Service and Appearance Care
.................. 305
Service
................................................. 308
Fuel
...................................................... 310
Checking Things Under the Hood
......... 316
Bulb Replacement
................................ 361
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
..................................... 369
Tires
..................................................... 370
Appearance Care
.................................. 404
Vehicle Identi cation
............................. 414Electrical System
.................................. 415
Capacities and Speci cations
................ 424
Maintenance Schedule
.............................. 427
Maintenance Schedule
.......................... 428
Customer Assistance Information
............. 449
Customer Assistance and
Information
........................................ 450
Reporting Safety Defects
...................... 466
Index
.......................................................... 471
2
3. Snap the front and back together tightly so
moisture will not get inside the transmitter.
4. Test the operation of the transmitter with the
vehicle.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature.
This feature allows you to start the engine from
outside the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s
heating or air conditioning systems and rear
window defogger. When the remote start system
is active and the vehicle has an automatic climate
control system, it will automatically regulate the
inside temperature. Normal operation of the system
will return after the ignition key is turned to ON.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use
of remote starters. For example, some laws may
require a person using remote start to have the
vehicle in view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote
starting of vehicles.Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate
starts per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of
engine running time.
The remote start feature needs to be reset after
your vehicle’s engine is started two times using
the transmitter’s remote start button. To reset the
remote start feature, insert the vehicle’s key into
the ignition switch and turn it to ON. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 122for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.
You can start your vehicle’s engine from
approximately 197 feet (60 m) away. However, the
range may be less while the vehicle is running,
and as a result you may need to be closer to your
vehicle to turn it off than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect
the performance of the transmitter, seeRemote
Keyless Entry System on page 100for additional
information.
105
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have this feature. In very cold
weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant
heater can provide easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the
coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum
of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At
temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have
an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord.
This will prevent operation of the engine coolant
heater when the temperature is at or above
0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
On the 2.4L L4 ECOTEC
®engine, the engine
coolant heater cord is located near the air
cleaner box on the passenger’s side of the
engine compartment. On the 3.5L, 3.6L and
3.9L V6 engines, the engine coolant heater
cord is located on the driver’s side around
the battery box. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 318for more information
on location.3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts. If you do
not, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant
heater plugged in? The answer depends
on the outside temperature, the kind
of oil you have, and some other things.
128
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.
131
Enhanced Traction System Warning
Light...................................................... 202
Enhanced Traction System Active Light..... 202
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light...................... 203
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light......................... 203
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage............ 203
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 204
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 207
Security Light............................................ 207
Cruise Control Light.................................. 208
Highbeam On Light................................... 208
Fuel Gage................................................. 208
Low Fuel Warning Light............................ 208
Driver Information Center (DIC).................. 209
DIC Operation and Displays...................... 209
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 212
DIC Vehicle Personalization....................... 216Audio System(s)......................................... 219
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS).............................. 220
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS).............................. 221
Radio with CD........................................... 221
Radio with Six-Disc CD............................. 231
XM Radio Messages................................. 246
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 248
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 248
Radio Reception........................................ 249
Care of Your CDs..................................... 250
Care of the CD Player.............................. 250
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................. 250
Backglass Antenna.................................... 250
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 251
Section 3 Instrument Panel
162
Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You
will know how fast you are going, how much fuel you have, and many other things you will need to drive
safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that
are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.
United States 2.4L and 3.6L Engine shown, Canada 3.5L and 3.9L Engine similar
193
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to
assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after awhile, your emission
controls may not work as well, your fuel
economy may not be as good, and your engine
may not run as smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that may not be covered by your
warranty.
Notice:Modi cations made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modi cations to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 308.
204
This light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running. If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A mis re condition has
been detected. A mis re increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as it is
possibleIf the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 313.
The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the
light off.
205