Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) display is
located on the instrument panel cluster, below the
speedometer. The DIC buttons are located on
the steering wheel. The DIC can display
information such as the trip odometer, fuel
economy, customization features and
warning/status messages.
3(Trip Information):Press this button to
display the odometer, trip odometers, timer, and
engine hours.
t(Fuel Information):Press this button to
display the current range, fuel used, average fuel
economy, and engine oil life.
4(Customization):Press this button to access
the vehicle settings menu and customize the
personal settings on your vehicle.
r(Select):Press this button to reset certain
DIC functions and set your customization settings.
Pressing any of the four DIC buttons or the trip
odometer reset stem will acknowledge some DIC
messages and clear them from the DIC display.
DIC Operation and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on
when the ignition is on. After a short delay, the DIC
will display the information that was last displayed
before the engine was turned off.
The DIC has different modes which can be
accessed by pressing the four DIC buttons located
on the steering wheel. These buttons are trip
information, fuel information, customization, and
select. The button functions are detailed in
the following pages.
222
DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the
driver that the status of the vehicle has changed
and that some action may be needed by the driver
to correct the condition. Multiple messages may
appear one after another.
Some messages may not require immediate
action. Press any of the DIC buttons on the
steering wheel or the trip odometer reset stem
located on the instrument panel cluster to
acknowledge that you received the messages and
to clear them from the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the
display because they are more urgent. These
messages require action before they can be
removed from the DIC display. Take any messages
that appear on the display seriously and remember
that clearing the messages will only make the
messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can
be displayed and some information about them.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING
This message displays if the battery is not
charging during operation. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible by your
dealer. SeeCharging System Light on page 209
andVoltmeter Gage on page 210for more
information. Press any of the DIC buttons, or the
trip stem, to acknowledge this message and
clear it from the DIC display.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
This message displays when the engine oil needs
to be changed. See “Engine Oil Life System”
underDIC Operation and Displays on page 222
andEngine Oil Life System on page 407for
information on how to reset the message. Also,
seeEngine Oil on page 404for more information.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds
until the next ignition cycle.
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Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 302. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio system, you can use it with less effort, as
well as take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, 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 stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
241
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.Notice:The chime signals related to safety
belts, parking brake, and other functions of
your vehicle operate through the radio/
entertainment system. If that equipment is
replaced or additional equipment is added to
your vehicle, the chimes may not work. Make
sure that replacement or additional equipment
is compatible with your vehicle before installing
it. SeeAccessories and Modifications on
page 392.
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 121for more information.
242
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
If your vehicle has this feature, some audio
controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.
They include the following:
g(OnStar®/Mute):Press this button to interact
with the OnStar system. See theOnStar®System
on page 144in this manual for more information.
PROG (Program):Press this button to play the
stations that are programmed on the radio preset
pushbuttons. The radio will go to the rst preset
station, play for a few seconds, then go to the next
preset station. Press this button again to stop
scanning. The radio will only scan preset stations
with a strong signal that are in the selected band.When a cassette tape is playing, press this button
to play the other side of the tape.
When a CD is playing in the CD changer, press this
button to go to the next available CD, if multiple
CDs are loaded.
QSOURCER:Press this button to switch
between FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1, or XM2
(if equipped), or a cassette tape or CD. The
cassette or CD must be loaded to play. Available
loaded sources are shown on the display as a
tape or a CD symbol.
QSEEKR:Press the up or the down arrow to
go to the next or to the previous radio station
and stay there. The radio will only seek stations
with a strong signal that are in the selected band.
When a cassette tape or CD is playing, press
the up or the down arrow to fast forward or
reverse.
QVOLR(Volume):Press the up or the down
arrow to increase or to decrease the volume.
296
Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 302
Defensive Driving...................................... 302
Drunken Driving........................................ 303
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 306
Braking...................................................... 306
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 307
Braking in Emergencies............................. 309
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 309
Locking Rear Axle..................................... 311
Steering.................................................... 312
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 314
Passing..................................................... 314
Loss of Control.......................................... 316
Off-Road Driving........................................ 317
Assist Steps.............................................. 338
Driving at Night......................................... 342
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 344
City Driving............................................... 347
Freeway Driving........................................ 348Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 349
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 350
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 351
Winter Driving........................................... 353
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.......................................... 357
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 358
Recovery Loops........................................ 358
First Aid Kit and Tool Kit........................... 360
Front Mounted Receiver............................ 360
Power Winch Platform............................... 361
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 362
Towing........................................................ 369
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 369
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 369
Selectable Extended Rear Ride Height...... 371
Electronically Controlled Air Suspension
System.................................................. 372
Towing a Trailer........................................ 374
Trailer Recommendations.......................... 388
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
301
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. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 309.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 392.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 211.
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.
306
Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or
always decrease stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have
time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly
slows or stops. Always leave enough room up
ahead to stop, even though you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice
some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only
if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system applies the brakes to limit wheel spin.
The Traction Control System may operate on dry
roads under some conditions. When this happens,
you may notice a reduction in acceleration or a
pumping sound. This is normal and doesn’t mean
there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of
these conditions include hard acceleration in a turn,
an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission or
driving on rough roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TCS
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 on page 183.
309