2009 Buick Lacrosse Owners Manual

Download PDF Manual
the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments. 1-41 Lower Anchors Top Tether Anchor Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B). A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash. Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. 1-42 Some child restraints that have top tethers are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available. Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. Rear Seat To assist you in locating the lower anchors, each seating position with lower anchors has two labels, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion. To assist you in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is located on the cover. 1-43 The top tether anchors are located under the covers on the rear seatback ﬁller panel. Flip open the cover to access the anchors. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40 for additional information. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System { CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual. Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. 1-44 { CAUTION: Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor. { CAUTION: Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed. Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments. Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat. 1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position. 1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors. 1-45 2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. Open the top tether anchor cover to expose the anchor. 2.3. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions: If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback. If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback. If the position you are using has a ﬁxed headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the headrest or head restraint. 1-46 If the position you are using has a ﬁxed headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint. 3. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-41 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-41 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1-47 If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. 1-48 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position { CAUTION: A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inﬂate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat. Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. 1-49 5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-41 for more information. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34 for more information, including important safety information. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. { CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the CAUTION: (Continued) CAUTION: (Continued) back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61 for additional information. 1-50 If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-41 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-41 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when the vehicle is started. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. 1-51 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. 1-52 If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint ” under Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. Airbag System The vehicle has the following airbags: (cid:129) A frontal airbag for the driver. (cid:129) A frontal airbag for the right front passenger (cid:129) A roof-rail airbag for the driver and the passenger seated directly behind the driver. (cid:129) A roof-rail airbag for the right front passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the right front passenger. All of the airbags in the vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger. With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear along the headliner or trim. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today’s airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inﬂating bag, all airbags must inﬂate very quickly to do their job. 1-53 Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: { CAUTION: { CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are your only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-58. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. Airbags inﬂate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to the airbag, as you would be if you were sitting on the edge of your seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with roof-rail airbags. 1-54 { CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-29 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-33. There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33 for more information. 1-55 Where Are the Airbags? The driver frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger side. 1-56 Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar The roof-rail airbags for the driver, right front passenger, and second row outboard passengers, are in the ceiling above the side windows. { CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tie down through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inﬂating roof-rail airbag will be blocked. 1-57 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? Frontal airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or right front passenger’s head and chest. However, they are only designed to inﬂate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down. Frontal airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example: If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). 1-58 If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. Thresholds can also vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. Your vehicle may or may not have roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-53. Roof-rail airbags are intended to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. Roof-rail airbags will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Roof-rail airbags are not intended to inﬂate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. A roof-rail airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact. What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inﬂator. Gas from the inﬂator ﬁlls the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inﬂator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions. How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-58 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts. 1-59 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After the frontal airbags inﬂate, they quickly deﬂate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inﬂated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inﬂated for some time after they deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-59. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle. { CAUTION: When an airbag inﬂates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention. The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers on when the airbags inﬂate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features. 1-60 In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:129) Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 7-17 and Event Data Recorders on page 7-17. Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer/retailer for service. Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started. The words ON and OFF will be visible during the system check. If you are using remote start to start your vehicle from a distance, if equipped, you may not see the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34. The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbag and roof-rail airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system. 