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Also see“Tow Haul Mode”underTowing a Traileronpage 6!42for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride®feature,if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride whentrailering or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride®onpage 6!42.
Grade Braking
The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated bypressing the button on the end of the shift control lever.While in Range Selection Mode , Grade Braking isdeactivated allowing the driver to select a desired rangeof gears.
Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Modeis selected and you are not in the Range SelectionMode. See“Tow/Haul Mode listed previously andAutomatic Transmission Operationon page 3!32formore information on the Range Selection Mode. GradeBraking assists in maintaining desired vehicle speedswhen driving on downhill grades by automaticallyimplementing a shift schedule that utilizes the engineand transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces wearon the braking system and increases control of thevehicle. Grade Braking monitors vehicle speed,acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage.
Using this information, it detects when the vehicle is ona downhill grade and the driver desires to slow thevehicle by pressing the brake.
Also seeTowing a Traileron page 6!42for moreinformation.
Cruise Grade Braking
Cruise Grade Braking assists when driving on adownhill grade. It maintains vehicle speed byautomatically implementing a shift schedule that usesthe engine and the transmission to slow the vehicle.Cruise Grade Braking operates while Cruise Control isengaged in Tow/Haul mode to assist in maintainingvehicle speed under loaded vehicle conditions.It utilizes vehicle acceleration and deviation fromdesired speed to determine the correct gear for theoperating condition. If vehicle speed is above thedesired speed the transmission will downshift to slowthe vehicle. If vehicle speed is near or below desiredspeed the trans will upshift, allowing vehicle speedto increase.
While in the Range Select Mode (RSM) mode, cruisegrade braking is not available.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 3!32.
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Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the regular brakepedal down, then pushing down the parking brakepedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light willcome on. SeeBrake System Warning Lightonpage 4!33.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on canoverheat the brake system and cause prematurewear or damage to brake system parts. Make surethat the parking brake is fully released and thebrake warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brakepedal down, then push down momentarily on theparking brake pedal until you feel the pedal release.Slowly pull your foot up off the park brake pedal. If theparking brake is not released when you begin to drive,the brake system warning light will flash and a chimewill sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 6!42.
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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 Traileron
page 6!42.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set theparking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position bypulling the shift lever toward you and moving it upas far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,the vehicle is in P (Park).
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 the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brakeis firmly set. After the shift lever is moved into P (Park),hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you canmove the shift lever away from P (Park) without firstpulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shiftlever was not fully locked into P (Park).
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Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift thetransmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of thevehicle can put too much force on the parking pawl inthe transmission. It might be difficult to pull the shiftlever out of P (Park). This is called torque lock. Toprevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shiftinto P (Park) properly before you leave the driver seat.To find out how, seeShifting Into Park on page 3!39.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out ofP (Park) before releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you might need to haveanother vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some ofthe pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission.Then you should be able to pull the shift lever outof P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lockrelease system. The shift lock release is designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift leveris in P (Park) with the shift lever button fullyreleased, and
.Prevent movement of the shift lever out ofP (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN orACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedalis applied.
The shift lock release is always functional exceptin the case of an uncharged or low voltage(less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a batterywith low voltage, try charging or jump starting thebattery. SeeJump Startingon page 7!44formore information.
To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press theshift lever all the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have thevehicle serviced soon.
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Parking Over Things That Burn
{WARNING:
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.
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 that
may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
.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-market
modifications 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.
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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, seeEngine Exhaust on page 3!41.
{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 and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will notmove. SeeShifting Into Park on page 3!39.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing aTrailer on page 6!42.
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Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move itfor a clearer view behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirrorto avoid glare from the headlamps behind you. Push thetab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
This vehicle may have an automatic dimming insiderearview mirror with OnStar®. It may also haveIntellibeam®. For more information on Intellibeam™, see“Intellibeam™Intelligent High!Beam Headlamp ControlSystem”underExterior Lampson page 4!11. For moreinformation on OnStar®, see the OnStar®owner's guide.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights frombehind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes onand the indicator light illuminates each time thevehicle is started.
O(On/Off):Press to turn the dimming feature on or off.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use asoft towel dampened with water.
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
Controls for the outsidepower foldaway mirrorsare located on the driverdoor armrest.
Mirror Adjustment
1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out to thedriving position.
2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to thefolded position.
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Resetting the Power Foldaway Mirrors
Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:
.The mirrors are accidentally obstructedwhile folding.
.They are accidentally manually folded/unfolded.
.The mirrors will not stay in the unfolded position.
.The mirrors vibrate at normal driving speeds.
Fold and unfold the mirrors one time using the mirrorcontrols to reset them to their normal position.A popping noise may be heard during the resetting ofthe power foldaway mirrors. This sound is normal aftera manual folding operation.
Automatic Dimming
Adjust the driver outside mirror for the glare of theheadlamps behind your vehicle. SeeAutomaticDimming Rearview Mirroron page 3!43for moreinformation.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle has a turn signal indicator on the mirror.An arrow on the mirror flashes in the direction of theturn or lane change.
Ground Illumination Lamps
The mirrors may also include ground illumination lampsin the base of the mirror. These lamps help to see thearea near the base of the front doors when it isdark out.
Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has the memory package, thepassenger and/or driver mirror tilts to a preselectedposition when the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This featurelets the driver view the curb when parallel parking. Themirror(s) return to the original position when the vehicleis shifted out of R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned offor to OFF/LOCK.
Turn this feature on or off through the Driver InformationCenter (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle Customizationonpage 4!57for more information.
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