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5-2
Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
The hazard button is located
in the center of the
instrument panel. Press the
button in to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps
flash on and off.
This light in the center of
the button will flash,
indicating that the hazard
warning flashers are on.
The hazard warning flashers will work once the button
is pushed in regardless of the key position.
Press the button again to turn the flashers off. When the
hazard warning flashers are on, the turn signals won't
work since they are already flashing.
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5-3
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Please follow the steps below to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built
-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
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5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.
Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
or car
-carrier equipment.
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find an ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE
ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATED,
STOP ENGINE message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). There is also an engine temperature
warning light and/or gage on the instrument panel.
See ªEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Lightº
or ªEngine Coolant Temperature Gageº in the Index.
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6-23
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX
-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX
-COOL extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).
Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to the
system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the use
of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
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6-29
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level 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
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have
your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes won't work well, or won't work
at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
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.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
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.
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6-31
CAUTION:
The CHANGE BRAKE PADS message or the
high
-pitched warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the CHANGE BRAKE PADS
message comes on and stays on, have your vehicle
serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in the Maintenance
Schedule booklet under Part C ªPeriodic
Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
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8-1
Section 8 Index
A
BS 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adapter Kits, CDs 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adaptive Seat Control 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle 6-3 . . . . . .
Aiming Headlamps 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-21, 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control Panel 3-3, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Theft-Deterrent System 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Diversity 3-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-70, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lockout Feature 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Materials, Vehicle Care 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Storage 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assist Handles 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio
Adding Equipment 3
-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Tips 3-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Systems 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Exit Seat 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Exit Steering Wheel 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Overdrive 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Operation 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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8-2
Battery 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load Management 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Not Charging Message 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver Active Message 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Savers 2-47, 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltage High Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltage Low Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3, 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BBB Auto Line 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade Replacement, Windshield Wipers 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break
-In, New Vehicle 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal Lamps 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Lamp 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamps 6-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-32, 4-28, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carpet Cleaning 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Players 3-13, 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kits 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Changer, Console-Mounted 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cellular Telephone 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp, Bulb Replacement 6-40 . . .
Central Door Unlocking System 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Brake Pads Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Engine Oil Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Trans Fluid Message 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .