2003 Buick Park Avenue Owners Manual

Here are some things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with your fuel gage: 0 At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before

the gage reads full.

* It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage

indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated half full, but it took more (or less) than half the tank’s capacity to fill it.

0 The gage moves up a little when you turn a corner,

speed up or make a hard stop.

0 The gage doesn’t go back to empty when you turn

off the ignition.

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Driver Information Center (DIC) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Driver Information Center (DIC). The DIC will display information about how your vehicle is functioning, as well as warning messages if a system problem is detected.

The following buttons are on the DIC control panel located to the left of the steering column:

ODORRIP (OdometerKrip): Use this button to display your total and trip miles. FUEL INFO (Information): Press this button to display fuel information such as fuel used, fuel range and fuel economy.

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GAGE INFO (Information): Use this button to display oil pressure, oil life, coolant temperature, tire pressure and battery information. RESET: This button, used along with other buttons, will reset system functions.

ENG/MET (EnglishlMetric): Use this button to change the display between English and metric units. DIC Controls and Displays When you turn the ignition on, the DIC will display your driver number. You can have your dealer program your name to appear on this display line. See your dealer for more information. The system will then perform a status check and display any messages if a problem is detected. If there are no problems detected, the display will return to the mode selected by that driver the last time the ignition was turned off. If a problem is detected, a diagnostic message will appear in the display. The following pages will show the messages you may see on the DIC display. The message center is continuously updated with the vehicle’s performance status.

ODO/TRIP (Odometer/Trip) When this button is pressed, the display will show the total mileage, and TRIP 1 or TRIP 2 miles. TRIP 1 and TRIP 2 will display the miles traveled since the last reset. To reset the trip odometer, press the ODO/TRlP button until the trip miles are shown in the DIC display, then press the RESET button. The trip odometer will now accumulate miles until the next reset. FUEL INFO (Information)

the FUEL INFO button until the

Fuel Used: Press display shows FUEL USED. This display will show you how much fuel has been used since the last reset. To learn how much fuel is used from a new starting point, press the RESET button while the fuel used is displayed in the DIC.

Fuel Range: Press the FUEL INFO button until the display shows FUEL RANGE. The fuel range will calculate the remaining distance you can drive without refueling. This calculation is based on the average fuel economy for the last 25 miles (40.25 km) driven, and the fuel remaining in the fuel tank. The RESET button does not function in this mode. Instantaneous Fuel Economy: Press the FUEL INFO button until the display shows FUEL ECONOMY INST. Instantaneous fuel economy varies with your driving conditions, such as acceleration, braking and the grade of the road being traveled. The RESET button does not function in this mode.

Average Fuel Economy: Press the FUEL INFO button until the display shows FUEL ECONOMY AVERAGE. Average fuel economy is viewed as a long term approximation of your overall driving conditions. To learn the average fuel economy from a new starting point, press the RESET button while the average fuel economy is displayed in the DIC.

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If the voltage is above 16 volts, the display will show BATTERY STATE HIGH. If the display shows the high or low message, you need to have your battery checked. Oil Pressure: Press the GAGE INFO button until OIL PRESSURE appears in the display. If there are no problems detected with the oil pressure, the display will show OIL PRESSURE NORMAL. If a low oil pressure condition is detected, the display will show OIL PRESSURE LOW. If you see the OIL PRESSURE LOW message, you could be low on oil or your oil is not going through the engine properly. See your dealer for service. Oil Life System: Press the GAGE INFO button until OIL LIFE INDEX appears in the display. The OIL LIFE INDEX NORMAL display will show an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. When the oil life index is less than 10% the display will show OIL LIFE INDEX CHANGE OIL. When you have the oil changed, you will have to reset the GM Oil Life System. To reset the Oil Life System, see Engine Oil on page 5-74.

