You may see highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades, Also see Tires on page 5-61.
passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area,
or winding roads. Be alert to these and take
appropriate action.

4-45
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth,
and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if
you will be driving under severe conditions, include a
small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple of
burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.

Driving on Snow or Ice

Most of the time, those places where your tires meet
the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires
and the road, you can have a very slippery situation.
You will have a lot less traction, or grip, and will need to
be very careful.

What is the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very cold snow
or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice
can be even more trouble because it may offer the least
traction of all. You can get wet ice when it is about
freezing (32°F; 0°C) and freezing rain begins to
fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand
crews can get there.

4-46
Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed, blowing, Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability
or loose snow — drive with caution. when you make a hard stop on a slippery road.
Even though you have an anti-lock braking system, you
If you have traction assist, it will improve your ability to
will want to begin stopping sooner than you would on
accelerate when driving on a slippery road. But you
dry pavement. See Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
can turn the traction assist system off if you ever need
on page 4-7.
to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle
ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow. See If You • Allow greater following distance on any
Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-50. slippery road.
Even though your vehicle has a traction system, you will
want to slow down and adjust your driving to the road
• Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
conditions. Under certain conditions, you may want until you hit a spot that is covered with ice.
to turn the traction assist system off, such as when On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear
driving through deep snow and loose gravel, to help in shaded areas where the sun cannot reach,
maintain vehicle motion at lower speeds. See Traction such as around clumps of trees, behind buildings,
Assist System (TAS) on page 4-9. or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a
curve or an overpass may remain icy when the
If you do not have a traction system, accelerate gently. surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not
too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface to brake while you are actually on the ice, and
under the tires even more. avoid sudden steering maneuvers.

4-47
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with
your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near
help and you can hike through the snow. Here are
some things to do to summon help and keep yourself
and your passengers safe:
• Turn on your hazard flashers.
• Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you have been stopped by the snow.
• Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you do not have blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags,
rags, floor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.

4-48
 Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
{CAUTION: faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
heater run for a while.
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
base of your vehicle, especially any that is again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can.
again from time to time to be sure snow does To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and
not collect there. do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or
Open a window just a little on the side of the so until help comes.
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.

4-49
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Ice or Snow First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will clear the area around your front wheels. If you have a
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to four-wheel-drive vehicle, shift into 4HI or 4LO. If your
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking vehicle has the Traction Assist System, you should turn
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you it off by pressing the TAS on/off button. If your vehicle
must use caution. has the StabiliTrak® System, turn the StabiliTrak®
System off by pressing the StabiliTrak® button so that
the STABILITY SYSTEM DISABLED and TRACTION
{CAUTION: OFF lights are illuminated on the instrument panel
cluster. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
explode, and you or others could be injured. while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
And, the transmission or other parts of the when the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an your wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
engine compartment fire or other damage. will cause a rocking motion that may free your
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little as vehicle. If that does not get you out after a few tries,
possible. Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer. your recovery hooks if your vehicle has them. If you
do need to be towed out, see Towing Your Vehicle
on page 4-57.
Notice: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For more information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, see Tire Chains on page 5-80.

4-50
Recovery Hooks
Your vehicle may be equipped with recovery hooks. {CAUTION:
The hooks are provided at the front of your vehicle.
You may need to use them if you are stuck off-road These hooks, when used, are under a lot of
and need to be pulled to some place where you force. Always pull the vehicle straight out.
can continue driving. Never pull on the hooks at a sideways angle.
The hooks could break off and you or others
could be injured from the chain or cable
snapping back.

Notice: Never use recovery hooks to tow the

vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged and it
would not be covered by warranty.

4-51
Loading Your Vehicle Tire and Loading Information Label
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants,
cargo and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on your vehicle show how much weight it was designed
to carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.

{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Label Example
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information label is
your vehicle handles. These could cause you attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). With the driver’s
door open, you will find the label attached below
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
the door lock post (striker). The tire and loading
can shorten the life of your vehicle. information label shows the number of occupant seating
positions (A), and the maximum vehicle capacity
weight (B) in kilograms and pounds.

4-52
The Tire and Loading Information label also shows 4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
the size of the original equipment tires (C) and the cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D). For more the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be
information on tires and inflation see Tires on page 5-61 five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount
and Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68. of available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certification/Tire label. It tells you the Gross 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles. may not safely exceed the available cargo
See “Certification/Tire Label” later in this section. and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
occupants and cargo should never exceed reduces the available cargo and luggage load
XXX kg or XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard. capacity of your vehicle. See Towing a Trailer on
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and page 4-62 for important information on towing
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. a trailer, towing safety rules and trailering tips.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.

4-53
 Example 1 Example 2

Item Description Total Item Description Total

A Vehicle Capacity Weight 1,000 lbs (453 kg) A Vehicle Capacity Weight 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
for Example 1 = for Example 2 =
Subtract Occupant Weight 300 lbs (136 kg) Subtract Occupant Weight 750 lbs (136 kg)
B B
150 lbs (68 kg) × 2 = 150 lbs (68 kg) × 5 =
Available Occupant and C Available Cargo Weight = 250 lbs (113 kg)
C Cargo Weight = 700 lbs (317 kg)

4-54
 Certification/Tire Label

Example 3

Item Description Total

A Vehicle Capacity Weight 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

for Example 3 =
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is found on the
Subtract Occupant Weight 1,000 lbs (453 kg) rear edge of the driver’s door. The label shows the
B
200 lbs (91 kg) × 5 = size of your vehicle’s original tires and the inflation
C Available Cargo Weight = 0 lbs (0 kg) pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity
of your vehicle. This is called Gross Vehicle Weight
Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the
for specific information about your vehicle’s capacity vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
weight and seating positions. The combined weight of
the driver, passengers and cargo should never
exceed your vehicle’s capacity weight.

4-55
The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh The label will help you decide how much cargo and
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you installed equipment your truck can carry.
with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on
both sides of the centerline. Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
for either the front or rear axle.
If you put things inside your vehicle — like suitcases,
The Certification/Tire label also contains information tools, packages, or anything else — they go as fast
about your Front Axle Reserve Capacity. as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going.

{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.

4-56
 Towing
{CAUTION:
Towing Your Vehicle
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
in a crash.
See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
• Put things in the cargo area of your
vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly. If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
• Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint Recreational Vehicle Towing
in your vehicle.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
• When you carry something inside the behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
vehicle, secure it whenever you can. The two most common types of recreational vehicle
• Do not leave a seat folded down unless towing are known as dinghy towing, towing your vehicle
you need to. with all four wheels on the ground, and dolly towing,
towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”.
There’s also important loading information for off-road
driving in this manual. See “Loading Your Vehicle With the proper preparation and equipment, many
for Off-Road Driving” under Off-Road Driving on vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
page 4-22. Towing” and “Dolly Towing”, following.

4-57
Here are some important things to consider before you Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles (NR4 and NP8)
do recreational vehicle towing:
• What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
• Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
• Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. See Before Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-42.
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
Dinghy Towing 1. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles 2. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with 3. Firmly set the parking brake.
all four wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
tow vehicle.
while being towed.

4-58
 Dolly Towing
{CAUTION: Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed with
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer the rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drive
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to transmissions have no provisions for internal lubrication
roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). while being towed.
You or others could be injured. Make sure the Two-wheel-drive vehicles can be towed on a dolly
parking brake is firmly set before you shift the with the front wheels on the ground provided that the
transfer case to NEUTRAL. wheels are straight and the steering column has
been locked.
5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N). See
Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-27 for the proper
procedure to select the NEUTRAL (N) position for
your vehicle.
6. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
7. Turn the ignition off and leave the steering column
unlocked.

4-59
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles 4. Firmly set the parking brake.
®
If your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak it is not 5. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
designed to be dolly towed. If you need to tow your tow dolly.
vehicle, see “Dinghy Towing” earlier in this section.

{CAUTION:
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle’s transfer
case into NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to
roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P).
You or others could be injured. Make sure the
parking brake is firmly set before you shift the
transfer case to NEUTRAL.

6. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL. See

Four-Wheel Drive on page 2-27 for the proper
procedure to select the NEUTRAL position for
your vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle
being towed is firmly attached to the towing
If your vehicle is not equipped with StabiliTrak®, use the vehicle.
following procedure to tow your vehicle: 8. Turn the ignition off and lock the steering column.
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.

4-60
Level Control Autoride™
Automatic Level Control If equipped, the Autoride™ feature will provide a
superior vehicle ride and handling under a variety of
The automatic level control rear suspension is available passenger and loading conditions.
on C/K 1500 vehicles and comes as a part of the The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
Autoride™ suspension, if equipped. controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel
This type of level control is fully automatic and will to body position, lift/dive and steering position of the
provide a better leveled riding position as well as better vehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shock
handling under a variety of passenger and loading absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
conditions. An air compressor connected to the rear provide the optimum vehicle ride.
shocks will raise or lower the rear of the vehicle Autoride™ also interacts with the tow/haul switch that,
to maintain proper vehicle height. The system is when engaged, will provide additional control of the
activated when the ignition key is turned to RUN and shock absorbers. This additional control results in better
will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter. ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle is
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for loaded or towing a trailer. See Tow/Haul Mode Light on
up to ten minutes after the ignition key has been turned page 3-53 for more information.
off. You may hear the air compressor operating when
the height is being adjusted.
If a self-equalizing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inflate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.

4-61
Trailer Recommendations Towing a Trailer
You must subtract your hitch loads from the Cargo Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See New Vehicle
Weight Rating (CWR) for your vehicle. CWR is the Break-In on page 2-19 for more information.
maximum weight of the load your vehicle can carry.
It doesn’t include the weight of the people inside.
But you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat.
The total cargo load must not be more than your
{CAUTION:
vehicle’s CWR.
If you do not use the correct equipment and
Weigh your vehicle with the trailer attached, so that you drive properly, you can lose control when you
won’t go over the GVWR or GAWR. If you are using
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
a weight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without the
spring bars in place. heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
You’ll get the best performance if you spread out the seriously injured. Pull a trailer only if you have
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
followed all the steps in this section. Ask your
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
dealer for advice and information about towing
For more information, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62 a trailer with your vehicle.
Towing a Trailer.

Notice: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage

your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow
the advice in this part, and see your dealer for
important information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.

4-62
To identify the vehicle trailering capacity of your vehicle, • Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles
you should read the information in “Weight of the (800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
Trailer” that appears later in this section. axle or other parts could be damaged.
If yours was built with trailering options, as many are, • Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
it’s ready for heavier trailers. But trailering is different tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means and don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your
changes in acceleration, braking, handling, durability engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes the heavier loads.
correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
• You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too
these are important for your safety and that of your often (e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly
passengers. So please read this section carefully before conditions). See “Tow/Haul Mode” later in this
you pull a trailer. section.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer Three important considerations have to do with weight:
If you do, here are some important points: • The weight of the trailer
• There are many different laws, including speed limit • The weight of the trailer tongue
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure • The weight on your vehicle’s tires
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
• Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.

4-63
Tow/Haul Mode Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when the
vehicle and trailer combined weight is at least 75 percent
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavy of the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
trailer or a large or heavy load. The purpose of the See Weight of the Trailer later in this section. Tow/Haul is
Tow/Haul mode is to: most useful under the following driving conditions:
• Reduce the frequency and improve the predictability • When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
of transmission shifts when pulling a heavy trailer or through rolling terrain.
a large or heavy load.
• When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
• Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a in stop and go traffic.
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when
the vehicle is unloaded. • When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load
in busy parking lots where improved low speed
• Improve control of vehicle speed while requiring control of the vehicle is desired.
less throttle pedal activity when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. Operating the vehicle in tow/haul when lightly loaded or
with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
Your vehicle may be equipped with a button at the end of there is no benefit to the selection of Tow/Haul when the
the shift lever which, when pressed, enables tow/haul. vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
Your vehicle may be equipped with Autoride™ ® which may result in unpleasant engine and transmission driving
further improves your vehicle’s ride while towing. characteristics and reduced fuel economy. Tow/Haul
See Autoride™ on page 4-61 for more information. is recommended only when pulling a heavy trailer or a
When the button is pressed, a light on the instrument large or heavy load.
panel will illuminate to indicate that Tow/Haul has been
selected. Tow/Haul may be turned off by pressing
the button again, at which time the indicator light on
the instrument panel will turn off. The vehicle will
automatically turn off Tow/Haul every time it is started.

4-64
Weight of the Trailer Use one of the following charts to determine how much
your vehicle can weigh, based upon your vehicle
How heavy can a trailer safely be? model and options.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
important. And, it can also depend on any special equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
equipment that you have on your vehicle. must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR

C-1500 (2WD)*
3.23 5,700 lbs (2 585 kg) 11,000 lbs (4 990 kg)
4800 V8 3.73 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)

5300 V8 3.23 6,700 lbs (3 039 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
3.73 7,700 lbs (3 492 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,400 lbs (3 356 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
(Extended Models) 4.10 8,400 lbs (3 810 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR

K-1500 (4 WD)*

4800 V8 3.42 6,500 lbs (2 948 kg) 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg)
4.10 7,500 lbs (3 402 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
3.42 7,500 lbs (3 401 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
5300 V8 4.10 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
5300 V8 3.42 7,200 lbs (3 265 kg) 13,000 lbs (5 897 kg)
(Extended Models) 4.10 8,200 lbs (3 719 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)

4-65
Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR
C-2500 (2WD)*
6000 V8 3.73 7,900 lbs (3 583 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
(Extended Models) 4.10 9,900 lbs (4 490 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

6000 V8 w/4WS 3.73 7,700 lbs (3 493 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
4.10 9,700 lbs (4 400 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
8100 V8 3.73 10,600 lbs (4 808 kg) 17,000 lbs (7 711 kg)
(Extended Models) 4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 19,000 lbs (8 618 kg)

Vehicle* Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR

K-2500 (4WD)*
6000 V8 3.73 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
(Extended Models) 4.10 9,600 lbs (4 354 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)

6000 V8 w/4WS 3.73 7,400 lbs (3 357 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
4.10 9,400 lbs (4 264 kg) 16,000 lbs (7 257 kg)
3.73 10,300 lbs (4 672 kg) 17,000 lbs (7 711 kg)
8100 V8
4.10 12,000 lbs (5 443 kg) 19,000 lbs (8 618 kg)

The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
total allowable weight of the completely loaded advice, or you can write us at the address listed in your
vehicle and trailer including any passengers, cargo, Warranty and Owner Assistance Information Booklet.
equipment and conversions. The GCWR for your vehicle In Canada, write to:
should not be exceeded. General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

4-66
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight
to measure because it affects the total or gross weight
of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you
may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in
the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment,
passengers or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the
tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will
also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
And if you will tow a trailer, you must add the tongue
load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
that weight, too. See Loading Your Vehicle for more 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to
information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity. a maximum or 600 lbs (272 kg) with a weight carrying
hitch. The trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent
to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight, up to a
maximum of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) for the 1500 series
and up to a maximum of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for
the 2500 series with a weight distributing hitch.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight for
your vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that will
position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This will help
reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on the rear axle.
After you have loaded the trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them right
by moving some items around in the trailer.

4-67
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Weight-Distributing Hitches and Weight
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper Carrying Hitches
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on
the Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door or see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52 for more
information. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW
limit for your vehicle, or the GAWR, including the weight
of the trailer tongue. If you use a weight distributing
hitch, make sure you don’t go over the rear axle
limit before you apply the weight distribution spring bars.

Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you will need the right hitch.

(A) Body to Ground Distance (B) Front of Vehicle

When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.
If you use a step-bumper hitch, the bumper could
be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample
room when turning to avoid contact between the
trailer and the bumper.

4-68
If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will Trailer Brakes
weigh more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) be sure to use a
properly mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
control of the proper size. This equipment is very loaded, then it needs its own brakes – and they must be
important for proper vehicle loading and good handling adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
when driving. Always use a sway control if the trailer for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install,
will weigh more than these limits. You can ask a adjust and maintain them properly.
hitch dealer about sway controls. If your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, your trailer
cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
Safety Chains
Your trailer brake system can tap into the vehicle’s
You should always attach safety chains between your hydraulic brake system only if:
vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains
under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue • The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
from contacting the road if it becomes separated from (20 650 kPa) of pressure.
the hitch. • The trailer’s brake system will use less than
If you are towing a trailer up to 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) with 0.02 cubic inches (0.3 cc) of fluid from your vehicle’s
a factory-installed step bumper, you may attach the master cylinder. Otherwise, both braking systems
safety chains to the attaching points on the bumper. won’t work well. You could even lose your brakes.
If you are towing a trailer up to your vehicle’s trailer If everything checks out this far, make the brake tap at
rating limit, you may attach the safety chains to the port on the master cylinder that sends the fluid
the attaching point on the hitch platform. If you are to the rear brakes. But don’t use copper tubing for this.
towing with an aftermarket hitch, following the trailer or If you do, it will bend and finally break off. Use steel
hitch manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching brake tubing.
safety chains. Always leave just enough slack so you
can turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag
on the ground.

4-69
Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
{CAUTION: handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
If you have a rear-most window open and responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
unconsciousness or death. See Engine brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
Exhaust on page 2-40. To maximize your safety apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
when towing a trailer: the brakes are working. This lets you check your
• Have your exhaust system inspected for electrical connection at the same time.
leaks, and make necessary repairs before During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
starting on your trip. load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
• Keep the rear-most windows closed. brakes are still working.
• If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See Climate Control System
on page 3-21.

