Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have this feature
which allows you to start the
engine from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This
button will be on the RKE transmitter
if you have remote start.
To enable and disable remote start,
see “Remote Start” underVehicle
Personalization on page 4-38.
During a remote start the climate
control system will turn on with
the fan speed, air delivery mode,
and temperature settings that
the system was set when the vehicle
was last turned off. If the fan is
set to O (off), the climate control
system will not turn on.Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view.
Check local regulations for any
requirements.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 1-3
for additional information.
Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Press
Qon the RKE transmitter.
2. Press and hold
/for about
two seconds. The turn signal
lamps will flash to confirm
the vehicle has been started.
The parking lamps will turn on
and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The vehicle’s
doors will be locked.3. The key must be inserted and
turned to ON/RUN before
driving.
The engine will shut off after
10 minutes unless a time
extension is done or the key is
inserted and turned to ON/RUN.
Extending Engine Run Time
For a 10 minute extension, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 while the engine
is still running. The remote start can
only be extended once.
When the remote start is extended,
the second 10 minutes will start
immediately.
For example, if the vehicle has been
running for five minutes, and
10 minutes are added, the engine
will run for a total of 15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or
remote start attempts are allowed
between ignition cycles.
Keys, Doors and Windows 1-5
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
The StabiliTrak system or the
Traction Control System (TCS)
indicator/warning light comes
on briefly while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If the system is working normally the
indicator light will then go off.
The indicator/warning light flashes
while the StabiliTrak or TCS system
is working to control the vehicle
on a low traction surface.
If the TCS indicator/warning light
comes on and stays on while
driving, the vehicle needs service.SeeCompetitive Driving Mode on
page 8-37,Traction Control System
(TCS) on page 8-34andStabiliTrak
System on page 8-36for more
information
Traction Control System
(TCS) OFF/StabiliTrak®
OFF Light
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If the Traction Control System (TCS)
is off, wheel spin is not limited.
If the StabiliTrak system is off, the
system does not assist in controlling
the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and
the StabiliTrak system and the
warning light turns off.For SS models, if this light is on,
the vehicle is in Competitive Mode.
A warning also appears in the
DIC for StabiliTrak Competitive
Mode. SeeRide Control System
Messages on page 4-34for
more information.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 8-34andStabiliTrak
System on page 8-36for more
information
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire pressure light,
this light comes on briefly when the
engine is started and provides
information about tire pressures and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
4-24 Instruments and Controls
Automatic Light Control Off
This message is displayed when the
automatic light control has been
turned off. SeeAutomatic Headlamp
System on page 5-3.
Left Front Turn Indicator
Failure
This message is displayed if the
turn signal bulb needs to be
replaced. SeeHeadlamps, Front
Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
(Base Vehicle) on page 9-37
orHeadlamps, Front Turn Signal
and Parking Lamps (Up-Level
Vehicle) on page 9-38and
Replacement Bulbs on page 9-41
for more information.
Left Rear Turn Indicator
Failure
This message is displayed if the
turn signal bulb needs to be
replaced. SeeTaillamps, Turn
Signal, and Stoplamps on page 9-40
andReplacement Bulbs on
page 9-41for more information.
Right Front Turn Indicator
Failure
This message is displayed if the
turn signal bulb needs to be
replaced. SeeHeadlamps, Front
Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
(Base Vehicle) on page 9-37
orHeadlamps, Front Turn Signal
and Parking Lamps (Up-Level
Vehicle) on page 9-38and
Replacement Bulbs on page 9-41
for more information.
Right Rear Turn Indicator
Failure
This message is displayed if the
turn signal bulb needs to be
replaced. SeeTaillamps, Turn
Signal, and Stoplamps on page 9-40
andReplacement Bulbs on
page 9-41for more information.
Turn Signal On
This message is displayed if the
turn signal has been left on.
Turn off the turn signal.
Object Detection System
Messages
Park Assist Off
This message is displayed when the
park assist has been turned off.
SeeUltrasonic Parking Assist
on page 8-41.
Service Park Assist
This message is displayed if there
is a problem with the park assist.
Take the vehicle to your dealer/
retailer for service.
Ride Control System
Messages
StabiliTrak Competitive Mode
(V8 Engine Only)
This message displays when
competitive mode is selected.
SeeCompetitive Driving Mode on
page 8-37for more information.