GAGE INFO (Information)

Coolant Temperature: Press the GAGE INFO button until COOLANT TEMP appears in the display. If there are no problems detected with the temperature, COOLANT TEMP NORMAL will appear in the display. If the temperature is too high, COOLANT TEMP HOT will appear in the display. If you see the COOLANT TEMP HOT message, your engine is overheated. You should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off your engine as soon as possible. This manual explains what to do. See Engine Overheating on page 5-30.

the GAGE INFO button until

Tire Pressure: Press TIRE PRESSURE appears in the display. TIRE PRESSURE NORMAL is displayed when the Check Tire Pressure System believes your vehicle’s tire pressures are normal. If a potential tire pressure problem is detected, the display will show TIRE PRESSURE LOW.

Battery Volts: Press the GAGE INFO button until the display shows BATTERY STATE. If the voltage is normal the display will show BATTERY STATE NORMAL. If the voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the display will show BATTERY STATE LOW.

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DIC Warnings and Messages Other warning messages may appear in the DIC display. For Canadian drivers, in addition to the DIC message your DIC will display EXP with a number after it which reflects the following messages:

EXP

(Export ID)

23

Warning Message

DOOR AJAR

140

ITIRE PRESSURE LOW

-~

The EXP codes are used to make translation from

SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM - 54: If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM message, it means there may be a problem with your stability enhancement system. If you see this message, try to reset the system (stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM message still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should see your dealer for service. Reduce your speed and drive accordingly. STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE - 55: You may see the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information Center. It means that an advanced, computer-controlled system has come on to help your vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you’re steering. This stability enhancement system activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal.

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When the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message is on, you should continue to steer in the direction you want to go. The system is designed to help you in bad weather or other difficult driving situations by making the most of whatever road conditions will permit. If the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message comes on, you’ll know that something has caused your vehicle to start to spin, so you should consider slowing down. Tire Pressure Status - 140: If you see the TIRE PRESSURE LOW message, you should stop as soon as you can and check all your tires for damage. (If a tire is flat, see I f a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-74.) Also check the tire pressure in all four tires as soon as you can. See Inflation -- Tire Pressure on page 5-66 and Check Tire Pressure System on page 5-67. There are times when you will have to reset (calibrate) the Check Tire Pressure System. See Check Tire Pressure System on page 5-67.

DIC Vehicle Personalization The DIC is used to program personal choices for up to two drivers. The drivers are recognized as DRIVER #1 and DRIVER #2. The DIC will identify a person as UNKNOWN DRIVER if they are neither DRIVER #1 nor DRIVER #2. You will let the DIC know which driver you are by using your remote keyless entry transmitter or by pressing one of the MEMORY buttons located on the driver’s door. Each remote keyless entry transmitter was pre-programmed to belong to DRIVER #1 or DRIVER #2. Each transmitter may be programmed differently for each driver. After you press the unlock button on your transmitter with the ignition in RUN, the DIC will automatically display the identified driver number. The vehicle will recall the personal choice settings that were last made to correspond to your transmitter, including your radio and climate control settings. See Climate Controls Personalization on page 3-32.

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If you unlock the vehicle using your door key instead OT your transmitter, the DIC will not change drivers and will recall the information from the last transmitter used or the last driver using one of the MEMORY buttons. If this happens and you were not the last driver of the vehicle, simply press your correct driver number on the appropriate MEMORY button or press the unlock button on your transmitter. The DIC can be used to program the following personal choice features available with your vehicle:

Memory Seat Recall Programmable Automatic Door Locks Security Feedback Delayed Locking Perimeter Lighting Outside Curb View Assist Mirror Window Lock Out

See the following steps for personalization programming instructions. 1. Turn the ignition on and keep the transaxle in

PARK (P).

2. Inform the DIC which driver you are by pressing the unlock button on your transmitter or the appropriate memory seat control.

3. Press and hold the ENG/MET button for five

seconds. WELCOME TO BUCK OPTION FEATURE will appear in the display. The next display will be your driver number and the message ARMREST BUTTON CHANGES DRIVER #. Follow the instructions in the display. You are now in the selection mode and the DIC is ready to program your personal choices in memory. The selections you make for the personal choice features will be saved after the display reads FEATURE OPTION SELECTION DONE. Each feature that can be personalized will appear in ine aispiay. Gnce you have rrlade a seieciiurl iur a feature, the DIC will move on to the next personal choice feature.

