
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do
not make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed
5,000 engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings are not yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer on page 296for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn it to four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is in all
the way. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If
you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 271.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to accelerate
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster,
and you continue to drive your vehicle that way,
you could damage the transaxle. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
LOW (L) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds
until then.THIRD (3):This position, available on the SE
model, is also used for normal driving. However,
it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D)
without using your brakes. Here are some times
you might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
LOW (L):This position, available on the SE model,
reduces vehicle speed more than THIRD (3)
without using your brakes. You can use LOW (L) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also
want to use your brakes off and on.
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Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
While sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust
the rearview mirror so you can see clearly behind
your vehicle. Grip it in the center to move it up or
down and side to side. The day/night control,
located at the bottom of the mirror, adjusts the
mirror to reduce headlamp glare from behind during
evening or dark conditions. Move the control to the
right for night conditions. Return it to the center for
daytime use.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®
Your vehicle may have a rearview mirror with the
OnStar®system.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system are at the
bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more
information on the OnStar
®system and how
to subscribe to OnStar®. Also, seeOnStar®
System on page 148for more information
about the services OnStar®provides.
Mirror Operation
The manual mirror operation works the same as
the manual mirror described previously, with
the exception that the mirror has OnStar
®.
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Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®and Compass
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming
rearview mirror with a compass and OnStar®
controls. For more information about OnStar®,
seeOnStar®System on page 148.
The automatic dimming feature turns on each time
the vehicle is started. To turn automatic dimming
off or on, press the left button below the mirror.
A green indicator light will be on when automatic
dimming is on.
There are also three OnStar
®buttons located at
the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more
information on the system and how to subscribe
to OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System on page 148for
more information about the service OnStar®
provides.
Compass Operation
Press the on/off button once to turn the compass
on or off.
When the ignition and the compass feature are
on, the compass will show two character boxes for
a few seconds. After a few seconds, the mirror
will display the current compass direction.
Compass Calibration
If after a few seconds the display does not show a
compass direction, (N for North for example), there
may be a strong magnetic eld interfering with the
compass. Such interference may be caused by a
magnetic antenna mount, note pad holder, or
similar object. If the letter C appears in the compass
window, the compass may need to be reset or
calibrated.
The mirror can be calibrated by driving the vehicle
in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the
display reads a direction.
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OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and
live advisors to provide you with a wide range of
safety, security, information, and convenience
services. If your airbags deploy, the system is
designed to make an automatic call to OnStar
®
Emergency where we can request emergency
services be sent to your location. If you
lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside assistance,
press the OnStar
®button and they can contact
Roadside Service for you.A complete OnStar
®Owner’s Guide and the Terms
and Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber Information packet located in your
vehicle. For more information, visit www.onstar.com
or www.onstar.ca, contact OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the
OnStar
®button to speak with an OnStar®advisor
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe
& Sound Plan is included for one year from the
date of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond
the rst year, or upgrade to the Directions &
Connections
®Plan to meet your needs. For more
information, press the OnStar®button to speak to
an advisor.
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