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Driving and Operating 211
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park) unless the ignition is on, the
brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to P (Park)
automatically unless the vehicle is in
N (Neutral). See“Car Wash Mode” later in
this section.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park). To shift in and out of P (Park), see
Shifting
Into Park 0207 and
Shifting out of Park 0208.
SERVICE SHIFTER SEE OWNER’S MANUAL
Message
When this message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the shift lever
needs service. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park), check to
see if the P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle, hold
the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed
exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from D (Drive) to
R (Reverse) while the speed is too high, the
vehicle will shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the
vehicle speed and try the shift again.
Shifting into R (Reverse) requires the shift
lock release button to be pressed and held.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever. 3. From the center position, move the shift
lever forward, and then to the left. R will
illuminate in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0199.
N : 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.
{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
(Continued)
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212 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
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.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. From the center position, move the shift lever forward.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the
brake pedal and press the shift lock
release button while moving the shift
lever forward.
.N will illuminate in red. 2. After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If selecting R (Reverse), press and hold the shift lock
release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.
It may automatically shift into P (Park).
N (Neutral) is not intended for towing. If the
vehicle needs to be towed, see Towing the
Vehicle 0312.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral). 4. Turn off the engine and release the
brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, start the engine and
repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
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Driving and Operating 213
Car Wash Mode (Engine On–Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral), then release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry. D :
This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever back. If the vehicle is in P (Park)
press and hold the shift lock release
button, continue holding it, and move
the shift lever back. D will illuminate
in red.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” underLoss of Control 0194.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Manual
Mode, could damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary while using
Manual Mode.
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214 Driving and Operating
Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual
Mode, allows for the selection of the range
of gear positions. Use this mode when
driving downhill or towing a trailer to limit
the top gear and vehicle speed. The shift
position indicator within the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear.
To enter Electronic Range Select or
Manual Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate L (Low). The
L in the shift pattern will illuminate in
red, and the D will switch to white. 2. Tap the left steering wheel control to
reduce the highest gear available, or the
right control to increase the highest gear
available.
3. To exit, pull back on the shift lever a second time. The D in the shift pattern
will illuminate in red, and the L will
switch to white.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission
will shift to a preset lower gear range. For
this preset range, the highest gear available
will be displayed next to the L in the DIC.
All gears below that number are available to
use. For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown
next to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth)
gears are shifted automatically. To shift to 5
(Fifth) gear, tap the right steering wheel
control or shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) will prevent shifting to a lower gear
range if the engine speed is too high. If the
vehicle speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not
be completed. Slow the vehicle, then tap the
left steering wheel control to the desired
lower gear range.
Cruise control can be used while in ERS.
Tow/Haul Mode
This feature can assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load. To activate Tow/Haul
Mode, see Driver Mode Control 0218.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
AWD Mode.
Press the button to select All-Wheel
Drive (AWD).
The AWD Mode will stay selected until the
mode is changed. See Driver Mode Control
0 218.
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Driving and Operating 217
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 191.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow. TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC will
automatically turn on when cruise control
is set.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0199 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
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218 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays on, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster and the appropriate DIC
message displays. To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. The
appropriate DIC message displays.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0258.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add a
sportier feel, provide a more comfortable
ride, or assist in different weather conditions
or terrain. This system simultaneously
changes the software calibration of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
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Driving and Operating 243
Ais green if LKA is ready to assist. LKA
may assist by gently turning the steering
wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected
lane marking.
Ais amber when
assisting. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert by flashing
Aamber if the vehicle crosses a
detected lane marking. Additionally, there
may be three beeps, or the driver seat may
pulse three times, on the right or left,
depending on the lane departure direction.
Take Steering
The LKA system does not continuously steer
the vehicle. If LKA does not detect active
driver steering, an alert and chime may be
provided. Steer the vehicle to dismiss. LKA
may become temporarily unavailable after
repeated take steering alerts.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The system performance may be
affected by:
.Close vehicles ahead.
.Sudden lighting changes, such as when
driving through tunnels.
.Banked roads.
.Roads with poor lane markings, such as
two-lane roads.
A system unavailable message may display
if the camera is blocked. The LKA system
does not need service.
A camera blocked message may display if
the camera is blocked. Some driver
assistance systems may have reduced
performance or not work at all. An LKA or
LDW unavailable message may display if the
systems are temporarily unavailable. This
message could be due to a blocked camera.
The LKA system does not need service. Clean
the outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror.
LKA assistance and/or LDW alerts may occur
due to tar marks, shadows, cracks in the
road, temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road imperfections. This
is normal system operation; the vehicle does
not need service. Turn LKA off if these
conditions continue.Fuel
Top Tier Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline to keep the engine clean,
reduce engine deposits, and maintain
optimal vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
marketers and applicable countries.
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244 Driving and Operating
Recommended Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline meeting
ASTM specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87—(R+M)/2 —or higher.
Do not use gasoline with a posted octane
rating of less than 87, as this may cause
engine knock and will lower fuel economy.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.For vehicles that are not FlexFuel, fuel
labeled greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of methanol,
methylal, ferrocene, and aniline. These
fuels can corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system and
spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating of
less than the recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel economy and
performance, and may decrease the
life of the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels 0244.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your vehicle.
If your country does not have TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to the
vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at every oil
change or 15 000 km (9,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline will help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge 098.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
.Read and follow all the instructions on
the fuel pump island.
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