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If you happen to move past a selection you would like to make a personal choice for, press the unlock button on your transmitter or press the appropriate driver number on the seat control. This will return you to the beginning of the option feature programming mode. A description of each feature programmable through the DIC follows. Outside Curb View Assist Mirror The outside curb view assist mirror, which tilts the passenger mirror while the vehicle is in REVERSE (R), can be made active or inactive through the DIC. When PARALLEL PARK-OFF-ON appears on the display, use the ENG/MET button to toggle the arrow between OFF and ON. When you have made your choice, press the RESET button to record your selection. For more information on this feature, see Outside Curb View Assist Mirror on page 2-41.

4. Scroll through the following messages and feature

options:

PARALLEL PARK - OFF/ON AUTO DOOR LOCKS - OFF/ON UNLOCK IN PARK - OFF/ON WHICH DOORS - ALUDRIVER DELAYED LOCKING - OFF/ON LOCK FEEDBACK - OFF/ON LOCK FEEDBACK - LIGHTWLIGHTS + HORN UNLOCK FEEDBACK - OFF/LIGHTS PERIMETER LIGHTS - OFF/ON SEAT RECALL - OFF/ON RECALL POSITION - MEMORY/EXIT WINDOW LOCKOUT - ALL PASS/REAR

If you would like to exit the selection mode without moving through each of the personal choice features, simply press a different button on the DIC or turn off the ignition. However, personal choices you made may not be retained.

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Programmable Automatic Door Locks The automatic door lock modes, when shifting in and out of PARK (P), can be changed through the DIC. You can change these modes using different selections from the following DIC displays:

AUTO DOOR LOCKS - OFF/ON UNLOCK IN PARK -OFF/ON

If you choose OFF for AUTO DOOR LOCKS, your door locks will operate normally with no automatic feature. If you choose ON for AUTO DOOR LOCKS, and ON for UNLOCK IN PARK, your doors will lock every time you shift out of PARK (P), and the doors will unlock every time you stop and shift into PARK (P). If you choose ON for AUTO DOOR LOCKS, and OFF for UNLOCK IN PARK, your door locks will lock every time you shift out of PARK (P), and there will be no automatic door unlock when shifting back into PARK (P). When you choose ON for UNLOCK in PARK, the DIC Yii!! displz;. ?“E!C!-! C\C!xS.-P,LL’CI!?!‘!E!?. choice of unlocking all doors, or just the driver’s door.

YCL! h2vn the

To change modes, do the following: 1. Move the arrow on the display between ON and

OFF by pressing the ENG/MET button.

2. Once you have made your selection, press the RESET button and your choice will be retained in memory.

See Programmable Automatic Door Locks on page 2-12 for more information about this feature. Delayed Locking The delayed locking feature, which delays the actual locking of the vehicle, can be made active or inactive through the DIC. When DELAYED LOCKING-OFF-ON appears on the display, use the ENG/MET button to toggle the arrow between OFF and ON. When you have made your choice, press the RESET button to record your selection. For more information on this feature, see Delayed Locking on page 2- I 1.

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Security Feedback By choosing different combinations of these selections, you can choose the type of transmitter activated feedback you receive when locking and unlocking your vehicle with your transmitter. Each time you make a selection by pressing the ENG/MET button, press the RESET button to record your choice.

LOCK FEEDBACK - OFF/ON LOCK FEEDBACK - LIGHTS/LIGHTS + HORN UNLOCK FEEDBACK - OFF/LIGHTS

If you choose ON for LOCK FEEDBACK you will also need to choose LIGHTS or LIGHTS + HORN. You can select the following modes:

If you choose OFF for LOCK FEEDBACK and OFF for UNLOCK FEEDBACK, you will receive no security feedback when locking or unlocking your vehicle. If you choose OFF for LOCK FEEDBACK and LIGHTS for UNLOCK FEEDBACK, you will receive no security feedback when locking your vehicle and the exterior lamps will flash when unlocking your vehicle.

