
ENGINE COOLANT HOT/ENGINE
OVERHEATED
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 418for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
cooling system temperature gets hot. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 418for the proper course of
action. This message clears when the coolant
temperature drops to a safe operating temperature.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
fuel level is low in the vehicle’s fuel tank. Refuel as
soon as possible. Press any of the DIC buttons, or
the trip stem, to acknowledge this message and
clear it from the DIC display. SeeLow Fuel Warning
Light on page 219,Filling the Tank on page 391,
andFuel on page 388for more information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message may display if the outside
temperature reaches a level where ice could form
on the roadway. If the temperature rises to a safe
level, the message clears. This message clears
itself after 10 seconds, or you can press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
KEY FOB # BATTERY LOW
This message displays if a Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace
the battery in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 96. Press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge
this message and clear it from the DIC display.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
driver’s side rear door is not fully closed. Stop and
turn off the vehicle, check the door for obstructions,
and close the door again. Check to see if the
message still appears on the DIC. Press any of the
DIC buttons, or the trip stem, to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display.
226

There are several conditions that can cause
this message to appear.
The message may display if the brake
system warning light is on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 208.
The message displays if the vehicle is
shifted into 4LO.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions
that caused the message to be displayed are
no longer present.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
This message may display and a chime may
sound if the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened
properly. Fully reinstall the fuel cap. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 391. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
This message remains on until it is acknowledged
and cleared from the DIC display by pressing
any of the DIC buttons or the trip stem. The
DIC message is also cancelled if the ignition
is turned off.The DIC message and the Service Engine Soon
light may come on again during a second trip
if the fuel cap is still not tightened properly.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 212
for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when you momentarily
press the StabiliTrak®button located on the
transmission shift handle. In this mode, stability
control and the brake-traction control are
functional. Engine speed management will
be modi ed and the driven wheels can spin
more freely. For more details on this mode,
seeStabiliTrak
®System on page 313.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a
turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km).
Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
off position. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the
trip stem, to acknowledge this message and
clear it from the DIC display.
230

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems
have to do their work at the places where the tires
meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 386.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 208.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition,
alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part.
So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in
three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at
60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
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.
310

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 386.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You might hear
a momentary motor or clicking noise while this
test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning
Light on page 209.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP
problem, both the brake and ABS warning lights
will come on accompanied by a 10-second
chime. The lights and chime will come on each
time the ignition is turned on until the problem is
repaired. See your dealer/retailer for service.
311

For more information on the stability messages,
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 224.
When the StabiliTrak
®
system is both on and
actively controlling
the stability of the
vehicle, the StabiliTrak
®
light will blink for the
duration of the event.
You may also feel or hear the system working.
This is normal.
The StabiliTrak
®disable
button is located on
the transmission
shift handle.
For vehicles with four-wheel drive, the StabiliTrak
®
system is automatically disabled in 4LO mode
and cannot be turned on until the vehicle is
switched to 2HI, 4HI, or 4AWD.The StabiliTrak
®system has three modes of
operation: STABILITRAK ON, TRACTION
CONTROL OFF, and STABILITRAK OFF.
STABILITRAK ON -The vehicle will default to
STABILITRAK ON every time the driver starts the
vehicle. The StabiliTrak
®light will be off and no
DIC messages will be displayed.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF - The driver can
modify the engine speed management system by
momentarily pressing the StabiliTrak
®button
on the transmission shift handle. The StabiliTrak®
light will come on and TRACTION CONTROL
OFF will be displayed. For vehicles without a DIC,
the StabiliTrak
®indicator light will come on.
Momentarily pressing the StabiliTrak®button
again will return the system to the STABILITRAK
ON mode.
STABILITRAK OFF - The driver can turn off
StabiliTrak
®by pressing the StabiliTrak®button for
more than ve seconds. The StabiliTrak®light will
come on and STABILITRAK OFF will be displayed.
For vehicles without a DIC, the StabiliTrak
®
indicator light will come on. Momentarily pressing
the StabiliTrak®button again will return the system
to the STABILITRAK ON mode. See StabiliTrak®
Off below for more information.
314

Vehicles with a DIC Vehicles without a DIC
Event
StabiliTrak®
Indicator LightDIC MessageStabiliTrak
®
Indicator LightStabiliTrak
®
Service Light
Solid Service StabiliTrak
®Solid SolidStabiliTrak
®system
is disabled due to a
system fault.
SolidStabiliTrak
®Not
ReadySolid OffStabiliTrak®system
is disabled due to a
failure to initialize.
Notice:If the StabiliTrak®light comes on due
to heavy braking and/or because the traction
control system has been continuously
active, do not allow the wheel(s) of one axle to
spin excessively. If you do, you may be
causing damage to the transfer case. This
could lead to costly repairs not covered
by your warranty.
Notice:If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to
spin excessively while the StabiliTrak
®, ABS
and brake warning lights and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message are displayed, you
could damage the transfer case. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Reduce
engine power and do not spin the wheel(s)
excessively while these lights and this message
are displayed.StabiliTrak
®may activate on dry or rough roads
or under conditions such as heavy acceleration
while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, you
may notice a reduction in acceleration, or may
hear a noise or vibration. This is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the StabiliTrak
®light will blink, and the
cruise control will automatically disengage. When
road conditions allow, you may re-engage the
cruise control. SeeCruise Control on page 177.
317

City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city streets is
the amount of traffic on them. You will want
to watch out for what the other drivers are doing
and pay attention to traffic signals.Here are ways to increase your safety in
city driving:
Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip
into an unknown part of the city just as you
would for a cross-country trip.
Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and
energy. SeeFreeway Driving on page 345.
Treat a green light as a warning signal.
A traffic light is there because the corner
is busy enough to need it. When a light turns
green, and just before you start to move,
check both ways for vehicles that have not
cleared the intersection or may be running the
red light.
344

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
You may want to put winter emergency
supplies in your vehicle.
Also seeTires on page 448.Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom,
a supply of windshield washer uid, a rag,
some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a
ashlight, a red cloth, and re ective warning
triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe
conditions, include a small bag of sand, a
piece of old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags to
help provide traction. Be sure you properly
secure these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where the tires
meet the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between the tires
and the road, you can have a very slippery
situation. You will have a lot less traction, or grip,
and will need to be very careful.
350