4-34 Instruments and Controls
Tire Messages
Check XXX Tire Pressure
This message displays if the vehicle
detects low pressure in one or
more tires. The tire with the
low pressure will be shown in the
message. Check the tire pressures.
Service Tire Monitor System
This message displays if there
is a problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 9-57for more information.
Tire Learning Active
This message displays when the
system is learning new tires. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 9-57for more information.
Tire Pressure System Reset
This message displays when
resetting the TPMS. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 9-57for more information.
Transmission Messages
1 – 4 Shift
This message displays when you
can only shift from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First)
to 2 (Second). SeeManual
Transmission on page 8-30for
more information.
Press Clutch To Start
This message displays when
attempting to start a vehicle with
a manual transmission without
pressing on the clutch pedal.
Service Transmission
This message displays if there is
a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer/retailer.
Shift Denied
This message displays when
attempting to use the automatic
transmission manual mode to
shift to too low of a gear.
SeeManual Mode on page 8-29
for more information.
Shift To Park
This message displays when the
transmission needs to be shifted
to park. This may appear when
attempting to remove the key from
the ignition if the vehicle is not
in P (Park).
Transmission Hot – Idle
Engine
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool.
This message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.
4-36 Instruments and Controls
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
Driving and
Operating
Driving InformationDriving for Better Fuel
Economy............................8-2
Defensive Driving..................8-2
Drunk Driving.......................8-3
Control of a Vehicle...............8-3
Braking................................8-4
Steering...............................8-5
Off-Road Recovery................8-6
Loss of Control.....................8-6
Competitive Driving................8-7
Driving on Wet Roads............8-8
Highway Hypnosis.................8-9
Hill and Mountain Roads........8-9
Winter Driving.....................8-10
If the Vehicle is Stuck..........8-11
Vehicle Load Limits..............8-12
Starting and OperatingNew Vehicle Break-In...........8-16
Ignition Positions.................8-17
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP).....................8-19
Starting the Engine..............8-19Engine Heater.....................8-20
Shifting Into Park.................8-21
Shifting Out of Park.............8-22
Parking..............................8-24
Parking Over Things
That Burn.........................8-24
Active Fuel Management™. . . .8-25
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust...................8-25
Running the Vehicle While
Parked.............................8-26
Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission........8-26
Manual Mode......................8-29
Manual TransmissionManual Transmission...........8-30
BrakesAntilock Brake
System (ABS)...................8-31
Parking Brake.....................8-32
Brake Assist.......................8-33
Ride Control SystemsTraction Control
System (TCS)...................8-34
StabiliTrak System...............8-36
Competitive
Driving Mode.....................8-37
Limited-Slip Rear Axle..........8-38
Cruise ControlCruise Control.....................8-38
Object Detection SystemsUltrasonic Parking Assist......8-41
FuelFuel...................................8-43
Recommended Fuel.............8-44
Gasoline Specifications.........8-44
California Fuel
Requirements....................8-45
Fuels in Foreign Countries.....8-45
Fuel Additives.....................8-45
Filling the Tank...................8-46
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container..........................8-48
TowingGeneral Towing Information. . . .8-48
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips......................8-49
Trailer Towing.....................8-53
Towing Equipment...............8-55
Conversions and Add-OnsAdd-On Electrical
Equipment........................8-55
Driving and Operating 8-1
Avoid downshifting to brake
or slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 RPM.
Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine in high
gear at low speeds. With a
manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
Do not participate in racing
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during this
break-in period.
Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may
be higher than normal during
the rst 2 414 km/1,500 miles.
To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid
hard cornering for the rst
322 km/200 miles. New tires do
not have maximum traction and
may tend to slip.
New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the rst
322 km/200 miles. This is
recommended every time
brake linings are replaced.
Should the vehicle be used for
racing or competitive driving
(after break-in), the rear axle
lubricant must be replaced
beforehand.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand,
see your dealer/retailer.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
Driving and Operating 8-17
Active Fuel
Management™
Vehicles with V8 engines and an
automatic transmission have Active
Fuel Management™. This system
allows the engine to operate on
either all or half of its cylinders,
depending on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such
as cruising at a constant vehicle
speed, the system will operate in
the half cylinder mode, allowing
the vehicle to achieve better fuel
economy. When greater power
demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing, or
merging onto a freeway, the system
will maintain full-cylinder operation.
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.
•The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
•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.
Driving and Operating 8-25