For some children, including children in child restraints,and for very small adults, the passenger sensingsystem may or may not turn off the right front passengerfrontal airbag, depending upon the person's seatingposture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle whohas outgrown child restraints should wear a safety beltproperly—whether or not there is an airbag forthat person.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Lighton page 4!30
for more information, including important safety
information.
If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child
Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed and the onindicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such asblankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters,or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directionsprovided by the child restraint manufacturer andrefer toSecuring a Child Restraint in the RightFront Seat Position on page 2!71.
5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restartingthe vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn thevehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicleseatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable,to make sure that the vehicle seatback is notpushing the child restraint into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child restraint is not trappedunder the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,adjust the head restraint. SeeHead Restraintsonp a g e 2!2.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may or may notturn off the airbag for a child in a child restraintdepending upon the child’s seating posture andbody build. It is better to secure the child restraintin a rear seat.
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If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right frontpassenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could bebecause that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
If this happens, use the following steps to allow thesystem to detect that person and enable the right frontpassenger frontal airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat,such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seatheaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centeredon the seat cushion, with legs comfortablyextended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain inthis position for two to three minutes after the onindicator is lit.
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Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on theseat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helpsthe passenger sensing system maintain the passengerairbag status. See“Safety Belts”and“Child Restraints”in the Index for additional information about theimportance of proper restraint use.
If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all theway, the child restraint locking feature will be engaged.This may unintentionally cause the passenger sensingsystem to turn the airbag off for some adult sizeoccupants. If this happens, let the belt go back all theway and start again.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket orcushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers,seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how wellthe passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or otheraftermarket equipment except when approved byGM for your specific vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment toYour Airbag-Equipped Vehicleon page 2!89for moreinformation about modifications that can affect how thesystem operates.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as abriefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or otherelectronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat.If this is not desired remove the object from the seat.
{WARNING:
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.
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different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarketseat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,installed under or on top of the seat fabric, couldalso interfere with the operation of the passengersensing system. This could either prevent properdeployment of the passenger airbag(s) or preventthe passenger sensing system from properly turningoff the passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger SensingSystem on page 2!84.
If you have any questions, call CustomerAssistance. The phone numbers and addresses forCustomer Assistance are in Step Two of theCustomer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 9!2.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, seeDifferent Size Tires and Wheelson page 7!75foradditional important information.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get myvehicle modified. How can I find out whether thiswill affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.The phone numbers and addresses for CustomerAssistance are in Step Two of the CustomerSatisfaction Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 9!2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manualhave information about the location of the airbagsensors, sensing and diagnostic module andairbag wiring.
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Section 3 Features and Controls
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Doors and Locks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . 3-11Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12Liftgate/Liftglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12Power Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Theft-Deterrent Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22Content Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . 3-24PASS-Key®III+ Electronic ImmobilizerOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31Active Fuel Management™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32Automatic Transmission Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
3-1
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier startingand better fuel economy during engine warm-up in coldweather conditions at or below!18°C (0°F). Vehicleswith an engine heater should be plugged in at leastfour hours before starting. An internal thermostat inthe plug-end of the cord may exist which will preventengine coolant heater operation at temperaturesabove!18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.The cord is secured to the Engine CompartmentFuse Block with a clip. Carefully remove the wiretie which secures the electrical cord. Do not cut theelectrical cord.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-voltAC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug andstore the cord as it was before to keep it away frommoving engine parts. If you do not, it could bedamaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged independs on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in thearea where you will be parking the vehicle for the bestadvice on this.
3-31
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid toremove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rearwindow defogger on or off. It automatically turns offafter it has been activated. The defogger can also beturned off by turning off the engine. Do not drive thevehicle until all the windows are clear.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object toclear the inside rear window. Do not adhereanything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.These actions may damage the rear defogger.Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Heated Mirrors :For vehicles with heated outsiderearview mirrors, the mirrors heat to help clear fog orfrost from the surface of the mirror when the rearwindow defog button is pressed. SeeOutside HeatedMirrors on page 3!45.
Heated or Cooled Seats :For vehicles with heated andcooled seats, seeHeated and Cooled Seatsonp a g e 2!5.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the sideof the instrument panel to direct the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Keep the hood and front air inlets free of ice, snow,or any other obstruction (such as leaves). Theheater and defroster will work far better, reducingthe chance of fogging the inside of the windows.
.When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, pressthe fan up button to the maximum fan level beforedriving. This helps clear the intake ducts of snowand moisture, and reduces the chance of foggingthe inside of the window.
.Keep the air path under the front seats clear ofobjects. This helps air to circulate throughout thevehicle.
.Adding outside equipment to the front of thevehicle, such as hood-air deflectors, may affect theperformance of the heating and air conditioningsystem. Check with your dealer/retailer beforeadding equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
4-25
Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol fuel(E85) pump available. The U.S. Department of Energyhas an alternative fuels website (www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html) that can help you findE85 fuel. Those stations that do have E85 should havea label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuel ifthe ethanol content is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM SpecificationD 5798. By definition, this means that fuel labeled E85will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%.Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meetASTM specifications can affect driveability and couldcause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuelmust be formulated properly for your climate accordingto ASTM specification D 5798. If you have troublestarting on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is notproperly formulated for your climate. If this happens,switching to gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tankcan improve starting. For good starting and heaterefficiency below 0°C (32°F), the fuel mix in the fuel tankshould contain no more than 70% ethanol. It is best notto alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85.If you do switch fuels, it is recommended that youadd as much fuel as possible—do not add less than11 L (three gallons) when refueling. You should drivethe vehicle immediately after refueling for at least11 km (seven miles) to allow the vehicle to adaptto the change in ethanol concentration.
E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so youwill need to refill the fuel tank more often when usingE85 than when you are using gasoline. SeeFilling theTank on page 7!11.
Notice:Some additives are not compatible withE85 fuel and can harm the vehicle's fuel system.Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused byadditives would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel thatcontains methanol. Do not use fuel containingmethanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuelsystem and also damage plastic and rubber parts.That damage would not be covered under thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside theUnited States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hardto find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel notrecommended in the previous text on fuel. Costlyrepairs caused by use of improper fuel would not becovered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club,or contact a major oil company that does business inthe country where you will be driving.
7-10