If you choose LIGHTS for LOCK FEEDBACK and OFF for UNLOCK FEEDBACK, your exterior lamps will flash when locking your vehicle and you will receive no security feedback when unlocking your vehicle. If you choose LIGHTS for LOCK FEEDBACK and LIGHTS for UNLOCK FEEDBACK, your exterior lamps will flash when locking and unlocking your vehicle. If you choose LIGHTS + HORN for LOCK FEEDBACK and OFF for UNLOCK FEEDBACK, your exterior lamps will flash and the horn will chirp when locking your vehicle and you will receive no security feedback when unlocking your vehicle. If you choose LIGHTS + HORN for LOCK FEEDBACK and LIGHTS for UNLOCK FEEDBACK, your exterior lamps will flash and the horn will chirp when locking your vehicle and your exterior lamps will flash when unlocking your vehicle.

For more information on this feature, see “Security Feedback under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-6.

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Perimeter Lighting When the button with the unlock symbol on the transmitter is pressed, the DRL lamps (high-beams at reduced intensity), parking lamps and back-up lamps will turn on if it is dark enough according to the Twilight Sentinel@. You can control activation of this feature by choosing OFF or ON when the PERIMETER LIGHTS choice is displayed on the DIC. Make your choice by pressing the ENG/MET button and record your choice by pressing the RESET button. If you want to choose PERIMETER LIGHTS ON, you must also choose LIGHTS for UNLOCK FEEDBACK while making the security feedback choices. For more information on this feature, see “Perimeter Lighting” under Exterior Lamps on page 3-12.

Memory Seat Recall This feature recalls the position of your seat. When this feature is active, the memory seat and mirror positions will be recalled for the identified driver when the remote keyless entry transmitter is used to enter the vehicle. You can program this feature to be active by choosing ON when the SEAT RECALL choice appears, or inactive by choosing OFF when the SEAT RECALL choice appears on the DIC. You can also program this feature to recall your memory seat position or the exit seat position. 0 Memory Position: Choose ON when the SEAT

RECALL choice appears, and then choose MEMORY when the RECALL POSITION choice appears.

0 Exit Position: Choose ON when the SEAT RECALL

choice appears, then choose EXIT when the RECALL POSITION choice appears and your seat will move to the stored exit position. The seat ... :I1 - I - - VVIII alau I I I V V G unlocking it with a remote keyless entry transmitter. This will allow for easy entry as well.

--. ,^ ..,LA- .,-. , --+--

V V I IGI I yuu GI ILGI

+k- .,nk;nln LI IG V G I I

I ~ G UILCI

For more information on this feature, see Memory Seat and Mirrors on page 2-54.

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Window Lock Out The number of passenger windows locked out by the WINDOW LOCK button can be programmed through the DIC. If you choose ALL PASS, all three passenger window switches will be inactive when the WINDOW LOCK button is enabled. If you choose REAR, only the two rear passenger window switches will be locked out when the WINDOW LOCK button is enabled.

To change modes do the following:

1. Move the arrow on the display between ALL PASS

and REAR by pressing the ENG/MET button. 2. Once you have made your selection, press the RESET button. Your choice will be retained in memory.

For more information on this feature, see “Window Lock Out” under Power Windows on page 2-19.

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Audio System(s) Notice: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle - like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio - be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delphi Electronics radio or other systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been added improperly. So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check federal rules covering mobile radio and telepksme units. Your audio system has been designed to operate easily and to give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your audio system can do and how to operate all of its controls to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced encjneering that went into it.

Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio system even after the ignition is turned off. See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” under Ignition Positions on page 2-25. Setting the Time Press the HRS knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob until the correct hour appears on the display. Press the MIN knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob until the correct minute also appears. Return these knobs to their stored positions when you’re not using them. You may set the time with the ignition off if you press RECALL first and follow the same procedure described above.

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Radio with Cassette

RECALL: Press this button to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold the button until the display flashes. If you press the button when the ignition is off, the time will show for a few seconds. Finding a Station

AM-FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FMI and FM2. The display will show your selection.

