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162 Driving and Operating
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program 0313. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0175.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps. If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 183.
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166 Driving and Operating
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
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202 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
flow of traffic. If this occurs, take
your foot off the brake pedal and
then apply the brakes as needed.
FAB and IBA can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0134.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
occur with moving vehicles in the
side blind zone (or spot) areas.
When the vehicle is in a forward
gear, the left or right side mirror
display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind
zone. If the turn signal is activated
and a vehicle is also detected on
the same side, the display will flash
as an extra warning not to change
lanes. Since this system is part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA)
system, read the entire LCA section
before using this feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the Lane Change Alert
(LCA) system is a lane-changing aid
that assists drivers with avoiding
lane change crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind
zone (or spot) areas or with vehicles
rapidly approaching these areas
from behind. The LCA warning
display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror
and will flash if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to
vehicles outside of the system
detection zones, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. It may not
provide alerts when changing
lanes under all driving conditions.
Failure to use proper care when
changing lanes may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Before making a lane change,
always check mirrors, glance over
your shoulder, and use the turn
signals.
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
LCA Detection Zones
The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from
both sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m
(11 ft). The height of the zone is
approximately between 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground. The
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
warning area starts at approximately
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Driving and Operating 203
the middle of the vehicle and goes
back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers are also
warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 70 m (230 ft)
behind the vehicle.
How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the
side mirrors when the system
detects a moving vehicle in the next
lane over that is in the side blind
zone or rapidly approaching that
zone from behind. A lit LCA symbol
indicates it may be unsafe to
change lanes. Before making a lane
change, check the LCA display,
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror LCA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left
or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in
the next lane over in that blind zone
or rapidly approaching that zone.
If the turn signal is activated in the
same direction as a detected
vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems”
under
Vehicle Personalization 0134.
If LCA is disabled by the driver, the
LCA mirror displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The LCA system requires some
driving for the system to calibrate to
maximum performance. This
calibration may occur more quickly if
the vehicle is driving on a straight
highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails,
barriers).
LCA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly or
for a stopped vehicle. LCA may alert to objects attached to the vehicle,
such as a bicycle, or object
extending out to either side of the
vehicle. Attached objects may also
interfere with the detection of
vehicles. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
LCA may not always alert the driver
to vehicles in the next lane over,
especially in wet conditions or when
driving on sharp curves. The system
does not need to be serviced. The
system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and
other non-moving objects. This is
normal system operation; the
vehicle does not need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA
sensors in the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush, or in
heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0284.
If the DIC still displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning
both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer.
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208 Driving and Operating
The fuel cap is behind a hinged fuel
door on the passenger side of the
vehicle. To open the fuel door, push
and release the rearward center
edge of the door.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise
to remove. Reinstall the cap by
turning it clockwise until it clicks
after fueling.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0284.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0111.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
. Use approved fuel
containers.
. Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
. Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
(Continued)
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Vehicle Care 211
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 212
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 220
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 222
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 227
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Battery - North America . . . . . . 231
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 232
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 233
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 233
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 235
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 236
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Electrical System Overload . . . 238
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 238 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 245
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
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212 Vehicle Care
Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 277
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING: Most motor vehicles,
including this one, as well as many
of its service parts and fluids,
contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
See
Battery - North America 0231
and Jump Starting - North America
0 278.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
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218 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0222.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0218.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0218.
5. Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0221.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0230.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0224.
8. Battery (Under Cover). See Battery - North America 0231.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0239.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 228.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0220.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0
215 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.