
Freeway Driving
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.
The most important advice on freeway driving is:
Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the
same speed most of the other drivers are driving.
Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic ¯ow.
Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the
freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you
drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check
traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with
the ¯ow. Try to merge into the gap at close 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 traffic ¯ow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the
posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it's slower.
Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use
your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your
shoulder to make sure there isn't another vehicle in
your ªblindº spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
4-21

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as ªhighway
hypnosisº? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel?
Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't
let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave
the road in
less than a second,and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
·Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
·Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview 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.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in ¯at or rolling terrain.
4-23

Trailer Brakes
Because you have anti-lock brakes, don't try to tap into
your vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both brake systems won't work well, or at all. If you tow
more than 1,000 lbs. (450 kg), use trailer brakes.
Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the
trailer or from the brake manufacturer.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you'll be able to maintain them properly.
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
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
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be
sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-38

Center Console Storage Area...........................2-51
Center Flex Storage Unit.................................2-52
Center Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts....1-21
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-58
Chains, Tires..................................................5-70
Charging System Light....................................3-46
Checking Coolant............................................5-26
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-60
Check...........................................................3-50
Engine Light...............................................3-50
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-90
Child Restraints..............................................1-35
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-41
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-46
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-41
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-28
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.....5-89
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-88
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-85
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-87
Cleaning Leather............................................5-86
Cleaning the Interior Plastic Components...........5-86
Cleaning the Mirror.................................2-40, 2-42
Cleaning the Speaker Covers...........................5-87
Cleaning the Top of the
Instrument Panel.........................................5-86
Cleaning Tires................................................5-89
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-86
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-89
Cleaning Wood Panels....................................5-87
Cleaning........................................................5-84
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-84
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-90
Weatherstrips..............................................5-87
Climate Control System...................................3-36
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-36
Climate Controls Personalization....................3-39
Dual..........................................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-33
Rear..........................................................3-34
Steering Wheel Controls...............................3-38
Comfort Controls, DIC Personalization................3-67
3

L
Lamps on Reminder........................................3-16
Lamps...........................................................3-15
Exterior......................................................3-15
Interior.......................................................3-19
Lap Belt........................................................1-21
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-14, 1-22
LATCH System...............................................1-41
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running . . . 2-36
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-11
Lighted Rear Vanity Mirror................................2-18
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-18
Light.............................................................3-45
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-45
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-48
Brake System Warning and Parking Brake
Indicator.................................................3-47
Charging System.........................................3-46
Cruise Control.............................................3-55
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-49Light (cont.)
Fog Lamp..................................................3-54
Lights On Reminder.....................................3-54
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-50
Oil Pressure...............................................3-53
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-45
Security.....................................................3-54
TCS Warning Light......................................3-48
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-48
Lights Flash at Lock........................................3-71
Lights Flash at Unlock.....................................3-70
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-32
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
Locks............................................................. 2-9
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-9
Door........................................................... 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-11
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Lumbar Controls, Rear Power............................ 1-8
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Massaging Controls....................................... 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-2
9

M
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering System . . . 4-11
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-103
Maintenance Schedule...................................... 6-9
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-10
Brake System Inspection..............................6-14
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-14
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-13
Fuel System Inspection................................6-13
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services............... 6-9
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-13
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . 6-15
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-16
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-13
Throttle System Inspection............................6-14
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-50
Map Pocket...................................................2-52
Massaging Lumbar Controls............................... 1-3
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-55
Memory Seat.................................................2-55
Memory Steering Wheel Controls......................2-55
Message.......................................................3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-60
Mexico, Central America and
Caribbean Islands/Countries
(Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) ±
Customer Assistance..................................... 7-5
Mirror Operation.....................................2-40, 2-41
Mirror to Curb In Reverse................................3-77
Mirrors..........................................................2-40
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
ž
and Compass..........................................2-40
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStarž.....2-40
Memory.....................................................2-55
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-43
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-44
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-43
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-44
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-42
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
10

N
Navigation/Radio System................................3-100
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-23
Night Vision System........................................3-22
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-103
O
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-43
Odometer......................................................3-43
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-13
Oil ................................................................5-13
Engine.......................................................5-13
Life Indicator...............................................3-79
Pressure Light.............................................3-53
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-45
OnStaržServices............................................2-45
OnStaržSteering Wheel Controls......................2-46
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-45
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-46
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-7
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-33
Outside.........................................................2-43
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-43
Convex Mirror.............................................2-44Outside (cont.)
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-43
Heated Mirrors............................................2-44
Power Mirrors.............................................2-42
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-27
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-12
P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-20
Park Aid........................................................3-25
Park (P)........................................................2-37
Shifting Out of............................................2-37
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-12
Parking on Hills..............................................4-39
Parking.........................................................3-25
Assist........................................................3-25
Brake Indicator Light....................................3-47
Brake........................................................2-32
Over Things That Burn.................................2-38
Park(P).........................................................2-34
Shifting Into................................................2-34
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.................. 6-9
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-13
11

Rear Ashtray..................................................3-28
Rear Climate Control System............................3-34
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Power Sunshade.....................................2-18
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-26
Rear Seat Pass Through.................................2-14
Rear Seat Passenger Positions.........................1-22
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-22
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-53
Rear Storage Door Trim Armrest.......................2-53
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..............................5-98
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-33
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
žand Compass.................................2-40
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
ž.....................................................2-40
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Recall Memory...................................3-68
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-73
Removing the Wheel Covers............................5-75Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-58
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-41
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash.....1-60
Reporting Safety Defects.................................7-10
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
žButton.......2-50
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-50
Restraint System Check...................................6-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-60
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-60
Restraint Systems...........................................1-60
Checking....................................................1-60
Replacing Parts...........................................1-60
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-24
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-21
Roadside Service Availability.............................. 7-7
Roadside Service for the Hearing or Speech
Impaired...................................................... 7-7
Roadside......................................................... 7-6
Service........................................................ 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-30
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-39
13