Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power steering system and
the engine stalls while driving, the power steering assist
system will continue to operate until you are able to stop
the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost because the
electric power steering system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should return
shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-42.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic power steering system
and power steering assist is lost because the engine
stops or the power steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered 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 tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no
room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes — but, unless the vehicle
has antilock brakes, not enough to lock the wheels.
5-8
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
•Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
•Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
•Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{WARNING:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
•Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
5-14
Safety Belts (cont.)
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................2-28
Reminders..................................................4-27
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................2-14
Use During Pregnancy.................................2-35
Safety Chains.................................................5-30
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government..................................8-15
General Motors...........................................8-15
U.S. Government.........................................8-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iv
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 7-3
Scheduling Appointments.................................8-10
Sealant Kit, Tire..............................................6-82
Seatback Latch..............................................2-10
Seats
60/40 Split Bench Seat.................................2-13
Easy Entry Seat..........................................2-11
Head Restraints............................................ 2-2
Heated Seats............................................... 2-6
Power Lift Seat...........................................2-12
Power Lumbar .............................................. 2-5
Power Seats................................................. 2-5
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 2-7
Seatback Latch...........................................2-10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................2-54
Right Front Seat Position..............................2-56
Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the
Vehicle.......................................................2-43Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint......2-43
Security
Light..........................................................4-37
Service........................................................... 6-4
Accessories and Modifications......................... 6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle..................................................... 6-6
Doing Your Own Work................................... 6-5
Engine Soon Lamp......................................4-34
Parts Identification Label.............................6-115
Publications Ordering Information...................8-15
Scheduling Appointments..............................8-10
Service Bulletins.............................................
8-15
Service Manuals.............................................8-15
Services Not Included in Roadside Assistance...... 8-9
Services Provided............................................. 8-8
Services Specific to Canadian Purchased
Vehicles....................................................... 8-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............2-72
Setting the Clock....................................1-15, 4-53
Setting the Tone (Bass/Midrange/Treble).............4-57
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-113
Shifting
Out of Park................................................3-31
Shifting Into Park............................................3-30
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Sedan Only)........2-31
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 4-4
Skidding........................................................5-10
14
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 4-4
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................5-32
2 (Second)/3 (Third) Gear Start Feature..............3-28
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................6-78
United States — Customer Assistance................. 8-6
Used Replacement Wheels..............................6-80
Using ABS....................................................... 5-5
Using Softkeys to Control a USB Storage Device
or iPod......................................................4-68
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack...........................4-62
Using the Radio to Control a USB Storage
Device or iPod............................................4-67
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to
Temporarily Seal and Inflate a Punctured Tire.....6-84
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured)..................................................6-87
Using the USB Port........................................4-63
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 5-3
Loading......................................................5-18
Remote Start................................................ 3-5
Running While Parked..................................3-33
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................8-16
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)............................................6-114
Service Parts Identification Label..................6-115
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................4-47
Vehicle Storage..............................................6-42
Ventilation Adjustment......................................4-24
Visors...........................................................3-16
Voice Pass-Thru.............................................4-80
Voice Recognition...........................................4-72
17