4-70
Following Distance Making Turns
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as Notice: Making very sharp turns while trailering
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
This can help you avoid situations that require vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
heavy braking and sudden turns. making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
Passing normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever
Backing Up you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up,
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
have someone guide you. are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel steering and you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
if you use it while backing your trailer the same rules important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
apply. However, with four-wheel steering your rig bulbs are still working.
will respond more quickly and it may take additional
practice to get used to backing up with four-wheel
steering.

4-71
Driving On Grades Parking on Hills
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift {CAUTION:
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
You can tow in DRIVE (D). You may want to shift the
transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
selection if the transmission shifts too often (e.g., under wrong, your rig could start to move. People
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions). can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
You may also want to activate the tow/haul mode if the
transmission shifts too often. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
earlier in this section for more information. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill,
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, here’s how to do it:
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower 1. Apply your regular brake, but don’t shift into
temperature than at normal altitudes. If you turn your PARK (P) yet.
engine off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, your vehicle may show signs 2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let the wheels.
engine run while parked (preferably on level ground) 3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
with the automatic transmission in PARK (P) for a regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
few minutes before turning the engine off. If you do get 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
the overheat warning, see Engine Overheating on parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
page 5-29.
5. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear and not in NEUTRAL.
6. Release the regular brakes.

4-72
 When You Are Ready to Leave After
{CAUTION: Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle while you:
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with • start your engine,
the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle • shift into a gear, and
can roll. • release the parking brake.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle 2. Let up on the brake pedal.
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
even when you are on fairly level ground, use 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the steps that follow. the chocks.
Always put the shift lever fully in PARK (P) Maintenance When Trailer Towing
with the parking brake firmly set.
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
If the transfer case on four-wheel-drive vehicles pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll, on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be operation are automatic transmission fluid (don’t overfill),
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and
in NEUTRAL. brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review these sections
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

4-73
Trailer Wiring Harness The seven-wire harness contains the following
trailer circuits:
Your vehicle is equipped with the following wiring
harnesses for towing a trailer. • Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
• Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Basic Trailer Wiring
• Brown: Taillamps
• White: Ground
• Light Green: Back-up Lamps
• Red: Battery Feed
• Dark Blue: Trailer Brake

The trailer wiring harness, with a seven-pin connector,

is located at the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle’s frame. The harness connector can be
plugged into a seven-pin universal heavy-duty trailer
connector available through your dealer.

4-74
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness Package The seven-wire harness contains the following
trailer 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
If you are charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery,
turn on the headlamps to boost the vehicle system
voltage and properly charge the battery.

Your vehicle is equipped with the seven-wire trailer

towing harness. This harness with a seven-pin universal
trailer connector is attached to a bracket on the hitch
platform.

4-75
Electric Brake Control Jumper

{CAUTION:
Be sure to use only the correct trailer brake
harness, the one intended for use on your
vehicle. If you use some other trailer brake
harness, even if it seems to fit, your trailer
brakes may not work at all. You could have a
crash in which you or others could be injured.
Use only the trailer brake harness intended for
your vehicle. If it is no longer available to you,
be sure to get a proper replacement from
This harness is included with your vehicle as part of the
your dealer.
heavy-duty trailer wiring package.
This harness is for an electric brake controller and
includes a trailer battery feed fuse. It should be installed
by your dealer or a qualified service center.
This harness is new for your vehicle, and you will not be
able to use a harness from an earlier model year.

4-76
Four-Wire Harness Adapter
This adapter is included
with your vehicle as part of
the heavy-duty trailer
wiring package.

Use this adapter to connect a standard four-way

round pin connector to the seven-wire harness on Connect the adapter with the tab pointing up (see arrow).
your vehicle. The flip cap on the vehicle’s seven-wire harness will lock
onto the tab and help hold the adapter in place. Plug the
four-way round pin connector onto the adapter.

4-77
Power Winches If you will be using the
bumper to tow a trailer,
If you wish to use a power winch on your vehicle, only and your step-bumper has
use it when your vehicle is stationary or anchored. three cutout circles you
must push out the center
Step-Bumper Pad cutout circle to install
Your vehicle has a rear step bumper with a rear step the trailer ball.
pad at the center of the bumper.

If your step-bumper has only one cutout circle, you will

have to cut out the circle, then remove it to install
the trailer ball.

4-78
 Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
Service ............................................................5-3 Engine Fan Noise .........................................5-37
Doing Your Own Service Work .........................5-4 Power Steering Fluid .....................................5-38
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Windshield Washer Fluid ................................5-40
Your Vehicle ..............................................5-5 Brakes ........................................................5-41
Fuel ................................................................5-5 Battery ........................................................5-44
Gasoline Octane ............................................5-5 Jump Starting ...............................................5-45
Gasoline Specifications ....................................5-5 All-Wheel Drive ..............................................5-50
California Fuel ...............................................5-6 Rear Axle .......................................................5-51
Additives .......................................................5-6
Fuel E-85 (85% Ethanol) .................................5-7 Four-Wheel Drive ............................................5-52
Fuels in Foreign Countries ...............................5-8 Front Axle ......................................................5-53
Filling Your Tank ............................................5-8 Bulb Replacement ..........................................5-54
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .....................5-10 Halogen Bulbs ..............................................5-54
Checking Things Under the Hood ....................5-10 Headlamps ..................................................5-54
Hood Release ..............................................5-11 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Engine Compartment Overview .......................5-12 Daytime Running Lamps .............................5-55
Engine Oil ...................................................5-16 Side Identification Marker Lamps .....................5-56
Engine Oil Life System ..................................5-20 Roof Marker Lamps ......................................5-57
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ................................5-21 Taillamps .....................................................5-58
Automatic Transmission Fluid .........................5-24 Replacement Bulbs .......................................5-59
Engine Coolant .............................................5-27 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ..............5-60
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap ..................5-29
Tires ..............................................................5-61
Engine Overheating .......................................5-29
Tire Sidewall Labelling ...................................5-62
Overheated Engine Protection
Tire Terminology and Definitions .....................5-65
Operating Mode ........................................5-31
Inflation - Tire Pressure .................................5-68
Cooling System ............................................5-32
Tire Pressure Monitor System .........................5-71
5-1
 Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
Tire Inspection and Rotation ...........................5-74 Washing Your Vehicle ..................................5-104
When It Is Time for New Tires .......................5-75 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................5-104
Buying New Tires .........................................5-76 Finish Care ................................................5-104
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ..........................5-77 Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades .......5-105
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ..................5-78 Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ..............5-106
Wheel Replacement ......................................5-78 Tires .........................................................5-106
Tire Chains ..................................................5-80 Sheet Metal Damage ...................................5-107
If a Tire Goes Flat ........................................5-81 Finish Damage ...........................................5-107
Changing a Flat Tire .....................................5-82 Underbody Maintenance ...............................5-107
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................5-83 Chemical Paint Spotting ...............................5-107
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ................5-108
Spare Tire ................................................5-86 Vehicle Identification .....................................5-109
Secondary Latch System ...............................5-92 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ................5-109
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ............5-96 Service Parts Identification Label ...................5-109
Spare Tire .................................................5-100
Electrical System ..........................................5-109
Appearance Care ..........................................5-100 Add-On Electrical Equipment .........................5-109
Fabric/Carpet ..............................................5-101 Windshield Wiper Fuses ...............................5-110
Vinyl .........................................................5-102 Power Windows and Other Power Options ......5-110
Leather ......................................................5-103 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ..........................5-110
Instrument Panel .........................................5-103 Instrument Panel Fuse Block ........................5-110
Interior Plastic Components ..........................5-103 Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ..............5-112
Glass Surfaces ...........................................5-103 Underhood Fuse Block ................................5-113
Care of Safety Belts ....................................5-103
Weatherstrips .............................................5-104 Capacities and Specifications ........................5-118

5-2
Service California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to
emit chemicals known to the State of California to
be happy with it. We hope you will go to your dealer
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
for all your service needs. You will get genuine GM parts
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems
and GM-trained and supported service people.
(including some inside the vehicle), many fluids, and
We hope you will want to keep your GM vehicle all GM. some component wear by-products contain and/or emit
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: these chemicals.

5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work
If you want to do some of your own service work, you {CAUTION:
will want to use the proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to service your vehicle than You can be injured and your vehicle could be
this manual can. To order the proper service manual, damaged if you try to do service work on a
see Service Publications Ordering Information on vehicle without knowing enough about it.
page 7-11.
• Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting experience, the proper replacement parts
to do your own service work, see Servicing Your and tools before you attempt any vehicle
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-80. maintenance task.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list • Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and
the mileage and the date of any service work you other fasteners. English and metric
perform. See Maintenance Record on page 6-16. fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.

5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside Gasoline Octane
of Your Vehicle Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
of 87 or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you may
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
can affect the airflow around it. This may cause occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
wind noise and affect windshield washer performance. soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage
Check with your dealer before adding equipment to your engine. A little pinging noise when you accelerate
the outside of your vehicle. or drive uphill is considered normal. This does not
indicate a problem exists or that a higher-octane
Fuel fuel is necessary. If you are using 87 octane or
higher-octane fuel and hear heavy knocking,
Gasoline your engine needs service.
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identifies your Gasoline Specifications
engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. See Vehicle Identification Number It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
(VIN) on page 5-109. which were developed by automobile manufacturers
around the world and contained in the World-Wide
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code Z Fuel Charter which is available from the
only), you may use either regular unleaded gasoline or Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers at
ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E-85); www.autoalliance.org/fuel_charter.htm. Gasoline
also see Fuel E-85 (85% Ethanol) on page 5-7. In all meeting these specifications could provide improved
other engines, including the 5.3L V8 (VIN Code T), driveability and emission control system performance
use only regular unleaded gasoline. compared to other gasoline.

5-5
California Fuel valves clean. If your vehicle experiences problems due
to dirty injectors or valves, try a different brand of
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission gasoline. Also, your GM dealer has additives that will
Standards (see the underhood emission control help correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If this fuel is not available in Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
states adopting California emissions standards, ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
federal specifications, but emission control system recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if
performance may be affected. The malfunction they comply with the specifications described earlier.
indicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle may fail Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
a smog-check test. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
page 3-48. If this occurs, return to your authorized methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that system and also damage the plastic and rubber
the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, parts. That damage would not be covered under
repairs may not be covered by your warranty. your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
Additives emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
are now required to contain additives that will help (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does
allowing your emission control system to work not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels
properly. In most cases, you should not have to add containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and
anything to your fuel. However, some gasolines contain the performance of the emission control system may
only the minimum amount of additive required to be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. If this occurs, return to your authorized GM dealer
General Motors recommends that you buy gasolines for service.
that are advertised to help keep fuel injectors and intake

5-6
Fuel E-85 (85% Ethanol) To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E-85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number (VIN) to ASTM specification D 5798. If you have trouble
shows the code letter or number that identifies your starting on E-85, it may be because your E-85 fuel is
engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of the not properly formulated for your climate. If this happens,
instrument panel. See Vehicle Identification Number switching to gasoline or adding gasoline to your fuel
(VIN) on page 5-109. tank may improve starting. Your vehicle is designed to
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code Z only), accommodate a mixture of gasoline and E-85 fuel.
you may use either regular unleaded gasoline or ethanol For good starting and heater efficiency below
fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E-85); also see Fuel 32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel tank should
on page 5-5. In all other engines, including the 5.3L V8 contain no more than 70% ethanol.
(VIN Code T), use only regular unleaded gasoline. E-85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you
Only vehicles that have the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code Z) will need to refill your fuel tank more often when
may use 85% ethanol fuel (E-85). General Motors using E-85 than when you are using gasoline. Regular
encourages the use of E-85 in vehicles that are designed unleaded gasoline is recommended when pulling a
to use it. The ethanol in E-85 is a “renewable” fuel, trailer. For payload capacity with ethanol fuel, see
meaning it is made from renewable sources such as Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.
corn and other crops. Notice: Some additives are not compatible with
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol E-85 fuel and may harm your fuel system. Damage
fuel (E-85) pump available. The U. S. Department caused by additives would not be covered by
of Energy has an alternative fuels website your new vehicle warranty. Do not use additives
(http://www.afdc.doe.gov/refueling_mapsite.shtml) that with E-85 fuel.
can help you find E-85 fuel. Those stations that do have Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
E-85 should have a label indicating ethanol content. contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content is greater than methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
85%. Your vehicle may not operate properly if the system and also damage the plastic and rubber
ethanol content is greater than 85%. parts. That damage would not be covered under
At a minimum, E-85 should meet ASTM your warranty.
Specification D 5798.

5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel {CAUTION:
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can
be covered by your warranty. cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or and others, read and follow all the instructions
contact a major oil company that does business in the on the pump island. Turn off your engine when
country where you will be driving. you are refueling. Do not smoke if you are near
fuel or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks,
flames and smoking materials away from fuel.
Do not leave the fuel pump unattended when
refueling your vehicle — this is against the law
in some places. Keep children away from the
fuel pump; never let children pump fuel.

The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel

door on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). It will require more effort to turn the
fuel cap on the last turn as you loosen it.

5-8
 When replacing the fuel cap, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until it clicks. It will require more effort to
{CAUTION: turn the fuel cap on the last turn as you tighten it.
Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic
If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly.
on page 3-48.
This spray can happen if your tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open
the fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise
to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.
{CAUTION:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
If your vehicle is a dual fuel tank chassis cab model, remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
and it runs out of fuel, refuel the front fuel tank first shutting off the pump or by notifying the
to ensure a quick restart. station attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-104. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage your fuel tank and emissions
system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-48.

5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
{CAUTION:
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. An electric fan under the hood can start up
You can be badly burned and your vehicle and injure you even when the engine is not
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
you and others: from any underhood electric fan.
• Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
• Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or {CAUTION:
on any surface other than the ground.
• Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
inside of the fill opening before operating and start a fire. These include liquids like fuel,
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
until the filling is complete. other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or
• Do not smoke while pumping gasoline. others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.

5-10
Hood Release
To open the hood do the following:
1. Pull the handle located
inside the vehicle to
the lower left of
the steering wheel.

2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and pull up on

the secondary hood release located near the
center of the grille.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps
are on properly. Then pull down the hood and close
it firmly.

5-11
Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood on the VORTEC™ 5300 V8 engine (VORTEC™ 4800 and 6000 V8 engines similar),
here is what you will see:

5-12
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See Jump
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21. Starting on page 5-45.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
System on page 5-32 and Coolant Surge Tank Fluid on page 5-38.
Pressure Cap on page 5-29. J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). page 5-45.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21. K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Brakes on page 5-41.
under Engine Oil on page 5-16. L. Underhood Fuse Block. See Underhood Fuse Block
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking the on page 5-113.
Fluid Level” under Automatic Transmission Fluid M. Battery. See Battery on page 5-44.
on page 5-24.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid
under Engine Oil on page 5-16. on page 5-40.
G. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (If Equipped).
See Cooling System on page 5-32.

5-13
When you open the hood on the VORTEC™ 8100 V8 engine, here is what you will see:

5-14
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND). See Jump
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21. Starting on page 5-45.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling I. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
System on page 5-32 and Coolant Surge Tank page 5-45.
Pressure Cap on page 5-29. J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering
C. Air Filter Restriction Indicator (If Equipped). Fluid on page 5-38.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21. K. Brake Master Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under Brakes on page 5-41.
under Engine Oil on page 5-16. L. Underhood Fuse Block. See Underhood Fuse Block
E. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See “Checking the on page 5-113.
Fluid Level” under Automatic Transmission Fluid M. Battery. See Battery on page 5-44.
on page 5-24.
N. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid
under Engine Oil on page 5-16. on page 5-40.
G. Engine-Driven Cooling Fan. See Cooling System on
page 5-32.

5-15
Engine Oil The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears on the the location of the engine oil dipstick.
instrument cluster, it means you need to check 1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
your engine oil level right away. to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
For more information, see CHECK OIL LEVEL under the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58. 2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
an added reminder. again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.

Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

8.1L Engine

5-16
 See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.

All Other Engines

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is at or below the cross-hatched area at the tip
of the dipstick, then you will need to add at least one Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in
quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This section the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the
explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil way back in when you are through.
crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications
on page 5-118.
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If your engine
has so much oil that the oil level gets above
the cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.

5-17
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
• GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GM
Standard GM6094M. You should look for and use
only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.

5-18
 • SAE 5W-30 Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
for your vehicle.
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
These numbers on an oil container show its oil can result in engine damage not covered by
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity your warranty.
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements for
Oils meeting these your vehicle.
requirements should also If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
have the starburst temperature falls below −20°F (−29°C), it is
symbol on the container. recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
This symbol indicates synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
that the oil has been easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
certified by the American at extremely low temperatures.
Petroleum Institute (API).
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
You should look for this information on the oil container,
and engine protection.
and use only those oils that are identified as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.

5-19
Engine Oil Life System How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
When to Change Engine Oil
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know change your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use.
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on can calculate when the next oil change is required.
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at If a situation occurs where you change your oil prior to
which an oil change will be indicated can vary a CHANGE ENGINE OIL message being turned on,
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, reset the system.
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message, see
When the system has calculated that oil life has been “Engine Oil Life System” under DIC Operation and
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. Displays on page 3-55 for vehicles equipped with the
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will come on. DIC, or do the following:
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving 1. Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
under the best conditions, the oil life system may not 2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. three times within five seconds.
However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at If the OIL LIFE RESET message flashes for
least once a year and at this time the system must be 10 seconds, the system is resetting.
reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who
will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset 3. Turn the key to LOCK.
the system. It is also important to check your oil regularly If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on
and keep it at the proper level. when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must has not reset. Repeat the procedure. If it still does
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your not reset, see your dealer for service.
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.

