If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues Ð such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº Ð and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.Off-Road Driving with Your
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel
drive. Also, seeBraking on page 4-6. If your vehicle
does not have four-wheel drive, you should not
drive off-road unless you are on a level, solid surface.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some de®nite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
ªOff-roadingº means you have left the great North
American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not
marked. Curves are not banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or
downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that
is why it is very important that you read this guide.
You will ®nd many driving tips and suggestions. These
will help make your off-road driving safer and more
enjoyable.
4-15
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.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted.
4-34
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 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. See
Off-Road
Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle on
page 4-15
for information about driving off-road.
4-36
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can't see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. See ªEngine
Exhaustº in the Index. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
·Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
·Keep the rear-most windows closed.
·If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. See ªClimate Controlsº in the
Index.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.
4-56
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-18
Instrument Panel.............................................3-36
Cluster.......................................................3-36
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-18
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-13
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-5
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-16
Lamps...........................................................3-15
Exterior......................................................3-15
Interior.......................................................3-18
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-14, 1-22
LATCH System...............................................1-40
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-42LATCH System (cont.)
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-30
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-12
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR................................3-63
Liftgate Rack System......................................2-47
Table.........................................................2-47
Liftgate Release..............................................2-13
Liftgate/Liftglass..............................................2-13
Liftglass/Liftgate..............................................2-13
Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror...............................2-16
Light.............................................................3-38
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-42
Brake System Warning.................................3-41
Change Engine Oil......................................3-47
Charging System.........................................3-39
Check Gages Warning.................................3-49
Cruise Control.............................................3-48
Gate Ajar...................................................3-50
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-51
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-43
Reduced Engine Power................................3-48
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-38
Security.....................................................3-47
Service Four-Wheel-Drive Warning Light.........3-49
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-16
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-48
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-10
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
8
Locks............................................................. 2-9
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Door........................................................... 2-8
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-12
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-51
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-47
Lumbar........................................................... 1-3
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-102
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-11
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-11
At Least Once a Month................................6-11
At Least Once a Year..................................6-13
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-12
Brake System Inspection..............................6-17
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-16
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-16
Fuel System Inspection................................6-16
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-11
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections......6-16
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-18
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-20
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-16
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(Four-Wheel Drive) Inspection....................6-17
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-59
Making Turns.................................................4-57
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-43
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-6
Memory Seat.................................................2-50
Message.......................................................3-61
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-61
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) ± Customer Assistance....................... 7-4
Mirror Operation.............................................2-34
Mirrors..........................................................2-34
9
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStarž
and Compass..........................................2-34
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-37
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-37
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-102
O
Odometer......................................................3-37
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
OIL PRESSURE LOW/STOP ENGINE...............3-61
Oil ................................................................3-47
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-47
Engine.......................................................5-16
Pressure Gage............................................3-46
Older Children, Restraints................................1-28
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-39
OnStaržServices............................................2-38
OnStaržSystem.............................................2-38
OnStaržVirtual Advisor....................................2-39Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle Off
Paved Roads..............................................4-15
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment...................................3-23, 3-29
Outside.........................................................2-37
Convex Mirror.............................................2-37
Curb View Assist Mirror................................2-36
Heated Mirrors............................................2-37
Manual Mirrors............................................2-36
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36
Overhead Console..........................................2-43
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-10
P
Park (P)........................................................2-31
Shifting Into................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-31
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-15
Parking on Hills..............................................4-58
Parking.........................................................2-28
Brake........................................................2-28
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............ 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services................6-11
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections..........6-16
10
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover............2-45
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Floor Storage Lid....................................2-48
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-24
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-104
Rear Seat Entertainment System.......................3-93
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-6
Rear Seat Passenger Positions.........................1-21
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-21
Rear Seats (TrailBlazer EXT)............................. 1-7
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..............................5-95
Rear Window Defogger............................3-23, 3-28
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
žand Compass.................................2-34
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-44
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-48
Remote Control..............................................3-98
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-6
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-71
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-65
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-51
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-41
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash.....................................................1-60
Reporting Safety Defects................................... 7-9
Canadian Government................................... 7-9
General Motors............................................. 7-9Reporting Safety Defects (cont.)
United States Government.............................. 7-8
Reprogramming a Single HomeLink
žButton.......2-42
Resetting Defaults...........................................2-43
Restraint System Check...................................6-12
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-59
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-60
Restraint Systems...........................................1-59
Checking....................................................1-59
Replacing Parts...........................................1-60
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-19
RFA # BATTERY LOW....................................3-63
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-21
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR..............................3-63
Roadside......................................................... 7-5
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-42
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-32
S
Safety Belt.....................................................3-38
Reminder Light............................................3-38
Safety Belts...................................................5-82
Care of......................................................5-82
Driver Position............................................1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-13
12