A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use
seat covers or other aftermarket
equipment except when approved
by GM for your speci c vehicle.
SeeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-57for more information
about modi cations that can affect
how the system operates.
{CAUTION
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
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.
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.
1-56 Seats and Restraint System
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Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
If this vehicle has the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) system,
it operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.This device complies with RSS-210
of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modi cations to
this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range, try this:Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle. Stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles
or objects may be blocking the
signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter
higher, and try again.
Check the transmitter’s battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer/retailer or a quali ed
technician for service.
Features and Controls 2-3
ProCarManuals.com
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the
REPLACE REMOTE KEY FOB
BATTERY message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See “REPLACE REMOTE KEY FOB
BATTERY” underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-49.
Notice:When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage
the transmitter.To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a
at, thin object inserted into the
notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not
use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing down. Replace with
a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Reassemble the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote
starting feature that starts the engine
from outside of the vehicle.
It may also start the vehicle’s
heating or air conditioning systems
and rear window defogger. Normal
operation of the climate control
system returns after the key is
turned to the ON/RUN position.
The climate control system turns
on at the setting the vehicle was
set to when the vehicle was
last turned off.
Laws in some communities may
restrict the use of remote starters.
For example, some laws may require
a person using the remote start to
have the vehicle in view when doing
so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of
vehicles.
If the vehicle is low on fuel, only one
10 minute remote start is allowed to
help avoid running out of fuel.
Features and Controls 2-5
ProCarManuals.com
Liftgate
{CAUTION
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or
with any objects that pass through
the seal between the body and
the trunk/hatch or liftgate.
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:
Close all of the windows.
Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-28.
To lock or unlock the liftgate, press
the button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter twice
or the power door lock switch.
To open the liftgate, press
the touchpad on the underside of
the liftgate handle and pull up.
To close the liftgate, pull down using
the handle and close until it latches.Liftgate Operation with Loss of
Power
To open the liftgate if the vehicle’s
battery is disconnected or the
voltage is low, access the release
lever. Remove the interior trim cover
on the inside of the liftgate. Use a
tool to push the lever on the latch
until the liftgate releases.
Features and Controls 2-9
ProCarManuals.com
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the regular brake pedal.
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.LOCK/OFF:This position locks the
ignition. It also locks the steering
wheel and the transmission. The key
can only 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, 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.
Use this position if the vehicle must
be pushed or towed.ON/RUN:This position can be used
to operate the electrical accessories
and to display some instrument
panel cluster 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
positions 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 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.
2-16 Features and Controls
ProCarManuals.com
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to the LOCK
position:
Outside Mirror
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Radio
The outside mirror, power windows
and sunroof will function until a
door is opened.
The radio will function until the
driver door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle 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.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition to START.
When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow
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 beginscranking, 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, cranking will
be stopped after 15 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
the ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF position.
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.
Features and Controls 2-17
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 5-31for 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 2-27
ProCarManuals.com
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 in a 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 areother 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.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar buttons
is red, the system may not be
functioning properly. Press the
OnStar button and request a vehicle
diagnostic. If the light appears clear
(no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.
Press the OnStar button to con rm
that the OnStar equipment is active.
2-36 Features and Controls
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