5-20
What to Do with Used Oil Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be See Engine Compartment
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Overview on page 5-12
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. for the location of the
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a engine air cleaner/filter and
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of the air filter restriction
clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the indicator, if equipped.
manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by When to Inspect
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your If your vehicle is equipped with an air filter restriction
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center indicator, it lets you know when the engine air
for help. cleaner/filter needs to be replaced. On vehicles with a
restriction indicator, you should inspect the air filter
restriction indicator at every oil change and replace the
engine air cleaner/filter when the indicator tells you to.
On vehicles without an air filter restriction indicator,
inspect the air cleaner/filter at the Maintenance II
intervals and replace it at the first oil change after
50,000 miles (83 000 km). See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4 for more information. If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.

5-21
How to Inspect Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
and Resetting the Air Filter Restriction
Vehicles with an Air Filter Restriction
Indicator
Indicator
Locate the air filter restriction indicator on the engine air
cleaner/filter cover. When the indicator turns black or
is in the red/orange “change” zone, replace the filter and
reset the indicator. See the steps following to replace
the engine air cleaner/filter and to reset the air filter
restriction indicator.
Vehicles without an Air Filter Restriction
Indicator
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the engine air
cleaner/filter from the vehicle using the steps following.
When you have the engine air cleaner/filter removed,
lightly shake it to release loose dust and dirt. If the
engine air cleaner/filter remains caked with dirt, a new
filter is required. 1. Locate the air cleaner/filter assembly on the front
corner of the engine compartment on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle.
2. Loosen the screws on the cover of the housing and
lift up the cover.

5-22
 5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
6. Reinstall the cover and tighten the screws.
7. Reset the air filter restriction indicator, if equipped,
by pressing the top button on the indicator.

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop flame if the engine backfires. If it is
not there and the engine backfires, you could
3. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter from the be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
housing. Care should be taken to dislodge as careful working on the engine with the air
little dirt as possible. cleaner/filter off.
4. Clean the engine air cleaner/filter sealing surfaces
and the housing.

5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
When to Check and Change choose to have this done at the dealership service
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid department.
level is when the engine oil is changed. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
(83 000 km) if the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 or if Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of your transmission. Too much can mean that some
these conditions: of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine
• In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature part or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher. Too little fluid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
• In hilly or mountainous terrain. check your transmission fluid.
• When doing frequent trailer towing. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
• Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
service. • When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
If your vehicle’s GVWR is not over 8,600 and you do • At high speed for quite a while.
not use your vehicle under any of these conditions,
change the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles • In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
(166 000 km). • While pulling a trailer.
See Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.

5-24
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal Checking the Fluid Level
operating temperature, which is 180°F to 200°F
(82°C to 93°C). Prepare your vehicle as follows:
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about • Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are engine running.
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), • With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
drive the vehicle in THIRD (3) until the engine in PARK (P).
temperature gage moves and then remains steady
for 10 minutes. • With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
A cold fluid check can be made after the vehicle has three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off, lever in PARK (P).
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for five minutes if outside temperatures are • Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.
50°F (10°C) or more. If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to idle the engine longer. Should the fluid
level be low during this cold check, you must check
the fluid hot before adding fluid. Checking the fluid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the fluid level.

5-25
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:

The transmission dipstick

handle with this graphic is
located at the rear of
the engine compartment,
on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.

See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
more information on location. level. The fluid level must be in the COLD area,
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or in
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. the HOT or cross-hatched area for a hot check.
Be sure to keep the dipstick pointed down to get an
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and accurate reading.
then pull it back out again.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at least twice using the
procedure described previously. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper fluid
level. If inconsistent readings persist, check the
transmission breather hose to be sure it is clean and
unclogged. If readings are still inconsistent, contact
your dealer.

5-26
How to Add Fluid Engine Coolant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
kind of transmission fluid to use. See Recommended DEX-COOL® engine coolant. This coolant is designed
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13. to remain in your vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
Add fluid only after checking the transmission fluid while DEX-COOL® extended life coolant.
it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper The following explains your cooling system and how to
fluid to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
check. It does not take much fluid, generally less than with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating on
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overfill. page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
Notice: Use of automatic transmission fluid DEX-COOL® coolant will:
labeled other than DEXRON®-III, Approved for the
H-Specification, may damage your vehicle, and • Give freezing protection down to −34°F (−37°C).
the damages may not be covered by your warranty. • Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Always use automatic transmission fluid labeled • Protect against rust and corrosion.
DEXRON®-III, Approved for the H-Specification.
• Help keep the proper engine temperature.
• After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as • Let the warning lights and gages work as
described under “How to Check,” earlier in they should.
this section.
• When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL® may
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
down to lock the dipstick in place. corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.

5-27
What to Use If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL® coolant which will not damage Notice: If you use the proper coolant, you do not
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
not need to add anything else. to improve the system. These can be harmful.

Checking Coolant
{CAUTION: The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
Adding only plain water to your cooling See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or for more information on location.
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the {CAUTION:
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
but you would not get the overheat warning. engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
Your engine could catch fire and you or others and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant. cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Notice: If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.

5-28
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
If your vehicle is equipped with a low coolant sensor, installed on the coolant surge tank. See Engine
and the LOW COOLANT LEVEL message comes Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for more
on and stays on, it means you are low on engine information on location.
coolant. See “LOW COOLANT LEVEL” under DIC Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
Warnings and Messages on page 3-58. coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
Adding Coolant secured.
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the Engine Overheating
engine is cool.
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. See Engine Coolant
{CAUTION: Temperature Gage on page 3-45.
In addition, you will find an ENGINE OVERHEATED,
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot and a REDUCED ENGINE POWER message in
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, the Driver Information Center (DIC) on the instrument
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot panel. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58.
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is

hand-tight.

5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
{CAUTION: An overheat warning, along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.
Steam from an overheated engine can burn If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or hear
you badly, even if you just open the hood. no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get • Climb a long hill on a hot day.
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or • Stop after high-speed driving.
coolant before you open the hood. • Idle for long periods in traffic.
If you keep driving when your engine is • Tow a trailer. See Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
You or others could be badly burned. Stop
try this for a minute or so:
your engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool. 1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn it off.
See Overheated Engine Protection Operating 2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
Mode on page 5-31 for information on driving speed and open the windows as necessary.
to a safe place in an emergency. 3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
Notice: If your engine catches fire because you keep engine idle.
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. See Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-31 for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.

5-30
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can Overheated Engine Protection
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive Operating Mode
normally.
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your REDUCED ENGINE POWER message is displayed,
vehicle right away. an overheat protection mode which alternates firing
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
equipped with an engine-driven cooling fan, push down In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and
the accelerator until the engine speed is about twice engine performance. This operating mode allows your
as fast as normal idle speed for at least three minutes vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.
while you are parked. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
If there is still no sign of steam and your vehicle is
equipped with an electric cooling fan, idle the engine for Notice: After driving in the overheated engine
three minutes while you are parked. protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
If you still have the warning, turn off the engine and get
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down. Also,
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
and reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil
later in this section.
on page 5-16.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.

5-31
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:

All Other Engines

A. Coolant Surge Tank
B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
8100 V8 Engines C. Electric Engine Cooling Fan (If Equipped)

A. Coolant Surge Tank

B. Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
C. Engine-Driven Cooling Fan

5-32
 {CAUTION: {CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
and injure you even when the engine is not parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away If you do, you can be burned.
from any underhood electric fan. Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, That could cause an engine fire, and you could
do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive
should be parked on a level surface. the vehicle.

The coolant level should be

at or above the FULL If there seems to be no leak and your vehicle is
COLD mark. If it is not, equipped with an electric engine cooling fan, with the
you may have a leak at the engine on check to see if the cooling fan is running.
pressure cap or in the If it is not, your vehicle needs service. Turn off
radiator hoses, heater the engine.
hoses, radiator, water
pump or somewhere else
in the cooling system.

5-33
If there seems to be no leak and your vehicle is How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
equipped with an engine-driven cooling fan, start the
engine again and see if the fan speed increases when Surge Tank
idle speed is doubled by pushing the accelerator If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
pedal down. If it does not, your vehicle needs service. coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
Turn off the engine. but the coolant level is not at or above the FULL COLD
mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
Notice: Engine damage from running your engine and DEX-COOL® coolant at the coolant surge tank, but
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. be sure the cooling system, including the coolant
See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
on page 5-31 for information on driving to a safe See Engine Coolant on page 5-27 for more information.
place in an emergency.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL® may as follows:
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
{CAUTION:
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL® (silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle. Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly.
They are under pressure, and if you turn the
coolant surge tank pressure cap — even a
little — they can come out at high speed.
Never turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap,
is hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant
surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap.

5-34
 {CAUTION: {CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the 1. You can remove the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot coolant surge tank
but you would not get the overheat warning. pressure cap when
Your engine could catch fire and you or others the cooling system,
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, including the coolant
drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant. surge tank pressure
cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot.
Notice: In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left)
about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.

5-35
 3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
to the FULL COLD mark. the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.

5-36
Engine Fan Noise You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch partially
If your vehicle is equipped with a clutched engine disengages.
cooling fan, when the clutch is engaged, the fan spins If your vehicle is equipped with electric cooling fans, you
faster to provide more air to cool the engine. In most may hear the fans spinning at low speed during most
everyday driving conditions, the fan is spinning slower everyday driving. The fans may turn off if no cooling is
and the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves required. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
fuel economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy and/or high outside temperatures, or if you are operating
vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or high outside your air conditioning system, the fans change to high
temperatures, the fan speed increases as the clutch speed and you may hear an increase in fan noise. This
more fully engages, so you may hear an increase in is normal and indicates that the cooling system is
fan noise. This is normal and should not be mistaken functioning properly. The fans will change to low speed
as the transmission slipping or making extra shifts. when additional cooling is no longer required.
It is merely the cooling system functioning properly.
The fan will slow down when additional cooling is not
required and the clutch disengages.

5-37
Power Steering Fluid

All other engines

8100 V8 engine See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for

reservoir location.

5-38
When to Check Power Steering Fluid To check the power steering fluid, do the following:

It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid 1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or cool down.
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system 2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
and repaired.
clean rag.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid 4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level
Locate the cap with this on the dipstick.
symbol. See Engine
Compartment Overview The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
on page 5-12 for more If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the
information on location. level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid Notice:
• When using concentrated washer fluid,
What to Use follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will • Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
be operating your vehicle in an area where the Water can cause the solution to freeze and
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has damage your washer fluid tank and other parts
sufficient protection against freezing. of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer fluid.
Adding Washer Fluid • Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters
Your vehicle has a low washer fluid message that full when it is very cold. This allows for
comes on when the washer fluid is low. The message is expansion if freezing occurs, which could
displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition damage the tank if it is completely full.
cycle. When the CHECK WASHER FLUID message is • Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
displayed, you will need to add washer fluid to the
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
system and paint.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the
tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12 for
reservoir location.

5-40
Brakes So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
Brake Fluid when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when
Your brake master cylinder
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
reservoir is filled with
DOT-3 brake fluid.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12 {CAUTION:
for the location of
the reservoir. If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in this section.
in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is to check your brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have on page 6-4.
your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will not
work at all.

5-41
Checking Brake Fluid Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap. keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
Look at the brake fluid
reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it
{CAUTION:
is not, have your brake
system checked to With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
see if there is a leak. system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

Notice:
• Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, brake system can damage brake system parts so
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
MAX mark. let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid.
What to Add • If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged.
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
only. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on See Appearance Care on page 5-100.
page 6-13.

5-42
Brake Wear Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes. applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make your brakes.
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
is moving, except when you are pushing on the the proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
brake pedal firmly.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
{CAUTION: Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
The brake wear warning sound means that soon normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
your brakes will not work well. That could lead pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
to an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced. Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.

5-43
Replacing Brake System Parts Warning: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many chemicals known to the State of California to cause
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle handling.
was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking Vehicle Storage
system —for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you need new ones put in — be sure you get If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
new approved GM replacement parts. If you do not, or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
your brakes may no longer work properly. For example, the battery. This will help keep your battery from
if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for running down.
your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear
brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can change in {CAUTION:
many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts. Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
Battery are not careful. See Jump Starting on page 5-45
for tips on working around a battery without
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery.
getting hurt.
When it is time for a new battery, get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery’s
label. We recommend an ACDelco® replacement Also, for your audio system, see Theft-Deterrent
battery. See Engine Compartment Overview on Feature on page 3-132.
page 5-12 for battery location.

5-44
Jump Starting Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
If your battery (or batteries) has run down, you may by your warranty.
want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
to do it safely.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
{CAUTION: Notice: If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
because: with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
• They contain acid that can burn you. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
• They contain gas that can explode or ignite. can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
• They contain enough electricity to burn you. connection you do not want. You would not be able
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
all of these things can hurt you. could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in PARK (P) before setting the parking
brake. If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, not
in NEUTRAL.

5-45
Notice: If you leave your radio or other accessories The remote positive (+) terminal is located behind a
on during the jump starting procedure, they could red plastic cover, if equipped, near the engine
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered accessory drive bracket. To uncover the remote
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and positive (+) terminal, open the red plastic cover,
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle. if equipped.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug The remote negative (−) terminal is located on the
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette engine drive bracket, or on the thermostat
lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off housing on the 8.1L engine. It is marked GND.
the radio and all the lamps that are not needed. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. for more information on location.
And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on {CAUTION:
that vehicle.
Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jump starting An electric fan can start up even when the
terminal and a remote negative (−) jump starting engine is not running and can injure you.
terminal. You should always use these remote
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
terminals instead of the terminals on the battery.
underhood electric fan.

5-46
{CAUTION: {CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
this, and some have been blinded. Use a parts once the engine is running.
flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do 5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
not need to add water to the battery installed missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. Before you connect the cables, here are some
If it is low, add water to take care of that first. basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
If you do not, explosive gas could be present. positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or you
with water and get medical help immediately. will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.

5-47
 6. Connect the red 9. Connect the other end
positive (+) cable to the of the negative (−)
positive (+) terminal cable to the remote
of the vehicle with the negative (−) terminal,
dead battery. Use marked GND, on
a remote positive (+) the vehicle with the
terminal if the dead battery.
vehicle has one.

7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a the engine for a while.
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the If it will not start after a few tries, it probably
negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a needs service.
remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable
does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to the
remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with
the dead battery.

5-48
Notice: If the jumper cables are removed in the To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles
wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and do the following:
damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
covered by your warranty. Remove the jumper vehicle that had the bad battery.
cables in the correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or other metal. 2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
5. Return the positive (+) remote terminal cover,
if equipped, to its original position.

Jumper Cable Removal

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote
Negative (−) Terminal
B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote
Negative (−) Terminals
C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal

5-49
All-Wheel Drive To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these
vehicles. However, there are two additional systems that If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
need lubrication. you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
Transfer Case Use care not to overtighten the plug.
When to Check Lubricant What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
often to check the lubricant. See Scheduled kind of lubricant to use. See Recommended Fluids
Maintenance on page 6-4. and Lubricants on page 6-13.
How to Check Lubricant

All-Wheel Drive Transfer Case

A. Fill Plug B. Drain Plug

5-50
Rear Axle To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
When to Check Lubricant • The proper level for the 1500 Series is from
5/8 inch to 1 5/8 inch (15 mm to 40 mm) below the
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle fluid
bottom of the filler plug hole.
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. • The proper level for the 2500 Series is from
Have it inspected and repaired. 0 to 1/2 inch (0 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
How to Check Lubricant
• The proper level for the 1500 and 2500 series
vehicles with QUADRASTEER™ (4-Wheel Steer)
is from 0 to 1/4 inch (0 to 6 mm) below the filler
plug hole.
Add only enough fluid to reach the proper level.

What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.

1500 Series shown, 2500 similar

5-51
Four-Wheel Drive To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
Lubricant checks in this section also apply to these
vehicles. There are two additional systems that need If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
lubrication. you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
Transfer Case Use care not to overtighten the plug.
When to Check Lubricant When to Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check transfer case fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
unless you suspect there is a leak, or you hear an
often to change the lubricant. See Scheduled
unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate a problem.
Maintenance on page 6-4.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.

Automatic Transfer Case

5-52
Front Axle To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
When to Check Lubricant If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you may need to add some lubricant:
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle fluid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an • When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
unusual noise. A fluid loss could indicate a problem. to raise the level to 0 to 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) below
Have it inspected and repaired. the filler plug hole.
How to Check Lubricant • When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.

5-53
Bulb Replacement Headlamps
For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see To replace a headlamp bulb, do the following:
Replacement Bulbs on page 5-59. 1. Open the hood. See Hood Release on page 5-11
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this for more information.
section, contact your dealer.

Halogen Bulbs

{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

2. Remove the two pins on the top of the headlamp

assembly. To remove them, turn the outer pin
outward and pull it straight up. To remove the
inner pin, turn it inward and pull it straight up.

5-54
 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps

A. Low-Beam Headlamp
B. High-Beam Headlamp

3. Pull the headlamp assembly out. A. Sidemarker Lamp

4. Unplug the electrical connector. B. Retainer Clip
5. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and remove it from C. Front Turn Signal Lamp
the headlamp assembly. D. Daytime Running Lamp (DRL)
6. Put the new bulb into the headlamp assembly and
turn it clockwise until it is tight. Use care not to To replace a front turn signal, sidemarker or DRL bulb,
touch the bulb with your fingers or hands. do the following:
7. Plug in the electrical connector. 1. Remove the headlamp assembly as described
previously. See Headlamps on page 5-54 for
8. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle. more information.
9. Install and turn the two pins into the locking feature.

