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. Avoid
downshifting to brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
the 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 290for 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. A warning
tone will sound if you
open the driver’s door
when the key has not
been removed from
the ignition.
9(LOCK):This position locks your steering
column. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.
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Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s
door. Always remember to remove your key from
the ignition and take it with you. This will lock
your ignition and transaxle. Also, always remember
to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the
key in the ignition while your vehicle is parked.
You may not be able to start your vehicle after it
has been parked for an extended period of time.
Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start
in any other position -- this is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in the neutral position and
the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to
the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle will not
start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down. That
is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn
the ignition key to START. When the engine
starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will
go down as your engine gets warm. Do
not race the engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and transaxle gently
to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking for
a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
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Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like
other vehicles) look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply into
the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on
your right. Check your inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen
from the driver’s seat. It also makes things appear
farther away than they really are.
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 advisors who 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.
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OnStar®service is provided to you subject to the
OnStar®Terms and Conditions. You may cancel
your OnStar®service at any time by contacting
OnStar®as provided below. A complete OnStar®
Owners Guide and the OnStar®Terms and
Conditions are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber glove box literature. For more
information, visit onstar.com or onstar.ca, contact
OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or
TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press the OnStar®button
to speak with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Not all OnStar
®features are available on all
vehicles. To check if your vehicle is equipped to
provide the services described below, or for a
full description of OnStar
®services and system
limitations, see the OnStar®Owner’s Guide in
your glove box or visit onstar.com.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles with OnStar®, the Safe & Sound
Plan, or the Directions & Connections®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.For more information, press the OnStar
®button to
speak with an advisor. Some OnStar®services
(such as Remote Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Location Assistance) may not be available
until you register with OnStar
®.
Available Services with
Safe & Sound®Plan
Automatic Noti cation of Airbag Deployment
Advanced Automatic Crash Noti cation (AACN)
(If equipped)
Link to Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar®Vehicle Diagnostics
GM Goodwrench®On Demand Diagnostics
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling with
30 complimentary minutes
OnStar®Virtual Advisor (U.S. Only)
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Dome Lamp
The dome lamp switch has three positions.
*(Off):The lamp will not come on as long as
the switch is in this position.
1(Automatic):The lamp will come on when a
door is opened. SeeEntry Lighting on page 153.
+(On):The lamp will stay on as long as
the switch is in this position.
Entry Lighting
If the dome lamp is in the automatic position,
the lamps inside your vehicle will come on when
any door is opened. In addition, the lights will
come on when the remote keyless entry unlock
button is pressed. It will stay on for 20 seconds or
until a door is opened. After the door is opened
the lights will remain on and stay on for
20 seconds after the doors are closed, or until
you put the key in the ignition and turn the key
to RUN. The lights will then gradually dim until
it is no longer lit.
Map Lamps
The lamps are located on the headliner above the
rearview mirror. To turn the lamps on, press
the lens. Press the lens again to turn them off.
Footwell Lamps
Your vehicle may have two footwell lamps.
These lights are located under the driver and
passenger seats. The switches are located on
the instrument panel under the climate controls.
There are two different colors of light that can
be selected. Press the upper part of the button
for blue light and press the bottom part of
the button for amber light. Each light will
illuminate the front and rear area of the seat.
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Change Engine Oil Light
If this light comes on, it
means that service is
required for your vehicle.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 420and
Engine Oil on page 318for more information.
After having the oil changed you will need to
reset the light. SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 323for more information.
Security Light
Your vehicle has
a Passlock®
theft-deterrent
system.
With this system, the security light will ash as
you open the door if your ignition is off.This light will come on brie y when the vehicle is
turned on.
For more information, seePasslock
®on page 108.
Reduced Engine Power Light
This light will come on
brie y when you start
the engine.
This light, along with the service engine soon light
will be displayed when a noticeable reduction in
the vehicle’s performance may occur. Stop
the vehicle and turn off the ignition. Wait for
10 seconds and restart your vehicle. This may
correct the condition.
The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed
when the reduced engine power light is on
but acceleration and speed may be reduced.
The performance may be reduced until the next
time you drive your vehicle. If this light stays
on, see your retailer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair.
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Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Certi cation/Tire label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle speci c Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
With the driver’s door open, you will nd the
label attached below the door lock post (striker).
The tire and loading information label shows
the number of occupant seating positions (A),
and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in
kilograms and pounds.
Example Label
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