2011 Buick Lacrosse Owners Manual

want to call.

Radio with CD/DVD and MEM 1. Press 5. 2. Select Phone Book. 3. Search through the list by

selecting the letter group the phone book entry begins with, or press the SELECT button to scroll through the entire list of names/numbers in the phone book.

4. Select the name or number you

want to call.

To make a call using the Call Lists menu: 1. Press 5. 2. Select Call Lists. 3. Select the Incoming Calls, Outgoing Calls, or Missed Calls list.

4. Select the name or number you

want to call.

Infotainment System 7-51

Making a Call

Radio with CD 1. Press 5 twice. 2. Enter the character sequence.

See “Entering a Character Sequence” in Operation on page 7‑7 for more information. 3. Select Call to start dialing the

number.

Radio with CD/DVD and MEM 1. Press 5. 2. Select Enter number. 3. Enter the character sequence.

See “Entering a Character Sequence” in Operation on page 7‑7 for more information. 4. Select Call to start dialing the

number.

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Infotainment System

Accepting or Declining a Call When a call is received, the infotainment system mutes and a ring tone is heard in the vehicle.

Accepting a Call Turn the menu knob to Answer and press the SELECT button.

Declining a Call Turn the menu knob to Decline and press the SELECT button. Call Waiting Call waiting must be supported on the Bluetooth phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier to work.

Accepting a Call Turn the menu knob to Answer and press the SELECT button.

Declining a Call Turn the menu knob to Decline and press the SELECT button.

Switching Between Calls (Call Waiting Calls Only) To switch between calls: 1. Turn the menu knob. 2. Select Switch Call from

the menu.

Conference Calling Conference calling and three‐way calling must be supported on the Bluetooth phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier to work.

To start a conference while in a current call: 1. Turn the menu knob. 2. Select Enter Number. 3. Enter the character sequence then select Call. See “Entering a Character Sequence” in Operation on page 7‑7 for more information.

4. After the call has been placed,

turn the Menu knob and choose Merge Calls.

5. To add more callers to the

conference call, repeat Steps 1
through 4. The number of callers that can be added is limited by your wireless service carrier.

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Ending a Call Turn the Menu knob and select Hang Up. Muting a Call

To Mute a Call Turn the Menu knob and select Mute Call.

To Cancel Mute Turn the Menu knob and select Mute Call. Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones The in‐vehicle Bluetooth system can send numbers during a call. This is used when calling a menu‐driven phone system. 1. Turn the Menu knob and select

Enter Number.

2. Enter the character sequence.

See “Entering a Character Sequence” in Operation on page 7‑7 for more information.

Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)

Using Voice Recognition To use voice recognition, press b g located on the steering wheel. The system responds differently depending on what kind of infotainment system the vehicle has installed. For vehicles without a navigation system, the system responds “Ready,” followed by a tone. After the tone, say a command. For vehicles with a navigation system, the system responds with a tone. After the tone say “Hands Free” to use the Bluetooth voice recognition system. The system then responds with “Ready,” followed by a tone. After the tone, say a command. For additional information say “Help” while you are in a voice recognition menu.

Infotainment System 7-53

Pairing A Bluetooth cell phone must be paired to the Bluetooth system and then connected to the vehicle before it can be used. See your cell phone manufacturer's user guide for Bluetooth functions before pairing the cell phone. If a Bluetooth phone is not connected, calls will be made using OnStar Hands‐Free Calling, if available. Refer to the OnStar owner's guide for more information.

Pairing Information . Up to five cell phones can be

paired to the Bluetooth system. The pairing process is disabled when the vehicle is moving.

. Pairing only needs to be

completed once, unless the pairing information on the cell phone changes or the cell phone is deleted from the system.

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Infotainment System

. Only one paired cell phone can be connected to the Bluetooth system at a time. If multiple paired cell phones are within range of the system, the system connects to the first available paired cell phone in the order that they were first paired to the system. To link to a different paired phone, see “Linking to a Different Phone” later in this section.

Pairing a Phone 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “Pair.” The system responds with instructions and a four‐digit PIN. The PIN is used in Step 5.

4. Start the pairing process on the cell phone that you want to pair. For help with this process, see your cell phone manufacturer's user guide.