5-55
 7. Put the bulb socket back into the turn signal
housing and turn it clockwise until it locks.
8. Put the turn signal housing back into the vehicle
placing the hook and posts on the inner side into
the alignment holes first, then the outer side into the
retainer bracket until you hear a click.
9. Put the headlamp assembly back into the vehicle.

Side Identification Marker Lamps

To replace a side identification marker bulb,
do the following:
1. Locate the lamp gasket near the rear wheel to
expose the service slot and pull back the edge.
2. Press the retainer clip (B), located behind the turn
2. Using a flat tool, push into the slot to release the
signal housing, towards the outside of the vehicle.
lamp housing.
3. Pull the turn signal housing out of the vehicle.
3. Pull the housing out to expose the wiring harness
4. Press the locking release lever, turn the bulb socket and connector.
counterclockwise and remove it from the turn signal
4. Unplug the lamp assembly harness from
housing.
the housing.
5. Remove the old bulb from the bulb socket.
5. Unplug the lamp.
6. Put a new bulb into the bulb socket. Use care not
6. Put in a new lamp and snap it into the housing.
to touch the bulb with your fingers or hands.
7. Reinstall the lamp housing.

5-56
Roof Marker Lamps
To replace a roof marker lamp bulb, do the following:
1. Remove the two
screws and lift off
the lens.

2. Remove the six screws on the center roof

marker lamps.
3. Turn the old bulb counterclockwise to remove it
from the socket.

5-57
 4. Put a new bulb into the Taillamps
socket and turn
clockwise until it locks A. Turn Signal Lamp
in place. B. Back-up Lamp
C. Stoplamp

To replace a taillamp bulb, do the following:

1. Remove the two
screws from the
taillamp assembly.

5. Reinstall the lens and tighten the screws.

5-58
2. Remove the taillamp assembly. Replacement Bulbs
3. Press the release tab and turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise to remove it from the taillamp Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
housing. Back-up Lamp 3157
4. Pull the old bulb Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) 4114K
straight out from Front Roof Marker Lamp 194
the socket.
Front Parking and Turn Lamp 3457A
Headlamps
High-Beam 9005
Low-Beam 9006
Rear Marker Lamp, Taillamp
3157
and Stoplamp
Rear Turn Signal Lamp 3157
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer.
5. Press a new bulb into the socket, insert the socket
into the taillamp housing and turn the socket
clockwise into the taillamp housing until it clicks.
6. Reinstall the taillamp assembly.

5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4 for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-15.

To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly

do the following:
1. Lift the wiper arm and turn the blade until it is
facing away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.

5-60
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by {CAUTION:
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional are dangerous.
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual.
• Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-52.
• Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all
tires frequently to maintain the
recommended pressure. Tire pressure
should be checked when your tires are
cold. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-68.
• Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
• Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.

5-61
Tire Sidewall Labelling (B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification): Original equipment tires designed to
Useful information about a tire is molded into the GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a
sidewall. The following illustrations are examples of a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall. GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal
safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation): The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and
numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and
plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both sides of the tire, although
only one side may have the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based on
three performance factors: treadwear, traction and
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire temperature resistance. For more information,
see Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 5-77.
(A) Tire Size: The tire size code is a combination (G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum
of letters and numbers used to define a particular load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and needed to support that load. For information on
service description. See the “Tire Size” illustration recommended tire pressure see Inflation - Tire Pressure
later in this section for more detail. on page 5-68 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.

5-62
 GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal
safety guidelines.
(C) Dual Tire Maximum Load: Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to
support that load when used in a dual configuration.
For information on recommended tire pressure see
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68 and Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-52.
(D) DOT (Department of Transportation): The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(E) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and
numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and
plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire The TIN is molded onto both sides of the tire, although
only one side may have the date of manufacture.
(A) Tire Size: The tire size code is a combination of
(F) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of
letters and numbers used to define a particular
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and
service description. See the “Tire Size” illustration (G) Single Tire Maximum Load: Maximum load
later in this section for more detail. that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load when used as a single.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria For information on recommended tire pressure
Specification): Original equipment tires designed to see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68 and
GM’s specific tire performance criteria have a Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.
TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.

5-63
Tire Size (A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letters LT as
The following examples show the different parts of a the first two characters in the tire size means a light
tire size. truck tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width: The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio: A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in item C of the
light truck (LT-Metric) tire illustration, it would mean
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire that the tire’s sidewall is 75% as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code: A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel in inches.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire (F) Service Description: The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: The United States The load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as range from A to Z.
the first character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.

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Tire Terminology and Definitions Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68.
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or Curb Weight: This means the weight of a motor vehicle
kiloPascal (kPa). with standard and optional equipment including the
Accessory Weight: This means the combined weight maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional passengers and cargo.
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering, DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewall of a
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
conditioning. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire’s height to safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
its width. Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is located plant, brand and date of production.
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, see Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-52.
Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim. GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
centerline of the tread. see Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.

5-65
Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an Occupant Distribution: Designated seating positions.
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle. Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces
KiloPascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure. outward when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used on light duty bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles. that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on
Load Index: An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 the other sidewall of the tire.
that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger
Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. vehicles.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall. Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehicle
Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire at manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure and
the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire. shown on the tire placard. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-68 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The sum of
curb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight; Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
and production options weight. that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Normal Occupant Weight: The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.

5-66
Rim: A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards):
beads are seated. A tire information system that provides consumers
with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature, and
Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the tread and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers
the bead. using government testing procedures. The ratings are
Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned to a molded into the sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire Tire Quality Grading on page 5-77.
can operate. Vehicle Capacity Weight: The number of designated
Traction: The friction between the tire and the road seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
surface. The amount of grip provided. the rated cargo load. See Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-52.
Tread: The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road. Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimes occupant weight, and cargo weight.
called “wear bars,” that show across the tread of a
tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains. Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached to a
See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-75. vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See “Tire and Loading Information
Label” under Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52.

5-67
Inflation - Tire Pressure A Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the
vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar), below the driver’s
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to door lock post (striker). This label lists your vehicle’s
operate effectively. original equipment tires and their recommended
cold tire inflation pressures. The recommended cold tire
Notice: Do not let anyone tell you that inflation pressure, shown on the label, is the minimum
under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is not. amount of air pressure needed to support your vehicle’s
If your tires do not have enough air (under-inflation), maximum load carrying capacity.
you can get the following:
For additional information regarding how much weight
• Too much flexing your vehicle can carry, and an example of the tire
• Too much heat and loading information label, see Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-52.
• Tire overloading
• Premature or irregular wear When to Check
• Poor handling Check your tires once a month or more. Do not forget
to check the spare tire. For additional information
• Reduced fuel economy regarding the spare tire, see Spare Tire on page 5-100.
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

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How to Check Improved Ride with Light Load
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire (2500 Series Vehicles Only)
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Check the tire’s inflation pressure when the tires
{CAUTION:
are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting
for at least three hours or driven no more than Do not overload your vehicle or underinflate
1 mile (1.6 km). the tires. Overloading your vehicle or
underinflating the tires can cause rapid loss of
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure pressure and cause a serious crash. Only use
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches reduced rear tire pressure when your vehicle
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading meets the criteria for a light load.
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount. If you have a 2500 Series vehicle with LT245/75R16E
size tires and you are operating your vehicle under
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the light-load conditions, you can improve ride quality by
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the adjusting both the front and rear cold tires to the
tire pressure with the tire gage. recommended pressure shown on the Improved
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. Ride label.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.

5-69
 Operating your vehicle with a light load means:
• The total weight of occupants in your vehicle is less
than the total seating capacity number your vehicle
was designed to carry multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
The total seating capacity number is on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
• No more than 200 lbs (91 kg) of cargo, which must
be secured in the cargo area.
• No trailer is attached to your vehicle.
• You have not added any additional equipment to
your vehicle, like a truck cap or tool box.
An example of the Improved Ride label is shown here. The vehicle load capacity and the rear axle load
This label is attached to the lower section of the capacity are reduced when the tire pressure is lowered
driver’s door edge, for 2500 Series vehicles only. to the amount recommended for improved ride.
Before operating your vehicle with passengers or cargo
greater than a light-load, you must inflate the rear
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information Label. See Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-52.

5-70
Tire Pressure Monitor System Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses radio also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
If your vehicle has this feature, sensors are mounted on Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly
each tire and wheel assembly, except the spare tire. when cold and set to the recommended inflation pressure
The TPM sensors transmit tire pressure readings as specified in the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
to a receiver located in the vehicle.
The Tire and Loading Information label (tire information
When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the placard) shows the size of your vehicle’s original
TPM system will display the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE tires and the correct inflation pressure for your vehicle’s
warning message on the Driver Information Center tires when they are cold. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
(DIC); and at the same time illuminate the low tire on page 5-68. For the location of the tire and loading
pressure warning symbol. For additional information and information label, see Loading Your Vehicle on
details about the DIC operation and displays see DIC page 4-52.
Operation and Displays on page 3-55 and DIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-58. Your vehicle’s TPM system can alert you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
When the tire pressure maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
monitoring system warning page 5-74 and Tires on page 5-61.
light is lit, one or more Notice: Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle is
of your tires is significantly equipped with Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid
under-inflated. sealant can damage the tire pressure monitor
sensors.

You should stop and check your tires as soon as

possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s tire information placard.

5-71
TPM Sensor Identification Codes The TPM sensor matching process is outlined below:
Each TPM sensor has a unique identification code. 1. Set the Parking brake.
Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires or replace one 2. Turn the ignition switch to RUN with the engine off.
or more of the TPM sensors, the identification codes will
need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. 3. Turn the exterior lamp switch from “Off” to “On”
Each tire/wheel position is matched to a sensor, four times within 3 seconds. A double horn chirp
by increasing or decreasing the tire’s air pressure. will sound and the TPM low tire warning light
The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions in will begin to flash. The double horn chirp and
the following order: left front (LF), right front (RF), flashing TPM warning light indicate that the TPM
right rear (RR) and left rear (LR). matching process has started. The TPM warning
light should continue flashing throughout the
You will have one minute to match the first tire/wheel matching procedure. The SERVICE TIRE
position, and five minutes overall to match all four MONITOR message will be displayed on the Driver
tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than one minute, Information Center (DIC).
to match the first tire and wheel, or more than
4. Start with the left (driver’s side) front tire.
five minutes to match all four tire and wheel positions
the matching process stops and you will need to 5. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem.
start over. Activate the TPM sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure for 10 seconds,
then stop and listen for a single horn chirp.
The single horn chirp should sound within
15 seconds, confirming that the sensor identification
code has been matched to this tire and wheel
position. If you do not hear the confirming single
horn chirp, you will need to start over with step
number one. To let air-pressure out of a tire you can
use the pointy end of the valve cap, a pencil-style
air pressure gage or a key.

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 6. Proceed to the right (passenger’s side) front tire, Federal Communications Commission and
and repeat the procedure in Step 5. Industry and Science Canada
7. Proceed to the right (passenger’s side) rear tire, The TPM system operates on a radio frequency subject
and repeat the procedure in Step 5. to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules
8. Proceed to the left (driver’s side) rear tire, and and with Industry and Science Canada.
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules
9. After hearing the confirming horn chirp for the left and with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
rear tire, check to see if the TPM warning light is Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
still flashing. If yes, turn the ignition switch to OFF. (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure (2) this device must accept any interference received
level as indicated on the Tire and Loading including interference that may cause undesired
Information label. operation of the device.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
The spare tire does not have a TPM sensor. If you use this equipment.
replace one of the road tires with the spare, the CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE message will be displayed on the
DIC screen. This message should go off once you
re-install the road tire containing the TPM sensor.
The SERVICE TIRE MONITOR message is displayed
when the TPM system is malfunctioning. One or
more missing or inoperable TPM sensors will cause the
service tire monitor message to be displayed. See your
dealer for service.

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Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. See When It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-75 and Wheel Replacement
on page 5-78 for more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull,
and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves,
use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the cable. When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-82. pattern shown here.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more Do not include the spare tire in your tire rotation.
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
is the most important. See Scheduled Maintenance rear inflation pressures as shown on the tire and loading
on page 6-4. information label. See Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-52 and Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68,
for more information. Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications on page 5-118.

5-74
 When It Is Time for New Tires
{CAUTION: One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to check the treadwear
indicators, which will
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
appear when your tires
become loose after a time. The wheel could have only 1/16 inch
come off and cause an accident. When you (1.6 mm) or less of
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from tread remaining.
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. Some commercial truck
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a tires may not have
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a treadwear indicators.
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. See Changing a Flat Tire on
page 5-82. You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
• You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
• You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
• The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
• The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.

5-75
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at {CAUTION:
the Certification/Tire label or the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Loading Your Vehicle on Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
page 4-52 for more information about these labels and while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes
where they can be found on your vehicle. or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a vehicle may not handle properly, and you
Tire Performance Criteria Specifications (TPC Spec) could have a crash. Using tires of different
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle.
GM recommends that you get tires with that same Be sure to use the same size and type tires on
TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue to
all wheels.
have tires that are designed to give proper endurance,
handling, speed rating, load range, traction, ride, tire Your vehicle may be equipped with a different
pressure monitoring system performance and other size spare than the road tires (those originally
things during normal service on your vehicle. If your tires installed on your vehicle). When new, your
have an all-season tread design, the TPC number will be vehicle included a spare tire and wheel
followed by an “MS” (for mud and snow). assembly with a similar overall diameter as
Whenever you replace your tires with those not having your vehicle’s road tires and wheels, so it is all
a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same right to drive on it. Because this spare was
size, load range, speed rating and construction developed for use on your vehicle, it will not
type (bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires. affect vehicle handling.
If you replace your vehicle’s tires with those not having
a TPC Spec number, the tire pressure monitoring
system may give an inaccurate low pressure warning.
Non-TPC Spec tires may give a low pressure warning
that is higher or lower than the proper warning level you
would get with TPC Spec numbered tires.

5-76
 While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
{CAUTION: grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after Treadwear
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle. the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
Uniform Tire Quality Grading a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the however, and may depart significantly from the norm
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
section width. For example: differences in road characteristics and climate.
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A Traction – AA, A, B, C
The following information relates to the system The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
developed by the United States National Highway B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. conditions on specified government test surfaces of
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.) asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.

5-77
Temperature – A, B, C Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested and best overall performance.
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can If you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset.
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced.
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Wheel Replacement
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
minimum required by law. or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
established for a tire that is properly inflated and
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
dealer if any of these conditions exist.
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.

5-78
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems
wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle. vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
See Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-82 for more
{CAUTION: information.

Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel Used Replacement Wheels

bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose {CAUTION:
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement. or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.

5-79
Tire Chains Notice: If you have a tire size other than
P265/75R16, LT265/75R16, P265/70R16 or
P265/70R17 use tire chains only where legal and
only when you must. Use chains that are the
{CAUTION: proper size for your tires. Install them on the
rear tires only.
If your vehicle has P265/75R16, LT265/75R16, Don’t use chains on the front tires.
P265/70R16 or P265/70R17 size tires, don’t use
tire chains. They can damage your vehicle Tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
because there’s not enough clearance. Tire securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains used on a vehicle without the proper
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
amount of clearance can cause damage to the them. If the contact continues, slow down until
brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
The area damaged by the tire chains could with chains on will damage your vehicle.
cause you to lose control of your vehicle and
you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the rear tires.

5-80
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving, {CAUTION:
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
tips about what to expect and what to do: the appropriate safety equipment and training.
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that The jack provided with your vehicle is
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the designed only for changing a flat tire. If it is
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. used for anything else, you or others could be
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a vehicle only for changing a flat tire.
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.

5-81
Changing a Flat Tire
CAUTION: (Continued)
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning flashers. 6. Put the wheel blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire on
{CAUTION: the other side, at the opposite end of
the vehicle.

Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle

can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured or even killed. Find a level place to
change your tire. To help 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 drive
gear — not in NEUTRAL.
4. Turn off the engine and do not restart
while the vehicle is raised.
5. Do not allow passengers to remain in
the vehicle. The following information will tell you how to use the
CAUTION: (Continued) jack and change a tire.

5-82
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools

Tahoe Rear Access Panel

Suburban
A. Retaining Bracket C. Jack
and Wing Nut D. Wing Nut Holding A. Knob F. Mounting Bracket
B. Tool Kit and Tire Blocks B. Removable Tray G. Wing Nut Holding
Jack Tools E. Wheel Blocks C. Retaining Hook Tire Blocks
D. Retaining Bracket H. Wheel Blocks
and Wing Nut I. Bottle Jack
E. Tool Kit and
Jack Tools

5-83
On the Tahoe, the equipment is located behind the
left trim panel in the rear of the vehicle. Unlatch the
release lever to open the trim panel door. Skip the
first step and follow the last three.
On the Suburban, the equipment you’ll need is under
the storage tray in the left trim panel.
1. Remove the tray to access the tools.
2. Remove the wing nut used to retain the tool kit by
turning it counterclockwise.
3. Turn the knob on the bottle jack counterclockwise
to release the bottle jack from its holder and to
lower the jack head.
4. Remove the wheel blocks and the wheel block
retainer by turning the wing nut counterclockwise.
You’ll use the jack handle extensions and the wheel
wrench to remove the underbody-mounted spare tire. A. Spare Tire F. Hoist End of
(Valve Stem Extension Tool
Pointed Down) G. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
B. Hoist Assembly H. Wheel Wrench
C. Hoist Cable I. Jack Handle Extensions
D. Tire Retainer J. Hoist Lock (If Equipped)
E. Hoist Shaft
1. Open the spare tire lock cover on the bumper and
use the ignition key to remove the lock if your
vehicle is equipped with a hoist lock (J).

