Automatic Transmission
Operation
The shift lever is located on the
console between the seats.
There are several different positions
for the automatic transmission.
P (Park):This position locks the
front 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 on page 2-23. 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 lock control
system. You have to fully apply the
regular brakes rst and then pressthe shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition
key is in 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. SeeShifting
Out of Park on page 2-25.
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.
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.
2-20 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with
you. If you can leave the vehicle
with the key, the vehicle is in
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it
could overheat and even catch
re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine running.If you have to leave the vehicle
with the engine running, be sure
the vehicle is in P (Park) and
the parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park),
hold the regular brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move
the shift lever away from P (Park)
without rst pressing the button
on the console shift lever. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the transmission.You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is
called “torque lock.” To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park) properly
before you leave the driver seat. To
nd out how, seeShifting Into Park
on page 2-23.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle
push yours a little uphill to take
some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
2-24 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift
lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless
the ignition is in ON/RUN and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less
than 9 volt) battery.If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-28for more information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult
your dealer/retailer or a professional
towing service.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or
other things that can burn.
Features and Controls 2-25
ProCarManuals.com
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
air ow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
The vehicle’s exhaust system
has been modi ed, damaged
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or after-market
modi cations that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running. But if you ever have
to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION
Exiting the vehicle, without rst
shifting into P (Park), may cause
the vehicle to move, and you or
others can be seriously injured.
Because the vehicle has the
Automatic Engine Start/Stop
feature, the vehicle’s engine might
seem to be shut off when you
come to a complete stop.
However, once the brake pedal is
released, the vehicle can move.
The vehicle’s engine can also
restart at any time.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF, before
exiting the vehicle.
2-26 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative
technologies and live advisors to
provide a wide range of safety,
security, information, and
convenience services. If the airbags
deploy, the system is designed to
make an automatic call to OnStar
Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent
to your location. If the keys are
locked in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR to have a signal
sent to unlock the doors. OnStar
Hands-Free Calling, including 30 trial
minutes good for 60 days, is
available on most vehicles. OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation service,
with one trial route, is available on
most vehicles. Press the OnStar
button to have an OnStar advisor
contact Roadside Service.OnStar service is provided subject
to the OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Subscriber
glove box literature.
Some services such as Remote
Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Location Assistance may not be
available until the owner of the
vehicle registers with OnStar. After
the rst prepaid year, contact
OnStar to select a monthly or annual
subscription payment plan. If a
payment plan is not selected, the
OnStar system and all services,
including airbag noti cation
and emergency services, may be
deactivated and no longer available.
For more information visit
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada), or press
the OnStar button to speak with
an advisor.Not all OnStar services are available
on all vehicles. To check if this
vehicle is able to provide the
services described below, or for a
full description of OnStar services
and system limitations, see the
OnStar Owner’s Guide in the glove
box or visit www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada),
contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) or TTY
1-877-248-2080, or press the
OnStar button to speak with an
OnStar advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
OnStar Services Available
with the Safe & Sound Plan
Automatic Noti cation of
Airbag Deployment
Advanced Automatic Crash
Noti cation (AACN) (If equipped)
Link to Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location
Assistance
Features and Controls 2-29
ProCarManuals.com
Remote Door Unlock/
Vehicle Alert
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic Email
GM Goodwrench On Demand
Diagnostics
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
with 30 trial minutes
OnStar Virtual Advisor
(U.S. Only)
OnStar Services Included with
Directions & Connections Plan
All Safe and Sound Plan Services
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
(If equipped) or Driving
Directions - Advisor delivered
RideAssist
Information and Convenience
Services
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows
eligible OnStar subscribers to
make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling
is fully integrated into the vehicle,
and can be used with OnStar
Pre-Paid Minute Packages. Most
vehicles include 30 trial minutes
good for 60 days. Hands-Free
Calling can also be linked to a
Verizon Wireless service plan in
the U.S. or a Bell Mobility service
plan in Canada, depending on
eligibility. To nd out more, refer to
the OnStar Owner’s Guide in
the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca,
or speak with an OnStar advisor
by pressing the OnStar button
or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Turn-by-Turn
Navigation
Vehicles with the OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation system
can provide voice-guided driving
directions. Press the OnStar button
to have an OnStar advisor locate a
business or address and download
driving directions to the vehicle.
Voice-guided directions to the
desired destination will play through
the audio system speakers. See the
OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
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.
2-30 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
Cargo Tie Downs
Four cargo tie-downs are located in
the rear compartment of the
vehicle. The tie-downs can be used
to secure small loads.
Cargo Management
System
If the vehicle has a cargo
management system in the rear of
the vehicle, it will have rails with
adapters and hooks. These are used
to hold the net and mesh pocket.The adapters are used to hold the
net. Slide the adapters to the
desired location on the upper and
lower rail and turn the handle
up to lock it in place. Compress the
rods of the net and insert them
into the corresponding openings of
the adapter. The longer rod is
for the upper adapter.The hooks hold the mesh pocket.
To insert a hook on the rail,
place the hook in the upper groove
of the rail and press it into the
lower groove.
Features and Controls 2-39
ProCarManuals.com
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers. . .3-5
Horn...................................3-5
Tilt 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
Rainsense™ II Wipers........3-8
Windshield Washer.............3-8
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer.............................3-9
Cruise Control....................3-9
Exterior Lamps..................3-12
Wiper Activated
Headlamps......................3-12
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)..................3-13
Automatic Headlamp
System............................3-13
Instrument Panel
Brightness.......................3-14
Dome Lamp......................3-14
Entry Lighting....................3-14
Reading Lamps.................3-14
Electric Power
Management...................3-14
Battery Run-Down
Protection........................3-15
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)..........................3-16
Climate ControlsAutomatic Climate
Control System................3-17
Outlet Adjustment.............3-22
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster. . .3-23
Speedometer and
Odometer........................3-24
Trip Odometer..................3-24
Tachometer.......................3-24
Safety Belt Reminders......3-24
Airbag Readiness Light.....3-25
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................3-26
Charging System Light......3-27
Brake System Warning
Light................................3-27
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......3-28
StabiliTrak®/Traction
Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
..................3-28
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
................................3-29
Instrument Panel 3-1
ProCarManuals.com