5. Locate the device named “Your

Vehicle” in the list on the cell phone. Follow the instructions on the cell phone to enter the PIN that was provided in Step 3. After the PIN is successfully entered, the system prompts you to provide a name for the paired cell phone. This name will be used to indicate which phones are paired and connected to the vehicle. See “Listing All Paired and Connected Phones” later in this section for more information. 6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to pair

additional phones.

Listing All Paired and Connected Phones The system can list all cell phones paired to it. If a paired cell phone is also connected to the vehicle, the system responds with “is connected” after that phone name. 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “List.”

Deleting a Paired Phone If the phone name you want to delete is unknown, see “Listing All Paired and Connected Phones.” 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “Delete.” The system asks

for which phone to delete.

4. Say the name of the phone you

want to delete.

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Connecting to a Different Phone To connect to a different cell phone, the Bluetooth system looks for the next available cell phone in the order in which all the available cell phones were paired. Depending on which cell phone you want to connect to, you may have to use this command several times. 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” 3. Say “Change phone.”

If another cell phone is found, the response will be “ is now connected.” If another cell phone is not found, the original phone remains connected.

Storing and Deleting Phone Numbers The system can store up to 30 phone numbers as name tags in the Hands‐Free Directory that is shared between the Bluetooth and OnStar systems. The following commands are used to delete and store phone numbers. Store: This command will store a phone number or a group of numbers as a name tag. Digit Store: This command allows a phone number to be stored as a name tag by entering the digits one at a time. Delete: This command is used to delete individual name tags. Delete All Name Tags: This command deletes all stored name tags in the Hands‐Free Calling Directory and the OnStar Turn‐by‐Turn Destinations Directory.

Infotainment System 7-55

Using the “Store” Command 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Store.” 3. Say the phone number or group

of numbers you want to store all at once with no pauses, then follow the directions given by the system to save a name tag for this number.

Using the “Digit Store” Command If an unwanted number is recognized by the system, say “Clear” at any time to clear the last number. To hear all of the numbers recognized by the system, say “Verify” at any time. 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Digit Store.”

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Infotainment System

3. Say each digit, one at a

time, that you want to store. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. After the last digit has been entered, say “Store,” and then follow the directions given by the system to save a name tag for this number.

Using the “Delete” Command 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Delete.” 3. Say the name tag you want to

delete.

Using the “Delete All Name Tags” Command This command deletes all stored name tags in the Hands Free Calling Directory and the OnStar Turn‐by‐Turn Destinations Directory. To delete all name tags: 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Delete all name tags.” Listing Stored Numbers The List command will list all the stored numbers and name tags.

Using the “List” Command 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Directory.” 3. Say “Hands Free Calling.” 4. Say “List.”

Making a Call Calls can be made using the following commands. Dial or Call: The dial or call command can be used interchangeably to dial a phone number or a stored name tag. Digit Dial: This command allows a phone number to be dialed by entering the digits one at a time. Re‐dial: This command is used to dial the last number used on the cell phone.

Using the “Dial” or “Call” Command 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone. 2. Say “Dial” or “Call.” 3. Say the entire number without pausing or say the name tag.

Once connected, the person called will be heard through the audio speakers.

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Infotainment System 7-57

Call Waiting Call waiting must be supported on the cell phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier. . Press b g to answer an

incoming call when another call is active. The original call is placed on hold.

. Press b g again to return to the

original call. To ignore the incoming call, no action is required.

. Press $ i to disconnect the

current call and switch to the call on hold.

Once connected, the person called will be heard through the audio speakers.

Using the “Re‐dial” Command 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. After the tone, say “Re‐dial.” Once connected, the person called will be heard through the audio speakers. Receiving a Call When an incoming call is received, the audio system mutes and a ring tone is heard in the vehicle. . Press b g to answer the call. . Press $ i to ignore a call.

Using the “Digit Dial” Command The digit dial command allows a phone number to be dialed by entering the digits one at a time. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. If an unwanted number is recognized by the system, say “Clear” at any time to clear the last number. To hear all of the numbers recognized by the system, say “Verify” at any time. 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Digit Dial.” 3. Say each digit, one at a time,

that you want to dial. After each digit is entered, the system repeats back the digit it heard followed by a tone. After the last digit has been entered, say “Dial.”

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Infotainment System

Three‐Way Calling Three‐way calling must be supported on the cell phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier. 1. While on a call, press b g. 2. Say “Three‐way call.” 3. Use the dial or call command to dial the number of the third party to be called.