5-84
 4. Turn the wheel wrench (H) counterclockwise to
lower the spare tire to the ground. Continue to
turn the wheel wrench until the spare tire can be
pulled out from under the vehicle.
If the spare tire does not lower to the ground, the
secondary latch is engaged causing the tire
not to lower. See Secondary Latch System on
page 5-92.
5. Use the wheel wrench
hook that allows you to
pull the hoist cable
2. Assemble the wheel wrench (H) and the two jack towards you to assist in
handle extensions (I) as shown. reaching the spare tire.
3. Insert the hoist end
(open end) (F) of the
extension through
the hole (G) in the
rear bumper.

Be sure the hoist end of the extension connects to

the hoist shaft (E). The ribbed square end of the
extension is used to lower the spare tire.

5-85
 6. Tilt the retainer (D) at Removing the Flat Tire and
the end of the cable
when the tire has been Installing the Spare Tire
lowered, so it can
be pulled up through Use the following pictures and instructions to remove
the wheel opening. the flat tire and raise the vehicle.

7. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.

The tools you’ll be using include the bottle jack (A),

the wheel blocks (B), the jack handle (C), the jack
handle extensions (D), and the wheel wrench (E).

5-86
1. Remove the center cap by placing the chisel end of 2. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts.
the wheel wrench in the slot on the wheel and Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen
gently prying the cap out. the wheel nuts. Don’t remove the wheel nuts yet.
If the wheel has bolt-on wheel covers, loosen the
plastic nut caps by turning the wheel wrench
in a counterclockwise direction. If needed, finish
loosening them by hand. The nut caps will not come
off. Using the flat end of the wheel wrench, pry
along the edge of the cover until it comes off.

5-87
Notice: If your vehicle has QUADRASTEER™
and you use a jack to raise the vehicle without
positioning it correctly, you could damage the {CAUTION:
QUADRASTEER™ system. When raising your
vehicle on a jack, avoid contact with tie rods and Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is
tie rod boots. dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack you
could be badly injured or killed. Never get under
a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

{CAUTION:
Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly
positioned can damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal
injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the
jack lift head into the proper location before
raising the vehicle.
Jacking Locations (Overall View)
A. Front Position
B. Rear Position

5-88
3. Position the jack under the vehicle as shown.

Rear Position – 1500 Rear Position – 2500

Series Series

Front Position Rear Tire Flat: If the flat tire is on a rear tire of the
vehicle, you’ll need to use the jack handle (C)
Front Tire Flat: If the flat tire is on a front tire of and both jack handle extensions (D). Attach the
the vehicle, you’ll need to use the jack handle (C) wheel wrench to the jack handle extensions.
and only one jack handle extension (D). Attach the Attach the jack handle to the jack. Use the jacking
wheel wrench to the jack handle extension. pad provided on the rear axle. Turn the wheel
Attach the jack handle to the jack. Position the jack wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the
on the frame behind the flat tire where the frame vehicle far enough off the ground so there is
sections overlap. Turn the wheel wrench clockwise enough room for the spare tire to clear the ground.
to raise the vehicle. Raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground so there is enough room for the spare
tire to clear the ground.

5-89
 4. Remove all the wheel 5. Remove any rust or dirt
nuts and take off the from the wheel bolts,
flat tire. mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.

{CAUTION: {CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
become loose after a time. The wheel could could fall off, causing a serious accident.
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
the places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use
a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to,
to get all the rust or dirt off.

5-90
 6. Put the wheel nuts
back on with the
rounded end of the {CAUTION:
nuts toward the
wheel after mounting Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
the spare. wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose
and even come off. This could lead to an
accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel
nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to
get new GM original equipment wheel nuts.
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the
proper torque specification. See Capacities
7. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then use the and Specifications on page 5-118 for wheel nut
wheel wrench to tighten the nuts until the wheel torque specification.
is held against the hub.
8. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower
Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
the vehicle. Lower the jack completely.
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See Capacities and
Specifications on page 5-118 for the wheel nut
torque specification.

5-91
 Secondary Latch System
Your vehicle has an underbody-mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a secondary latch system. It is
designed to stop the spare tire from suddenly falling
off your vehicle. For the secondary latch to work,
the spare must be installed with the valve stem pointing
down. See Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on
page 5-96.

9. Tighten the nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as

{CAUTION:
shown by turning the wheel wrench clockwise.
Before beginning this procedure read all the
When you reinstall the regular wheel and tire, you must
also reinstall the either the center cap, or bolt-on hub instructions. Failure to read and follow the
cap, depending on what your vehicle is equipped instructions could damage the hoist assembly
with. For center caps, place the cap on the wheel and and you and others could get hurt. Read and
tap it into place until it seats flush with the wheel. follow the instructions listed below.
The cap only goes on one way. Be sure to line up the
tab on the center cap with the indentation on the wheel.
For bolt-on hub caps, align the plastic nut caps with
the wheel nuts and then tighten by hand. Then use the
wheel wrench to tighten.

5-92
To release the spare tire from the secondary latch, 3. Loosen the cable by turning the wrench
do the following: counterclockwise three or four turns.
4. Repeat this procedure at least two times. If the
spare tire lowers to the ground, continue with
Step 5 of Removing the Spare Tire and Tools on
page 5-83.
5. If the spare does not lower, turn the wrench
counterclockwise until approximately 6 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 bottom edge
of the jack (A) on the
wheel blocks (B),
separating them
so that the jack is
1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable end balanced securely.
is visible.
If the cable is not visible proceed to Step 6.
2. If it is visible, first try to tighten the cable by turning
the wheel wrench clockwise until you hear two
clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot overtighten
the cable.

5-93
 8. Attach the jack handle, extension, and wheel 9. Position the center lift point of the jack under the
wrench to the jack and place it (with the wheel center of the spare tire.
blocks) under the vehicle toward the front of the 10. Turn the wrench clockwise to raise the jack until it
rear bumper. lifts the end fitting.
11. Continue raising the jack until the spare tire stops
moving upward and is held firmly in place. The
secondary latch has released and the spare tire is
balancing on the jack.

5-94
12. Lower the jack by turning the wheel wrench 14. Tilt the retainer (D) at
counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack until the the end of the cable
spare tire slides off the jack or is hanging by and pull it through
the cable. the wheel opening.
Pull the tire out
from under the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Someone standing too close during the
procedure could be injured by the jack.
If the spare tire does not slide off the jack
completely, make sure no one is behind you or
15. Turn the wheel wrench in the hoist shaft hole in the
on either side of you as you pull the jack out
bumper clockwise to raise the cable back up if the
from the spare. cable is hanging under the vehicle.
Have the hoist assembly inspected as soon as you can.
13. Disconnect the jack handle from the jack and You will not be able to store a spare or flat tire using
carefully remove the jack. Use one hand to the hoist assembly until it has been replaced.
push against the spare while firmly pulling the jack
out from under the spare tire with the other hand. To continue changing the flat tire, see Removing the
Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire on page 5-86.
If the spare tire is hanging from the cable, insert the
hoist handle, extension and wheel wrench into
the hoist shaft hole in the bumper and turn
the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the
spare the rest of the way.

5-95
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire Store the tire under the rear of the vehicle in the spare
tire carrier. Use the art and text following to help you:
and Tools

{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone.
Store all these in the proper place.

Notice: Storing an aluminum wheel with a flat tire

under your vehicle for an extended period of time or
with the valve stem pointing up may damage the
wheel. Always stow the wheel with the valve stem
pointing down and have the wheel/tire repaired A. Spare Tire F. Hoist End of
as soon as possible. (Valve Stem Extension Tool
Pointed Down) G. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
B. Hoist Assembly H. Wheel Wrench
C. Hoist Cable I. Jack Handle Extensions
D. Tire Retainer J. Hoist Lock (If Equipped)
E. Hoist Shaft
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle
with the valve stem pointed down, and to the rear.

5-96
 2. Tilt the retainer (D) 4. Insert the hoist end (F)
downward and through through the hole (G) in
the wheel opening. the rear bumper and
Make sure the retainer into the hoist shaft.
is fully seated across
the underside of
the wheel.

5. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure the

retainer is seated in the wheel opening.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle by turning the wheel wrench clockwise
until you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice.
You cannot overtighten the cable.

3. Attach the wheel wrench (H) and extensions (I)

together.

5-97
 To store the tools, follow these procedures:
For Tahoe, do the following:
1. Put the tool kit, with the jack tools, in the tool bag
and place in the retaining clip above the jack.
2. Tighten down with the wing nut.
3. Assemble the wheel chocks and bottle jack together
with the wing nut and retaining hook.
4. Position behind the jack storage cover in the left
rear side panel and tighten, adjusting clockwise
until the jack is secured tight in the mounting
bracket. Be sure to position the holes in the base
of the jack onto the pin in the mounting bracket.
For Suburban, do the following:
1. Return the tool kit, with the jack tools, to the
tool bag.
7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull, (A) 2. Assemble wheel chocks and bottle jack together
and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves, with the wing nut and retaining hook.
use the wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
3. Position under the jack storage tray in the left rear
8. Reinstall the spare tire lock (if equipped). side panel below the wheelbase and tighten,
adjusting clockwise until the jack is secured tight in
the mounting bracket. Be sure to position the
holes in the base of the jack onto the pin in the
mounting bracket.

5-98
4. Use the retaining clip to fasten the tool kit on
the stud in the storage compartment in the rear
left trim panel and turn the wing nut clockwise
to secure.
5. Return the storage tray.

Suburban
A. Knob F. Mounting Bracket
B. Removable Tray G. Wing Nut Holding
Tahoe Rear Access Panel
C. Retaining Hook Tire Blocks
A. Retaining Bracket C. Jack D. Retaining Bracket H. Wheel Blocks
and Wing Nut D. Wing Nut Holding and Wing Nut I. Bottle Jack
B. Tool Kit and Tire Blocks E. Tool Kit and
Jack Tools E. Wheel Blocks Jack Tools

5-99
Spare Tire Appearance Care
Your vehicle, when new, had a fully inflated spare tire. Cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic.
A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its Other cleaning products can burst into flames if a match
inflation pressure regularly. See Inflation - Tire Pressure is struck near them or if they get on a hot part of the
on page 5-68 and Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-52 vehicle. Some are dangerous if their fumes are inhaled
for information regarding proper tire inflation and loading in an enclosed space. When anything from a container
your vehicle. For instruction on how to remove, install is used to clean the vehicle, be sure to follow the
or store a spare tire, see Removing the Flat Tire manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. Always open
and Installing the Spare Tire on page 5-86 and Storing the doors or windows of the vehicle when cleaning
a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-96. the inside.
After installing the spare tire on your vehicle, you should Never use these to clean the vehicle:
stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare is
correctly inflated. Have the damaged or flat road
• Gasoline
tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can and • Benzene
installed back onto your vehicle. This way, a spare tire
will be available in case you need it again.
• Naphtha

Your vehicle may have a different size spare tire than • Carbon Tetrachloride
the road tires – those originally installed on your vehicle. • Acetone
This spare tire was developed for use on your vehicle,
so it is all right to drive on it. If your vehicle has • Paint Thinner
four-wheel drive and the smaller spare is installed, keep • Turpentine
the vehicle in two-wheel drive as much as possible.
• Lacquer Thinner
If your vehicle has a spare tire that does not match your
vehicle’s original road tires and wheels in size and • Nail Polish Remover
type, do not include the spare in the tire rotation. They can all be hazardous — some more than
others — and they can all damage the vehicle, too.

5-100
Do not use any of these products unless this manual Most stains can be removed with club soda water.
says you can. In many uses, these will damage To clean, use the following instructions:
the vehicle: 1. For liquids: blot with a clean, soft, white cloth.
• Alcohol For solids: remove as much as possible and
• Laundry Soap then vacuum or brush.
• Bleach 2. Apply club soda water to a clean, soft, white cloth.
• Reducing Agents Do not over-saturate; the cloth should not drip
water.
3. Clean the entire area. Avoid getting the fabric
Fabric/Carpet too wet.
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose 4. Start cleaning from the seams into the stain to
dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic, and painted surfaces avoid a ring effect.
with a clean, damp cloth.
5. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth
GM-approved cleaning products can be obtained from each time it becomes soiled.
your dealer.
6. When the stain is removed, blot the cleaned area
Here are some cleaning tips: with another dry, clean, soft, white cloth.
• Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
• Clean up stains as soon as you can before they set.
• Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
• Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a
clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
• To avoid forming a ring on fabric after spot cleaning,
clean the entire area immediately or it will set.

5-101
Using Cleaner on Fabric Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
1. First, try the cleaner on an area of the fabric that is Stains caused by such things as catsup, black coffee,
not easily seen to make sure the cleaner does not egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine,
affect the color of the fabric. and blood can be removed using the club soda water
2. For liquids: blot with a clean, soft, white cloth. instructions given earlier in this section. If an odor lingers
For solids: remove as much as possible and after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a
then vacuum or brush. water and baking soda solution: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of
baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water.
3. Spray a small amount of the cleaner onto a clean Let dry.
soft, white, cloth. Do not apply spray directly to
the fabric. Stains caused by oil and grease can be cleaned with an
approved GM cleaner and a clean, white cloth.
4. Start cleaning from the seams into the stain to
avoid a ring effect. 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
5. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth 2. Clean with cool water and allow to dry completely.
each time it becomes soiled. 3. If a stain remains, follow the “Using Cleaner on
6. When the stain is removed, blot the cleaned area Fabric” instructions described earlier.
with another dry, clean, soft, white cloth.
7. If the cleaner leaves a ring effect, follow up with Vinyl
the club soda water instructions given earlier in Use warm water and a clean cloth.
this section.
• Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
This may have to be done more than once.
• Things like tar, asphalt, and shoe polish will stain if
they are not removed quickly. Use a clean cloth
and vinyl cleaner. See your dealer for this product.

5-102
Leather Glass Surfaces
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
or saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
let the leather dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry. tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
• For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-108.

• Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive Notice: If you use abrasive cleaners when
cleaners, furniture polish, or shoe polish on leather. cleaning glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could
scratch the glass and/or cause damage to the
• Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned rear window defogger and the integrated radio
immediately. If dirt is allowed to work into the finish, antenna. When cleaning the glass on your vehicle,
it can harm the leather. use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.

Instrument Panel Care of Safety Belts

Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces Keep belts clean and dry.
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones
or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult to see through {CAUTION:
the windshield under certain conditions.

Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do,

Interior Plastic Components it may severely weaken them. In a crash,
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth they might not be able to provide adequate
or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
surface finish. soap and lukewarm water.

5-103
Weatherstrips Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold, Follow instructions under Washing Your Vehicle on
damp weather frequent application may be required. page 5-104.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Finish Care
Washing Your Vehicle
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
The paint finish on the vehicle provides beauty, depth of hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
color, gloss retention, and durability. paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is to keep it from your dealer. See Vehicle Care/Appearance
clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water. Materials on page 5-108.

Do not wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. If your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well, basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
removing all soap residue completely. GM-approved non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer. paint finish.
See Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-108. Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, paint finish on your vehicle.
clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
the vehicle.

5-104
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other Windshield, Backglass, and
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., Wiper Blades
can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax,
are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield.
foreign matter. Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a beads do not form when you rinse it with water.
period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
whenever possible. vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep replace blades that look worn.
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, you may use chrome polish on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish,
steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all
bright metal parts.

5-105
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
The vehicle may be equipped with either aluminum or immediately after application.
chrome-plated wheels.
Notice: If you drive your vehicle through an
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be applied. be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
Notice: If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
warranty. Use only GM-approved cleaners on brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted Tires
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressing
them because you could damage the surface. Do not products on your vehicle may damage the paint
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels. finish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels always wipe off any overspray from all painted
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not surfaces on your vehicle.
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.

5-106
Sheet Metal Damage At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or Your GM dealer or an underbody car washing system
replaced to restore corrosion protection. can do this for you.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty. Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
Finish Damage chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on the vehicle. This damage can
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the
quickly and may develop into major repair expense.
paint surface.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM will
materials available from your GM dealer. Larger areas
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
of finish damage can be corrected in your GM dealer’s
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
body and paint shop.
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.

5-107
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials Description Usage
See your GM dealer for more information on purchasing Removes swirl marks, fine
the following products. Swirl Remover Polish scratches, and other light
surface contamination.
Description Usage Removes light scratches
Cleaner Wax and protects finish.
Polishing Cloth Interior and exterior
Wax-Treated polishing cloth. Cleans, shines, and
Foaming Tire Shine protects in one step.
Tar and Road Removes tar, road oil, Low Gloss
Oil Remover and asphalt. No wiping necessary.

Chrome Cleaner Use on chrome or Medium foaming

and Polish stainless steel. shampoo. Cleans and
Wash Wax Concentrate lightly waxes.
White Sidewall Removes soil and black Biodegradable and
Tire Cleaner marks from whitewalls. phosphate free.
Cleans vinyl tops, Quickly removes spots
Vinyl Cleaner upholstery, and and stains from carpets,
Spot Lifter vinyl, and cloth
convertible tops.
upholstery.
Glass Cleaner Removes dirt, grime,
smoke and fingerprints. Odorless spray odor
Odor Eliminator eliminator used on fabrics,
Removes dirt and grime vinyl, leather and carpet.
Chrome and Wire
Wheel Cleaner from chrome wheels and
wire wheel covers. See your General Motors parts department for these
products. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Removes dust, on page 6-13.
fingerprints, and surface
Finish Enhancer contaminants. Spray on
and wipe off.

