
Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever located on
the console between the seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-32.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply
your regular brake rst and then press the shift lever
button before you can shift from PARK (P) while
the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Press the shift lever button and
then move the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of PARK (P) on page 2-34later in this section. SE Model
GT and GXP Models
2-27

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.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-19.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your 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 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 transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-10.
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 transmission. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive in LOW (L) when
you are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and
DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
2-28

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)...........................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-17
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-17
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-23
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-27
Instrument Panel Cluster...............................
.3-28
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-29
Trip Odometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-30
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-30
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-31
Charging System Light..................................3-33
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-35
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-35
Traction Control System (TCS) Active Light......3-36
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light..........................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light..............................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-37
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-37
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-38
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-41
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-42
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-43
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-50Audio System(s).............................................3-52
Setting the Clock..........................................3-53
Radio(s)......................................................3-54
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-66
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-67
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-67
Radio Reception...........................................3-68
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-68
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-69
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-69
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-26.
B. Side Window Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-26.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Controls (If Equipped). SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10. Driver Information Control (DIC)
Buttons. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-43.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-28.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-67.
G. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
H. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
I. Center Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-26.
J. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-52.L. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped). See
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-25.
M. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
N. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-16.
O. Hood Release Handle. SeeHood Release on
page 5-12.
P. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
Q. Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-23orClimate Control
System on page 3-19.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-27.
S. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-18.
T. Traction Control System Button (If Equipped). See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
StabiliTrak
®(If Equipped). SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6.
U. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-31.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-44.
3-5