/(Remote Start):Press and release the lock button
and then press and hold the remote start button to
start the vehicle.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the turn signal lights ash.
If you cannot see the vehicle’s lights, press
and hold the remote start button for at least
four seconds. The vehicle’s doors will lock.
Pressing the remote start button again after the
vehicle has started will turn off the ignition.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine
is still running, to extend the engine running time
by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended
one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.If the vehicle is left running it will automatically
shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension
has been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The vehicle can be remote started two separate times
between driving sequences. The engine will run for
10 minutes after each remote start.
Or, you can extend the engine run time by another
10 minutes within the rst 10 minute remote start time
frame, and before the engine stops.
For example, if the lock button and then the remote
start buttons are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes, 10 minutes are
added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional ten minutes are considered a
second remote vehicle start.
2-9
Global Window Feature
The global window up and
express-down button is
located on the instrument
panel.
This feature allows all side windows and Midgate
®
window, if equipped, to be opened or closed at the
same time.
ª(Window Express-Down):Press the express-down
button to lower all side windows and Midgate window,
if equipped, without stopping. Express-down will operate
while the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY,
or while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-29.
Pressing the global express-down button also activates
the power Midgate latch release buttons, if equipped. See
“Lowering the Midgate” underMidgate
®on page 2-14.
The express-down feature can also be operated through
the Remote Keyless Access (RKE) transmitter. Press and
hold the unlock button on the transmitter until the
windows start to lower. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-5for more information.
y(Window Up):Press and hold the up button to
raise the four side windows and, if equipped, the Midgate
window. The up button operates while the ignition is in
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or while RAP is active.
2-21
The window auto-reversal function can be overridden in
the express override mode. To override, the window
must be operated manually by pressing and holding the
Midgate window switch or the global window button.
This must be done within two seconds after the Midgate
window has stopped at a partially open position.
The express override mode only works immediately
following a window auto-reversal. Window express
functions will not work while in this mode.
Midgate Window Error/Jog Mode
If the Midgate window has sensed conditions which may
lead to damage or malfunction of the window system,
the window will automatically go into Error/Jog mode.
In this mode, window express functions will not
work. The window can only be operated manually by
pressing the Midgate window switch or the global
window button. The window will move slightly and stop.
Press and hold the window switch or global window
button to continue to close the window a small amount
at a time.
To Exit Error/Jog Mode
1. Ensure normal Midgate window operating conditions
have begun.
2. Press and hold the Midgate window down switch
approximately one second to start window
express-down.
3. Release the window down switch and allow the
window to fully open.
Do not use any window switches once window
movement has started.
4. Press the Midgate window up switch and visually
con rm that the express-up has been completed.
Sun Visors
Swing the sun visor down to block glare. Swing the sun
visor to the side to cover the side window.
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors
Swing the sun visor down and lift the mirror cover to
turn the lamps on.
2-23
Remember, the theft-deterrent system will not activate if
you lock the doors with the vehicle’s key or use the
manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power
door lock switch with the door open, or with the
RKE transmitter. You should also remember that you
can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the
alarm has been set off.
Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door keyafterthe doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking a door any other way will set off the
alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, press unlock on the
RKE transmitter or place the key in the ignition and
turn it to START to turn it off. The alarm will not stop
if you try to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the RKE transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the
door with the manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the alarm.
While the alarm is set, the power door unlock switch is
not operational.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
headlamps ash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
seeInstrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-111and
Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-113.
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not
ash, the vehicle should be serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
2-25
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:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
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. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-55for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn the
ignition switch to four
different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. The key
can only be removed when the ignition is turned
to LOCK/OFF.
2-28
Starting the Engine
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:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
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
transmission 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.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts brie y
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up
and lubricates all moving parts.
2-30
Automatic Transmission Operation
Your vehicle has a Hydra-Matic®6L80 automatic
transmission, and has an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display
comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON/RUN position.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle
has a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of PARK (P). See Torque Lock
(Automatic Transmission) underShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-41for more information.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always set
your parking brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-41. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-55.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
2-32
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-39.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
at high speed when shifting your vehicle.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 about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear
and has more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding under
Loss of Control on page 4-12.
MANUAL MODE (M):This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If your vehicle has this feature, see Driver
Shift Control (DSC) later in this section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by your warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
2-33