Grade Braking
Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill
grade. It maintains the vehicle’s speed by
automatically implementing a shift schedule that
uses the engine and the transmission to slow
the vehicle. This reduces wear on the brakes
system and increases control of the vehicle. The
system constantly monitors the vehicle’s speed,
acceleration, throttle position, and whether
the brake pedal is being pressed, and determines
when to keep the current vehicle speed or to
slow down. The system will then automatically
command downshifts that reduces the vehicles
speed, until the brake pedal is no longer
being pressed. This indicates the desired vehicle
speed has been reached.
The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes
can be activated by pressing the button on the
instrument panel console. While in the DSC mode,
grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver
to select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 122.
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. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 204for more information.
127
To release the parking brake, pull the release
lever located to the left of the steering wheel on
the instrument panel.Notice:Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is
set, the ignition is on, and the vehicle begins to
move. To stop the chime, fully release the
parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 331for more
information.
128
Available Services included with Directions
& Connections®Plan
All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions - Advisor delivered or
OnStar®Turn-by-Turn Navigation (If equipped)
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling allows eligible
OnStar®subscribers to make and receive calls
using voice commands. Hands-Free Calling is fully
integrated into the vehicle, and can be used
with OnStar
®Pre-Paid Minute Packages.
Hands-Free Calling may also be linked to a
Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S. or a Bell
Mobility service plan in Canada, depending on
eligibility. To nd out more, refer to the OnStar
®
Owners 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
OnStar®Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar®
Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes to
access location-based 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. See the OnStar
®
Owners Guide for more information (Only available
in the continental U.S.).
OnStar®Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that
can be used to interact with OnStar®Hands-Free
Calling. SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on
page 269for more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the
button for a few seconds and give the command
“ONSTAR” in order to activate the OnStar
®
Hands-Free Calling feature.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial
phone extensions. See the OnStar
®Owner’s
Guide for more information.
141
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 202
Charging System Light.............................. 204
Brake System Warning Light..................... 204
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 205
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light...................................................... 206
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light...................................................... 206
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 207
Tire Pressure Light.................................... 207
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 208
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 211
Security Light............................................ 212
Fog Lamp Light......................................... 212
Lights On Reminder.................................. 212
Cruise Control Light.................................. 212
Highbeam On Light................................... 213
Tow/Haul Mode Light................................ 213
Fuel Gage................................................. 213
Driver Information Center (DIC).................. 214
DIC Controls and Displays........................ 215
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 220
DIC Vehicle Customization........................ 231Audio System(s)......................................... 240
Setting the Time (Radio with Single
CD Player)............................................. 242
Setting the Time (Radio with Six-Disc
CD Player)............................................. 244
Radio with CD........................................... 246
Using an MP3........................................... 257
XM Radio Messages................................. 264
Navigation/Radio System........................... 266
Rear Seat Entertainment System............... 266
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)............................. 266
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 268
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 269
Radio Reception........................................ 270
Care of Your CDs..................................... 271
Care of the CD Player.............................. 271
Diversity Antenna System.......................... 272
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 272
Section 3 Instrument Panel
162