Page 135 of 608

Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle has a content theft-deterrent alarm
system.
This is the security light.
To activate the theft-deterrent system, do the
following:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the remote keyless entry
(RKE) transmitter. The security light should
come on and stay on.
3. Close all doors. The security light should go
off after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the security light goes off.
If a locked door is opened without using the RKE
transmitter, a ten second pre-alarm will occur.
The horn will chirp and the lights will ash.If the door is not unlocked by pressing the unlock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter
during the ten second pre-alarm, the alarm will
go off. The headlamps and parking lamps will ash
for two minutes, and the horn will sound for
30 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery
power. You can choose different feedback options
for the alarm. SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 244Driver Information Center (DIC).
Remember, the theft-deterrent system will not
activate if you lock the doors with a key, the
manual door lock, or the power door lock switch.
It activates only if you use the RKE transmitter.
You should also remember that you can start your
vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm
has been set off.
135
Page 136 of 608

Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door key after the doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking a door any other way will set off
the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, turn off the
alarm by pressing the unlock button on the
RKE transmitter. The alarm will not stop if you try
to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s
window and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with
the RKE transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait
for the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the
door with the manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the alarm.While the alarm is set, the power door unlock
switch will not work.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
headlamps ash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 538.
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do
not ash, the vehicle should be serviced by
your dealer.
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.
136
Page 137 of 608

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 RUN, 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 comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
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 538. 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.
137
Page 138 of 608

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 RUN position within
ve seconds of removing the original key.
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.
138
Page 151 of 608

Press the button located on the end of the shift
lever to turn the tow/haul on or off. When the
tow/haul is on, a light on the instrument panel
cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 242for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer
on page 400for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride
®
feature, if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride
when trailering or with a loaded vehicle. See
Autoride
®on page 399.
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 end of the shift control stalk. While in the
DSC mode, grade braking is deactivated, allowing
the driver to select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 145for more information.
151
Page 152 of 608
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down
the parking brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime will activate and the warning light will
ash when the parking brake is applied and
the vehicle is moving at least 3 mph (5 km/h) for
at least three seconds.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down.Pull the bottom edge of the lever, located above
the parking brake pedal, with the parking
brake symbol, to release the parking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is
released, the brake system warning light will go off.
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.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any
hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 400.
152
Page 158 of 608

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
When on, an automatic dimming mirror
automatically dims to the proper level to minimize
glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror also includes a dual display in the
upper right corner of the mirror face. The compass
reading and the outside temperature will both
appear in the display at the same time.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located to the far
left, brie y to turn the compass/temperature
display on or off.
If the display reads CAL, you will need to calibrate
the compass. For more information on calibration,
see below.To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius do the
following:
1. Press and hold the on/off button for
approximately four seconds until either a
ashing F or C appears.
2. Press the button again to change the display
to the desired unit of measurement. After
approximately four seconds of inactivity,
the new unit will be locked in and the
compass/temperature display will return.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed
for an extended period of time, please consult your
dealer. Under certain circumstances, a delay in
updating the temperature is normal.
158
Page 159 of 608

Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on
automatically each time the ignition is started.
To operate the automatic dimming mirror, do the
following:
1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to
the left of the on/off button, is lit. If it’s not, press
and hold the on/off button for approximately
six seconds until the green light comes on,
indicating that the mirror is in automatic
dimming mode.
2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function
by pressing and holding the on/off button for
approximately six seconds, until the green
indicator light turns off.
Compass Variance
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 you live
outside of zone eight. Under certain circumstances,
as during a long distance cross-country trip, it will
be necessary to adjust for compass variance.Compass variance is the difference between earth’s
magnetic north and true geographic north. If not
adjusted to account for compass variance, your
compass could give false readings.
To adjust for compass variance do the following:
1. Find your current location and variance
zone number on the following zone map.
159