2-25
CAUTION:
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
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
The automatic transaxle may have either a shift lever
located on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
Console Shifter
2-91
CHECK OIL LEVEL - 36: For correct operation of
the low oil sensing system, your vehicle should be on a
level surface. A false CHECK OIL LEVEL message
may appear if the vehicle is parked on grades. The oil
level sensing system does not check for actual oil level
if the engine has been off for a short period of time, and
the oil level is never sensed while the engine is running.
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message appears, and your
vehicle has been parked on level ground with the engine
off for at least 30 minutes, the oil level should be
checked by observing the oil dipstick. Prior to checking
the oil level, be sure the engine has been off for a few
minutes and your vehicle is on a level surface. Then
check the dipstick and add oil if necessary. See ªEngine
Oilº in the Index.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
- 25: This message will
appear to indicate that the washer solvent container
needs refilling.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
- 140: This message will
display anytime the key is in ON and the driver's door is
open or ajar. A chime will also sound when the vehicle's
speed is greater than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).DRIVER NO. X (1 OR 2) : This message will be
displayed with the key in ON and while entering Feature
Programming, but only if the vehicle is equipped with
memory seats. The message will show which driver is
activating the personalization feature. It will only stay
on for five seconds. This message can be customized for
you by your dealer.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT, IDLE ENGINE
- 44:
This message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is over 262F (128C). Stop and allow your
vehicle to idle in PARK (P) until it cools down and the
message is removed. Do not increase engine speed
above a normal idle. If it does not cool down, turn off
the engine and have it serviced before driving it again.
Severe engine damage can result from an overheated
engine. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
ENGINE HOT
-AC OFF - 16: This message displays
when the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal
operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically
turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to
normal, the A/C operation will automatically resume.
You can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message
continues to appear, have the system repaired as soon as
possible to avoid compressor damage.
2-92
ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE - 42: This
message will appear when the engine has overheated.
Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe
engine damage. See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
A multiple chime will also sound when this message
is displayed.
ENGINE POWER REDUCED
- 41: This message
informs you that the vehicle is reducing engine power
because the transaxle is being placed in gear under
conditions that may cause damage to the vehicle's
engine, transaxle or ability to accelerate.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
- 11 : This message serves as a
warning that the fuel level in the tank is critically low.
Stop for fuel soon. A single chime will also sound when
this message is displayed.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
- 23: If it's dark enough
outside and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel
controls are off, a HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
message will display on the DIC. This message
informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps is
recommended even though the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) are still illuminated. It has become dark enough
outside to require the headlamps and/or other exterior
lamps. This message will also appear if the optional
Rainsense wiping feature is on and the Twilight
Sentinel
is off.ICE POSSIBLE
- 13: This message appears when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
- 142: The left rear door
is open or ajar when this message appears. The ignition
must be in ON and the transaxle not in PARK (P) for
this message to display. A chime will also sound when
the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
- 35: If this
message appears while the engine is running, stop the
engine and do not operate it until the cause of low oil
pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine can
result. A multiple chime will also sound when this
message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
- 141: The passenger's
door is open or ajar when this message appears. The
ignition must be in ON and the transaxle not in
PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will
also sound when the vehicle's speed is greater than
3 mph (4.8 km/h).
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
- 143: The right rear
door is open or ajar when this message appears. The
ignition must be in ON and the transaxle not in
PARK (P) for this message to display. A chime will also
sound when the vehicle's speed is greater than 3 mph
(4.8 km/h).
2-101
Comfort Controls and Radio System Personalization
These features allow both drivers to personalize their
own climate control settings as well as their radio
settings. For more information, see ªClimate Control
Personalizationº and ªRadio Personalizationº in
the Index.
Continuous Variable Road Sensing Suspension
(CVRSS) (If Equipped)
The CVRSS automatically adjusts the ride of your
vehicle. Automatic ride control is achieved through a
computer used to control and monitor the suspension
system. The controller receives input from various
sensors to determine the proper system response. If the
controller detects a problem within the system, the DIC
will display a SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS message.
If this message appears, have your vehicle serviced at
your dealership.Oil Life Indicator
This feature lets you know when to change the engine
oil. It's based on the engine oil temperatures and your
driving patterns. To see the display, press the INFO
button several times until ENGINE OIL LIFE appears.
If you see 99% ENGINE OIL LIFE, 99 percent of your
current oil life remains.
The DIC may display a CHANGE ENGINE OIL
message. Always keep a written record of the mileage
and date when you changed your oil. For more
information, see the Maintenance Schedule booklet. If
you see CHANGE ENGINE OIL, it means the oil life is
gone and you should change the oil right away. The
system doesn't check how much oil you have, so you'll
still have to check for that. To see how, see ªEngine Oilº
in the Index.
When the oil is changed, you'll need to reset the system.
See ªOil Life Indicator, How to Resetº in the Index.
5-9
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). You will also hear a chime. 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.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
Should an overheated engine condition exist and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED, STOP ENGINE is
displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency; you may
drive up to 50 miles (80 km). Towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life indicator. See ªEngine Oilº in
the Index.
6-15
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W
-30 if it's going
to be 0F (
-18C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W
-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W
-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when to
change your engine oil. This is not based on mileage,
but on engine revolutions and engine operating
temperature. When the computer has calculated that the
oil needs changing, the GM Oil Life System will
indicate that a change is necessary. The mileage between
oil and filter changes will vary depending on how you
drive your vehicle
-- usually between 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km) since your
last oil and filter change. Under severe conditions, the
system may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Never drive your vehicle more than 10,000 miles
(16 000 km) or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
without an oil change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So, if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner. Remember to
reset the Oil Life Indicator whenever the oil is changed.
6-20
3. To remove the air filter, insert the flat tip of the
screwdriver between the air filter and the compartment
wall on the outboard side of the vehicle. Then, push in
to flatten the pin holding the air filter in place. Gently
remove the air filter and any loose debris that may be
inside the air filter compartment.
Insert the new air filter, by pushing until you hear a
click. Then, reinstall the push pin and snap the cover
into place.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
Use such as limousine service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require change
until the message CHANGE TRANS FLUID appears on
the Driver Information Center.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.
6-24 How to Reset Transaxle Fluid
Change Indicator
After the transaxle fluid has been changed, display the
transaxle FLUID LIFE message by pressing the INFO
button. Then press and hold the INFO RESET button
until the display shows ª100º. This resets the transaxle
fluid life index. The percentage of transaxle fluid life
remaining may be checked at any time by pressing
the INFO button several times until the transaxle
FLUID LIFE message appears.
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.