4. Once the call is connected,

press b g to link all the callers together.

Ending a Call Press $ i to end a call.

Muting a Call During a call, all sounds from inside the vehicle can be muted so that the person on the other end of the call cannot hear them. To mute a call, press b g, and then say “Mute Call.” To cancel mute, press b g, and then say “Un‐mute Call.” Transferring a Call Audio can be transferred between the Bluetooth system and the cell phone. The cell phone must be paired and connected with the Bluetooth system before a call can be transferred. The connection process can take up to two minutes after the ignition is turned to ON/RUN.

To Transfer Audio from the Bluetooth System to a Cell Phone During a call with the audio in the vehicle: 1. Press b g. 2. Say “Transfer Call.”

To Transfer Audio to the Bluetooth System from a Cell Phone During a call with the audio on the cell phone, press b g. The audio transfers to the vehicle. If the audio does not transfer to the vehicle, use the audio transfer feature on the cell phone. See your cell phone manufacturer's user guide for more information.

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Infotainment System 7-59

Clearing the System Unless information is deleted out of the in‐vehicle Bluetooth system, it will be retained indefinitely. This includes all saved name tags in the phone book and phone pairing information. For information on how to delete this information, see “Deleting a Paired Phone” and “Storing and Deleting Phone Numbers.”

Voice Pass-Thru Voice pass‐thru allows access to the voice recognition commands on the cell phone. See your cell phone manufacturer's user guide to see if the cell phone supports this feature. To access contacts stored in the cell phone: 1. Press b g. For vehicles with a navigation system, say “Hands Free” after the tone.

2. Say “Bluetooth.” The system responds “Bluetooth ready,” followed by a tone.

3. Say “Voice.” The system responds “OK, accessing .”

The cell phone's normal prompt messages will go through their cycle according to the phone's operating instructions.

Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Tones The Bluetooth system can send numbers and the numbers stored as name tags during a call. You can use this feature when calling a menu‐driven phone system. Account numbers can also be stored for use.

Sending a Number or Name Tag During a Call 1. Press b g. The system

responds “Ready,” followed by a tone. 2. Say “Dial.” 3. Say the number or name tag

to send.

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Infotainment System

2 NOTES

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Climate Controls

8-1

Climate Control Systems Automatic Climate Control System

For vehicles with this system, it controls the heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Climate Controls

Climate Control Systems

Automatic Climate Control

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Dual Automatic Climate Control

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Air Vents

Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Maintenance

Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Passenger Compartment Air

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

A. Power B. Temperature Control C. Fan Control D. Air Delivery Mode Control E. Recirculation

F. AUTO G. Defrost H. Air Conditioning I. Rear Window Defogger

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8-2

Climate Controls

Automatic Operation The system automatically controls the fan speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and recirculation in order to heat or cool the vehicle to the desired temperature. When the AUTO indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. If the air delivery mode, fan speed, recirculation, or air conditioning setting is adjusted, the AUTO indicator turns off and the selected settings will appear on the display. To place the system in automatic mode do the following: 1. Press AUTO. 2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Adjust the temperature as needed for best comfort.

Q / R (Temperature Control): Press to increase or decrease the temperature.

Manual Operation O (Power): Press to turn the fan on or off. D C (Fan Control): Press to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan speed setting appears on the main display. Pressing either button cancels automatic fan control and the fan can be controlled manually. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. e * (Air Delivery Mode Control): Press to change the direction of the airflow. The current mode appears in the display screen. Pressing either button cancels automatic air delivery control and the direction of the airflow can be controlled manually. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. To change the current mode, select one of the following: Y (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.

\ (Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets. C (Tri‐Level): Air is divided between the windshield, instrument panel, and floor outlets. [ (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets. - (Defog): Clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and floor outlets. 0 (Defrost): Clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield. Selecting defrost will disable automatic control. For best results, clear all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting. # (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning system on or off. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature falls below freezing, the air conditioning system will not run.

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Pressing this button cancels automatic air conditioning and turns off the air conditioner. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation and the air conditioner runs automatically as needed. When the indicator light is on, the air conditioner runs automatically to cool the air inside the vehicle or to dry the air needed to defog the windshield faster. > (Recirculation): Press to alternate between recirculating air inside the vehicle or pulling in outside air. When the indicator light is on, air is being recirculated inside the vehicle. This helps to quickly cool the air inside the vehicle or prevent outside air and odors from entering. Pressing this button cancels automatic recirculation. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation and recirculation runs automatically as needed.