1-61 (cid:129) (cid:129) The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger frontal airbag should be enabled (may inﬂate) or not. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size. We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. { CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. 1-62 The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag if: The right front passenger seat is unoccupied. The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint. The system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat. (cid:129) A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time. The right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints. (cid:129) Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on (may inﬂate) the right front passenger frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. { CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33 for more information, including important safety information. 1-63 (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle. 3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers. 4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-50. 5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 1-6. 6. Restart the vehicle. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle, and check with your dealer/retailer. 1-64 If the Off Indicator is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the right front passenger frontal airbag: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers. 3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position. 4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended. 5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit. If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. 1-65 Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your speciﬁc vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-67 for more information about modiﬁcations that can affect how the system operates. { CAUTION: Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system. 1-66 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-16. { CAUTION: For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inﬂate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inﬂates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualiﬁed to do so. Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61. If you have any questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modiﬁed. How can I ﬁnd out whether this will affect my airbag system? A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring. 1-67 Airbags The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33 for more information. Notice: or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-59. See your dealer/retailer for service. If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, Restraint System Check Checking the Restraint Systems Safety Belts Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are all working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer/retailer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-32 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety Belts on page 5-93. 1-68 If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being used at the time of the crash. If an airbag inﬂates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section. Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33. Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash { CAUTION: A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If the vehicle has been in a crash, do you need new safety belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts? After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. 1-69 ✍ NOTES 1-70 Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-2 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation ...................................................2-4 Remote Vehicle Start ......................................2-7 Doors and Locks .............................................2-9 Door Locks ....................................................2-9 Power Door Locks ..........................................2-9 Delayed Locking ...........................................2-10 Automatic Door Lock .....................................2-10 Programmable Automatic Door Unlock .............2-10 Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-11 Lockout Protection ........................................2-11 Trunk ..........................................................2-12 Windows ........................................................2-14 Power Windows ............................................2-15 Sun Visors ...................................................2-16 Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-16 Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-17 PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer ...............2-18 PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer Operation .................................................2-19 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-21 New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-21 Ignition Positions ..........................................2-21 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-22 Starting the Engine .......................................2-23 Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-24 Active Fuel Management™ .............................2-25 Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-26 Parking Brake ..............................................2-29 Shifting Into Park ..........................................2-29 Shifting Out of Park ......................................2-32 Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-33 Engine Exhaust ............................................2-33 Running the Vehicle While Parked ..................2-34 Mirrors ...........................................................2-35 Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-35 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror ................2-35 Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-36 Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-36 Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-36 Object Detection Systems ...............................2-37 Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) ...........................................2-37 OnStar® System .............................................2-39 Universal Home Remote System ......................2-43 Universal Home Remote System Operation ......2-43 Storage Areas ................................................2-47 Glove Box ...................................................2-47 Cupholders ..................................................2-47 Center Console Storage .................................2-47 Convenience Net ..........................................2-48 Sunroof .........................................................2-48 2-1 Keys { CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and children could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children. 2-2 The key can be used for the ignition and all locks. The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer or qualiﬁed locksmith can use to make new keys. Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle. The vehicle has the PASS-Key® III vehicle theft system. The key has a transponder in the key head that matches a decoder in the vehicle’s instrument panel. The key will have PK3 stamped on it. If a replacement key or an additional key is needed, it must be purchased from your dealer/retailer or certiﬁed locksmith. Any new PASS-Key® III key must be programmed before it will start the vehicle. See PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer Operation on page 2-19 for more information on programming a new key. Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-7 for more information. If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. 