
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 5-16.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the
vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also,
use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
•Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have more
power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 5-9.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal driving.
However it reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive)
without using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third)
instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads,
when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between
gears and when going down a steep hill.
You should use 3 (Third) (or a lower gear as needed)
when towing a trailer to minimize heat build-up and
extend the life of the transmission.
3-32

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal,
then push down the parking brake pedal.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above
the parking brake pedal, with the parking brake symbol,
to release the parking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-26.
3-35

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 Trailer on
page 5-26.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-35
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the
shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as
it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave 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 brake is
firmly set before you leave it. After you move the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without first pulling it toward you. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
3-36

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.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
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.
•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.
3-38

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever 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, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-38.
{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 not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 3-36.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 5-26.
3-39

Outside Power Mirrors
Vehicles with outside
power mirrors have
controls located on the
driver side door.
Select each mirror by turning the knob clockwise for
the passenger side mirror or counterclockwise for
the driver side mirror. The center position is neutral.
Then, adjust the mirror angle by moving the knob in the
desired direction. The auxiliary convex mirrors can
only be adjusted manually.
Outside Convex Mirror
{WARNING:
A convex mirror can make things, like other
vehicles, look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
3-41

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt Wheel.....................................................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-6
Exterior Lamps...............................................4-9
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-11
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-11
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-12
Dome Lamps ...............................................4-12
Dome Lamp Override....................................4-13
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................4-13
Reading Lamps............................................4-13Electric Power Management...........................4-13
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-14
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-14
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................4-15
Climate Controls............................................4-15
Climate Control System.................................4-15
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-17
Rear Heating System....................................4-18
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System.......4-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-20
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-21
Speedometer and Odometer...........................4-22
Trip Odometer..............................................4-22
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-23
Airbag Readiness Light
..................................4-23
Airbag Off Light............................................4-24
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-26
Charging System Light..................................4-27
Voltmeter Gage............................................4-27
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

Brake System Warning Light..........................4-28
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-29
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................4-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-30
Tire Pressure Light.......................................4-30
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................4-31
Oil Pressure Gage........................................4-34
Oil Pressure Light.........................................4-35
Security Light...............................................4-35
Cruise Control Light......................................4-36
Highbeam On Light.......................................4-36
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................4-36
Fuel Gage...................................................4-36Driver Information Center (DIC).......................4-37
DIC Operation and Displays...........................4-38
DIC Compass..............................................4-43
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................4-44
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................4-52
Audio System(s).............................................4-59
Setting the Clock..........................................4-60
Radio(s)......................................................4-62
Using an MP3..............................................4-72
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................4-76
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................4-77
Radio Reception...........................................4-77
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................4-78
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-2