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Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key
to four different positions.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the key
hard. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a
tool to force it could break the key or the ignition
switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle
needs service.A (OFF):This is the only position in which you can
insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition,
steering wheel and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent
feature.
B (ACCESSORY):This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off
the engine, but still turn the steering wheel.
C (ON):This position is for driving. When you turn off
the engine, the transmission will lock. If you need to shift
the transmission out of PARK (P), the ignition key has
to be in ON.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
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2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
The odometer on the instrument panel cluster will
change from the mileage to a number indicating the
requested gear range when moving the shift
lever forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and
Odometer on page 3-36for more information on the
odometer.
While using the DSC feature the vehicle will have rmer
shifting and increased performance. You can use this
for sport driving or when climbing/descending hills
to stay in gear longer or to down shift for more power or
engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will
not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the
engine rpm is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that the
transmission has not shifted gears.
The transmission will allow you to shift to the gear
selected and will automatically downshift when
the vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off and passing.When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located on the lower
portion of the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39for more
information.
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OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar
®Emergency where we
can request emergency services be sent to your
location. If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call
OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a
signal to unlock your doors. If you need roadside
assistance, press the OnStar
®button and they can
contact Roadside Service for you.A complete OnStar
®Owner’s Guide and the Terms and
Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber Information packet located in your vehicle.
For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
The Directions & Connections®Plan is included on new
vehicles for the rst year from the date of purchase.
You can extend this plan beyond the rst year to meet
your needs. For more information, press the OnStar
®
button to speak with an advisor.
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Directions & Connections Plan
Advanced Automatic Crash Noti cation
Automatic Noti cation of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar®Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling allows OnStar®subscribers
to make and receive calls using voice commands at
the touch of a button. Hands-Free Calling is fully
integrated into the vehicle, and may be used with
Pre-Paid Minute Packages or linked to a cell phone
through OnStar
®Shared Minutes Plan. To nd out more,
refer to the OnStar®Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s
glove box, visit www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or
speak with an OnStar
®advisor by pressing the OnStar®
button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Your vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is a feature of
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes
to access weather, local traffic reports, and stock quotes.
By pressing the phone button and giving a few simple
voice commands, you can browse through the
various topics. Customize your information pro le at
www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar
®Owner’s Guide for
more information.
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Universal Home Remote
System
If your vehicle has this
feature, the control
buttons are located on
the driver’s sun visor.
The Universal Home Remote System, a combined
universal transmitter and receiver, provides a way to
replace up to three hand-held transmitters used to
activate devices such as gate operators, garage door
openers, entry door locks, security systems, and
home lighting.
If your vehicle is equipped with the Universal Home
Remote Transmitter, it complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes and modi cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization
to use this equipment.
Universal Home Remote System
Operation
Do not use the Universal Home Remote with any
garage door opener that does not have the stop and
reverse feature. This includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982. If you
have a newer garage door opener with rolling codes,
please be sure to follow Steps 6 through 8 to complete
the programming of your Universal Home Remote
Transmitter.
Read the instructions completely before attempting to
program the Universal Home Remote. Because of
the steps involved, it may be helpful to have another
person available to assist you in the programming steps.
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Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-53.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system is
ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not in ate in a crash, or they
could even in ate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If there is a problem with the airbag system in your
vehicle, the Service airbag message will appear on the
DIC display. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-59for more information.
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Charging System Light
When you turn the key to
ON or START, this light
will come on brie y
to show that the generator
and battery charging
systems are working
properly.
If this light stays on, your vehicle needs service. You
should take your vehicle to the dealer at once. To save
your battery until you get there, turn off all accessories.
Brake System Warning Light
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, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on brie y when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
United StatesCanada
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When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push, or the pedal may go closer to the
oor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay on
for several seconds.
That is normal.
If the ABS warning light comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. If the red BRAKE light is not on, you still
have brakes, but you do not have anti-lock brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39.
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