5-108
Vehicle Identification Service Parts Identification Label
You will find this label on the inside of the glove box.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
On this label, you will find the following:
• VIN
• Model designation
• Paint information
• Production options and special equipment
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on Notice: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the unless you check with your dealer first. Some
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
labels and the certificates of title and registration. Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Engine Identification
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code. add anything electrical to your vehicle, see Servicing
This code will help you identify your engine, Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-80.
specifications and replacement parts.

5-109
Windshield Wiper Fuses If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
The windshield wiper motor is protected by an internal amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to that you can get along without – like the radio or
heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cigarette lighter – and use its fuse, if it is the correct
cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.
problem and not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Power Windows and Other
The fuse block access
Power Options door is on the driver’s side
edge of the instrument
Circuit breakers protect the power windows and other panel. Pull off the cover to
power accessories. When the current load is too heavy, access the fuse block.
the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the
circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse between your
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you thumb and index finger and pull straight out.
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical You may have spare fuses located behind the fuse
size and rating. block access door. These can be used to replace a bad
fuse. However, make sure it is of the correct amperage.

5-110
 Fuses Usage

4WD Four-Wheel Drive System,

Auxiliary Battery
HTR A/C Climate Control System
Power Door Lock Relay
LOCK (Lock Function)

HVAC 1 Inside Rearview Mirror,

Climate Control System

L DOOR Driver’s Door Harness

Connection
CRUISE Cruise Control

UNLOCK Power Door Lock Relay

(Unlock Function)
RR FOG LP Rear Fog Lamp (Export Only)
BRAKE Anti-Lock Brake System
Fuses Usage Power Door Lock Relay
RR WPR Rear Window Wiper Switch DRIVER UNLOCK (Driver’s Door Unlock
Function)
Special Equipment Option
SEO ACCY Accessory IGN 0 PCM, TCM

WS WPR Windshield Wipers TBC IGN 0 Truck Body Controller

Truck Body Controller Vehicle and Trailer High

TBC ACCY VEH CHMSL Mounted Stoplamp
Accessory
IGN 3 Ignition, Heated Seats LT TRLR ST/TRN Left Turn Signal/Stop Trailer

5-111
Fuses Usage Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block
LT TRN Left Turn Signals and The center instrument panel utility block is located
Sidemarkers underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the
Vehicle Stoplamps, Brake steering column.
VEH STOP Module, Electronic Throttle
Control Module
RT TRLR ST/TRN Right Turn Signal/Stop Trailer
Right Turn Signals and
RT TRN Sidemarkers
BODY Harness Connector
DDM Driver Door Module

AUX PWR 2 Rear Cargo Area Power

Outlets
LOCKS Power Door Lock System

ECC Rear Electronic Climate

Control, Liftgate Device Usage

TBC 2C Truck Body Controller SEO Special Equipment Option

FLASH Flasher Module TRAILER Trailer Brake Wiring
Left Power Window UPFIT Upfitter (Not Used)
CB LT DOORS
Circuit Breaker Ride Control Harness
SL RIDE
TBC 2B Truck Body Controller Connection
TBC 2A Truck Body Controller HDLR 2 Headliner Wiring Connector

5-112
Device Usage Underhood Fuse Block
BODY Body Wiring Connector
DEFOG Rear Defogger Relay
HDLNR 1 Headliner Wiring Connector 1
SPARE RELAY Not Used
Driver and Passenger Seat
CB SEAT
Module Circuit Breaker
Right Power Window
CB RT DOOR Circuit Breaker
SPARE Not Used

INFO Infotainment Harness

Connection

The underhood fuse block in the engine compartment

on the driver’s side of the vehicle near the battery.
Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block.
To remove fuses, hold the end of the fuse between
your thumb and index finger and pull straight out.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12 for
more information on its location.

5-113
5-114
*1 — Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #2. Fuses Usage
*2 — Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #1. VSES/ECAS Vehicle Stability
*3 — Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors. IGN A Ignition Power
*4 — Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors. IGN B Ignition Power
*5 — PCM Ignition Left Bussed Electrical Center,
LBEC 1 Left Doors, Truck Body
Fuses Usage Controller, Flasher Module
GLOW PLUG Not Used TRL PARK Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring
CUST FEED Gasoline Accessory Power Right Rear Parking and
RR PARK
HYBRID Hybrid Sidemarker Lamps
Auxiliary Power Left Rear Parking and
LR PARK Sidemarker Lamps
STUD #1 (Single Battery and Diesels
Only)/Dual Battery (TP2) PARK LP Parking Lamps Relay
Do not install fuse.
STRTR Starter Relay
Mid Bussed Electrical Center
MBEC Power Feed, Front Seats, INTPARK Interior Lamps
Right Doors STOP LP Stoplamps
BLOWER Front Climate Control Fan Truck Body Controller
TBC BATT
Left Bussed Electrical Battery Feed
Center, Door Modules, S/ROOF Sunroof
LBEC Door Locks, Auxiliary Power
Outlet – Rear Cargo Area SEO B2 Off-Road Lamps
and Instrument Panel Vent Solenoid Canister/
Accessory Power/Trailer 4WS QUADRASTEER™
STUD 2 Wiring Brake Feed Module Power
ABS Anti-Lock Brakes RR HVAC Rear Climate Control

5-115
Fuses Usage Fuses Usage
AUX PWR Auxiliary Power FRT PARK Front Parking Lamps,
Outlet – Console Sidemarker Lamps
IGN 1 Ignition Relay DRL Daytime Running Lamps
PCM 1 Powertrain Control Module (Relay)
Electronic Throttle Control, SEO IGN Rear Defog Relay
ETC/ECM
Electronic Brake Controller TBC IGN1 Truck Body Controller Ignition
Instrument Panel Cluster, HI HDLP-LT High Beam Headlamp-Left
IGN E Air Conditioning Relay, LH HID Not Used
Turn Signal/Hazard Switch,
Starter Relay DRL Daytime Running Lamps
RTD Ride Control RVC Regulated Voltage Control
TRL B/U Backup Lamps Trailer Wiring Instrument Panel
Powertrain Control Module, IPC/DIC Cluster/Driver Information
PCM B Fuel Pump Center
HVAC/ECAS Climate Control Controller
F/PMP Fuel Pump (Relay)
CIG LTR Cigarette Lighter
Back-up Lamps, Automatic
B/U LP Transmission Shift Lock HI HDLP-RT High Beam Headlamp-Right
Control System HDLP-LOW Headlamp Low Beam Relay
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger A/C COMP Air Conditioning Compressor
HDLP-HI Headlamp High Beam Relay
A/C COMP Air Conditioning Compressor
PRIME Not Used Relay
Supplemental Inflatable RR WPR Rear Wiper/Washer
AIRBAG Restraint System RADIO Audio System

5-116
Fuses Usage Auxiliary Electric Cooling Fan
Mid Bussed Electrical Center, Fuse Block
SEO B1 HomeLink, Rear Heated
Seats The auxiliary electric
LO HDLP-LT Headlamp Low Beam-Left cooling fan fuse block is
located in the engine
BTSI Brake Transmission Shift compartment on the
Interlock System
driver’s side of the vehicle
CRNK Starting System next to the underhood
LO HDLP-RT Headlamp Low Beam-Right fuse block.
FOG LP Fog Lamp Relay
FOG LP Fog Lamps
HORN Horn Fuse Lift the cover for access to the fuse/relay block.
HORN Horn Relay
Fuses Usage
Windshield and Rear Window
W/S WASH Washer Pump Relay COOL/FAN Cooling Fan
Windshield and Rear Window COOL/FAN Cooling Fan Relay Fuse
W/S WASH Washer Pump COOL/FAN Cooling Fan Fuse
INFO OnStar®/Rear Seat
Entertainment Relays Usage
RADIO AMP Radio Amplifier COOL/FAN 1 Cooling Fan Relay 1
RH HID Not Used COOL/FAN 3 Cooling Fan Relay 3
EAP Electric Adjustable Pedals COOL/FAN 2 Cooling Fan Relay 2
TREC All-Wheel Drive Module
SBA Supplemental Brake Assist

5-117
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13 for more information.

Capacities
Application
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Tahoe Utility with front and rear A/C See refrigerant label located in the
Suburban (1500 Series) with front and rear A/C engine compartment.
Suburban (2500 Series) with front and rear A/C
Cooling System — Automatic
4800 V8** 17.2 qt 16.3 L
5300 V8** 17.2 qt 16.3 L
6000 V8* 16.0 qt 15.1 L
6000 V8** 16.7 qt 15.8 L
8100 V8* 26.9 qt 25.5 L
* Engine Fan Driven Cooling System
** Electric Cooling Fan System
Add 1.0 liter if equipped with rear heating for all engines.
Engine Oil with Filter
4800 V8, 5300 V8, 6000 V8 6.0 qt† 5.7 L†
8100 V8 6.5 qt† 6.1 L†

5-118
 Capacities
Application
English Metric
Fuel Tank
Tahoe 26.0 gal 98.4 L
Suburban (1500 Series) 31.0 gal 117.3 L
Suburban (2500 Series) 37.5 gal 140.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 ft lb 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 proper
operating range.

Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
VORTEC™ 4800 V8 V Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
VORTEC™ 5300 V8 T Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
VORTEC™ 5300 V8 Z Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
VORTEC™ 6000 V8 U Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
VORTEC™ 8100 V8 G Automatic 0.060 in (1.52 mm)

5-119
✍ NOTES

5-120
 Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule ......................................6-2 Owner Checks and Services ..........................6-10
Introduction ...................................................6-2 At Each Fuel Fill ..........................................6-10
Maintenance Requirements ..............................6-2 At Least Once a Month .................................6-10
Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................6-2 At Least Once a Year ...................................6-11
Using Your Maintenance Schedule ....................6-2 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ...............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance ...................................6-4 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ..........6-15
Additional Required Services ............................6-6 Maintenance Record .....................................6-16
Maintenance Footnotes ...................................6-8

6-1
Maintenance Schedule Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
Introduction vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
change as recommended. affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of
emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.

Using Your Maintenance Schedule

We at General Motors want to help you keep your
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan vehicle in good working condition. But we do not know
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your exactly how you will drive it. You may drive very
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer short distances only a few times a week. Or you may
for details. drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty
weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries.
Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many
Maintenance Requirements other ways.
Notice: Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts and recommended fluids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep your vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance may not be covered by
warranty.

6-2
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read {CAUTION:
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, Performing maintenance work on a vehicle
see your GM Goodwrench® dealer. can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs,
This schedule is for vehicles that: you can be seriously injured. Do your own
• carry passengers and cargo within recommended maintenance work only if you have the
limits. You will find these limits on the tire and required know-how and the proper tools and
loading information label. See Loading Your Vehicle equipment for the job. If you have any doubt,
on page 4-52. see your GM Goodwrench® dealer to have a
• are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal qualified technician do the work.
driving limits.
• are driven off-road in the recommended manner. Some maintenance services can be complex. So,
See Off-Road Driving on page 4-22. unless you are technically qualified and have the
necessary equipment, you should have your GM
• use the recommended fuel. See Gasoline Octane Goodwrench® dealer do these jobs.
on page 5-5.
When you go to your GM Goodwrench® dealer for your
The services in Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4 service needs, you will know that GM-trained and
should be performed when indicated. See Additional supported service technicians will perform the work
Required Services on page 6-6 and Maintenance using genuine GM parts.
Footnotes on page 6-8 for further information.
If you want to purchase service information, see Service
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.

6-3
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10 tells you what If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally, you
should be checked, when to check it and what you can must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition. since your last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
The proper replacement parts, fluids and lubricants to
System on page 5-20 for information on the Engine Oil
use are listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Life System and resetting the system.
on page 6-13 and Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-15. When your vehicle is serviced, When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message appears,
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced certain services, checks and inspections are required.
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone Required services are described in the following for
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of “Maintenance I” and “Maintenance II.” Generally,
genuine GM parts. it is recommended that your first service be
Maintenance I, your second service be Maintenance II
and that you alternate Maintenance I and Maintenance II
Scheduled Maintenance thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance II
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes on, may be required more often.
it means that service is required for your vehicle. Maintenance I — Use Maintenance I if the CHANGE
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible ENGINE OIL message comes on within 10 months since
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, the vehicle was purchased or Maintenance II was
if you are driving under the best conditions, the engine oil performed.
life system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and Maintenance II — Use Maintenance II if the previous
filter must be changed at least once a year and at this service performed was Maintenance I. Always use
time the system must be reset. Your GM Goodwrench® Maintenance II whenever the message comes on
dealer has GM-trained service technicians who will 10 months or more since the last service or if the
perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset message has not come on at all for one year.
the system.

6-4
 Scheduled Maintenance
Service Maintenance I Maintenance II
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil on page 5-16. Reset oil life
system. See Engine Oil Life System on page 5-20. 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 5-21. An Emission Control •
Service. See footnotes † and (l).
Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. See Tires on page 5-61. • •
Inspect brake system. See footnote (a). • •
Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid
• •
as needed.
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
• •
in this 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. •

6-5
Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the first maintenance service (I or II) after the indicated
miles (kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000
Service and Miles (Kilometers) (41 500) (83 000) (125 000) (166 000) (207 500) (240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage
• • • • • •
or leaks.
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
• • • • • •
damaged components.
Vehicles without a filter restriction
indicator: Replace engine air cleaner
• • •
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-21. An Emission Control Service.
Change automatic transmission fluid
and filter (severe service). • • •
See footnote (h).
Change automatic transmission fluid
•
and filter (normal service).

6-6
 Additional Required Services (cont’d)
25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000
Service and Miles (Kilometers) (41 500) (83 000) (125 000) (166 000) (207 500) (240 000)
Four-wheel drive: Change transfer case
• • •
fluid. See footnote (g).
Inspect evaporative control system.
An Emission Control Service. • • •
See footnotes † and (k).
Replace spark plugs and inspect
spark plug wires. An Emission •
Control Service.
Engine cooling system service
(or every 5 years, whichever occurs
•
first). An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i).
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
•
An Emission Control Service.

6-7
Maintenance Footnotes (c) Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
† The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine
California Air Resources Board has determined that the GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however, air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
urge that all recommended maintenance services be once a year.
performed at the indicated intervals and the (d) Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
maintenance be recorded. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
# Lubricate the front suspension, ball joints, steering or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
linkage, transmission shift linkage and parking (e) Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
brake cable guides. Ball joints should not be lubricated belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
unless their temperature is 10°F (-12°C) or higher, are working properly. Look for any other loose or
or they could be damaged. damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
(a) Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
parking brake, etc. (The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(b) Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.

6-8
(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly, (i) Drain, flush and refill cooling system. This service
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
rear compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27 for
points, rear door detent link, roller mechanism, liftgate what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, cargo pressure cap and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling
door hinge, locks and folding seat hardware. More system and pressure cap.
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to (j) A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.
(k) Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
(g) Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition.
proper installation. Check that the purge valve works properly (if equipped).
(h) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the Replace as needed.
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these (l) If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
conditions: the filter at each engine oil change.
− In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
− In hilly or mountainous terrain.
− When doing frequent trailer towing.
− Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.

6-9
Owner Checks and Services Engine Coolant Level Check
These owner checks and services should be performed Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, coolant mixture if necessary. See Engine Coolant
dependability and emission control performance of your on page 5-27 for further details.
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench® dealer can assist Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
you with these checks and services.
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13. At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
At Each Fuel Fill
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
It is important to perform these underhood checks at inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
each fuel fill. your spare tire. See Tires on page 5-61 for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
Engine Oil Level Check securely. Push, pull and then try to turn the spare tire.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if If it moves, tighten it. See Changing a Flat Tire on
necessary. See Engine Oil on page 5-16 for further page 5-82.
details.
Notice: It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.

6-10
At Least Once a Year Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
Starter Switch Check

{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
around the vehicle. level surface.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the 2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake
regular brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-36 on page 2-36 if necessary.
if necessary. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to the vehicle begins to move.
turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter not start the engine. Without applying the regular
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
If the starter works in any other position, contact with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
your GM Goodwrench® dealer for service. of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench® dealer
for service.

6-11
Ignition Transmission Lock Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn set the parking brake.
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
• To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
• The ignition should turn to LOCK only when the With the engine running and transmission in
shift lever is in PARK (P). NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
• The key should come out only in LOCK. the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
Contact your GM Goodwrench® dealer if service
is required. • To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Parking Brake and Automatic Then release the parking brake followed by the
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check regular brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench® dealer if service
is required.
{CAUTION: Underbody Flushing Service
When you are doing this check, your vehicle At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
could begin to move. You or others could be corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
injured and property could be damaged. clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Make sure there is room in front of your
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to
apply the regular brake at once should the
vehicle begin to move.

6-12
Recommended Fluids and Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Lubricants Windshield ®
Washer Solvent GM Optikleen
Washer Solvent.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number or specification may be obtained from your Power Steering GM Power Steering Fluid
System (GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
dealer. in Canada 89021186).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant DEXRON®-III Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid. Look for
Engine oil which meets GM Transmission “Approved for the H-Specification”
Standard GM6094M and displays on the label.
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified for Gasoline Engines Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Key Lock
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench® Cylinders
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
Engine Oil oil meets all the requirements for in Canada 10953474).
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s Chassis Lubricant
engine, see Engine Oil on Chassis (GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
page 5-16. in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
Lubrication
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable Category LB or GC-LB.
water and use only DEX-COOL®
Engine Coolant Coolant. See Engine Coolant on Front Axle SAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
page 5-27. (Four-Wheel (GM Part No. U.S. 1052271,
Drive) in Canada 10950849).
Hydraulic Brake Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
System equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.

