Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about
servicing the vehicle and the airbag
system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
{CAUTION
For up to 10 seconds after the
ignition is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still in ate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
in ates. Avoid yellow connectors.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is quali ed to do so.
Adding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add
to or change about the
vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working
properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that
change the vehicle’s frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,steering wheel, instrument panel,
roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish
trim, front sensors, side impact
sensors, rollover sensor module,
or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system
for the right front passenger
position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger
seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly
if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the
seat fabric, could also interfere
with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
1-60 Seats and Restraint System
ProCarManuals.com
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 1-55.
If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step
Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
on page 7-1.
If the vehicle has rollover
roof-rail airbags, seeDifferent
Size Tires and Wheels on
page 5-56for additional
important information.Q:Because I have a disability, I
have to get my vehicle
modi ed. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call
Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step
Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
on page 7-1.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and
the service manual have information
about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module and airbag wiring.
Restraint System
Check
Checking the Restraint
Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your
dealer/retailer to have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not
protect you in a crash. They can
rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new
one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. SeeSafety Belt
Reminders on page 3-32for more
information.
Seats and Restraint System 1-61
ProCarManuals.com
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:
If you have all-wheel drive,
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 4-26for the
trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
In order to shift out of P (Park),
the ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the
brake pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand,
see your dealer/retailer.
2-20 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
((LOCK/OFF):This position
locks the ignition and transmission.
The key can be removed in
LOCK/OFF.
The shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning
the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle
needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is
the position in which you can
operate the electrical accessories or
items plugged into the accessory
power outlets. This position unlocks
the ignition and steering wheel.
Use this position if the vehicle must
be pushed or towed.R(ON/RUN):This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning and
indicator lights. The switch stays in
this position when the engine is
running. The transmission is
also unlocked in this position.
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.
/(START):This is the position
that starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key.
The ignition switch will return to
ON/RUN for driving.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the windows and sunroof
will work up to 10 minutes or
until a door is opened.
The radio continues to work for
10 minutes or until the driver’s door
is opened.
For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and
turn the key to ON/RUN and
then back to LOCK/OFF.
All these features will work when
the key is in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY positions.
Features and Controls 2-21
ProCarManuals.com
Automatic Transmission
Operation
The automatic transmission has a
shift lever located on the console
between the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting 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 on page 2-28. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-26.
Make sure the shift lever is fully
in P (Park) before starting the
engine. The vehicle has an
automatic transmission shift lockcontrol system. You must fully apply
the regular brake rst and then
press the shift lever button before
shifting 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,
then 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 on page 2-29.
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.
2-24 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
To rock the vehicle back and forth
to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-17.
N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the 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, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.Notice:If the vehicle seems to
accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and you
continue to drive the vehicle that
way, you could damage the
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away. You can
drive in L (Low) when you are
driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h)
and D (Drive) for higher speeds
until then.
L (Low):This position gives you
access to gear ranges. This provides
more engine braking but lower fuel
economy than D (Drive). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud.
Features and Controls 2-25
ProCarManuals.com
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of
OnStar Hands-Free Calling that uses
minutes to access location-based
weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. Press the phone button
and give a few simple voice
commands to browse through the
various topics. See the OnStar
Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the
continental U.S.
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to
interact with OnStar Hands-Free
Calling. SeeAudio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 3-125for more
information.
On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and
transmit vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to
an OnStar Call Center when the
OnStar button is pressed, the
emergency button is pressed, or if
the airbags or AACN system deploy.
This information usually includes the
vehicle’s GPS location and, in the
event of a crash, additional
information regarding the crash that
the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the
direction from which the vehicle was
hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature
of OnStar Hands-Free Calling is
used, the vehicle also sends OnStar
the vehicle’s GPS location so they
can provide services where it is
located.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is ina place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity
and reception when the service is
needed, and technology that is
compatible with the OnStar service.
Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or
enclosed areas, or at all times.
Location information about
the vehicle is only available if the
GPS satellite signals are
unobstructed and available.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including adequate
battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are
other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar from
providing OnStar service at any
particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in a crash, hills,
tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
2-44 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel OverviewInstrument Panel Overview.....3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers.......3-5
Horn....................................3-5
Tilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever.................................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals...............................3-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer.............................3-7
Flash-to-Pass........................3-7
Windshield Wipers.................3-7
Windshield Washer................3-8
Rear Window Wiper/Washer. . . .3-9
Cruise Control......................3-9
Exterior Lamps....................3-11
Delayed Headlamps.............3-12
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)/Automatic
Headlamp System..............3-12
Fog Lamps.........................3-13Instrument Panel
Brightness.........................3-13
Courtesy Lamps..................3-13
Dome Lamps......................3-14
Dome Lamp Override...........3-14
Entry Lighting......................3-14
Delayed Entry Lighting.........3-14
Delayed Exit Lighting...........3-15
Parade Dimming..................3-15
Reading Lamps...................3-15
Electric Power
Management.....................3-15
Battery Run-Down
Protection.........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s). . . .3-17
Power Outlet 115 Volt
Alternating Current.............3-18
Climate ControlsClimate Control System........3-19
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System..................3-22
Outlet Adjustment................3-27
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System.................3-28
Rear Air Conditioning and
Heating System and
Electronic Climate
Controls............................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators...................3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster.......3-31
Speedometer and
Odometer.........................3-32
Tachometer........................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders..........3-32
Airbag Readiness Light.........3-33
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator...........................3-34
Charging System Light.........3-35
Voltmeter Gage...................3-35
Brake System Warning
Light................................3-36
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light...........3-37
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.....3-37
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light....................3-38
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage.............3-38
Tire Pressure Light..............3-39
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp..................3-39
Oil Pressure Light................3-42
Security Light......................3-43
Fog Lamp Light...................3-43
Instrument Panel 3-1
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