
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.
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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.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.
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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.
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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.
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Another feature of this system is the Traction
Control 2 (TC2) mode. TC2 should be selected for
improved traction and system performance
when the vehicle is on loose surfaces such as
deep sand or mud.
To enter this mode,
press the TC2 button
located on the
instrument panel to the
right of the steering
wheel.
TC2 only operates in the following transfer case
modes:
Four-Wheel-High Lock
Four-Wheel-Low Lock
Four-Wheel-Low Lock and Rear Axle Lock
SeeLocking Rear Axle on page 311for more
information on the rear axle lock.It will not operate in Four-Wheel-High. If the
TC2 button is pressed while in Four-Wheel High,
the light will ash for about 15 seconds and
then go out. The light should also come on brie y
when you turn the ignition key to RUN; if it
doesn’t see your dealer for service.
If you restart your engine, the system reverts to
the standard TCS mode.
The traction off light will
come on when a
Traction Control System
or Anti-Lock Brake
System problem has
been detected and the
vehicle needs service.
SeeTraction Off Light on page 212.
When the traction off light is on, adjust your
driving accordingly.
The traction control system, as delivered from the
factory, will automatically come on whenever
you start your vehicle.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 392for more information.
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Locking Rear Axle
The locking rear axle can give your vehicle
additional traction from the rear wheels when
traveling in off-road situations such as mud, snow,
sand, steep hills and uneven terrain.
The button used to turn
this feature on or off is
located above the
transfer case buttons
to the right of the
steering wheel.
To lock the rear axle, do the following:
1. Place the transfer case in the Four-Wheel-Low
Lock mode. This is the only mode which will
allow the rear axle to lock. SeeFull-Time
Four-Wheel Drive on page 128for more
information regarding the transfer case and
Four-Wheel-Low-Lock mode.
2. Press the button with the vehicle stopped or
moving less than 2 mph (3 km/h).You must wait for the light in the button to stop
ashing and remain illuminated before the
rear axle is locked.
Notice:If you try to lock the rear axle while
your vehicle is stuck and the tires are spinning,
you could damage your vehicle’s drivetrain.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Always lock the rear axle before
attempting situations and/or navigating terrain
which could possibly cause the vehicle to
become stuck.
The locking rear axle will be disengaged when the
vehicle’s speed is greater than 20 mph (32 km/h), if
the vehicle’s battery is low and/or the transfer case
is shifted out of Four-Wheel-Low-Lock mode.
Notice:If you lock the rear axle while driving
on pavement, you could damage your
vehicle’s drivetrain. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not use the
locking rear axle on pavement. If you need
four-wheel drive when traveling on pavement,
use only 4HI.
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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.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on
the condition of your tires and the road surface,
the angle at which the curve is banked, and your
speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road.
Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 309.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease
up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the
way you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you
should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted
speeds are based on good weather and road
conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will
want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while
your front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive”
through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of
the curve, and then accelerate gently into
the straightaway.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modi cations on page 392.
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