6-13
 Usage Fluid/Lubricant Usage Fluid/Lubricant

Front Axle SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Front Axle

Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. Propshaft
(All-Wheel 12378261, in Canada 10953455) Spline or Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
Drive)
meeting GM Specification 9986115. One-Piece (GM Part No. U.S. 12345879,
Propshaft in Canada 10953511) or lubricant
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Spline meeting requirements of
Rear Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. (Two-Wheel GM 9985830.
12378261, in Canada 10953455) Drive with
meeting GM Specification 9986115. Auto. Trans.)
Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Rear Axle GM Part No. U.S. 12378557, Hood Hinges (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
(Steerable) in Canada 88901362. Do not add in Canada 10953474).
friction modifier.
Outer Tailgate Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
Transfer Case Dexron®-III Automatic Transmission Handle Pivot (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
(All-Wheel Fluid. Look for “Approved for the Points in Canada 10953474).
Drive with H-Specification” on the label.
StabiliTrak® Weatherstrip Dielectric Silicone Grease
Conditioning (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
Automatic in Canada 992887).
AUTO-TRAK II Fluid
Transfer Case (GM Part No. U.S. 12378508,
(Four-Wheel Synthetic Grease with Teflon,
Drive) in Canada 10953626). Weatherstrip Superlube (GM Part No. U.S.
Squeaks 12371287, in Canada 10953437).

6-14
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your GM dealer.

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

ACDelco® Part
Part GM Part Number
Number
Engine Air Cleaner /Filter
High Capacity 25313348 A1519C*
Standard 25313349 A1518C
Oil Filter
4800 V8; 5300 V8; 6000 V8 88984215 PF46
8100 V8 25324052 PF454
Spark Plugs
4800 V8; 5300 V8; 6000 V8 12571164 41–985
8100 V8 12578277 41–983
Wiper Blades (ITTA Type)
Front – 22 inches (56.0 cm) 15153642 —
Rear – 14 inches (35.0 cm) 22121329 —
*A1518C high-capacity air cleaner filter may be substituted.

6-15
Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. See Maintenance Requirements on page 6-2 in this section.
Any additional information from Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10 can be added on the following record
pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.

Maintenance Record
Odometer Maintenance I or
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading Maintenance II

6-16
 Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer Maintenance I or
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading Maintenance II

6-17
 Maintenance Record (cont’d)
Odometer Maintenance I or
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading Maintenance II

6-18
 Section 7 Customer Assistance and Information
Customer Assistance and Information ...............7-2 Reporting Safety Defects ................................7-10
Customer Satisfaction Procedure ......................7-2 Reporting Safety Defects to the
Online Owner Center ......................................7-3 United States Government ..........................7-10
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Reporting Safety Defects to the
(TTY) Users ...............................................7-4 Canadian Government ................................7-11
Customer Assistance Offices ............................7-4 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ........7-11
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ................7-5 Service Publications Ordering Information .........7-11
Roadside Assistance Program ..........................7-6
Courtesy Transportation ...................................7-7
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders ..........................................7-9

7-1
Customer Assistance and We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order
to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have
Information the following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:

Customer Satisfaction Procedure • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is

available from the vehicle registration or title, or the
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to plate at the top left of the instrument panel and
your dealer and to Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns visible through the windshield.
with the sales transaction or the operation of your • Dealership name and location.
vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service
departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best • Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can (kilometers).
occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your When contacting Chevrolet, please remember that your
satisfaction, the following steps should be taken: concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.
STEP ONE: Discuss your concern with a member of That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you
dealership management. Normally, concerns can have a concern.
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has STEP THREE: Both General Motors and your dealer
already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts are committed to making sure you are completely
manager, contact the owner of the dealership or satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you continue
the general manager. to remain unsatisfied after following the procedure
STEP TWO: If after contacting a member of dealership outlined in Steps One and Two, you should file with the
management, it appears your concern cannot be BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any additional
resolved by the dealership without further help, contact rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your
the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center by calling Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for
1-800-222-1020. In Canada, contact GM of Canada information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Customer Communication Centre by calling Plan (CAMVAP).
1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).

7-2
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program Online Owner Center
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle needs. Specific vehicle information can be found in
Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to one place.
resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to
The Online Owner Center allows you to:
filing a court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard within • Get e-mail service reminders.
40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in • Access information about your specific vehicle,
your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other
including tips and videos and an electronic
venue for relief available to you.
version of this owner’s manual (United States only).
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the • Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
toll-free telephone number or write them at the maintenance schedule.
following address:
• Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. • Receive special promotions and privileges only
4200 Wilson Boulevard available to members (United States only).
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838 Refer to the web for updated information.
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100 To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com
(United States) or My GM Canada within
This program is available in all 50 states and the www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage, and other factors. General Motors reserves
the right to change eligibility limitations and/or
discontinue its participation in this program.

7-3
Customer Assistance for Text United States — Customer Assistance
Telephone (TTY) Users Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or P.O. Box 33170
speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs), Detroit, MI 48232-5170
Chevrolet has TTY equipment available at its Customer 1-800-222-1020
Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate 1-800-833-2438 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)
with Chevrolet by dialing: 1-800-833-CHEV (2438). Roadside Assistance: 1-800-CHEV-USA (243-8872)
(TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.) Fax Number: 313-381-0022
From Puerto Rico:
Customer Assistance Offices 1-800-496-9992 (English)
1-800-496-9993 (Spanish)
Chevrolet encourages customers to call the toll-free Fax Number: 313-381-0022
number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes From U.S. Virgin Islands:
to write to Chevrolet, the letter should be addressed to 1-800-496-9994
Chevrolet’s Customer Assistance Center. Fax Number: 313-381-0022
Canada — Customer Assistance
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800

7-4
Overseas — Customer Assistance GM Mobility Reimbursement
Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit. Program
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean This program, available to qualified applicants, can
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico reimburse you up to $1,000 toward eligible aftermarket
driver’s or passenger’s adaptive equipment you may
and U.S. Virgin Islands) — Customer require for your vehicle, such as hand controls and
Assistance wheelchair/scooter lifts.

General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. The offer is available for a limited period of time from
Customer Assistance Center the date of vehicle purchase/lease. For more details,
Paseo de la Reforma # 2740 or to determine your vehicle’s eligibility, visit
Col. Lomas de Bezares gmmobility.com or call the GM Mobility Assistance
C.P. 11910, Mexico, D.F. Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text telephone (TTY) users,
01-800-508-0000 call 1-800-833-9935.
Long Distance: 011-52-53 29 0 800 GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program.
Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details.
TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.

7-5
Roadside Assistance Program • Flat Tire Change: Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. The customer is responsible
As the owner of a new Chevrolet vehicle, you are for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside covered by a warrantable failure.
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive • Jump Start: No-start occurrences which require a
in the city or travel the open road. Call Chevrolet’s battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
Roadside Assistance at 1-800-CHEV-USA, • Dealer Locator Service
(1-800-243-8872) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
to speak with a Chevrolet Roadside Assistance In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
representative. under Chevrolet’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty.
However, when other services are utilized, our Roadside
We will provide the following services during the Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense obligations you might incur.
to you:
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
• Fuel Delivery: Delivery of enough fuel provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to Representative:
the nearest service station.
• Your name, home address, and home telephone
• Lock-out Service (identification required): number.
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
• Telephone number of your location.
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement • Location of the vehicle.
key will be covered within 10 miles (16 km).
• Model, year, color, and license plate number.
• Emergency Tow: Tow to the nearest dealership
for warranty service or in the event of a
• Mileage, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and
vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance provided delivery date of the vehicle.
when the vehicle is mired in sand, mud, or snow. • Description of the problem.

7-6
While we hope you never have the occasion to use our Courtesy Transportation
service, it is added security while traveling for you
and your family. Remember, we are only a phone Chevrolet has always exemplified quality and value
call away. Chevrolet Roadside Assistance: in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your
1-800-CHEV-USA (1-800-234-8872), text telephone ownership experience, we and our participating dealers
(TTY) users, call 1-888-889-2438. are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer
support program for new vehicles.
Chevrolet reserves the right to limit services or
reimbursement to an owner or driver when, in Chevrolet’s The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to
judgement, the claims become excessive in frequency or retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the
type of occurrence. Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Several transportation options
Roadside Assistance is not part of or included in the are available when warranty repairs are required. This will
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. reduce your inconvenience during warranty repairs.
Chevrolet reserves the right to make any changes or
discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at Scheduling Service Appointments
any time without notification.
When your vehicle requires warranty service, you should
Canadian Roadside Assistance contact your dealer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising
Vehicles purchased in Canada have an extensive your service consultant of your transportation needs,
roadside assistance program accessible from anywhere your dealer can help minimize your inconvenience.
in Canada or the United States. Please refer to the
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information book. If your vehicle cannot be scheduled into the service
department immediately, keep driving it until 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, and ask for instructions.
If the dealer requests that you simply drop the vehicle
off for service, you are urged to do so as early in
the work day as possible to allow for same day repair.

7-7
Transportation Options Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Warranty service can generally be completed while you Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy
wait. However, if you are unable to wait, Chevrolet rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle
helps minimize your inconvenience by providing several that you obtain if your vehicle is kept for a warranty
transportation options. Depending on the circumstances, repair. Reimbursement will be limited to a maximum of
your dealer can offer you one of the following: $30.00 a day and must be supported by receipts.
This requires that you sign and complete a rental
Shuttle Service agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle
provider requirements. Requirements vary and
Participating dealers can provide you with shuttle
may include minimum age requirements, insurance
service to get you to your destination with minimal
coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel
interruption of your daily schedule. This includes a
usage charges and may also be responsible for
one way or round trip shuttle service to a destination
taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage or rental
up to 10 miles (16 km) from the dealership.
usage beyond the completion of the repair.
Public Transportation or Fuel Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle as
Reimbursement a courtesy rental.
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, Additional Program Information
reimbursement of up to a five-day maximum may be
available for the use of public transportation such as a Courtesy Transportation is available during the
taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange transportation Bumper-to-Bumper warranty coverage period,
through a friend or relative, reimbursement for but it is not part of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
reasonable fuel expenses of up to a five-day maximum A separate booklet entitled “Warranty and Owner
may be available. Claim amounts should reflect actual Assistance Information” furnished with each new vehicle
costs and be supported by original receipts. provides detailed warranty coverage information.
Courtesy Transportation is available only at participating
GM dealers and all program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at every dealer.

7-8
Please contact your GM dealer for specific information airbag deployment and, if so equipped, to provide
about availability. All Courtesy Transportation anti-lock braking and to help the driver control the vehicle
arrangements will be administered by appropriate in difficult driving situations. Some information may be
dealer personnel. stored during regular operations to facilitate repair of
detected malfunctions; other information is stored only in
Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the
a crash event by computer systems, such as those
Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General
commonly called event data recorders (EDR).
Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
alternative transportation may be available under the In a crash event, computer systems, such as the
Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) in your
your dealer for details. vehicle may record information about the condition of the
vehicle and how it was operated, such as data related
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify, to engine speed, brake application, throttle position,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at vehicle speed, safety belt usage, airbag readiness,
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility airbag performance, and the severity of a collision.
pursuant to the terms and conditions described If your vehicle is equipped with QUADRASTEER™
herein at its sole discretion. or Stabilitrak®, steering performance, including yaw rate,
steering wheel angle, and lateral acceleration, is also
Vehicle Data Collection and recorded. This information has been used to improve
vehicle crash performance and may be used to improve
Event Data Recorders crash performance of future vehicles and driving
Your vehicle, like other modern motor vehicles, safety. Unlike the data recorders on many airplanes,
has a number of sophisticated computer systems that these on-board systems do not record sounds, such as
monitor and control several aspects of the vehicle’s conversation of vehicle occupants.
performance. Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle
computers to monitor emission control components to
optimize fuel economy, to monitor conditions for

7-9
To read this information, special equipment is needed
and access to the vehicle or the device that stores
Reporting Safety Defects
the data is required. GM will not access information
about a crash event or share it with others other than: Reporting Safety Defects to the
• with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee,
United States Government
• in response to an official request of police or similar If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
government office, cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
• as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
discovery process, or Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
• as required by law.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
In addition, once GM collects or receives data, GM may: investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in
• use the data for GM research needs, a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
• make it available for research where appropriate campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
confidentiality is to be maintained and need is in individual problems between you, your dealer, or
shown, or General Motors.
• share summary data which is not tied to a specific To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
vehicle with non-GM organizations for research Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
purposes. the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
Others, such as law enforcement, may have access to NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
the special equipment that can read the information Washington, D.C. 20590
if they have access to the vehicle or the device You can also obtain other information about motor
that stores the data. vehicle safety from the hotline.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar®, please check
the OnStar® subscription service agreement or manual
for information on its operations and data collection.

7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
Canadian Government General Motors of Canada Limited
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify 1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada Service Publications Ordering
330 Sparks Street Information
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Service Manuals
Reporting Safety Defects to Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
General Motors brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
a situation like this, we certainly hope you will notify
General Motors. Please call the Chevrolet Customer Case Unit Repair Manual
Assistance Center at 1-800-222-1020, or write: This manual provides information on unit repair service
Chevrolet Motor Division procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170

7-11
Service Bulletins Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Bulletins give technical service information Service Publications are available for current and
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE Eastern Time
(1-800-463-7483). For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
Owner’s Information World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Owner publications are written specifically for owners Or you can write to:
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include Helm, Incorporated
the Maintenance Schedule for all models. P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
Warranty Booklet.
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 checks payable in U.S. funds.

7-12
 A Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light .............. 3-44
Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-20 Appearance Care .......................................... 5-100
Adding Equipment to Your Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ............. 5-106
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ............................... 1-80 Care of Safety Belts ................................... 5-103
Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6 Chemical Paint Spotting .............................. 5-107
Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................... 5-109 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .................. 5-104
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal .................. 2-22 Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 5-101
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-21 Finish Care ............................................... 5-104
Air Conditioning .............................. 3-21, 3-22, 3-24 Finish Damage .......................................... 5-107
Airbag Glass Surfaces .......................................... 5-103
Passenger Status Indicator ........................... 3-40 Instrument Panel ........................................ 5-103
Readiness Light .......................................... 3-39 Interior Plastic Components ......................... 5-103
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) ........ 7-9 Leather .................................................... 5-103
Airbag System ................................................ 1-66 Sheet Metal Damage .................................. 5-107
Adding Equipment to Your Tires ........................................................ 5-106
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ............................ 1-80 Underbody Maintenance ............................. 5-107
How Does an Airbag Restrain? ...................... 1-73 Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials ............... 5-108
Passenger Sensing System ........................... 1-76 Vinyl ........................................................ 5-102
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .......... 1-80 Washing Your Vehicle ................................. 5-104
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ...................... 1-73 Weatherstrips ............................................ 5-104
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? .... 1-74 Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades ...... 5-105
When Should an Airbag Inflate? .................... 1-71 Ashtrays ........................................................ 3-20
Where Are the Airbags? ............................... 1-69 Audio System(s) ............................................. 3-76
All-Wheel Drive ............................................... 5-50 AM-FM Radio ............................................. 3-78
All-Wheel Drive with StabiliTrak® ....................... 2-32 Audio Steering Wheel Controls .................... 3-132
AM-FM Radio ................................................. 3-78 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-134
Antenna, Fixed Mast ...................................... 3-135 Care of Your CD and DVD Player ................ 3-135
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-135
Antenna System ........................................ 3-135 Chime Level Adjustment ............................. 3-135

1
Audio System(s) (cont.) Bench Seat, Split (60/40) ................................... 1-9
Fixed Mast Antenna ................................... 3-135 Brake
Navigation/Radio System ............................. 3-130 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 4-7
Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-91 Emergencies ................................................ 4-8
Radio with CD ............................................ 3-81 Parking ...................................................... 2-36
Radio with Six-Disc CD .............................. 3-105 System Warning Light .................................. 3-42
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ............................... 3-130 Brake Pedal, Throttle ....................................... 2-22
Setting the Time for Radios with Brakes .......................................................... 5-41
Radio Data Systems (RDS) ....................... 3-77 Braking ........................................................... 4-6
Setting the Time for Radios without Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-8
Radio Data Systems (RDS) ....................... 3-77 Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-19
Theft-Deterrent Feature ............................... 3-132 Bucket Seats, Rear ......................................... 1-19
Understanding Radio Reception ................... 3-133 Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-54
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ........... 3-135 Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Automatic Headlamp System ............................ 3-16 Daytime Running Lamps ........................... 5-55
Automatic Transmission Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-54
Fluid .......................................................... 5-24 Headlamps ................................................. 5-54
Operation ................................................... 2-24 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 5-59
Autoride™ ..................................................... 4-61 Roof Marker Lamps ..................................... 5-57
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp Switch ................. 3-17 Side Identification Marker Lamps ................... 5-56
Taillamps .................................................... 5-58
Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-76
B
Battery .......................................................... 5-44
Run-Down Protection ................................... 3-19 C
Battery Warning Light ...................................... 3-41 California Fuel .................................................. 5-6
Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......................... 4-42 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii
Bench Seat .................................................... 1-15 Capacities and Specifications .......................... 5-118
Bench Seat Split (50/50) .................................. 1-11 Carbon Monoxide ................... 2-14, 2-40, 4-45, 4-62