2-3 If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range, try this: (cid:129) Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. (cid:129) Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. (cid:129) Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section. If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer/retailer or a qualiﬁed technician for service. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle. There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3. With Remote Start Shown, Without Remote Start Similar 2-4 (cid:129) For vehicles with a content theft-deterrent system, pressing K may disarm it. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17. V (Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold for about one second to unlock the trunk. The transmission must be in P (Park). L (Panic Alarm): Press to activate the alarm. The headlamps ﬂash and the horn sounds repeatedly for two minutes. The alarm turns off when the ignition is moved to ON/RUN or L is pressed again. The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY for the alarm to work. / (Remote Vehicle Start): For vehicles with this feature, press to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2-7 for additional information. Q (Lock): Press to lock all the doors. If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking lamps may ﬂash once to indicate locking has occurred. If Q is pressed again within ﬁve seconds the horn may chirp. See “FOB LOCK FEEDBACK” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74 for additional information. For vehicles with a content theft-deterrent system, pressing Q may arm it. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17. K (Unlock): Press once to unlock the driver door. If K is pressed again within ﬁve seconds, all remaining doors unlock. The interior lamps come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps may come on. See “EXT (Exterior) LIGHT DELAY” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74. 2-5 Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer/retailer. When the replacement transmitter is programmed to the vehicle, all remaining transmitters must also be programmed. Any lost or stolen transmitters no longer work once the new transmitter is programmed. Each vehicle can have up to four transmitters programmed to it. Battery Replacement Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB BATTERY LOW” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56 for additional information. Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter. 2-6 To replace the battery: 1. Separate the transmitter with a ﬂat, thin object inserted into the notch on the side. 2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery. 4. Snap the transmitter back together. Remote Vehicle Start Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning systems and rear window defogger. When the remote start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic climate control system, it will automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation of these systems will return after the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles. Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel. If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE transmitter functions will have an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running. There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3 for additional information. / (Remote Start): This button will be on the RKE transmitter if you have remote start. To start the vehicle using the remote start feature: 1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle. 2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button, then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s remote start button for about four seconds or until the vehicle’s turn signal lamps ﬂash. The doors will lock. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on and remain on while the engine is running. The remote start feature provides two separate starts per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine running time, or one start with a time extension. The ﬁrst start must expire or be canceled to get two separate 10 minute starts. If it is the ﬁrst remote start since the vehicle has been driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is still running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes from the time you repeat the steps for remote starting. The remote start running time can be extended one time and only after the ﬁrst remote start. After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle. 2-7 The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes, unless a time extension has been done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and turned to ON/RUN. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the following. (cid:129) Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and release the remote start button. Turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers. Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position and then back to LOCK/OFF. The parking lamps turn off to indicate the engine is off. After the engine has been started two times, or one time with a time extension, the vehicle’s ignition must be turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote start procedure can be used again. See Ignition Positions on page 2-21 for information regarding the ignition positions on your vehicle. The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any of the follow occur: The remote start system is disabled through the DIC. The vehicle’s key is in the ignition. (cid:129) A door on the vehicle is open. 2-8 The vehicle’s hood is open. The hazard warning ﬂashers are on. The check engine light is on. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-40 The engine coolant temperature is too high. The oil pressure is low. Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time extension, have already been provided for that ignition cycle. If a remote start is attempted and is unsuccessful, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE START DISABLED. Vehicles that have the remote start feature are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle start system enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74 for additional information. If your vehicle does not have the DIC feature, and remote vehicle start was installed at the dealer/retailer, you will need to have the dealer/retailer enable or disable the system. (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) Doors and Locks Door Locks { CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. (cid:129) Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. (cid:129) Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it. (cid:129) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening. There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle. From the outside, turn the key in the driver’s door lock cylinder brieﬂy counterclockwise to unlock the driver’s door. Turn and hold it to unlock all the doors. You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter. From the inside use the manual or power door locks. Power Door Locks To lock or unlock all doors from inside the vehicle, use the power door lock switch located on either front door armrest. Driver’s side shown Press the bottom of the switch to lock all doors. Press the top of the switch to unlock all doors. 2-9 Automatic Door Lock The doors are programmed to automatically lock when the shift lever is moved into a forward gear. If someone needs to get in or out of the vehicle after the doors have been locked, place the shift lever into P (PARK). You may also unlock all doors using the power door lock switch or unlock one door using the inside manual door lock. The automatic door lock feature cannot be disabled. Programmable Automatic Door Unlock The vehicle’s doors are programmed from the factory to unlock when the shift lever is moved into PARK (P). On vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), there are different programming options for unlocking the doors automatically. