TRUNK OPEN
This message displays when the trunk is not
closed completely. Make sure that the trunk is
closed completely. SeeTrunk on page 101.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays as a reminder to turn off
the turn signal if you drive your vehicle for
more than about 0.75 mile (1.2 km) with a turn
signal on. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 149.
This message displays and a chime sounds only
when the ignition is in RUN. The message will
not disappear until the turn signal is manually
turned off, or a turn is completed.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This message displays when the windshield
washer uid is low. Fill the windshield washer
reservoir as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 308for the
location of the windshield washer reservoir. Also,
seeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 332for
more information.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle has customization capabilities that
allow you to program certain features to one
preferred setting. Customization features can only
be programmed to one setting on the vehicle
and cannot be programmed to a preferred setting
for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be
available on your vehicle. Only the options
available will be displayed on your DIC.
The default settings for the customization features
were set when your vehicle left the factory, but
may have been changed from their default
state since then.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
To change customization preferences, use the
following procedure.
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NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this
feature. The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the
DIC to select it.
CHIME VOLUME
This feature allows you to select the volume level
of the chime.
Press the customization button until CHIME
VOLUME appears on the DIC display. Press the
set/reset button to access the settings for this
feature. Then press the customization button to
scroll through the following choices:
NORMAL (default):The chime volume will be set
to a normal level.
LOUD:The chime volume will be set to a
loud level.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this
feature. The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the
DIC to select it.
REMOTE START
If your vehicle has this feature, it allows you to
turn the remote start off or on. The remote
start feature allows you to start the engine from
outside of the vehicle using your Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. See “Remote Vehicle
Start” underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 91for more information.
Press the customization button until REMOTE
START appears on the DIC display. Press
the set/reset button to access the settings for this
feature. Then press the customization button
to scroll through the following choices:
OFF:The remote start feature will be disabled.
ON (default):The remote start feature will
be enabled.
NO CHANGE:No change will be made to this
feature. The current setting will remain.
Select one of the available choices and press the
set/reset button while it is displayed on the
DIC to select it.
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While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD
player, CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way
radio, make sure that it can be added by
checking with your dealer. Also, check federal
rules covering mobile radio and telephone
units. If sound equipment can be added, it is
very important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems,
and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems
may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the ignition
is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 110for more information.
Setting the Time
(Without Date Display)
If your vehicle has an AM/FM base radio with a
single CD player and preset buttons numbered
one through six, the radio will have a clock button
for setting the time. You can set the time by
following these steps:
1. Press the clock button until the hour numbers
begin ashing on the display. Press the clock
button a second time and the minute
numbers will begin ashing on the display.
2. While either the hour or the minute numbers
are ashing, turn the tune knob, located on
the upper right side of the radio, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease
the time. Instead of using the tune knob, you
can also press the SEEK, FWD (forward),
or REV (reverse) buttons to adjust the time.
3. Press the clock button again until the clock
display stops ashing to set the currently
displayed time; otherwise, the ashing will stop
after ve seconds and the current time
displayed will be automatically set.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by
heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with
traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes may not have
time to cool between hard stops. The brakes
will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy
braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and
allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 296.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the
instrument panel
cluster will come on
brie y when you
start your vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You may hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is
going on, and you may even notice that your brake
pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
251
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction
Control System that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions. The
system operates only if it senses that one or both of
the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system reduces
engine power and may also upshift the transaxle
and apply the front brakes to limit wheel spin.
This light will ash when
your Traction Control
System is limiting wheel
spin. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on
page 179.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control Light on page 185.The Traction Control System operates in all
transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can
upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift
lever position you’ve chosen, so you should use
the lower gears only when necessary. See
Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 113.
The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message
will appear in the Driver Information (DIC) to
let you know if there is a problem with the system.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 195.
When this message appears, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the Traction
Control System on. But you can turn the system off
if you ever need to.
You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever
gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking
the vehicle is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle
is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 276.
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To turn the system off
or on, press the traction
control button located
near the exterior
lamp control.
When you turn the system off, a chime will sound
and a TRACTION CONTROL OFF message will
appear in the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 195for more information. If the
Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button to turn the system off, the
traction control system warning light will come on
and the system will turn off right away.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The Traction Control
System warning light should go off.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 296for more information.Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning, you
can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
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Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly
damage your engine. Never drive through water
that is slightly lower than the underbody of your
vehicle. If you cannot avoid deep puddles or
standing water, drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. If you try to drive through owing
water, as you might at a low water
crossing, your vehicle can be carried away.
As little as six inches of owing water can
carry away a smaller vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore
police warning signs, and otherwise be
very cautious about trying to drive
through owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra
following distance. And be especially careful
when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself
more clear room ahead, and be prepared to
have your view restricted by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. See
Tires on page 349.
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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?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all in ated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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