Page 81 of 497

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2-5 Keys
2-7 Door Locks
2-12 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2-15 Rear Doors
2-16 Tailgate
2-17 Theft
2-19 Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2-20 Passlock
2-21 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2-21 Ignition Positions
2-24 Starting Your Engine
2-25 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2-27 Automatic Transmission Operation
2-32 Manual Transmission Operation
2-37 Parking Brake
2-38 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)
2
-41 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission Only)2
-41 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission Models Only)
2
-42 Parking Over Things That Burn
2-42 Engine Exhaust
2-43 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transmission)
2
-44 Manual Selectable Ride (If Equipped)
2-45 Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped)
2-45 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2-56 QUADRASTEER(4WS) (If Equipped)
2-59 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2-66 Exterior Lamps
2-71 Interior Lamps
2-73 Mirrors
2-90 OnStar System (If Equipped)
2-94 The Instrument Panel - Your
Information System
2
-96 Instrument Panel Cluster
2-98 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2-115 Message Center
Page 88 of 497

2-8
Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this
power door lock switch,
press the raised side of the
switch, marked L, on either
front door to lock all the
doors at once.
Press the recessed side of the switch marked U to unlock
all the doors at once.
If your vehicle has this
power door lock switch,
press the bottom of the
switch on either front door
to lock all the doors at once.
Press the top of the switch to unlock all the doors
at once.
The power door locks will operate at any time even
when the ignition is off.
The power door locks will also automatically lock
when the vehicle is out of PARK (P), or for manual
transmission, when the vehicle reaches 15 mph
(24 km/h). To unlock the doors, refer to the instructions
listed previously. The automatic locking feature can be
disabled, if you prefer. See ªProgrammable Automatic
Door Locksº in the following text.
Operating the power locks may interact with the
theft
-deterrent system (if equipped). See ªContent
Theft
-Deterrentº in the Index.
Page 89 of 497

2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
(If Equipped)
If your vehicle has power door locks, it is equipped with
a feature that enables you to program the door locks.
Your vehicle left the factory programmed to automatically
lock all doors when the vehicle is out of PARK (P), and
all doors unlock when the vehicle is in PARK (P). You can
set the automatic door lock feature to unlock the doors
you select once the vehicle is in PARK (P).
If your vehicle has a manual transmission it left the
factory programmed to lock all doors when the vehicle
speed is greater than 15 mph (24km/h) for two seconds,
and unlock all doors once the key is removed from the
ignition. You can set the automatic door lock feature to
unlock the doors you select once the key is removed
from the ignition.
The following instructions detail how to program your
door locks.To enter the program mode you need to do
the following:
1. Beginning with the ignition in OFF. Pull back on the
turn signal/multifunction lever all the way toward
you until flash
-to-pass is activated, and hold it while
you perform the next step.
2. Turn your key to RUN and OFF twice. Then, with
the key in OFF, release the turn signal/multifunction
lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock
mechanism lock and unlock.
3. You are now ready to program the automatic door
locks. Select one of the following four programming
options and follow the instructions. You will have
thirty seconds to complete programming. If you
exceed the thirty
-second limit, the locks will
automatically lock and unlock to indicate you have
left the program mode. If this occurs, repeat the
procedure beginning with Step 1. You can exit the
program mode any time by turning the ignition to
RUN (the locks will automatically lock and unlock
to indicate you are leaving the program mode.)
If the lock/unlock switches are not pressed while in
the programming mode, the automatic lock/unlock
setting will not be modified.
Page 98 of 497

2-18
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's door,
you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
If you have a manual transmission, your steering wheel
will be locked, and so will your ignition. If you have an
automatic transmission, your ignition and transmission
will be locked. Also remember to lock the doors.
If the key is in the ignition, with any door open, and you
try to lock your doors with the power door locks, the
driver's door will not stay locked. This will help to keep
you from locking your keys in the vehicle.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key? What if you have to leave something
valuable in your vehicle?
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.
If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.
Lock all the doors except the driver's.
Page 102 of 497

2-22
B (LOCK): This position locks your ignition and
transmission. It's a theft
-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned
to LOCK.
CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don't press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
C (OFF): This position lets you turn off the engine.
Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is
being pushed).
D (RUN): This is the position for driving.
E (START): This position starts your engine.
Page 103 of 497
2-23
Key Release Button (Manual Transmission)
The ignition key cannot be
removed from the ignition
of manual transmission
vehicles unless the key
release button is used.
To remove the key on manual transmission vehicles,
turn the key to OFF, then press the button and turn the
key to LOCK. Do not hold the button in while turning
the key to OFF. Pull the key straight out.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow
certain features on your vehicle to continue to work up
to 20 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF.
Your radio, power windows and overhead console will
work when the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY.
Once the key is turned from RUN to OFF, these features
will continue to work for up to 20 minutes or until a
door is opened.
Page 104 of 497

2-24
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The gear selector should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and
start the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down
-- that's a safety feature.
Starting Your V8 Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
Page 107 of 497
2-27
Automatic Transmission OperationIf your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, it features an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This
display must be powered anytime the shift lever is
capable of being moved out of PARK (P). This means
that if your key is in OFF, rather than LOCK, there will
be a small current drain on your battery which could
discharge your battery over a period of time. If you have
to leave your key in the ignition in OFF for an extended
period, it is recommended that you remove the IGN 0
fuse from the instrument panel fuse block. See ªFuses
and Circuit Breakersº in the Index.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.