
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder
light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates,
retractors and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety
belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have
it repaired. Keep safety belts clean and dry.
SeeCare of Safety Belts on page 499for more
information.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. The airbag
system does not need regular maintenance.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the
driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag,
or the side impact airbag covering on the
ceiling near the side windows, the airbag may
not work properly. You may have to replace
the airbag module in the steering wheel, both
the airbag module and the instrument panel
for the right front passenger’s airbag, or
side impact airbag module and ceiling covering
for roof-mounted rollover airbags. Do not
open or break the airbag coverings.
108

Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four
different positions.
A (LOCK):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will
only be able to remove the key when the ignition
is turned to LOCK.Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers
when the engine is off.
Notice:Lengthy operation of features such as
the radio in the accessory ignition position
and the RUN position may drain the battery and
prevent your vehicle from starting. Do not
operate your vehicle in the accessory ignition
position for a long period of time.
C (RUN):This is the position for driving. It is the
position the switch returns to after the engine
starts, and you release the key.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
140

There are several different positions for the shift
lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your rear wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start your
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of PARK (P). See Torque Lock
(Automatic Transmission) underShifting Into
Park (P) on page 152for more information.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 152.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 379.
145

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Shift to
REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your
transmission, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 368.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when
you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is rmly on
the brake pedal, your vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while your engine is running at
high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high
speed may damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting your vehicle.
146

OnStar®Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may be
equipped with a
Talk/Mute button that
can be used to interact
with OnStar
®.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 317
for more information.
When calling into voice mail systems or to dial
directory numbers, press the control, wait for the
“number please” response, say the number(s)
to be dialed, wait for the number(s) to be repeated
and then say “dial.” See the OnStar
®Owner’s
Guide for more information.
Universal Home Remote
System
Universal Home Remote System
(With Three Round LED)
The Universal Home Remote System provides a
way to replace up to three hand-held
radio-frequency (RF) transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door openers, security
systems, and home lighting.
This device 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.
The FCC Grant of Equipment Authorization
Certi cate number is KOBGTE05A.
167

To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you are
leaving, check now and then to make sure
the luggage and cargo are still securely fastened.
Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.
If small heavy objects are placed on the roof,
place the load in the area over the rear
wheels (behind the rear side door on extended
models). If you need to, cut a piece of
3/8 inch plywood to t inside the crossrails
and siderails to spread the load. If plywood is
used, tie it to the siderail supports.
Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderail
supports. Use the crossrails only to keep
the load from sliding. To move the crossrails,
pull out on the latch release handle at
each end. Slide the crossrail to the desired
position balancing the force side to side. Push
the release handle back into the latched
position and slide the crossrail back and forth
slightly to be sure the latch snaps securely
into place.
If you need to carry long items, move the
crossrails as far apart as they will go. Tie
the load to the crossrails and the siderails or
siderail supports. Also tie the load to the
bumpers. Do not tie the load so tightly that the
crossrails or siderails are damaged.
After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securely
locked into the siderail.
Your vehicle has a Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) located above the glass or above the
rear load doors.
If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, care
should be taken not to block or damage the
CHMSL unit.
Rear Storage Area
Your vehicle may have a storage compartment
located in the rear cargo area of the vehicle in the
driver’s side trim panel.
To open the utility compartment, turn the knobs
and swing the compartment door open. The
compartment door can be removed.
180

To return the cover to the retracted position, do
the following:
1. Pull up on the cover handle to release the
cover posts from the retaining sockets.
2. Let the cover move forward to the full retracted
position.
To remove the cover, from a regular wheelbase
model, do the following:
1. Let the cover go all the way into the holder.
2. Then, grasping the driver’s side cover endcap,
push the cover endcap toward the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
3. Swing the cover rearward and take it out of
the vehicle.
To put the cover in the vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure the cover slot in the holder faces
rearward with the round surface facing down.
2. Then, hold the cover at an angle and place
the cover endcap into the slot in the
passenger’s side trim panel.
3. Move the other end of the cover forward and
hold it next to the driver’s side trim panel slot.4. Press the endcaps in, this will allow the cover
to t into the trim slot.
5. Lightly pull on the cover holder to make sure
it is secure.
On the extended wheelbase models there are
two cover positions. The slots furthest
forward allow the cover to be used if the third
seat is removed or folded down. The cover
can be installed and removed from either side.
Cargo Tie Downs
Your vehicle may be
equipped with cargo tie
downs in the rear
cargo area that allow
you to strap cargo
in and keep it from
moving inside the
vehicle.
When not using the tie downs, ip them down out
of the way.
182

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 192
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 194
Other Warning Devices............................. 194
Horn.......................................................... 194
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 195
Heated Steering Wheel............................. 195
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 196
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 196
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 197
Windshield Wipers..................................... 198
Rainsense™ II Wipers............................... 199
Windshield Washer.................................... 200
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...................... 201
Cruise Control........................................... 202
Exterior Lamps.......................................... 205
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 210
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 210
Automatic Headlamp System..................... 211
Fog Lamps................................................ 212
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 212
Dome Lamps............................................. 212
Dome Lamp Override................................ 213
Entry Lighting............................................ 213
Exit Lighting.............................................. 213
Reading Lamps......................................... 213Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 213
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...... 214
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 218
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 219
Analog Clock............................................. 219
Climate Controls......................................... 220
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.... 220
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 225
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating
System and Electronic Climate
Controls................................................. 226
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 228
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 229
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 230
Trip Odometer........................................... 230
Tachometer............................................... 230
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 231
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 231
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 232
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 233
Charging System Light.............................. 235
Brake System Warning Light..................... 235
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 237
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light......................... 237
Section 3 Instrument Panel
189