
The theft-deterrent system will not arm if you lock
the doors with a key, use the manual door lock
or if the liftgate is ajar. It activates only if you use
the RKE transmitter or the power door lock.
To avoid activating the alarm by accident do the
following:
The vehicle should be locked with the door
key or the manual door lock after the doors
are closed if you don’t want to arm the
theft-deterrent system.
Always unlock a door with a key or use the
RKE transmitter. Pressing the unlock button
on the RKE transmitter disarms the
theft-deterrent system. Unlocking a door any
other way while the system is armed will
activate the alarm when a door or the liftgate
is opened.
If you activate the alarm by accident, unlock the
driver’s door with your key. You can also turn
off the alarm by using the unlock button on
the RKE transmitter, or by starting the vehicle with
a valid key.
Testing the Alarm
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window,
then get out of the vehicle, keeping the
door open.
2. From outside of the vehicle, with the door
open, lock the vehicle using the power door
lock switch or the RKE transmitter and
close the door. Wait approximately 30 seconds
until the security light goes off.
3. Reach in and unlock the door using the
manual lock and open the door. The horn
will sound and the exterior lamps will ash.
You can turn off the alarm by unlocking the driver’s
door with your key, using the unlock button on
the RKE transmitter or by starting the car with a
valid key.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, check
to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be
blown. To replace the fuse, seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 455. If the fuse does not
need to be replaced, you may need to have your
vehicle serviced.
To reduce the possibility of theft, always arm the
theft-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
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PASS-Key®III+
The PASS-Key®III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry
Canada.
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.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modi cations to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency
transponder in the key that matches a decoder
in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent
system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you do not
have to do anything special to arm or disarm the
system. It works when you transition the key
to ON, ACCESSORY or START from the OFF
position.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it prevents the
vehicle from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of
electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light
on the instrument panel cluster comes on
when trying to start the vehicle, the key may have
a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
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If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition
key. At this time, you may also want to check the
fuse, seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on
page 455. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See
your dealer who can service the PASS-Key
®III+
to have a new key made. In an emergency,
contact Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to nine additional keys may
be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.To program the new additional key do the
following:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in
the ignition and start the engine. If the engine
will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and
turn it to the ON position within ve seconds
of the original key being turned to the
OFF position.
5. The security light will turn off once the key
has been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
If you are driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you may be able to restart your
engine. Your PASS-Key
®III+ system, however,
may not be working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
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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.
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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

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming
inside rearview mirror with OnStar®controls. For
more information about OnStar®, seeOnStar®
System on page 139.
O(On/Off):The on/off button, located on the
lower left side of the mirror, is used for the
automatic dimming functions of the rearview mirror.
Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming feature comes on each
time the vehicle is started. Automatic dimming
reduces the glare of lights from behind the vehicle.
To turn the automatic dimming feature on or off,
press and release the on/off button. The indicator
light will illuminate when this feature is on.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or
similar material dampened with glass cleaner.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror
as that may cause the liquid cleaner to enter
the mirror housing.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®and Compass
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming
inside rearview mirror with a compass and
OnStar
®controls. For more information about
OnStar®, seeOnStar®System on page 139.
The mirror has an eight-point compass display in
the upper right corner of the mirror. When on,
the compass automatically calibrates, or sets the
driving direction, as the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle has the navigation option, the direction the
vehicle is facing will be displayed on the
navigation screen.
O(On/Off):The on/off button is located on the
lower left side of the mirror and is used for
the automatic dimming and compass functions of
the rearview mirror.
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Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming feature comes on each
time the vehicle is started.
To turn the automatic dimming feature on or off,
press the on/off or AUTO button. The indicator light
will illuminate when this feature is on.
Compass Operation
Press the on/off button once to turn the compass
on or off.
When the ignition and the compass feature are
on, the compass will show two character boxes for
approximately two seconds. After two seconds,
the mirror will display the current compass
direction.
Compass Calibration
If after two seconds the display does not show a
compass direction, (N for North for example), there
may be a strong magnetic eld interfering with
the compass. Such interference may be caused by
a magnetic antenna mount, note pad holder, or
similar object. If the letter C appears in the
compass window, the compass may need to be
reset or calibrated.The mirror can be calibrated by driving the vehicle
in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the
display reads a direction.
The compass can be calibrated by pressing and
holding the on/off button until a C is shown in
the compass display.
Compass Variance
Compass variance is the difference between
earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north.
If the mirror is not adjusted for compass
variance, the compass could give false readings.
The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving
the factory. It will be necessary to adjust the
compass to compensate for compass variance if
the vehicle is driven outside zone eight. Under
certain circumstances, such as a long distance,
cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust the
compass variance.
135

How OnStar®Service Works
In order to provide you with OnStar®services,
your vehicle’s OnStar®system has the capability
of recording and transmitting vehicle information.
This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar
®Call Center at the time of an OnStar®
button press, Emergency button press or if
your airbags or AACN system deploys. The vehicle
information usually includes your GPS location
and, in the event of a crash, additional information
regarding the accident that your vehicle has
been involved in (e.g. the direction from which
your vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar
®Hands-Free Calling,
your vehicle also sends OnStar®your GPS
location so that we can provide you with
location-based services.
OnStar
®service cannot work unless your vehicle
is in a place where OnStar®has an agreement
with a wireless service provider for service in that
area. OnStar
®service also cannot work unless
you are in a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar
®has hired for that area
has coverage, network capacity and reception
when the service is needed, and technology thatis compatible with the OnStar
®service. Not all
services are available everywhere, particularly in
remote or enclosed areas, or at all times.
OnStar
®service that involves location information
about your vehicle cannot work unless GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed and available in
that place as well.
Your vehicle must have a working electrical
system (including adequate battery power) for the
OnStar
®equipment to operate. There are other
problems OnStar®cannot control that may prevent
OnStar®from providing OnStar®service to you
at any particular time or place. Some examples are
damage to important parts of your vehicle in an
accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather
or wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
You may need to increase the volume of your radio
to hear the OnStar®advisor. If the light next to the
OnStar®buttons is red, this means that your system
is not functioning properly and should be checked
by a dealer. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar
®subscription has expired.
You can always press the OnStar®button to
con rm that your OnStar®equipment is active.
142