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184 Driving and Operating
.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 shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), press 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.
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, 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, 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.
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.
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
(Continued)
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Driving and Operating 185
Caution (Continued)
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.
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 the
shift lock release button while pulling
the shift lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.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 0166.
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.
Engine speeds may be increased while
driving at highway speeds while the engine
is still warming up.
Manual Mode
Tap Shift Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Tap Shift,
could damage the vehicle. Always upshift
when necessary while using Tap Shift.
If equipped, vehicles with Tap Shift have
controls on the back of the steering wheel
to manually shift the automatic
transmission.
Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap Shift Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate M (Manual
Mode). The M in the shift pattern will
illuminate in red, and the D will switch
to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
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186 Driving and Operating
3. Pull the control toward you to shift. Pullthe left control to downshift, and the
right control to upshift. To shift to the
lowest available gear, pull and hold the
left control.
To exit Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever.
The D in the shift pattern will illuminate
in red, and the M will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
M (Manual Mode) can be exited to return to
D (Drive) at any speed by pulling the lever
rearward from the center position. It is not
necessary to stop the vehicle or shift to
N (Neutral) or P (Park) prior to shifting back
to D (Drive).
Temporary Tap Manual Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap Shift Mode: 1. With the transmission in D (Drive) and not in Permanent Tap Shift Mode, the
Tap Shift controls will activate a
temporary tap manual shift mode,
allowing the transmission to be manually
shifted. 2. To deactivate, hold the right control
briefly. Automatic shifts return after no
manual shifts have been done for seven
to 10 seconds.
While using Tap Shift, the vehicle will have
firmer, quicker shifting. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear longer,
or to downshift for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only allow shifting
into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute (rpm).
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the
M or D will flash in the instrument cluster.
The transmission will not automatically shift
to the next higher gear if the engine rpm is
too high. It will only automatically shift to
the next lower gear if the engine rpm is
much too low.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate in
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. When the
AWD feature is active, the system transfers
engine power, if required, to all four wheels.
The system is fully automatic and adjusts to road conditions for improved traction and
control. In FWD Mode engine power is
transferred to the front wheels only, and
the AWD feature is off.
The AWD feature is automatically activated
when certain modes are selected using the
Driver Mode Control switch. When an AWD
mode change is requested the light will
flash briefly while the system is engaging
and the AWD light will be displayed when
the system is active. When a non-AWD
Mode is selected, the light will flash briefly
while the system disengages and a 2WD
light will be displayed when the AWD
system is off. See
Driver Mode Control
0 190.
When a compact spare tire is installed on an
AWD vehicle, the system will automatically
detect the compact spare and reduce AWD
performance to protect the system. To
restore AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system, replace the
compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. See Compact Spare Tire 0315.
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Driving and Operating 191
affected vehicle systems are dependent on
vehicle trim level, region, and optional
features.
If the vehicle is in Tour or AWD Mode, it
will stay in that mode through future
ignition cycles. If the vehicle is in any other
mode, it will return to Tour Mode when the
vehicle is restarted. When a mode is
selected, an indicator will come on in the
instrument cluster and stay on.
Driver Mode Control Switch
To activate each mode, press the MODE
button on the center console.
Tour Mode : Use for normal city and
highway driving to provide a smooth ride.
This setting provides balance between comfort and handling. This is the standard/
default mode. There is no persistent
indicator in the instrument cluster for
this mode.
AWD Mode :
AWD Mode provides torque to
all four wheels. Select AWD to improve
traction and control on slippery road
surfaces, such as gravel, sand, wet
pavement, snow, and ice. For more
information on AWD Mode, see All-Wheel
Drive 0186.
Sport Mode : Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response. Sport Mode improves
vehicle handling and acceleration on dry
pavement. When active, Sport Mode
modifies steering efforts, transmission
shifting, and AWD torque, if equipped.
The Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL)
feature is enabled in Sport Mode. PAL allows
the transmission to hold the current gear
after a quick release of a heavily applied
accelerator pedal. This provides greater
engine braking and enhanced vehicle control.
When PAL is activated, there may be an
additional gear symbol that appears in the
instrument cluster display. See Performance
Shifting Light 0105. Off-Road Mode :
Use this mode for off-road
recreational driving. When active, Off–Road
Mode should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use.
This mode modifies pedal mapping, AWD,
ESC, and TCS Performance.
Snow/Ice Mode : Snow/Ice Mode improves
vehicle acceleration on snow and ice covered
roads. When active, Snow/Ice Mode will
adjust acceleration to optimize traction on
slippery surfaces. This can compromise the
acceleration on dry asphalt. This feature is
not intended for use when the vehicle is
stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow, or gravel.
If the vehicle becomes stuck, see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0169.
qMy Mode : Use this mode to
personalize everyday driving. This mode
allows the driver to configure the vehicle
subsystem settings to their driving
preferences. My mode remains active across
on/off cycles.
Through the infotainment display, the
following vehicle subsystems may be
available for customization in this mode:
Acceleration Feel : Relaxed, Tour, Sport
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194 Driving and Operating
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster094. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to override
cruise, briefly moving the thumbwheel down
toward SET− will result in cruise set to the
current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on
hills depends upon the vehicle speed, load,
and the steepness of the hills. When going
up steep hills, you might have to step on
the accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, the cruise
control system may automatically brake to
slow the vehicle down. Also, you may have
to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep
your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control disengages. Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Speed Limiter
If equipped, Speed Limiter allows you to set
a maximum speed limit. When Speed Limiter
is active at a set speed, it prevents the
vehicle from accelerating above the set
speed even if you continue to accelerate.
Speed Limiter can be used at speeds of
about 20 km/h (12 mph) or more. You can
temporarily override the set speed. See
“Overriding Speed Limiter” later in this
section.
Speed Limiter does not limit the vehicle
speed when driving down a hill. If the
vehicle speed exceeds the set speed when driving down a hill, beeps will sound to alert
you that the vehicle has exceeded the set
speed.
{Warning
Speed Limiter does not automatically
apply the brakes in emergency braking
situations. To avoid possible injury or
death, always be prepared to brake in
emergencies and pay careful attention to
the road ahead while driving.
Speed Limiter will automatically be
disabled if:
.Cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) is turned on, if equipped.
.Super Cruise is turned on, if equipped.
Speed Limiter is controlled using the RES+
and SET− thumbwheel and the
*button on
the steering wheel:
RES+ : Move the thumbwheel up to resume
Speed Limiter at the last set speed in
memory, to increase the set speed (Manual
mode), or to increase the offset
(Auto mode).
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250 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTransporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0317. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a motor
home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 318.
Only use unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 89 or higher. Using gasoline with a
lower octane rating while towing may
damage the engine and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See Recommended
Fuel 0247.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer. When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. If your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing, install extended side view mirrors,
even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.GM recommends performing an oil
change to the vehicle before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode. See
Manual Mode 0185.
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252 Driving and Operating
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0271.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible. When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the desired gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
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Driving and Operating 253
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0330. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0271.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle. Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0256 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0256 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.