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 when towing a trailer, 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.
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Fuses Usage
HVAC Climate Control
CRUISECruise Control Module, Clutch Start
Switch
AIR BAGAirbags, Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM)
WIPER SWWindshield Wipers and Washers,
Transaxle Shift Lock Control Switch
RADIO
(BATT1)Radio Receiver, Entertainment
Memory
ONSTAREntertainment, Mobile
Communications, OnStar
®
RADIO (ACC) Radio Receiver, Entertainment
IGN SW Ignition Switch
EPS Cruise Control Switches, EPS Unit
PWR OUTLET Auxiliary Power Outlet
SUN ROOF Power Sunroof, OnStar Mirror
Relay Usage
ALC/PARK
RELAYOnStar®, Radio, Instrument Panel
Cluster, Body Control Module (Entry
Control), Cigar Lighter, Headlamp
Switch, License Lamp
FUEL PUMP
RELAYFuel Pump
ACC RELAYPower Windows, Sunroof, Radio,
Wiper/Washer Switch, Accessory
Power Outlet
RUN RELAYClimate Control (HVAC Blower,
Control Heads)
5-95
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Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Once a Year..................................6-11
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-8
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-16
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-14
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-33
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-24
Operation...................................................2-24
Manual Windows............................................2-13
Map Lamps....................................................3-16
Message
Center.......................................................3-39
Change Engine Oil......................................3-41
Check Gage...............................................3-42
Check Gas Cap..........................................3-43
Cruise Control.............................................3-40
Error..........................................................3-43Message (cont.)
Low Coolant Level Warning..........................3-41
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-43
Low Traction...............................................3-40
Power Steering...........................................3-42
Service Vehicle...........................................3-43
Traction Off................................................3-40
Transaxle Fluid Cold....................................3-41
Transaxle Fluid Hot......................................3-41
Trunk Ajar Warning......................................3-42
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-34
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-31
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-37
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-37
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-36
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-16
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O
Odometer......................................................3-27
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-27
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-36
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-20
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-23
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-37
Power Mirrors.............................................2-37
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-36
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-27
Shifting Out of............................................2-28Parking
Brake........................................................2-26
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-23
Passing.........................................................4-12
Passlock
®......................................................2-16
Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-93
Reduced Engine Light..................................3-37
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-19
Steering Message........................................3-42
Windows....................................................2-14
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-29
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-8
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-15
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R
Radios..........................................................3-44
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-45
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-68
Care of Your CDs........................................3-68
Radio with CD....................................3-47, 3-52
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-44
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-44
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-65
Understanding Reception..............................3-67
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Doors....................................................2-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-26
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-34
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display..................2-32
Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®...........................2-31
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-31
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-14
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-34
Reduced Engine Power Light............................3-37
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-77
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-74
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-55
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government................................... 7-8
Saturn......................................................... 7-8
United States Government.............................. 7-8
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-59
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-60
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-19
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-29
Roof Rack System..........................................2-40
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-30
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