2
Care of Child Restraints (cont.)
Safety Belts .............................................. 5-103 Top Strap ................................................... 1-51
Your Cassette Tape Player .......................... 3-134 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................ 1-53
Your CD and DVD Player ........................... 3-135 Where to Put the Restraint ........................... 1-50
Your CDs and DVDs .................................. 3-135 Chime Level Adjustment ................................. 3-135
Cargo Cover .................................................. 2-60 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-20
Center Console Storage Area ........................... 2-58 Cleaning
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts ............. 1-35 Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ............. 5-106
Chains, Tire ................................................... 5-80 Exterior Lamps/Lenses ................................ 5-104
Check Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 5-101
Engine Light ............................................... 3-48 Finish Care ............................................... 5-104
Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-10 Glass Surfaces .......................................... 5-103
Chemical Paint Spotting ................................. 5-107 Instrument Panel ........................................ 5-103
Child Restraints Interior Plastic Components ......................... 5-103
Child Restraint Systems ............................... 1-47 Leather .................................................... 5-103
Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-44 Tires ........................................................ 5-106
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Underbody Maintenance ............................. 5-107
Children (LATCH System) .......................... 1-55 Vinyl ........................................................ 5-102
Older Children ............................................. 1-42 Washing Your Vehicle ................................. 5-104
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for Weatherstrips ............................................ 5-104
the LATCH System ................................... 1-57 Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades ...... 5-105
Securing a Child Restraint in a Climate Control System ................................... 3-21
Center Rear Seat Position ......................... 1-59 Dual .......................................................... 3-22
Securing a Child Restraint in a Dual Automatic ............................................ 3-24
Rear Outside Seat Position ........................ 1-57 Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 3-30
Securing a Child Restraint in the Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System ......... 3-32
Center Front Seat Position ........................ 1-61 Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Securing a Child Restraint in the Electronic ................................................ 3-34
Right Front Seat Position .......................... 1-62 Rear Air Conditioning System ........................ 3-31

3
Climate Control System (cont.)
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt ..................... 1-39 D
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................... 2-17 Daytime Running Lamps .................................. 3-15
Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-6 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2
Convenience Net ............................................ 2-59 Delayed Locking ............................................. 2-10
Coolant Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-4
Engine Temperature Gage ............................ 3-45 Dome Lamp Override ...................................... 3-18
Heater, Engine ............................................ 2-22 Dome Lamps ................................................. 3-18
Surge Tank Pressure Cap ............................. 5-29 Door
Cooling System .............................................. 5-32 Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10
Cruise Control Lever ....................................... 3-11 Locks .......................................................... 2-8
Cruise Control Light ........................................ 3-52 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-9
Cupholder(s) .................................................. 2-57 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-11
Customer Assistance Information Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-13
Courtesy Transportation .................................. 7-7 Driver
Customer Assistance for Text Position, Safety Belt ..................................... 1-27
Telephone (TTY) Users ............................... 7-4 Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... 3-54
Customer Assistance Offices ........................... 7-4 DIC Operation and Displays .......................... 3-55
Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2 DIC Vehicle Customization ............................ 3-70
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ............... 7-5 DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-58
Reporting Safety Defects to Driving
General Motors ........................................ 7-11 At Night ..................................................... 4-37
Reporting Safety Defects to the City ........................................................... 4-40
Canadian Government .............................. 7-11 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2
Reporting Safety Defects to the Drunken ....................................................... 4-3
United States Government ......................... 7-10 Freeway ..................................................... 4-41
Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6 Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-44
Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-11 In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-38
Off-Road .................................................... 4-22

4
Driving (cont.) Engine (cont.)
Recovery Hooks .......................................... 4-51 Oil ............................................................. 5-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ................. 4-50 Overheated Protection Operating Mode ........... 5-31
Winter ........................................................ 4-45 Overheating ................................................ 5-29
Dual Automatic Climate Control System ............. 3-24 Starting ...................................................... 2-21
Dual Climate Control System ............................ 3-22 Entry Lighting ................................................. 3-18
DVD Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................. 7-9
Rear Seat Entertainment System .................. 3-119 Exit Lighting ................................................... 3-19
Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-41

E
Electrical System F
Add-On Equipment ..................................... 5-109 Filter
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ............. 5-112 Engine Air Cleaner ...................................... 5-21
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-110 Finish Damage ............................................. 5-107
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ....................... 5-110 Fixed Mast Antenna ....................................... 3-135
Power Windows and Other Power Options .... 5-110 Flash-to-Pass ................................................... 3-9
Underhood Fuse Block ............................... 5-113 Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-81
Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................. 5-110 Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-82
Engine Flat Tire, Storing ............................................. 5-96
Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-21 Fluid
Battery ....................................................... 5-44 Automatic Transmission ................................ 5-24
Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-48 Power Steering ........................................... 5-38
Coolant ...................................................... 5-27 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-40
Coolant Heater ............................................ 2-22 Fog Lamps .................................................... 3-17
Coolant Temperature Gage ........................... 3-45 Four-Wheel Drive .................................... 2-27, 5-52
Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-12 Four-Wheel-Drive Light .................................... 3-52
Exhaust ..................................................... 2-40 Front Axle ...................................................... 5-53
Fan Noise .................................................. 5-37 Front Reading Lamps ...................................... 3-19

5
Front Storage Area ......................................... 2-57 Garage Door Opener ....................................... 2-53
Fuel ............................................................... 5-5 Gasoline
Additives ...................................................... 5-6 Octane ........................................................ 5-5
California Fuel .............................................. 5-6 Specifications ............................................... 5-5
E-85 (85% Ethanol) ....................................... 5-7 Glove Box ..................................................... 2-57
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 5-10 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .................. 7-5
Filling Your Tank ........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-8
Gage ......................................................... 3-53
Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-6
Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-5
Head Restraints ............................................... 1-8
Low Warning Light ....................................... 3-53
Headlamps ............................................ 3-14, 5-54
Fuses
Automatic Headlamp System ......................... 3-16
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block ............. 5-112
Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-54
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-110
Daytime Running Lamps ............................... 3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ....................... 5-110
Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-9
Underhood Fuse Block ............................... 5-113
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Windshield Wiper ....................................... 5-110
Running Lamps ........................................ 5-55
Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-54
G High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-8
On Reminder .............................................. 3-15
Gage Roof Marker Lamps ..................................... 5-57
Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... 3-45 Side Identification Marker Lamps ................... 5-56
Fuel .......................................................... 3-53 Heated Seats ................................................... 1-6
Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-51 Heater ................................................... 3-21, 3-22
Speedometer .............................................. 3-38 Heater ........................................................... 3-24
Tachometer ................................................. 3-38 Highbeam On Light ......................................... 3-52
Transmission Temperature ............................. 3-46 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-43
Voltmeter Gage ........................................... 3-42 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-44

6
HomeLink® Transmitter .................................... 2-53
HomeLink® Transmitter, Programming ................ 2-54 L
Hood Labelling, Tire Sidewall .................................... 5-62
Checking Things Under ................................ 5-10 Lamps
Release ..................................................... 5-11 Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp ........................ 3-17
Horn ............................................................... 3-6 Battery Run-Down Protection ......................... 3-19
How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii Dome ........................................................ 3-18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-26 Dome Lamp Override ................................... 3-18
Fog ........................................................... 3-17
Front Reading ............................................. 3-19
I LATCH System
Child Restraints ........................................... 1-55
Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-20 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-44 the LATCH System ................................... 1-57
Inflation – Tire Pressure ................................... 5-68 Level Control .................................................. 4-61
Instrument Panel Liftgate .......................................................... 2-14
Brightness .................................................. 3-18 Light
Cluster ....................................................... 3-37 Airbag Readiness ........................................ 3-39
Overview ..................................................... 3-4 Anti-Lock Brake System Warning ................... 3-44
Battery Warning .......................................... 3-41
Brake System Warning ................................. 3-42
J Cruise Control ............................................. 3-52
Jump Starting ................................................. 5-45 Four-Wheel-Drive ......................................... 3-52
Highbeam On ............................................. 3-52
Low Fuel Warning ....................................... 3-53
K Malfunction Indicator ....................................
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..................
3-48
3-40
Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-5 Safety Belt Reminder ................................... 3-39
Keys ............................................................... 2-3 Security ..................................................... 3-52

7
Light (cont.) Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Tire Pressure .............................................. 3-47 Introduction .................................................. 6-2
Tow/Haul Mode ........................................... 3-53 Maintenance Footnotes .................................. 6-8
Traction Off ................................................ 3-44 Maintenance Record .................................... 6-16
Lighting Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2
Entry ......................................................... 3-18 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ......... 6-15
Exit ........................................................... 3-19 Owner Checks and Services ......................... 6-10
Locking Rear Axle ........................................... 4-10 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-13
Lockout Protection .......................................... 2-13 Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4
Locks Using Your ................................................... 6-2
Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2
Door ........................................................... 2-8 Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ 3-48
Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-13 Manual Seats ................................................... 1-3
Power Door .................................................. 2-9 Manual Windows ............................................ 2-15
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-11 Memory Seat ................................................. 2-63
Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-13 Message
Loss of Control ............................................... 4-21 DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-58
Low Fuel Warning Light ................................... 3-53 Mirrors
Luggage Carrier .............................................. 2-58 Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
Lumbar and Temperature Display ........................... 2-44
Power Controls ............................................. 1-5 Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar®,
Compass and Temperature Display ............. 2-42
Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-42
M Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 2-50
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors ........................ 2-47
Maintenance Schedule
Outside Convex Mirror ................................. 2-50
Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors ................... 2-50
At Each Fuel Fill ......................................... 6-10
Outside Heated Mirrors ................................ 2-50
At Least Once a Month ................................ 6-10
Outside Manual Mirrors ................................ 2-47
At Least Once a Year .................................. 6-11
Outside Power Camper-Type ......................... 2-48

8
Mirrors (cont.) Outside (cont.)
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .................... 2-49 Curb View Assist Mirrors .............................. 2-50
Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-48 Heated Mirrors ............................................ 2-50
MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-3 Manual Mirrors ............................................ 2-47
Power Foldaway Mirrors ............................... 2-49
Power Mirrors ............................................. 2-48
N Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror ................... 2-48
Navigation/Radio System ................................ 3-130 Overheated Engine Protection
New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-19 Operating Mode .......................................... 5-31
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts ............ 6-15 Owner Checks and Services ............................. 6-10
Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii

O P
Odometer ...................................................... 3-38
Odometer, Trip ............................................... 3-38 Park (P)
Off-Road Driving ............................................. 4-22 Shifting Into ................................................ 2-37
Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-19 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-39
Oil Parking
Engine ....................................................... 5-16 Brake ........................................................ 2-36
Pressure Gage ............................................ 3-51 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-39
Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-42 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..................... 3-40
Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-3 Passenger Sensing System .............................. 1-76
OnStar® System ............................................. 2-51 Passing ......................................................... 4-19
Other Warning Devices ...................................... 3-6 Passlock® ...................................................... 2-19
Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-30 Power
Outside Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-20
Automatic Dimming Mirror ............................. 2-50 Door Locks .................................................. 2-9
Camper-Type Mirrors .................................... 2-47 Electrical System ....................................... 5-110
Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-50 Lumbar Controls ........................................... 1-5

9
Power (cont.) Radios (cont.)
Retained Accessory (RAP) ............................ 2-20 Setting the Time for Radios without
Seat ............................................................ 1-4 Radio Data Systems (RDS) ....................... 3-77
Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-38 Theft-Deterrent .......................................... 3-132
Windows .................................................... 2-16 Understanding Reception ............................ 3-133
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-11 Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System ......... 3-32
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter ........... 2-54 Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls ..................... 3-34
Rear Air Conditioning System ........................... 3-31
Q Rear Axle ...................................................... 5-51
Locking ...................................................... 4-10
QUADRASTEER™ .......................................... 4-16
Rear Door Security Locks ................................ 2-13
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-26
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-39
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) .................................. 3-130
Rear Seat Entertainment System ..................... 3-119
R Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-8
Radios .......................................................... 3-76 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-36
AM-FM Radio ............................................. 3-78 Rear Storage Area .......................................... 2-59
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ............... 3-134 Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Care of Your CD and DVD Player ................ 3-135 Compass and Temperature Display ................ 2-44
Care of Your CDs and DVDs ....................... 3-135 Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Navigation/Radio System ............................. 3-130 OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ..... 2-42
Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-91 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-42
Radio with CD ............................................ 3-81 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-6
Radio with Six-Disc CD .............................. 3-105 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-13
Rear Seat Audio ........................................ 3-130 Recovery Hooks ............................................. 4-51
Setting the Time for Radios with Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-57
Radio Data Systems (RDS) ....................... 3-77 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-6

10
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Safety Belts (cont.)
Spare Tire .................................................. 5-86 Driver Position ............................................ 1-27
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-83 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-26
Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-59 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ....... 1-26
Reporting Safety Defects Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for
Canadian Government .................................. 7-11 Children and Small Adults ......................... 1-39
General Motors ........................................... 7-11 Rear Seat Passengers ................................. 1-36
United States Government ............................ 7-10 Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-35
Restraint System Check Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-41
Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-81 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-34
Replacing Restraint System Parts Safety Belts Are for Everyone ....................... 1-21
After a Crash .......................................... 1-82 Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii
Restraint Systems Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4
Checking .................................................... 1-81 Seats
Replacing Parts ........................................... 1-82 50/50 Split Bench Seat ................................. 1-11
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-20 60/40 Split Bench Seat .................................. 1-9
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-35 Bench Seat ................................................ 1-15
Roadside Bucket Seats, Rear ...................................... 1-19
Assistance Program ....................................... 7-6 Head Restraints ............................................ 1-8
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .................... 4-50 Heated Seats ............................................... 1-6
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-40 Manual ........................................................ 1-3
Memory ..................................................... 2-63
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-5

Safety Belt
S Power Seats ................................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation ...................................... 1-8
Reminder Light ............................................ 3-39 Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-6
Safety Belts Secondary Latch System ................................. 5-92
Care of .................................................... 5-103
Center Passenger Position ............................ 1-35

11
Securing a Child Restraint Split Bench Seat (60/40) .................................... 1-9
Center Front Seat Position ............................ 1-61 StabiliTrak®, All-Wheel Drive ............................. 2-32
Center Rear Seat Position ............................ 1-59 StabiliTrak® System ......................................... 4-11
Designed for the LATCH System ................... 1-57 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-21
Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... 1-57 Steering ........................................................ 4-14
Right Front Seat Position .............................. 1-62 Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ....................... 3-132
Security Light ................................................. 3-52 Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ................................. 3-6
Service ........................................................... 5-3 Storage Areas
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-58
Your Vehicle .............................................. 5-5 Convenience Net ......................................... 2-59
Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-4 Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-57
Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-48 Front Storage Area ...................................... 2-57
Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-11 Glove Box .................................................. 2-57
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............. 1-80 Luggage Carrier .......................................... 2-58
Setting the Time Rear Storage Area ....................................... 2-59
Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ............ 3-77 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...................... 4-50
Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ........ 3-77 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-16
Sheet Metal Damage ..................................... 5-107 Sunroof ......................................................... 2-62
Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-37
Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-39
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change .......................... 3-8
Spare Tire .................................................... 5-100
T
Tachometer .................................................... 3-38
Installing .................................................... 5-86
Taillamps ....................................................... 5-58
Removing ................................................... 5-83
Theft-Deterrent, Radio .................................... 3-132
Storing ....................................................... 5-96
Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-17
Specifications, Capacities ............................... 5-118
Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 2-17
Speedometer .................................................. 3-38
Passlock® ................................................... 2-19
Split Bench Seat (50/50) .................................. 1-11

12
Throttle, Adjustable .......................................... 2-22 Top Strap ...................................................... 1-51
Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-6 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-53
Tire Tow/Haul Mode ............................................... 2-26
Pressure Light ............................................. 3-47 Tow/Haul Mode Light ....................................... 3-53
Tires ............................................................. 5-61 Towing
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels, Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-57
Cleaning ............................................... 5-106 Towing a Trailer .......................................... 4-62
Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-76 Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-57
Chains ....................................................... 5-80 Traction
Changing a Flat Tire .................................... 5-82 Assist System (TAS) ...................................... 4-9
Cleaning ................................................... 5-106 Off Light ..................................................... 3-44
If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-81 StabiliTrak® System ..................................... 4-11
Inflation – Tire Pressure ............................... 5-68 Trailer
Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-74 Recommendations ....................................... 4-62
Installing the Spare Tire ................................ 5-86 Transmission
Pressure Monitor System .............................. 5-71 Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-24
Removing the Flat Tire ................................. 5-86 Temperature Gage ....................................... 3-46
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ............... 5-83 Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... 2-24
Secondary Latch System .............................. 5-92 Trip Odometer ................................................ 3-38
Spare Tire ................................................ 5-100 Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... 3-8
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools ............ 5-96 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labelling .................................. 5-62
Tire Terminology and Definitions .................... 5-65
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-77
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-78
U
Understanding Radio Reception ....................... 3-133
Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-78
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-77
When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-75

13
 V Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-78
Vehicle Replacement ............................................... 5-78
Control ........................................................ 4-6 Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-50
Damage Warnings ........................................... iv Windows ....................................................... 2-15
Symbols ......................................................... iv Manual ...................................................... 2-15
Vehicle Customization, DIC .............................. 3-70 Power ........................................................ 2-16
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Windshield
Data Recorders ............................................. 7-9 Backglass, and Wiper Blades, Cleaning ........ 5-105
Vehicle Identification Windshield Washer ......................................... 3-10
Number (VIN) ............................................ 5-109 Fluid .......................................................... 5-40
Service Parts Identification Label .................. 5-109 Windshield Wiper
Vehicle Personalization Blade Replacement ...................................... 5-60
Memory Seat .............................................. 2-63 Fuses ...................................................... 5-110
Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-30 Windshield Wipers ......................................... 3-9
Visors ........................................................... 2-16 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-45
Voltmeter Gage .............................................. 3-42

X
W XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System .............. 3-135
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators ................ 3-36
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-58
Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-6
Y
Other Warning Devices .................................. 3-6 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2
Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv

14