Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This
can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going
fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has
little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-59.
Turn off cruise control.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having it
serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires in ated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a safe
place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-13
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay
with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use theRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Open a window about two inches (5 cm) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-32.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
4-16
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road.
Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with
the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind
that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection
at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-29
Lights (cont.)
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-9
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-18
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-10
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-45
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-5
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-43
Manual Seats................................................... 1-4
Memory Seat and Mirrors.................................. 1-8
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-56
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror with Compass and
Temperature............................................1-12
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-37
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-37
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
Park Tilt.....................................................2-37
MP3 .............................................................3-88
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
8
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual.................................3-93
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-20
O
Odometer......................................................3-34
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-34
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-17
Pressure Light.............................................3-46
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-20
Older Children, Restraints................................1-35
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-46
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-50
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-30
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-36
Convex Mirror.............................................2-37
Heated Mirrors............................................2-37
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode....5-37
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-99
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-28
Shifting Out of............................................2-31
Park Aid........................................................2-38
Park Brake....................................................2-27
Park Tilt Mirrors..............................................2-37
Parking
Assist........................................................2-38
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-37
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-30
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-67
Passing.........................................................4-10
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-18
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-19
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Perimeter Lighting...........................................3-18
Phone
Bluetooth
®..................................................3-93
9
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.......................................5-101
Inadvertent Battery Saver.............................3-19
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-5
Retained Accessory.....................................2-22
Seat ............................................................ 1-5
Steering Fluid.............................................5-38
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column....... 3-7
Windows....................................................2-16
Privacy..........................................................7-17
Event Data Recorders..................................7-17
Navigation System.......................................7-18
OnStar .......................................................7-18
Radio Frequency Identi cation.......................7-18
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-35
Radio Frequency Identi cation (RFID), Privacy....7-18
Radio(s)........................................................3-78
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual...................................................3-93
Reception.................................................3-105
Setting the Clock.........................................3-76
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-104
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-10Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-57
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-34
Rearview Mirror with Compass and
Temperature...............................................1-12
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-24
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation . . . 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-8
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-84
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-83
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-57
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-13
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-75
Retained Accessory Power...............................2-22
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-18
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-14
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-33
10
S
Safety Belt Reminders.....................................3-35
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................5-95
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-18
Lap Belt.....................................................1-33
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-27
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-34
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-33
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-12
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seats
Center Seat................................................1-12
Heated and Cooled Seats.............................. 1-7
Heated Seats............................................... 1-6
Memory, Mirrors............................................ 1-8
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-5
Power Seats................................................. 1-5
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-9
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-54
Rear Seat Position......................................1-51
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-54
Security Light.................................................3-46
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modi cations......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5Service (cont.)
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Lamp......................................3-43
Publications Ordering Information...................7-16
Service, Scheduling Appointments.....................7-10
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-72
Setting the Clock............................................3-76
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-99
Shifting Into Park............................................2-28
Shifting Out of Park........................................2-31
Side Blind Zone Alert......................................2-40
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-91
Installing
....................................................5-84
Removing...................................................5-83
Storing.......................................................5-89
Speci cations, Capacities...............................5-109
Speedometer..................................................3-34
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light...............................3-41
Stabilitrak®System........................................... 4-6
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-8
Starting the Engine.........................................2-22
Steering.......................................................... 4-8
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.......................3-104
Steering Wheel, Heated..................................... 3-7
Steering Wheel, Power Tilt Wheel and
Telescopic Steering Column............................ 3-7
11