Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass
while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one thing,
following too closely reduces your area of vision,
especially if you are following a larger vehicle. Also,
you will not have adequate space if the vehicle
ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a
reasonable distance.
When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and do
not get too close. Time your move so you will be
increasing speed as the time comes to move into the
other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a
running start that more than makes up for the
distance you would lose by dropping back. And if
something happens to cause you to cancel your
pass, you need only slow down and drop back again
and wait for another opportunity.
If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle,
wait your turn. But take care that someone is not
trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow
vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and
check the blind spot.
Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and
start your left lane change signal before moving out
of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough
ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your
inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal
and move back into the right lane. Remember thatyour right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you
just passed may seem to be farther away from you
than it really is.
Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on
two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next
vehicle.
Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.
Even though the brake lamps are not ashing, it may
be slowing down or starting to turn.
If you are being passed, make it easy for the
following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can
ease a little to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
4-16
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
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 — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored surface — and
slow down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-17
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 is 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 is not another vehicle in
your blind spot.
4-23
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
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.
Do not 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.
4-25
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 all trailer hitch parts 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.
4-44
Fuses Usage
SPARE Not Used
CCP CCP (Climate Control Panel)
IGN 3Heated Seat Modules, Air Inlet
Motor, Shifter Assembly
SPARE Not Used
SPARE Not Used
FUSE PULLER Fuse Puller
L FRT HTD
SEAT MODDriver’s Heated Seat Module
MEM/ADAPT
SEATDriver’s Power Seat Switch,
Memory Seat Module
TRUNK
DR RELEASETrunk Release Motor
REVERSE
LAMPISRVM (Inside Rearview Mirror),
License Plate Lamp Assembly
SPARE Not Used
POSITION
LAMPTaillamp Assemblies, Front
Position Lamp AssembliesJ Cases Usage
AMP Audio Ampli er
PUSHER FAN Pusher Fan (Export Only)
Relays Usage
BAS RELAY
MINIBrake Apply Sensor
PUSHER FAN Pusher Fan (Export Only)
L POSITION
RELAY MICRODriver’s Side Position Lamp
TRK DR REL
SOL RELAY
MICROTrunk Release Motor
REV LAMP
RELAY MICROISRVM (Inside Rearview Mirror),
License Plate Lamp Assembly
R POSITION
RELAY MICROPassenger’s Side Position Lamp
IGN 3 RELAY
MICROHeated Seat Modules, Air Inlet
Motor, Shifter Assembly
STANDING
LAMP
RLY MICROControl for Position Lamp Relays
5-104
Circuit
BreakersUsage
SEAT C/BPower Seat Switches, Memory
Seat Module
Misc. Usage
JOINT
CONNECTORJoint Connector
Rear Underseat Fuse Block
(Passenger’s Side)
The passenger’s side rear fuse block is located under
the rear seat on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
The rear seat cushion must be removed to access
the rear fuse block. See “Removing the Rear Seat
Cushion” listed previously.To access the fuse block, push in the two tabs located at
each end of the fuse block cover. Then lift the cover off.
Fuses Usage
TRUNK DIODE Trunk Lamp
POWER
SOUNDERPower Sounder, Inclination Sensor
SPARE Not Used
CANISTER
VENTCanister Vent Solenoid
FUEL
PUMP MTRFuel Pump Motor
SPARE Not Used
R FRT HTD
SEAT MODPassenger’s Side Heated
Seat Module
SPARE Not Used
AIR BAG SDM (Sensing Diagnostic Module)
RIMISRVM (Inside Rearview Mirror),
Power Sounder, RIM
5-105
Locks
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-9
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Door........................................................... 2-8
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-14
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-45
Manual Passenger Seat.................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-24
Operation...................................................2-31
Map Pocket...................................................2-50
Memory Mirrors..............................................2-52
Memory Seat.................................................2-52
Message
Center.......................................................3-51
Check Engine Oil Pressure...........................3-56
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-65
Hot Coolant Temperature Warning..................3-55
Oil Temperature Warning..............................3-56
Tire Pressure Warning..................................3-57
Transmission Fluid Hot.................................3-55
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®.....2-39
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar®
and Compass..........................................2-40
Memory.....................................................2-52
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-43
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror....................2-43
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-43
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-42
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
8