Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
See “MPH (km)” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-72for more information.
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running. The vehicle’s odometer works together
with the driver information center. The odometer can
be set for a Trip A and a Trip B. See “Trip Information”
underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-72for
more information.
If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed,
the new one will be set to the correct mileage total
of the old odometer.
Tachometer
This gage indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind the driver to fasten the safety
belt, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The driver safety belt light
comes on and stays on
for several seconds,
then ashes for
several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor
the light comes on.
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This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-64.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-18.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
air ow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of
the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identi es the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-122.
Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code V), use
regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, you
might notice an audible knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 4.6L V8 engine (VIN Code A), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
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Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM standards are all
you need for good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended
and could cause engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and lter. This is
based on engine revolutions and engine temperature,
and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.Notice:If your vehicle is an STS-V model, the
engine uses a special oil lter. The use of any
other engine oil lter could lead to lter failure and
result in severe engine damage. Damage caused
by use of the wrong engine oil lter would not
be covered by your new vehicle warranty.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message in the DIC
will come on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-79. Change the oil as soon as possible within the
next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system might
not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a
year. However, the engine oil and lter must be changed
at least once a year and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service people who
will perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
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