{CAUTION:
All-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll, even if
your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive gear — not in
NEUTRAL. Always set your parking brake.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-37.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-68.
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
For information on the OnStar®system seeOnStar®
System on page 2-48or consult the OnStar®manual.
The automatic dimming mirror dims to the proper level to
minimize glare from lights behind you after dark.The mirror includes a compass reading and outside
temperature display in the upper right corner of
the mirror. The dual display can be turned on or off by
pressing either the TEMP or the COMP button.
Temperature Display
The temperature can be displayed by pressing the
TEMP button. Press the TEMP button once brie y to
toggle the temperature reading on and off. To alternate
the temperature reading between Fahrenheit and
Celsius, press and hold the TEMP button for
approximately four seconds until the display blinks F
and C. Press and release the TEMP button to toggle
between the Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. After
about four seconds of inactivity, the display will
stop blinking and display the last selection made.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
extended period of time (30 minutes), see your GM
dealer. Under certain circumstances, a delay in updating
the temperature is normal.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Press and hold the TEMP button for about eight seconds
to turn the automatic dimming feature on or off. The
indicator light to the right of the TEMP button will turn on
or off to show when the automatic dimming feature is
activated. Once the mirror is turned off, it will remain off
until it is turned back on, or until the vehicle is restarted.
2-41
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-25.
B. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-13.
C. OnStar
®and Radio Steering Wheel Buttons (If
Equipped). SeeOnStar®System on page 2-48and
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-89.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-27.
E. Locking Rear Axle and All-wheel Drive Buttons. See
Locking Rear Axle on page 4-10andAll-Wheel
Drive on page 2-32.
F. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-60.
G. Airbag Switch. SeeAirbag Off Switch on page 1-65.
H. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-54.
I. Midgate Glass Up/Down Switch (SUT). SeeMidgate
(SUT) on page 2-14. Rear Wiper/Washer Switch
(SUV). SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-9.
J. Dome Override Button. SeeDome Lamps on
page 3-17.
K. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
L. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
M. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43.N. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-36.
O. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9.
P. Tow/Haul Selector Button. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light
on page 3-42.
Q. Ride Height Selector Button (If Equipped). See
Selectable Extended Rear Ride Height on page 4-65.
R. Cigarette Lighter or Accessory Power Outlet (If
Equipped). SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-18 Accessory Power Outlets on page 3-18.
S. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-28.
T. Accessory Power Outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-18.
U. OnStar Buttons. SeeOnStar
®System on page 2-48.
V. Rear Window Defogger Button. See “Rear Window
Defogger” underDual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 3-19.
W. Comfort Control System. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-19.
3-5
Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is not
running, but the ignition is
in RUN, this gage
shows your battery’s state
of charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. Readings between the
low and high warning zones indicate the normal
operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a
large number of electrical accessories are operating in
the vehicle and the engine is left at an idle for an
extended period. This condition is normal since the
charging system is not able to provide full power
at engine idle. As engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as higher engine speeds
allow the charging system to create maximum power.You can only drive for a short time with the reading in
either warning zone. If you must drive, turn off all
unnecessary accessories.
Readings in either warning zone indicate a possible
problem in the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will
ash when you set the parking brake. The light will
ash if the parking brake doesn’t release fully. If you try
to drive with the parking brake engaged, a chime will
sound when the vehicle speed is greater than
3 mph (5 km/h).
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still
work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there
could be a brake problem. Have your brake system
inspected right away.
3-32
At approximately 265°F (130°C), the DIC will display a
TRANSMISSION HOT message and the transmission
will enter a transmission protection mode. When
the transmission enters the protection mode, you may
notice a change in the transmission shifting patterns.
The transmission will return to normal shifting patterns
when the transmission uid temperature falls below
260°F (127°C).
If the transmission uid reaches temperatures of
approximately 275°F (135°C) or greater, the DIC will
display a TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE warning message
and a chime will sound. Pull the vehicle off the
roadway when it is safe to do so. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in PARK (P) and allow the
engine to idle until the transmission temperature falls
below 260°F (127°C). If the transmission continues
to operate above 265°F (130°C), please contact your
nearest dealer or the GM Roadside Assistance Center.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-43
for further information.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle with the
transmission temperature gage above normal
operating range, you can damage the transmission.
