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.
4-19
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.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
·Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all ¯uid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
4-21
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.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need additional
wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows on your
instrument panel will ¯ash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps
will also ¯ash, telling other drivers you're about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
4-38
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
(Driver's Side)
Fuses Usage
A Wipers
BTrunk Release and Remote Keyless
Entry
C Turn Signals
D Power MirrorsFuses Usage
E Air Bag
F Body Function Control Module
G Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
H Door Locks
JBody Function Control
Module/Instrument Panel Cluster
MICRO RELAY
TRUNK RELRemote Trunk Release
CIRCUIT
BRKR
PWR SEATSPower Seats
MICRO RELAY
DR UNLOCKDoor Locks
MICRO RELAY
DR LOCKDoor Locks
MICRO RELAY
DRIVERS
DR UNLOCKDoor Locks
STOP LPS Stoplamps
HAZARD LPS Hazard Lamps
IPC/HVAC
BATTInstrument Panel Cluster,
Climate Control
5-78
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver's side of the vehicle, near the engine air
cleaner/®lter. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location.
Fuses Usage
1 Ignition Switch
2Right Electrical Center-Fog Lamps,
Radio, Body Function Control
Module, Interior LampsFuses Usage
3Left Electrical Center-Stoplamps,
Hazard Lamps, Body Function
Control Module, Cluster, Climate
Control System
4 Anti-Lock Brakes
5 Ignition Switch
6 Not Used
7Left Electrical Center-Power Seats,
Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk
Release and Remote Lock Control
8 Cooling Fan #1
Relays Usage
9 Rear Defogger
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 Cooling Fan #1
13 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
14 Cooling Fan #2
15 Cooling Fan
16 Air Conditioning Compressor
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Headlamp System
5-80
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Windows............................................2-14
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands) ± Customer Assistance....... 7-4
Mirrors..........................................................2-28
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-28
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-29
Outside Remote Control Mirrors.....................2-28
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-83
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil ................................................................3-33
Check Oil Level Light...................................3-33
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-32Oil (cont.)
Older Children, Restraints................................1-28
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Operation Tips................................................3-21
Operation......................................................3-17
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outside.........................................................2-29
Convex Mirror.............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-29
Remote Controls Mirrors...............................2-28
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-10
P
Park (P)........................................................2-25
Shifting Into................................................2-23
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-18
Parking on Hills..............................................4-39
Parking.........................................................2-23
Brake........................................................2-23
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............. 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.................6-15
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections...........6-19
9
Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.....6-21
Part E - Maintenance Record............................6-22
Passing.................................................4-11, 4-38
Passlock
ž......................................................2-16
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-52
Playing a Compact Disc..................3-39, 3-46, 3-54
Playing the Radio...........................3-37, 3-41, 3-48
Power Steering................................................ 4-8
Power............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-76
Steering Fluid.............................................5-30
Windows....................................................2-15
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-9
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radio Messages.............................3-39, 3-45, 3-52
Radios..........................................................3-36
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-58
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-59
Care of Your CDs........................................3-59Radios (cont.)
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-48
Radio with CD....................................3-37, 3-41
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-37
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-36
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-57
Understanding Reception..............................3-57
RDS Messages......................................3-45, 3-51
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-25
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-5
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-20
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-20
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-20
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-28
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-28
Remote Keyless Entry System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Trunk Release Lockout........................2-12
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-12
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-59
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-58
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-47
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-35
10