Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift leverlocated either on the steering column or on the consolebetween the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It isthe best position to use when you start the enginebecause the vehicle cannot move easily.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly 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 3-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-26.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) beforestarting the engine. The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock control system. You have to fullyapply the regular brakes before you can shift fromP (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. Ifyou cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on theshift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into P (Park)as you maintain brake application. Then move theshift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park onpage 3-32.
3-27
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle ismoving forward could damage the transmission.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicleis stopped.
Also use this gear to rock the vehicle back and forth toget out of snow, ice or sand without damaging thetransmission. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,Ice, or Snow on page 5-17for additional information.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does notconnect with the wheels. To restart when you arealready moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, useN (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly 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) withthe engine running at high speed may damagethe transmission. The repairs would not be coveredby the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine isnot running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. Itprovides the best fuel economy for the vehicle. If youneed more power for passing, and you are:
•Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear andhave more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditionscould result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss ofControl on page 5-10.
Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it ismoving slowly or not shifting gears as you increasespeed may damage the transmission. Have thevehicle serviced right away. You can drive in2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
3-28
D (Drive) can be used for towing. You may want to shiftthe transmission to 3 (Third) or, if necessary, to alower gear if the transmission shifts too often underheavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 5-26for more information.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normaldriving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more thanD (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is lessshifting between gears and when going down asteep hill.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed morethan 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can use2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed asyou go down steep mountain roads, but then youwould also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not shift into 2 (Second) unless you aregoing slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you candamage the engine and/or transmission.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed evenmore than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You canuse it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle ismoving forward, the transmission will not shift into firstgear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle inone place on a hill using only the acceleratorpedal may damage the transmission. The repair willnot be covered by the vehicle warranty. If youare stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on ahill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Performance Shifting
If the vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change indriving patterns. If you make an aggressive drivingmaneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically shiftsto the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicleperformance. The vehicle will automatically return tonormal operation when you return to normal drivingpatterns.
3-29
Shifting Into Park
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. 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, use the steps that follow. If
you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 5-26.
Steering Column Shift Lever
If the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use thisprocedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling theshift lever toward you and moving it up as far asit will go.
3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake onpage 3-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in yourhand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Console Shift Lever
If the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, usethis procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing thelever all the way toward the front of the vehicleand then to the left.
3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set theparking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in yourhand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
3-31
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
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 firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch fire. 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 your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parkingbrake is firmly set before you leave it. SeeParking Brakeon page 3-30for more information.
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts toomuch force on the parking pawl in the transmission.This happens when parking on a hill and shiftingthe transmission into P (Park) is not done properly andthen it is difficult to shift out of P (Park).
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and thenshift into P (Park). To find out how, see “ShiftingInto Park” in this section.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to bepushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parkingpawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This 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)
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN orACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal isapplied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of aan uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery withlow voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.SeeJump Starting on page 6-36.
3-32
Engine Exhaust
{WARNING:
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 thatmay block underbody airflow 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
modified, damaged or improperly repaired.
•There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-marketmodifications that are not completely sealed.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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 inan enclosed area such as a garage or a buildingthat has no fresh air ventilation.
3-34
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if youever have to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-34.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly 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 after you move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will notmove. SeeShifting Into Park on page 3-31.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing aTrailer on page 5-26.
3-35
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-52Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-52Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . .4-53Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . . . . .4-54StabiliTrak®Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-54Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-55Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . .4-55Engine Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-56Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-56Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-57Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-59Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-60Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-60Lights On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-60Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-60Highbeam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-61Fuel Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-61
Driver Information Center (DIC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-61DIC Operation and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-62DIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-67DIC Vehicle Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-80
Audio System(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-88Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-89Radio(s) (MP3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-92Using an MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-102XM Radio Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-107Navigation/Radio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-108Bluetooth®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-108Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-119Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-119Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-120Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-121XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . . . . . . . . . .4-121
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-2