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206 Driving and Operating
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set theparking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 212.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the shift lever
and pushing the shift lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is 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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. 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). SeeShifting
Into Park 0206. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0244.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you leave it. After you have moved 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
pressing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may
need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle
to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to prevent movement of
the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on or in Service Mode and the
regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting
- North America 0309.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Turn the ignition on.
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Driving and Operating 209
Caution
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 the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 197.
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
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.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away. If the vehicle is stopped on a hill, with your
foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle may
roll. This is normal and is due to the torque
converter designed to improve fuel economy
and performance. Use the brake to hold the
vehicle on a hill. Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
L :
This position gives you access to gear
ranges. This provides more engine braking
but lower fuel economy than D (Drive). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. See Manual Mode0209.
Operating Modes : The transmission may
operate in a lower gear than normal to
improve vehicle performance. The engine
speed may be higher and there may be an
increase in noise during the following
conditions:
.When climbing a grade
.When driving downhill
.When driving in hot temperatures, or at
high altitude
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the top-gear
limit of the transmission and the vehicle's
speed while driving downhill or towing a
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216 Driving and Operating
Rotate the Driver Mode Control knob to
make a mode selection. The icons on the
knob will illuminate to indicate which mode
is active. A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message will indicate that the mode is on
when switching to different modes.
5(AWD Only) orq(FWD Only) :
Vehicle is in either Front-Wheel Drive for
non AWD vehicles, or Two-Wheel Drive for
AWD vehicles. This mode will remain active
through future ignition cycles. This setting
either puts the vehicle in Two-Wheel Drive
(AWD vehicles) or is the normal drive mode
(FWD vehicles). Use this mode for normal
driving conditions. This is the most fuel
efficient drive mode. See Driving for Better
Fuel Economy 0189.
4(AWD Only) : Vehicle is in AWD Mode.
This mode will remain active through future
ignition cycles. AWD Mode provides drive
torque to all four wheels. Use this mode for
driving conditions that require improved
traction such as gravel, sand, wet pavement,
snow, and ice. AWD may turn off and
display a message on the DIC in instances of
extensive use or overheating. When in AWD Mode, the AWD Mode
indicator will be on. For more information
on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive0211.
6(FWD Only) : Vehicle is in Snow Mode.
This mode will not remain active through
future ignition cycles. The vehicle will be in
Front-Wheel Drive when the engine is
restarted. Snow Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice covered roads.
The accelerator pedal will be more sensitive
to provide finer control of the torque at the
wheels in slippery conditions.
7(AWD Only) : Vehicle is in Off-Road
Mode. This mode will not remain active
through future ignition cycles. The vehicle
will be in Two-Wheel Drive when the engine
is restarted. This mode will automatically
activate AWD. The accelerator pedal will be
more sensitive to provide finer control of
the torque at the wheels. StabiliTrak/ESC,
ABS, and TCS will change for optimal
off-road performance. Use this mode for
public off-road recreational driving. See
Off-Road Driving 0192.
_Tow/Haul : Vehicle is in Tow/Haul
Mode. This mode will not remain active
through future ignition cycles. The vehicle
will be in Front-Wheel Drive or Two-Wheel
Drive when the engine is restarted. This
mode will automatically activate AWD. See
All-Wheel Drive 0211. The transmission holds
lower gears longer before shifting to provide
more torque necessary when towing heavy
loads. This will also increase fuel
consumption. Use this mode to assist in
maintaining desired vehicle speeds when
driving on downhill grades by using the
engine and transmission to slow the vehicle.
This helps prevent the brakes from
overheating. For more information, see Tow/
Haul Mode 0210.
The following table shows how the different
modes affect the various subsystem
functions that may be on the vehicle.
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Driving and Operating 253
If equipped, there are four blunt cut wires
inside the front driver side instrument panel.
It will be necessary to have a technician
connect the 12-volt power to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals will illuminate to indicate the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or the bulbs
are burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/Haul
mode, seeDriver Mode Control 0215.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load. See Tow/
Haul Mode 0210.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR). See
“Weight of the Trailer” under
Trailer Towing 0247.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when pulling
a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul Mode
when lightly loaded or not towing will not
cause damage; however, it is not
recommended and may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) have a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature. Trailer sway is unintended
side-to-side motion of a trailer while towing.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the vehicle
brakes are selectively applied at each wheel,
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer Brake
Control (ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning light
will flash on the instrument cluster. Reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce engine
torque to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 214.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
(Continued)
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Vehicle Care 269
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applications. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0335. Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0259 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
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Vehicle Care 297
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. SeeTire
Pressure 0290 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0198.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 293.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 335, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0303.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0296 and
Tire Rotation 0296 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends
that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
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306 Vehicle Care
10. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheelbolts, mounting surfaces, and spare
wheel.
11. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting surface.
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts
because the nuts might come loose. The
vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a
crash.
12. Reinstall the wheel nuts. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held
against the hub.
13. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause the
wheels to become loose or come off. The
wheel nuts should be tightened with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification after replacing. Follow the
torque specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when using
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
accessory locking wheel nuts. See
Capacities and Specifications0335 for
original equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly
tighten the wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper torque
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications 0335 for the wheel nut
torque specification.
14. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown.
15. Lower the jack all the way and remove the jack from under the vehicle.
16. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench.
Caution
Wheel covers will not fit on the vehicle's
compact spare. If you try to put a wheel
cover on the compact spare, the cover or
the spare could be damaged.
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336 Technical Data
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Wheel Nut Torque 190 Y140 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 Engine (LFY) WAutomatic 0.95–1.10 mm (0.037–0.043 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.