This could lead to costly repairs that would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not drive your
vehicle while the transmission temperature gage
reading is above normal. See your dealer for service.The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
Towing a trailer,
hot outside air temperatures,
hauling a large or heavy load,
low transmission uid level,
high transmission uid level,
restricted air ow to the radiator.
A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, seeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
3-36
Q:What should I do if my vehicle stalls, or
is about to stall, and I cannot make it up
the hill?
A:If this happens, there are some things you should
do, and there are some things you must not do.
First, here is what youshoulddo:
Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and
keep it from rolling backwards. Also, apply the
parking brake.
If your engine is still running, shift the transmission
to REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and
slowly back down the hill in REVERSE (R).
If your engine has stopped running, you will need to
restart it. With the brake pedal pressed and the
parking brake still applied, shift the transmission to
PARK (P) and restart the engine. Then, shift to
REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and
slowly back down the hill as straight as possible in
REVERSE (R).
As you are backing down the hill, put your left hand
on the steering wheel at the 12 o’clock position.
This way, you will be able to tell if your wheels are
straight and maneuver as you back down. It is
best that you back down the hill with your wheels
straight rather than in the left or right direction.
Turning the wheel too far to the left or right
will increase the possibility of a rollover.Here are some things youmust notdo if you stall, or
are about to stall, when going up a hill:
Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting into
NEUTRAL (N) to “rev-up” the engine and regain
forward momentum. This will not work. Your vehicle
will roll backwards very quickly and you could go
out of control.
Instead, apply the regular brake to stop the vehicle.
Then apply the parking brake. Shift to
REVERSE (R), release the parking brake, and
slowly back straight down.
Never attempt to turn around if you are about to
stall when going up a hill. If the hill is steep
enough to stall your vehicle, it is steep enough to
cause you to roll over if you turn around. If you
cannot make it up the hill, you must back straight
down the hill.
4-32
Q:Suppose, after stalling, I try to back down the
hill and decide I just cannot do it. What should
I do?
A:Set the parking brake, put your transmission in
PARK (P) and turn off the engine. Leave the
vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill
side and stay clear of the path the vehicle would
take if it rolled downhill. Do not shift the transfer
case to NEUTRAL when you leave the vehicle.
Leave it in some gear.
{CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can
cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in PARK (P). This is because
the NEUTRAL position on the transfer case
overrides the transmission. You or someone
else could be injured. If you are going to leave
your vehicle, set the parking brake and shift
the transmission to PARK (P). But do not shift
the transfer case to NEUTRAL. Leave the
transfer case in the 4 HI, 4 HI Lock or 4 LO
Lock position.
Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you downhill, you will want to
consider a number of things:
How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain
vehicle control?
What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?
Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts?
Logs? Boulders?
What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a
hidden creek bank or even a river bottom with
large rocks?
4-33
If you decide you can go down a hill safely, then try to
keep your vehicle headed straight down, and use a
low gear. This way, engine drag can help your brakes
and they will not have to do all the work. Descend
slowly, keeping your vehicle under control at all times.
{CAUTION:
Heavy braking when going down a hill can
cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This
could cause loss of control and a serious
accident. Apply the brakes lightly when
descending a hill and use a low gear to keep
vehicle speed under control.
Q:Are there some things I should not do when
driving down a hill?
A:Yes! These are important because if you
ignore them you could lose control and have a
serious accident:
When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you
across the incline of the hill. A hill that is not too
steep to drive down may be too steep to drive
across. You could roll over if you do not drive
straight down.
Never go downhill with the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N). This is called “free-wheeling.” Your
brakes will have to do all the work and could
overheat and fade.
Q:Am I likely to stall when going downhill?
A:It is much more likely to happen going uphill. But if
it happens going downhill, here is what to do:
1. Stop your vehicle by applying the regular brakes.
Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift to PARK (P) and, while still braking, restart
the engine.
3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,
and drive straight down.
4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help.
4-34
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing your vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly towing”
(towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.
Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-45.
Dinghy Towing
Use the following procedure to tow your vehicle:
1. Shift the transmission to PARK (P).
2. Turn the engine off, but leave the ignition on.
3. Firmly set the parking brake.
4. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the
tow vehicle.
5. Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N). See
All-Wheel Drive on page 2-32for the proper
procedure to select the NEUTRAL position for
your vehicle.
4-64