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Climate Controls 8-7
When this mode is selected, the
system turns the recirculation mode
off. Recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in floor mode. This is
to help prevent window fogging.
-(Defog):Clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some air directed
to the windshield and side window
outlets. In this mode, the system
turns the recirculation mode off and
runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside air is at or below
freezing. Recirculation mode cannot
be selected while in defog mode.
This helps prevent window fogging.
0(Defrost): Removes fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly.
Air is directed to the windshield and
the side window outlets. In this
mode, the system turns the
recirculation mode off automatically
and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside air is
at or below freezing. Recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in
defrost mode. This helps prevent
window fogging. For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
#(Air Conditioning):
Press to turn
the air conditioning system on or off.
An indicator light comes on to show
that the air conditioning is on. The
air conditioning can be selected in
any mode as long as the fan is on
and the outside temperature is
above freezing. A flashing indicator
light indicates that the air
conditioning compressor is currently
not available.
On hot days, use the automatic fan
and automatic air delivery mode
settings and the vehicle will reach
the desired temperature more
quickly. The desired fan and air
delivery mode settings can still be
adjusted manually. Open the
windows to let the hot inside air
escape, then close them. This helps
reduce the time it takes for the
vehicle to cool down and helps the
system to operate more efficiently. The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water might drip
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine.
;(Outside Air):
Press to turn the
outside air mode on. An indicator
light comes on to show that outside
air is on. Air from outside the vehicle
will circulate throughout the vehicle.
The outside air mode can be used
with all modes, but it cannot be
used with the recirculation mode.
Pressing this button will cancel the
recirculation mode.
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8-8 Climate Controls
@(Recirculation): Press to turn
on the recirculation mode. An
indicator light comes on to show
that recirculation is on. This mode
recirculates and helps to quickly
cool or heat the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering
the vehicle. Avoid using the
recirculation mode during high
periods of humidity and cool outside
temperatures since this may result
in increased window fogging.
If window fogging is experienced,
select the defrost mode.
Recirculation mode is not available
in floor, defog or defrost modes and
will shut off automatically and
change to outside air. If the button is
selected in any of these modes, the
indicator will flash. This helps
prevent window fogging and
moisture building up inside the
vehicle.Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.
The rear window defogger only
works when the ignition is in
ON/RUN.
< (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
it is activated.
The rear window defogger stays on
for approximately 10 minutes after
the button is pressed, unless the
ignition is turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
If turned on again, the defogger only
runs for approximately five minutes
before turning off. At higher vehicle
speeds, the defogger may stay on
continuously. The defogger can also
be turned off by turning off the
engine. For vehicles with the remote start
feature, the rear defogger will
automatically turn on when remote
start is activated.
Notice:
Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation
For vehicles with the remote start
feature and if it is activated, the
climate control system heats and
cools the inside of the vehicle using
the modes that were set before the
vehicle was turned off.
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Climate Controls 8-9
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air
outlets to adjust the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the vehicle that may
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Do not use any non-GM
approved hood deflectors that
could adversely affect the
performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
SeeScheduled Maintenance
on
page 11‑2for replacement
intervals. To find out what type of
filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11‑9. The passenger compartment air
filter can be accessed by removing
the entire glove box.
1. Remove the six screws from
around the glove box and detach
the three inner clips from the
glove box.
2. Lower the loosened glove boxhousing.
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8-10 Climate Controls
3. Unplug both wire cables andremove the glove box.4. Remove the air filter coverscrew.5. Remove the filter cover and pullout the old air filter.
6. Install the new air filter.
7. Reinstall the air filter cover. Reconnect the wire cabling and
re‐install the glove box.
See your dealer/retailer if additional
assistance is needed.
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Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . 9-18
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-19
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-22
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-27
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . 9-30
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Parking Over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-35
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
StabiliTrak System . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Object Detection Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-48
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-49
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-61
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9-2 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Whenever we drive, we are taking
on an important responsibility. This
is true for any motor
vehicle—passenger car, van, truck,
sport utility. Driver behavior, the
driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a
vehicle performs. But statistics show
that the most important factor, by
far, is how we drive.
Knowing how these three factors
work together can help you
understand how your vehicle
handles and what you can do to
avoid many types of crashes,
including a rollover crash.
The single most important thing is
this: everyone in the vehicle,
including the driver, should buckle
up. See Safety Belts
on page 3‑10.
In fact, most serious injuries and
fatalities to unbelted occupants can
be reduced or prevented by the use of safety belts. In a rollover crash,
an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person
wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden
or abrupt turns, and drunken or
aggressive driving can help make
trips safer and avoid the possibility
of a crash, especially a rollover
crash. This section provides many
useful tips to help you drive more
safely.
Driving Environment
You can also help avoid a rollover or
other type of crash by being
prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other
times where visibility or traction may
be limited, such as on curves,
slippery roads, or hilly terrain.
Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
To help you learn more about
driving in different conditions, this
section contains information about
city, freeway, and off-road driving,
as well as other hints for driving in
various weather conditions.
Vehicle Design
According to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, utility vehicles have
a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. Utility
vehicles do have higher ground
clearance and a narrower track or
shorter wheelbase than passenger
cars, to make them more capable
for off-road driving. Specific design
characteristics like these give the
driver a better view of the road, but
also give utility vehicles a higher
center of gravity than other types of
vehicles. This means that you
should not expect a utility vehicle to
handle the same way a vehicle with
a lower center of gravity, like a car,
would in similar situations.
But driver behavior factors are far
more often the cause of a utility
vehicle rollover than are
environmental or vehicle factors.
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Driving and Operating 9-3
Safe driver behavior and
understanding the environment in
which you will be driving can help
avoid a rollover crash in any type of
vehicle, including utility vehicles.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt, see Safety Belts
on
page 3‑10.
{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.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.
Drunk Driving
{WARNING
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking. Do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been
drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if
you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink. Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that
anyone needs to drive a vehicle:
judgment, muscular coordination,
vision, and attentiveness.
Police records show that almost
40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve
alcohol. In most cases, these
deaths are the result of someone
who was drinking and driving. In
recent years, more than
17,000 annual motor vehicle-related
deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about
250,000 people injured.
For persons under 21, it is against
the law in every U.S. state to drink
alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental
reasons for these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the
leading highway safety problem is
for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
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9-4 Driving and Operating
Medical research shows that alcohol
in a person's system can make
crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord,
or heart. This means that when
anyone who has been
drinking—driver or passenger —is
in a crash, that person's chance of
being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not
been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to
control the vehicle while
driving —brakes, steering, and
accelerator. At times, as when
driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide.
Meaning, you can lose control of the
vehicle. See Traction Control
System (TCS) on page 9‑40.
Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 10‑3.
Braking
See Brake System Warning Lighton page 5‑18.
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average reaction time is about
three‐fourths of a second. But that is
only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two
or three seconds or more with
another. Age, physical condition,
alertness, coordination, and
eyesight all play a part. So do
alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But
even in three‐fourths of a second, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h
(60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft). That
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough
space between the vehicle and
others is important. And, of course, actual stopping
distances vary greatly with the
surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of
the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the
brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force
applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
Some people drive in
spurts
—heavy acceleration
followed by heavy braking —rather
than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not
have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster with a lot of heavy
braking. Keeping pace with the
traffic and allowing realistic following
distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
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