Rear Window Defogger = (Rear Window Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes. If turned on again it runs for about five minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by turning the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. The rear window defogger can be set to automatic operation. See “Climate and Air Quality” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39. When auto rear defog is selected, the rear window defogger turns on automatically when the interior temperature is cold and the outside temperature is about 4°C (40°F) and below. The auto rear defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes, or after five minutes if the outside temperature is not as cold.

Climate Controls

8-3

For vehicles with heated outside rearview mirrors, they turn on when the rear window defogger button is on and help to clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror. See Heated Mirrors on page 2‑17. Notice: Do not try to clear frost or other material from the inside of the front windshield and rear window with a razor blade or anything else that is sharp. This may damage the rear window defogger grid and affect your radio's ability to pick up stations clearly. The repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty. Remote Start Climate Control Operation: For vehicles with the remote vehicle start feature, the climate control system may run when the vehicle is started remotely. The system uses the driver's previous settings to heat or cool the inside of the vehicle. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑8. The rear window defogger turns on if it is cold outside.

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8-4

Climate Controls

Sensor The solar sensor, located on top of the instrument panel near the windshield, monitors the solar heat. The climate control system uses the sensor information to adjust the temperature, fan speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode for best comfort. Do not cover the sensor or the automatic climate control system may not work properly.

Dual Automatic Climate Control System

For vehicles with this system, it controls the heating, cooling, and ventilation.

A. Power B. Driver Temperature Control C. Defrost D. Fan Control E. Air Delivery Mode Control F. Recirculation/Automatic

Recirculation

G. Passenger Temperature Control H. AUTO I. Rear Window Defogger J. Heated Steering Wheel K. Air Conditioning L. ZONE

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Automatic Operation The system automatically controls the fan speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and recirculation in order to heat or cool the vehicle to the desired temperature. When the AUTO indicator light is on, the system is in full automatic operation. If the air delivery mode, fan speed, recirculation, or air conditioning setting is adjusted, the AUTO indicator turns off and the selected settings will appear on the display. To place the system in automatic mode do the following: 1. Press AUTO. 2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Adjust the temperature as needed for best comfort.

Q TEMPR (Driver and Passenger Temperature Control): The temperature can be adjusted separately for the driver and the passenger. Press to increase or decrease the temperature. ZONE: Press to link all climate zone settings to the driver's settings. The ZONE indicator light will turn off. When the passenger settings are adjusted, the ZONE indicator light is on.

Manual Operation O (Power): Press to turn the fan off or on. D C (Fan Control): Press to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan speed setting appears on the main display. Pressing either button cancels automatic fan control and the fan is controlled manually. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation.

Climate Controls

8-5

e * (Air Delivery Mode Control): Press to change the direction of the airflow. The current mode appears in the display screen. Pressing either button cancels automatic air delivery control and the direction of the airflow is controlled manually. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation. To change the current mode, select one of the following: Y (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets. \ (Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument panel outlets and the floor outlets. C (Tri‐Level): Air is divided between the windshield, instrument panel, and floor outlets. [ (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets. - (Defog): Clears the windows of fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and floor outlets.

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8-6

Climate Controls

0 (Defrost): Clears the windshield of fog or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield. For best results, clear all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting. # (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning system on or off. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature falls below freezing, the air conditioner will not run. Pressing this button cancels automatic air conditioning and turns off the air conditioner. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation and the air conditioner runs automatically as needed. When the indicator light is on, the air conditioner runs automatically to cool the air inside the vehicle or to dry the air needed to defog the windshield faster.

Auto Defog: The climate control system may have a sensor to automatically detect high humidity inside the vehicle. When high humidity is detected, the climate control system may adjust to outside air supply and turn on the air conditioner. The fan speed may slightly increase to help prevent fogging. If the climate control system does not detect possible window fogging, it returns to normal operation. To turn Auto Defog off or on, see “Climate and Air Quality” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39.

> / / (Recirculation/Auto Recirculation): Press to change to automatic control of air recirculation inside the vehicle. When the auto recirculation indicator light is on, the air is automatically recirculated as needed to help quickly cool the air inside the vehicle. In auto recirculation control, the Air Quality Control system may operate when pollution is detected. To adjust the sensitivity of the Air Quality Control, see “Climate and Air Quality” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39. When the > indicator light is on, air is recirculated inside the vehicle. If both indicator lights are off, outside air will flow into the vehicle. Press AUTO or / to return to automatic operation.

