OnStar®System
When using the OnStar®system, the audio
system will be muted and the navigation voice
prompts will be disabled during the call. The
volume of the OnStar
®call can be adjusted by
using the steering wheel volume controls.
SeeOnStar
®System on page 107for more
information.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
The Navigation System determines the position of
your vehicle by using satellite signals, various
vehicle signals, and map data.
At times, other interferences such as the satellite
condition, road con guration, the condition of
the vehicle and/or other circumstances can
interfere with the Navigation’s ability to determine
the accurate position of the vehicle.
The GPS shows the current position of your
vehicle using signals sent by the GPS Satellites of
the United States Department of Defense.
When your vehicle is not receiving signals from
the satellites, a symbol will appear on the
map screen. Refer toSymbols on page 275.This system may not be available or interference
may occur if the following happens:
Signal obstructions caused by tall buildings,
large trucks, tunnels,
objects located on top of the instrument panel,
satellites will not send signals if they are
being repaired or improved,
after-market glass tinting has been applied to
the vehicle’s windows.
Notice:Do not apply after-market glass tinting
to the vehicle’s windows. Glass tinting will
interfere with the system’s ability to receive
GPS signals and cause the system to
malfunction. You might have to replace the
window to correct the problem. This would not
be covered by your warranty.
For more information if you are experiencing a
problem, seeIf the System Needs Service
on page 283andProblems with Route Guidance
on page 283.
281
Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If
you must start when you are not fresh — such
as after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across North
America. They will be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
345
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be
careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you. You
cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking
your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow
does not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a
little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the
heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
352
You will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you
will need to spin the wheels, but you do not
want to spin your wheels too fast. The method
known as rocking can help you get out when you
are stuck, but you must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. And, the
transmission or other parts of the vehicle
can overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment re or other damage. When
you are stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
Notice:Spinning the wheels can destroy parts
of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you
spin the wheels too fast while shifting
the transmission back and forth, you can
destroy the transmission.
For information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 435.
353
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 428
Buying New Tires...................................... 428
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 430
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 431
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 432
Wheel Replacement.................................. 432
Tire Chains............................................... 435
Lifting Your Vehicle................................... 435
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 440
Appearance Care........................................ 441
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 441
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 443
Leather...................................................... 444
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 444
Wood Panels............................................. 445
Speaker Covers........................................ 445
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 445
Weatherstrips............................................ 445
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 446
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 446
Finish Care............................................... 447Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 447
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 448
Tires......................................................... 449
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 449
Finish Damage.......................................... 449
Underbody Maintenance............................ 449
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 450
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 450
Vehicle Identi cation.................................. 451
Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN)........... 451
Service Parts Identi cation Label............... 451
Electrical System........................................ 452
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 452
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 452
Power Windows and Other Power
Options.................................................. 452
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 453
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 453
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 455
Capacities and Speci cations.................... 458
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
362
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in
NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe to do
so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
2. Set the climate controls to the highest heat
setting and fan speed and open the windows
as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you
can drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for
about 10 minutes. If the warning does not come
back on, you can drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park
your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get
service help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be
driven to a safe place in an emergency situation. If
an overheated engine condition exists and the
DIC message ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE is
displayed, an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders helps prevent
engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a
signi cant loss in power and engine performance.
Driving extended miles (km) in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil will be
severely degraded. Repair the cause of coolant
loss, change the oil and reset the oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil on page 377.
390
To disconnect the jumper cables from both
vehicles, do the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
Perform″Power Window Initialize″steps under
Power Windows on page 82, if the vehicle
has experienced power loss.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle
uid unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear
an unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug
hole, you will need to add some lubricant.
Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ller plug hole.
407
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certi ed to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certi ed to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic
transmission/transaxle, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be
made from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeIn ation - Tire Pressure
on page 422.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
417