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74. If the vehicle has the content theft-deterrent system, the vehicle is programmed to arm the system with the power door lock switch. If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC) this feature can be turned off. See “Content Theft” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74. Delayed Locking Your vehicle may have this feature. It delays the locking of the vehicle’s doors for ﬁve seconds after the last door is closed. Two chimes will sound when the power door lock switch or the LOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is pressed when a door is open. If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC), a Delayed Locking warning will be displayed. The doors can be locked immediately by pressing the power door lock switch or the LOCK button on the transmitter a second time. The delayed locking feature will not activate when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. You can program this feature on or off through the Driver Information Center (DIC), if equipped. See “Delayed Locking” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74. 2-10 Rear Door Security Locks Rear door security locks prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside. The rear door security locks are located on the inside edge of each rear door. The rear doors must be opened to access them. To assist in ﬁnding the lock, the vehicle has the following: To use the lock: 1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the horizontal position. 2. Close the door. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. To open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the following: 1. Unlock the door using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, if the vehicle has one, the power door lock switch, or by lifting the rear door manual lock. 2. Open the door from the outside. To cancel the rear door security lock: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside. 2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the vertical position. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. Lockout Protection The lockout protection feature makes it more difficult to lock the key in the vehicle. If the driver’s door is open while the key is in the ignition, the door cannot be locked with the power door lock switch. This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be locked out of the vehicle. If the key is not left in the ignition, or, if the manual door lock is used, the key could still be locked inside the vehicle. Always remember to take the key with you. 2-11 Trunk { CAUTION: Exhaust gases may enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open: (cid:129) Close all of the windows (cid:129) Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel (cid:129) Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index. If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function. Opening the Trunk To open the trunk from the outside, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4 for more information. The ignition must be off, or the transmission must be in (P) Park to open the trunk. Remote Trunk Release This feature is used to unlock the trunk from inside the vehicle using the power door lock switch. Press and hold the top of the driver’s or front passenger’s power door lock switch to unlock the trunk. For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 2-33. The vehicle must be in (P) Park to unlock the trunk. 2-12 (cid:129) Emergency Trunk Release Handle Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside. Trunk Lid Pull Down Handle and Tie-Down Features There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the trunk latch of the trunk lid. This handle will glow following exposure to light. If ever needed, pull the emergency trunk release handle to open the trunk from the inside. Your vehicle has a trunk lid pull down handle (A) located on the inside of the trunk lid on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Use the handle to pull down the trunk lid when closing it. Your vehicle also has a tie-down feature (B) located on the inside the trunk lid on the passenger’s side of the vehicle that can be used to secure the trunk lid when large items are stored in the trunk. 2-13 Windows { CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. 2-14 Power Windows { CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the keys is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children. When there are children in the rear seat use the window lockout button to prevent unintentional operation of the windows. The switches on the driver’s door armrest are used to control each of the windows. The power window switches work while the ignition is in ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY, or while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-22. Each passenger door has its own window switch. To lower the window, press and hold the front of the switch to the ﬁrst position until the window is at the desired level. To raise the window, pull up and hold the front of the switch. 2-15 Express-Down Window The driver’s window switch has an express-down feature labeled AUTO. This lets you lower the window completely without holding the switch. Press the front of the switch to the second position and release. To stop the window while it is lowering, brieﬂy pull up on the switch. Window Lockout o (Window Lockout): The driver’s window switches also include a lockout switch. Press the right side of the switch to prevent the rear passengers from using their window switches. The driver can still control all the windows and the front passenger can control their own window with the lockout on. Press the left side of the switch to return to normal window operation. A red bar on the right side of the switch indicates that the lockout is off. Sun Visors To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. They can be detached from the center retainer and slid along the rod to cover different areas of the front window and turned to cover the side windows. Visor Vanity Mirror Swing down the sun visors and lift the cover to expose the vanity mirror. Do not drive with the cover lifted due to possible glare impeding other drivers behind or to the side of the vehicle. Theft-Deterrent Systems Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however, they do not make it impossible to steal. 2-16 Arming with the Power Lock Switch The vehicle’s content theft-deterrent alarm system can be activated when the key is removed from the ignition and the power door lock switch of either the driver’s or front passenger’s door is used to lock the vehicle. The door needs to be in the open position when pressing the power door lock switch. The system will not arm if the door is closed when the power door lock switch is pressed. This system can be activated through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “CONTENT THEFT” under “Customization Menu Items” in DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74. When the doors are locked using the power door lock switch of either front door, the red light, if your vehicle has one, will start ﬂashing at a fast rate, indicating that the system is arming. After all the doors are locked there will be a time delay and then the red light, if your vehicle has one, will begin to ﬂash at a very slow rate, indicating the system is armed. Content Theft-Deterrent Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent alarm system. Your vehicle may have a red light located on top of the instrument panel, toward the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, that will ﬂash slowly when the system is armed. The theft-deterrent alarm system needs to be activated through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “CONTENT THEFT” under “Customization Menu Items” in DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74. While armed, the doors will not unlock with the power door lock switch. The remote alarm will sound if someone tampers with the trunk or enters the vehicle without using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or key to unlock the doors. The horn will sound and the headlamps will ﬂash for up to two minutes. The system will also cut off the fuel supply, preventing the vehicle from being driven. 