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Rear Window Defogger = (Rear Window Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger turns off automatically after about 10 minutes. If turned on again it runs for about five minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by turning the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. The rear window defogger can be set to automatic operation. See “Climate and Air Quality” under Vehicle Personalization on page 5‑39. When auto rear defog is selected, the rear window defogger turns on automatically when the interior temperature is cold and the outside temperature is about 4°C (40°F) and below. The auto rear defogger turns off automatically

after about 10 minutes, or after five minutes if the outside temperature is not as cold. For vehicles with heated outside rearview mirrors, they turn on when the rear window defogger button is on and help to clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror. See Heated Mirrors on page 2‑17. Notice: Do not try to clear frost or other material from the inside of the front windshield and rear window with a razor blade or anything else that is sharp. This may damage the rear window defogger grid and affect your radio's ability to pick up stations clearly. The repairs wouldn't be covered by your warranty. ( (Heated Steering Wheel): For vehicles with this feature, press to turn on or off. See Heated Steering Wheel on page 5‑3.

Climate Controls

8-7

Remote Start Climate Control Operation: For vehicles with the remote vehicle start feature, the climate control system may run when the vehicle is started remotely. The system uses the driver's previous settings to heat or cool the inside of the vehicle. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑8. The rear window defogger turns on if it is cold outside. Sensor The solar sensor, located on top of the instrument panel near the windshield, monitors the solar heat. The climate control system uses the sensor information to adjust the temperature, fan speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode for best comfort. Do not cover the sensor or the automatic climate control system may not work properly.

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8-8

Climate Controls

Air Vents Use the louvers located on the air vents to change the direction of the airflow. To open the vent, move the thumbwheel to R. To close the vent, move the thumbwheel to (.

Operation Tips . Keep all outlets open whenever

possible for best system performance.

. Keep the path under all seats

clear of objects to help circulate the air inside the vehicle more effectively.

. Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors can adversely affect the performance of the system.

Maintenance

Air Intake Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air intake at the base of the windshield that can block the flow of air into the vehicle.

Passenger Compartment Air Filter The filter removes dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants from outside air that is pulled into the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled maintenance. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 11‑2 for replacement intervals. To find out what type of filter to use, see Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 11‑9.

The passenger compartment air filter can be accessed by removing the entire glove box. 1. Open the passenger side door. Remove the end cover located on the side of the instrument panel in the top right corner. Remove the screw affixed to the side of the glove box.

2. Open the glove box door and remove the attached screws from around the glove box.

3. Lower the loosened glove box

housing.

4. Unplug both wire cables and

remove the glove box.

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Climate Controls

8-9

5. Pull the three tabs to release

and open the filter door.

6. Remove the old air filter. 7. 8. Reinstall the air filter door.

Install the new air filter.

Re‐install the glove box. See your dealer if additional assistance is needed.

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8-10

Climate Controls

2 NOTES

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Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-8
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-11
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-12

Driving and Operating

9-1

Starting and Operating

Brakes

New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-16
Ignition Positions

(Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17

Ignition Positions

(Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Retained Accessory

Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Parking Over Things

That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27

Engine Exhaust

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Running the Vehicle While

Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-28
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30

Drive Systems

All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31

Antilock Brake

System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-35

Ride Control Systems

Traction Control

System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36

Electronic Stability

Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . 9-38
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . 9-38

Cruise Control

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39

Object Detection Systems

Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-42
Side Blind Zone

Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44

Rear Vision

Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46

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9-2

Driving and Operating

Fuel

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Gasoline Specifications

(U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . 9-51

California Fuel

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-52
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Filling a Portable Fuel

Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54

Towing

General Towing

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

Driving Characteristics and

Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-61

Conversions and Add-Ons

Add-On Electrical

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-62

Driving Information

Defensive Driving Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts on page 3‑13.

{ WARNING

Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready. In addition:

. Allow enough following

distance between you and the driver in front of you.

. Focus on the task of driving.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in injury or possible death. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

Drunk Driving

{ WARNING Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

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Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and attentiveness. Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured. For persons under 21, it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological, and developmental reasons for these laws. The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive.

Medical research shows that alcohol in a person's system can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when anyone who has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that person's chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking.

