Audio System(s)
Determine which radio the vehicle has and read thefollowing pages to become familiar with its features.
{WARNING:
Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to
you or others. Do not give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to many audio and nonaudio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off the road while driving,do the following while the vehicle is parked:
.Become familiar with the operation and controls ofthe audio system.
.Set up the tone, speaker adjustments, and presetradio stations.
For more information, seeDefensive Drivingonp a g e 6!2.
This vehicle's infotainment system may be equippedwith a noise reduction system which can workimproperly if the audio amplifier, engine calibrations,
exhaust system, microphones, radio, or speakers aremodified or replaced. This could result in morenoticeable engine noise at certain speeds.
Notice:Contact your dealer/retailer before addingany equipment.
Adding audio or communication equipment couldinterfere with the operation of the vehicle's engine,radio, or other systems, and could damage them.Follow federal rules covering mobile radio andtelephone equipment.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP).With RAP, the audio system can be played even afterthe ignition is turned off. SeeRetained AccessoryPower (RAP)on page 3!28for more information.
Bluetooth®
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system can use a Bluetoothcapable cell phone with a Hands Free Profile to makeand receive phone calls. The system can be used whilethe key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY position.The range of the Bluetooth system can be up to 9.1 m(30 ft). Not all phones support all functions, and not allphones are guaranteed to work with the in-vehicleBluetooth system. See www.gm.com/bluetooth for moreinformation on compatible phones.
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Navigation Audio System
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment tothe vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, makesure that it can be added by checking with yourdealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules coveringmobile radio and telephone units. If soundequipment can be added, it is very important todo it properly. Added sound equipment can interferewith the operation of the vehicle's engine, radio,or other systems, and even damage them. Thevehicle's systems can interfere with the operationof sound equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,parking brake, and other functions of the vehicleoperate through the navigation system. If thatequipment is replaced or additional equipment isadded to the vehicle, the chimes may not work.Make sure that replacement or additional equipmentis compatible with the vehicle before installing it.See“Accessories and Modifications”in the Index ofthe vehicle's owner manual.
Playing the Radio
O/n(Power/Volume):Press to turn the audiosystem on and off. Turn to increase or to decreasethe volume.
Press and hold for more than two seconds to turn offthe navigation system, the Rear Seat Entertainment(RSE) video screen, and Rear Seat Audio (RSA). If thevehicle has not been turned off, press this knob to turnRSE and RSA back on and to continue playback of thelast active source.
w(Tuning Knob):Turn to go to the next or previousfrequency or disc track or chapter. SeeCD Playeronpage 5!68orDVD Playeron page 5!75for moreinformation.
AUDIO :Press to display the audio screen. Press toswitch between AM, FM, or XM, if equipped, DISC,or AUX (Auxiliary), or touch the screen button. SeeCDPlayeron page 5!68,DVD Playeron page 5!75, andAuxiliary Deviceson page 5!85for more information.
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Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4!33.
Braking action involves perception time and reactiontime. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three!fourths of asecond. But that is only an average. It might be lesswith one driver and as long as two or three seconds ormore with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,drugs, and frustration. But even in three!fourths of asecond, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in anemergency, so keeping enough space between thevehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatlywith the surface of the road, whether it is pavement orgravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weightof the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive inspurts, heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking,rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake.The brakes might not have time to cool between hardstops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lotof heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic andallowing realistic following distances eliminates a lotof unnecessary braking. That means better brakingand longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is beingdriven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder topush down. If the engine stops, there will still be somepower brake assist but it will be used when the brake isapplied. Once the power assist is used up, it can takelonger to stop and the brake pedal will be harderto push.
Adding non!dealer/non!retailer accessories can affectvehicle performance. SeeAccessories andModifications on page 7!4.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), anadvanced electronic braking system that helps preventa braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins todrive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor orclicking noise might be heard while this test is going on.This is normal.
If there is a problem withABS, this warning lightstays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS)Warning Lightonpage 4!34.
