The ignition must be on for the
heated seat feature to work. The
seat will heat to the last setting if the
ignition has been turned off and then
turned back on.
For the heated seat feature to work
on the passenger seat the safety
belt must be fastened.
If the controls are located on the
center console, press the button to
turn the heated seat and seatback
on or off.
Each time the button is pressed, the
temperature settings change from
high, to low, to off. Indicator lights
on the button show the level of
heat selected: two for high, and
one for low.Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver’s seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to.
Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
{CAUTION
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.The seats have manual reclining
seatbacks. The lever used to
operate them is located on the
outboard side of the seats.
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the recline lever and move the
seatback to the desired position,
then release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
Seats and Restraint System 1-5
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
Lock the vehicle with the manual
door lock lever, the power door
lock switch, or the key, after
the doors are closed.
Unlock the doors by pressing the
unlock button on the RKE
transmitter or by contacting
OnStar. Unlocking a door any
other way activates the alarm.
Press unlock on the RKE
transmitter, start the vehicle with
the correct key, or have OnStar
unlock the doors to turn the alarm
off. The alarm does not stop if
a door is unlocked any other way.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lock the
doors with the RKE transmitter.
2. Unlock the door with the manual
door lock and open the door.
The pre-alarm should sound
followed by the full alarm about
10 seconds later.
3. Press the unlock button on the
RKE transmitter or start the
engine to turn the alarm off.
If the alarm does not sound but the
lights ash, check to see if the
horn works. The horn fuse could be
blown. To replace the fuse, see
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-91.
If the alarm does not sound or
the front turn signal lamps do not
ash, see your dealer/retailer
for service.
Passlock®(U.S. Only)
Passlock®is a passive
theft-deterrent system that enables
fuel if the vehicle is started with
a valid key. If an incorrect key
is used or the ignition lock cylinder
is tampered with, the fuel system
is disabled and the vehicle does
not start.
The security light turns off
approximately ve seconds after
the engine is started. SeeSecurity
Light on page 3-33.
If the engine stalls and the security
light ashes, wait about 10 minutes
until the light stops ashing
before trying to restart the engine.
Release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.
If the engine does not start after
three tries, the vehicle needs
service.
2-12 Features and Controls
5. After the engine has started, turn
the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key. Insert the key to
be programmed and turn it to
ON/RUN within ten seconds of
removing the previous key.
The security light turns off once
the key has been programmed.
6. Repeat the Steps 1 through 5
if additional keys are to be
programmed.
If the security light comes on and
stays on while driving, the engine
will restart if you turn it off. However,
the theft-deterrent system is not
working properly and must be
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
The vehicle is not protected by the
theft-deterrent system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Service
on page 7-6.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The 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 4-42for the
trailer towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine
speed and load can be gradually
increased.
Features and Controls 2-15
If you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position with the engine off,
the battery could be drained.
You may not be able to start the
vehicle if the battery is allowed
to drain for an extended period
of time.
(D) START:This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition
is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in
the ignition.Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 20 minutes after
the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Front Wipers
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features will work when
the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
these features continue working
for up to 20 minutes or until a door
is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart
the vehicle when it is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in
N (Neutral) and the parking brake
engaged. Hold the clutch pedal
down to the oor and start the
engine. The vehicle will not start
if the clutch pedal is not all the
way down.
Features and Controls 2-17
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 the engine
warms. 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.
The 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 after15 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 ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
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. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way
to the oor and holding it there
as you hold the key in START
for a maximum of 15 seconds.Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool. When the
engine starts, let go of the key
and accelerator. If the vehicle
starts brie y but then stops
again, repeat the procedure.
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.
Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics
in the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
2-18 Features and Controls
It features an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster.
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the
rear wheels. It is the best position
to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot
move easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on
page 2-29. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-42.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock controlsystem. You must fully apply the
regular brakes rst and then press
the shift lever button before you
can shift from P (Park) when
the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-30
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
2-20 Features and Controls
1 (First):This position reduces
vehicle speed even more than
2 (Second) without using the brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills,
or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the
vehicle is moving forward, the
transmission will not shift into rst
gear until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
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 the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping
on a hill, use the brakes to
hold the vehicle in place.
Hill Start Assist
H3 and H3T vehicles have a Hill
Start Assist feature, which may be
useful when stopped on a grade.
SeeBraking on page 4-3for
more information.
Manual Transmission
Operation
This is the shift pattern.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
operate as described below:
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal
and shift into 1 (First). Then slowly
let up on the clutch pedal as
you slowly press down on the
accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) when
you are going less than 20 mph
(30 km/h). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard toshift into 1 (First), put the shift lever
in Neutral and let up on the
clutch. Then press the clutch pedal
back down and shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second):Press the clutch pedal
as you let up on the accelerator
pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth):
Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and
5 (Fifth) the same way you do
for 2 (Second). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake
pedal. Just before the vehicle stops,
press the clutch pedal and the
brake pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral:Use this position when you
start or idle the engine.
2-22 Features and Controls
R (Reverse):To back up, stop the
vehicle. Press the clutch pedal
and shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let
up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal. If it is hard
to shift, let the shift lever return
to Neutral and release the clutch
pedal. Then press the clutch again
and shift into R (Reverse). Do not
attempt to shift into the fth gear
position prior to shifting into
R (Reverse). The transmission has
a lock out feature which prevents
a 5 (Fifth) gear to R (Reverse)
gear shift.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
Use R (Reverse), along with the
parking brake, for parking the
vehicle.Up-Shift Light
This light will show you when to
shift to the next higher gear for best
fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can
shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road and traffic conditions
permit. For the best fuel economy,
accelerate slowly and shift when the
light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal
for the light to go on and off if
you quickly change the position of
the accelerator. Ignore the shift light
when you downshift.
Disregard the shift light when the
transfer case is in four-wheel low.
For more information, seeUp-Shift
Light on page 3-27.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.
Hill Start Assist
H3 and H3T vehicles have a Hill
Start Assist feature, which may be
useful when stopped on a grade.
SeeBraking on page 4-3for
more information.
Features and Controls 2-23