Control of a Vehicle The following three systems help to control the vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of the vehicle. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 9‑36. Adding non‐dealer accessories can affect vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑3.

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9-3

Braking See Brake System Warning Light on page 5‑19. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average reaction time is about three‐fourths of a second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in three‐fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between the vehicle and others is important.

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9-4

Driving and Operating

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Adding non‐dealer accessories can affect vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑3.

Steering

Power Steering If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops or the power steering system is not functioning, the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.

Speed Variable Assist Steering The vehicle has a steering system that varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation to the speed of the vehicle. The amount of steering effort required is less at slower speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering. This provides maximum control and stability. If the vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem with the system. You will still have power steering, but steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds. See your dealer for service.

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Driving and Operating

9-5

Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is the one factor that can be controlled. If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering the curve, while the front wheels are straight. Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can be avoided by braking — if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem. The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking on page 9‑3. It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it can be turned a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly.

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9-6

Driving and Operating

Off-Road Recovery The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving.

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then,

if there is nothing in the way, steer so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 in), about one-eighth turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems — brakes, steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.

Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle's three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs.

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Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance is longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.

Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep‐standing or flowing water.

{ WARNING

Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally.

(Continued)

Driving and Operating

9-7

WARNING (Continued)

Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle's tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.

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9-8

Driving and Operating

Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include: . Allow extra following distance. . Pass with caution. . Keep windshield wiping

equipment in good shape.

. Keep the windshield washer fluid

reservoir filled.

. Have good tires with proper

tread depth. See Tires on page 10‑46. Turn off cruise control.

Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: . Keep the vehicle well ventilated. . Keep interior temperature cool. . Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead and to the sides.

. Check the rearview mirror and

vehicle instruments often.

Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: . Keep the vehicle serviced and in

good shape.

. Check all fluid levels and brakes,

tires, cooling system, and transmission.

. Shift to a lower gear when going

down steep or long hills. { WARNING

If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.

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{ WARNING

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down and they could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.

. Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).

. Pay attention to special road

signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction.

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9-9

Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 9‑32 improves vehicle stability during hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement. Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice. Turn off cruise control on slippery surfaces.

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9-10

Driving and Operating

Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use the Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 13‑10. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:

Turn on the hazard warning flashers. Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

{ WARNING

Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

WARNING (Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: . Clear away snow from around

the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe.

. Check again from time to

time to be sure snow does not collect there.

. Open a window about

5 cm (2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air.

. Fully open the air outlets

on or under the instrument panel.

. Adjust the climate control

system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index.

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑27. Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (Carbon Monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust.

Run the engine for short periods only as needed to keep warm, but be careful.

(Continued)

(Continued)

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To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.

If the Vehicle is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method.

{ WARNING

If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 55 km/h (35 mph).

For information about using tire chains on the vehicle, see Tire Chains on page 10‑69.

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9-11

Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle on page 10‑89.

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9-12

Driving and Operating

Vehicle Load Limits It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory‐installed options. Two labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification label.

{ WARNING Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). With the driver's door open, you will find the label attached below the door lock post.

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Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement

“The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle's placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

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9-13

4. The resulting figure equals

the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 − 750
(5 x 150) = 650 lbs).

5. Determine the combined

weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

The Tire and Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (A), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires on page 10‑46 and Tire Pressure on page 10‑54. There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certification Label” later in this section.

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9-14

Driving and Operating

6.

If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

See Trailer Towing on page 9‑60
for important information on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and trailering tips.

Example 1

Example 2

A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

B. Subtract Occupant Weight

@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).

C. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).

A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

B. Subtract Occupant Weight

@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs). C. Available Cargo

Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs).

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seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.

Certification Label

Example 3

A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

B. Subtract Occupant Weight

@ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

C. Available Cargo

Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).

Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information label for specific information about the vehicle's capacity weight and

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Certification label is attached to the driver side center pillar (B-pillar). The label tells the gross weight capacity of the vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all

Driving and Operating

9-15

occupants, fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for the vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if there is a heavy load, it should be spread out. See “Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit” earlier in this section.

{ WARNING Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.

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9-16

Driving and Operating

If you put things inside the vehicle — like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else — they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.

{ WARNING

Things inside the vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

. Put things in the cargo

area of the vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as far forward as possible. Try to spread the weight evenly.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

. Never stack heavier

things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.

. Do not leave an

unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.