Along with ABS, the vehicle has a Dynamic RearProportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,both the brake and ABS warning lights come onaccompanied by a 10!second chime. The lights andchime will come on each time the ignition is turned onuntil the problem is repaired. See your dealer/retailerfor service.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slamon the brakes and continue braking. Here is whathappens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, thecomputer will separately work the brakes at each frontwheel and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, asrequired, faster than any driver could. This can help thedriver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keepsreceiving updates on wheel speed and controls brakingpressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed toget a foot up to the brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle infront of you, there will not be enough time to apply thebrakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
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If the system fails to turn on or activate, the StabiliTraklight along with one of the following messages will bedisplayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC):TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE TRACTIONCONTROL, STABILITRAK OFF, SERVICESTABILITRAK. If these DIC messages appear, makesure the StabiliTrak system has not been turned offusing the StabiliTrak on/off button. Then turn thesteering wheel clockwise from the nine o'clock positionto the three o'clock position. If this clears themessage(s), the vehicle does not need servicing.If this does not clear the message(s), then turn thevehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back onagain to reset the system. If any of these messagesstill appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC), thevehicle should be taken in for service. For moreinformation on the DIC messages, seeDriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 4!41.
The StabiliTrak light willflash on the instrumentpanel cluster when thesystem is both onand activated.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working; thisis normal.
The traction controldisable button is locatedon the instrument panelbelow the climatecontrols.
The traction control part of StabiliTrak can be turnedoff by pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button ifboth systems (traction control and StabiliTrak) werepreviously on. To disable both traction control andStabiliTrak, press and hold the button for five seconds.
Traction control and StabiliTrak can be turned on bypressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button if notautomatically shut off for any other reason.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off,the StabiliTrak light and the appropriate TCS off orStabiliTrak off message will be displayed on the DIC towarn the driver. The vehicle will still have brake-tractioncontrol when traction control is off, but will not be ableto use the engine speed management system. See“Traction Control Operation”next for more information.
When the traction control system has been turned off,system noises may still be heard as a result of thebrake-traction control coming on.
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It is recommended to leave the system on for normaldriving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn thesystem off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice orsnow, and you want to“rock”the vehicle to attempt tofree it. It may also be necessary to turn off the systemwhen driving in extreme off-road conditions where highwheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck inSand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 6!30.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTraksystem. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducingengine power to the wheels (engine speedmanagement) and by applying brakes to each individualwheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automaticallywhen the vehicle is started. It will activate and theStabiliTrak light will flash if it senses that any of thewheels are spinning or beginning to lose tractionwhile driving. If traction control is turned off, only thebrake-traction control portion of traction control willwork. The engine speed management will be disabled.In this mode, engine power is not reduced automaticallyand the driven wheels can spin more freely. This cancause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spinexcessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brakewarning lights and any relevant DIC messages aredisplayed, the transfer case could be damaged.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin thewheel(s) excessively while these lights andmessages are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry orrough roads or under conditions such as heavyacceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshiftsof the transmission. When this happens, a reduction inacceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration maybe heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the systemactivates, the StabiliTrak light will flash and cruisecontrol will automatically disengage. Cruise control maybe reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruiseControl on page 4!8.
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if itdetermines that a problem exists with the system.If the problem does not clear itself after restarting thevehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
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Magnetic Ride Control™
The vehicle may have the MagneRide control system.MagneRide constantly checks speed, wheel position,lift/dive and steering of the vehicle. The damping forcefor each shock absorber and adjustment level is chosenfor the best ride and handling.
MagneRide also works with the tow/haul switch that,when engaged, will provide more firmness from theshock absorbers. This added control gives better rideand handling when carrying heavy loads or towinga trailer. SeeTow/Haul Modeon page 3!36formore information.
Road Sensing Suspension
The Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) feature providessuperior vehicle ride and handling under a variety ofpassenger and loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheelto body position, lift/dive and steering position of thevehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shockabsorber to independently adjust the damping level toprovide the optimum vehicle ride.
RSS also interacts with the tow/haul mode that, whenengaged, will provide additional control of the shockabsorbers. This additional control results in better rideand handling characteristics when the vehicle is loadedor towing a trailer. See“Tow/Haul Mode”underTowing aTrailer on page 6!42.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more tractionon snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like astandard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,this feature will allow the rear wheel with the mosttraction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If the vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent toall four wheels when extra traction is needed. This islike four-wheel drive, but there is no separate lever orswitch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fullyautomatic, and adjusts itself as needed for roadconditions.
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see“Four-WheelDrive”in the Two-mode Hybrid Supplement.
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Steering
Power Steering
If the vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see the Two!modeHybrid manual for more information.
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stopsor the system is not functioning, the vehicle can besteered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tiresand the road surface, the angle at which the curve isbanked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed isthe one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before enteringthe curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through thecurve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait toaccelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerategently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. Theseproblems can be avoided by braking—if you can stopin time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time becausethere is no room. That is the time for evasiveaction—steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencieslike these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBrakingonp a g e 6!4. It is better to remove as much speed aspossible from a collision. Then steer around theproblem, to the left or right depending on thespace available.
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