Page 175 of 372

Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The passenger compartment air
filter removes most of the pollen
and dust from the air that enters
the vehicle. The filter will need
to be replaced periodically.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 10-2.
Using the climate control system
without an air filter installed is
not recommended. Water or other
debris could enter the system
and result in leaks or noises.
Always install a new filter when
removing the old filter.
Air Vents
Use the air outlets located in the
center and on the side of the
instrument panel to direct the
airflow. Use the thumbwheels
near the center air outlets to
direct airflow to the left or right.
Operation Tips
•In defog or defrost mode, warm
air flows from the some air
outlets. To improve side window
defogging or defrosting, direct
side air outlets towards the side
windows.
•Clear away any ice, snow, or
leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that
could block the flow of air into
the vehicle.
•Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of
the vehicle more effectively.
•Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding equipment to
the outside of the vehicle.
Climate Controls 7-3
Page 178 of 372

Driving Information
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
•When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
•Combine several trips into a
single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire’s sidewall
near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt, seeSafety Belts on
page 2-6.
{WARNING
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
In addition:
•Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.
•Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.
8-2 Driving and Operating
Page 219 of 372

When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
If the URPA system does not
activate due to a temporary
condition, the message PARK
ASSIST OFF displays on the DIC
and a red light comes on the rear
URPA display when the shift lever is
moved into R (Reverse). This can
occur under the following conditions:
•The ultrasonic sensors are not
clean. Keep the vehicle’s rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice and slush. For cleaning
instructions, seeExterior Care
on page 9-88.
•A trailer was attached to the
vehicle, or an object was hanging
out of the trunk during the last
drive cycle, making the red light
come on in the rear display.
Once the attached object is
removed, URPA will return
to normal operation.
•A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
•The vehicle’s bumper is
damaged. Take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer to repair the
system.
•Other conditions may affect
system performance, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck that is near the
vehicle.
If the system is still disabled, after
driving forward at least 25 km/h
(15 mph), take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel
is an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets
enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list
of marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found
at www.toptiergas.com.
Driving and Operating 8-43
Page 229 of 372

Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual’s Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system and brake system.
It is a good idea to inspect these
before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 9-24.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer.
•The weight of the trailer tongue.
•The total weight on your
vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
1,000 lbs (454 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It candepend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the tow
vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight
of additional optional equipment,
passengers and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from
the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our
trailering information or advice, or
you can write us at our Customer
Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices on page 12-3
for more information.
Driving and Operating 8-53
Page 236 of 372

Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{WARNING
You can be injured and the
vehicle could be damaged if you
try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
•Be sure you have sufficient
knowledge, experience, the
proper replacement parts, and
tools before attempting any
vehicle maintenance task.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
•Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily
confused. If the wrong
fasteners are used, parts
can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order
the proper service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering
Information on page 12-12.This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your
own service work, seeAirbag
System Check on page 2-34.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date
of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Records on
page 10-10.
9-4 Vehicle Care
Page 246 of 372

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer service department
and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
There is a special procedure
for checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer/
retailer service department.Contact your dealer/retailer for
additional information or the
procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a
service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information
on page 12-12.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance on page 10-2, and
be sure to use the fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-7.
9-14 Vehicle Care
Page 248 of 372

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6for the
location of the engine air
cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the first oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval.
See “Schedule Maintenance” in
Service and Maintenance for more
information. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new
filter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood on
page 9-5.
2. Locate the air filter housing
on the front of the driver
side of the engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6.
3.6 L V6 Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter Housing shown
(6.2 L V8 Engines similar)
9-16 Vehicle Care
Page 249 of 372

3. Loosen the clamp at the duct of
the air cleaner/filter housing.
4. Unlatch the retaining clips on the
air cleaner/filter housing.
5. Lift cover at retaining clip
location high enough to
clear retaining clips and pull
cover outward to remove cover
from the air cleaner/filter housing
hinges.
6. Pull straight up on cover, while
holding the cover remove the
air filter.
7. Inspect or replace the air filter.
SeeMaintenance Replacement
Parts on page 10-9.
8. Reverse steps 6 to 1 to install
cover.{WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you
or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. If it is not there and the
engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine
with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/ lter
is off, a back re can cause a
damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/ lter in place when
you are driving.
Cooling System
When it is safe to lift the hood:
A. Coolant Recovery Bottle
B. Electric Cooling Fans
C. Radiator Cap
(under engine cover)3.6 L V6 Engine
Vehicle Care 9-17