2-17 Arming with the RKE Transmitter The alarm system will arm when the RKE transmitter is used to lock the doors after the key is removed from the ignition. The red light, if your vehicle has one, will come on to indicate that the system is arming. After all doors are closed and locked, and after a time delay, the red light, if your vehicle has one, will begin ﬂashing at a very slow rate to show the system is armed. Arming Conﬁrmation Your vehicle may have a red light located on top of the instrument panel, towards the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, that will ﬂash slowly to conﬁrm when the system is armed. Disarming with the RKE Transmitter The alarm system will disarm when the RKE transmitter is used to unlock the doors. The red light, if your vehicle has one, will go out to show that the system is disarmed. Disarming with Your Key The alarm system will disarm when the key is used to unlock the doors. The red light, if your vehicle has one, will stop ﬂashing when the system is disarmed. If you would like the key to disarm the alarm system, see “CONTENT THEFT” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-74 for more information. 2-18 PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer Your PASS-Key III system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. PASS-Key III uses a radio frequency transponder in the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer Operation Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key® III (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key® III is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system is automatically armed when the key is removed from the ignition. You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system. The security light will come on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key III® uses a transponder in the ignition key that matches a decoder in the vehicle. When the PASS-Key® III system senses that the wrong key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will stop ﬂowing to the engine. If someone tries to start the vehicle again with the wrong key, the vehicle will not start. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged to do so because of the high number of electrical key codes. When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not start and the STARTING DISABLED warning message on the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, there may be a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again. If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-99. If the engine still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the ﬁrst key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the PASS-Key® III to have a new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-7 for more information. 2-19 It is possible for the PASS-Key® III decoder to accept the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming additional keys only. If all the programmed keys are lost or do not operate, see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III to have keys made and programmed to the system. To program the new key do the following: 1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it. 2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer/retailer for service. 3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key. 4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON/RUN within ﬁve seconds of removing the original key. 5. The SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning message on the DIC will turn off, once the key has been programmed. It may not be apparent that the SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning message went on due to how quickly the key is programmed. 6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to be programmed. If the SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM warning message appears and stays on the DIC while the vehicle is being driven, the engine will be able to be restarted if it is turned off. Your PASS-Key® III system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer/retailer. The vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key® III system at this time. If the PASS-Key® III key is lost or stolen, see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key® III to have a new key made. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle. 2-20 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:129) Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle. (cid:129) Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles (322 km) 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 breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. (cid:129) Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a Trailer on page 4-28 for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information. Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased. Ignition Positions The ignition switch has four different positions. To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN and the brake pedal must be applied. Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer. A (LOCK/OFF): This position locks the ignition. It also locks the transmission. This is the only position in which the ignition key can be inserted or removed. 2-21 The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from left to right while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service. B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This is the position in which you can operate the radio and windshield wipers while the engine is off. To use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise. C (ON/RUN): This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories and to display some instrument panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch stays in this position when the engine is running. If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time. D (START): This is the position that starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch returns to ON/RUN for driving. A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display DRIVER’S DOOR AJAR when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56 for more information. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off: (cid:129) Audio System (cid:129) Power Windows Power to these accessories continues to work for 10 minutes or until a door is opened. 2-22 Starting the Engine Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped. Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine warms. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts. The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/ ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position. Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down. 2-23 2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or −18°C), it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts brieﬂy but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts. Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Engine Coolant Heater The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting. Some models have an internal thermostat in the cord which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C). To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is attached to the underside of the diagonal brace, which is located above the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter assembly. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. 2-24 Active Fuel Management™ The vehicle’s V8 engine may have Active Fuel Management™. This system allows the engine to operate on either all or half of its cylinders, depending on driving conditions. When less power is required, such as cruising at a constant vehicle speed, the system will operate in the half cylinder mode, allowing the vehicle to achieve better fuel economy. When greater power is required, such as accelerating from a stop, passing, or merging onto a freeway, the system will maintain full-cylinder operation. { CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps. 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts, and prevent damage. The length of time the heater should be plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this. 2-25 Automatic Transmission Operation The vehicle’s automatic transmission may have a shift lever on the steering column or on the console between the seats. Console Shift Lever There is also a display located on the instrument panel cluster that indicates the vehicle’s gear position. { CAUTION: 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. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. 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). See Shifting Into Park on page 2-29. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. 2-26 The positions for the shift lever are: P (Park): This position locks the vehicle’s front wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because the vehicle cannot move easily. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. You must fully apply the brakes before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park on page 2-32. Notice: 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. R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. To rock the vehicle back and forth in order to get it out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-19. N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed. { CAUTION: 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. Notice: 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. 2-27 Notice: Driving the vehicle if you notice that it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase speed may damage the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in 2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then. Notice: Driving in 2 (Second) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transmission. Also, shifting into 2 (Second) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in 3 (Third) or D (Drive) instead of 2 (Second). D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If more power is needed for passing, and the vehicle is: (cid:129) Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down. (cid:129) Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator pedal all the way down. By doing this, the vehicle will automatically shift down to the next gear and have more power. Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding. See Skidding under Loss of Control on page 4-12. 3 (Third): This position is also used for normal driving. However it reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears and when going down a steep hill. 2 (Second): This position reduces vehicle speed even more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed as you go down steep mountain roads, while using the brakes off and on. 1 (First): This position reduces vehicle speed even more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle is moving forward, the transmission will not shift into ﬁrst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: 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 you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. 2-28 Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down, then push down the parking brake pedal. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. Shifting Into Park To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down, and push the parking brake pedal. While you lift your foot off the parking brake, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the released position. A warning chime will sound and PARKING BRAKE ON will display in the DIC if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h). For more information see Brake System Warning Light on page 3-35 and DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56. { CAUTION: It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. 2-29 Steering Column Shift Lever If the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down. 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go. 3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-29 for more information. 4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF. 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park). Console Shift Lever If the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, use this procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down. 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle and then to the left. 3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 2-29 for more information. 4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF. 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park). 2-30 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” in this section. 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). Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine Running { CAUTION: It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch ﬁre. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running. If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is ﬁrmly set before you leave it. See Parking Brake on page 2-29 for more information. 2-31 Shifting Out of Park Automatic Transmission Shift Lock The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to: (cid:129) Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park) (cid:129) Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal is applied. The shift lock is always functional except in the case of a 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 on page 5-41. Console Shift If the console shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park): 1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes. 2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions on page 2-21 for more information. 3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is pushed all the way into P (Park). 4. Press the shift lever button 5. Then, move the shift into the desired gear. If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service. Column Shift If the column shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park): 1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes. 2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions on page 2-21 for more information. 3. Shift out of the P (Park) position to the N (Neutral) position. 4. Move the vehicle to a safe location. If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service. 2-32 Parking Over Things That Burn CAUTION: (Continued) { CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn. Engine Exhaust { CAUTION: Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death. CAUTION: (Continued) Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: (cid:129) The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation (parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody airﬂow or tail pipes).

Boost Classifieds - Car Advice, Reviews, Events & Classifieds

2009 Buick Lacrosse Owners Manual