A TUNE v : Press the up or the down arrow A SEEK v : Press the up or the down arrow

choose radio stations.

to go to

to

the next or to the previous station and stay there. To scan stations, press and hold one of the SEEK arrows for two seconds and SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press one of the SEEK arrows again to stop scanning. The radio will seek and scan only to stations that are in the selected band and only to those with a strong signal.

Playing the Radio

ON/OFF: Push this knob to turn the system on and off

VOLUME: Turn the knob to increase or to decrease the volume.

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P SCAN (Preset Scan): Press this button to listen to each of your preset stations for a few seconds. The radio will go to the first preset station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. Press P SCAN again to stop scanning presets. The radio will scan only to preset stations that are in the selected band and only to those with a strong signal. AUTO SET (Automatic Set): Press this button, after selecting AM or FM, to seek and set the 12 strongest FM or the 6 strongest AM stations on your preset pushbuttons. AUTO SET will flash while seeking and will remain on until this function is complete. To return to the stations you manually set, press AUTO SET again.

Setting Preset Stations The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the following steps:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6.

Turn the radio on. Press AM-FM to select AM, FMI or FM2. Tune in the desired station. Press TONE to select the setting you prefer. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons. The sound will mute. When it returns, release the pushbutton. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return and the tone you selected will be automatically selected for that pushbutton. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.

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Setting the Tone (Bassnreble)

Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease bass. TREB (Treble): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. Return these knobs to their stored positions when you’re not using them.

TONE: Press this button to choose bass and treble equalization settings designed for countqdwestern, jazz, talk, pop and classical stations. To return the bass and treble to the manual mode, press either TONE, BASS or TREB until MANUAL appears. See ‘Setting Preset Stations” listed previously to program the auto tone feature.

BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the left or the right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Return these knobs to their stored positions when you’re not using them. Playing a Cassette Tape The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If the ignition and the radio are on, the tape can be inserted and will begin playing. If you hear nothing or hear a garbled sound, the tape may not be in squarely. Press EJECT to remove the tape and start over. While the tape is playing, use the VOLUME, SEEK, FADE, BAL, BASS and TREB controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing.

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If you want to insert a tape while the ignition or radio is off, first press EJECT or RECALL. Cassette tape adapter kits for portable compact disc players will work in your cassette tape player. Your tape bias is set automatically. If an error appears on the display, see “Cassette Tape Messages” later in this section.

1 PREV (Previous): Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for previous to work. Press this pushbutton to search for the previous selection on the tape. 2 NEXT: Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for next to work. Press this pushbutton to search for the next selection on the tape.

(Reverse): Press this pushbutton to reverse the

tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape reverses. 4 (Forward): Press quickly to another part of the tape. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape advances.

this pushbutton to advance

5 SIDE: Press this pushbutton to play the other side of the tape. 6 01 (Dolby@): Press this pushbutton to reduce background noise. The double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby@ Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby@ Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby@ and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby@ Laboratories Licensing Corporation. AM-FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a cassette tape is playing.

SOURCE: Press this button to play a tape when listening to the radio. TAPE PLAY with an arrow will appear on the display while the tape is active.

A SEEK v : Your tape must have at least three

seconds of silence between each selection for seek to work. Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous selection on the tape.

EJECT: Press this button to stop a tape when it is playing and to remove a tape when it is not playing. Eject may be activated with the radio off.

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Cassette Tape Messages

Radio with Cassette and CD

E (Error): If this message and a number appears while trying to play a cassette tape, it could be for one of the following reasons:

ElO: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player. Try a new tape to make sure your player is working properly. E l l : The tape is broken. Try a new tape.

this message appears on the display,

CLN (Clean): If the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See Care of Your Cassette Tape Player on page 3-78. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, contact your dealership. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealership when reporting the problem.

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Playing the Radio

ON/OFF: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. VOLUME: Turn this knob to increase or to decrease volume.

RECALL: Press this button to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold this button until the display flashes. Press this button when the ignition is off to display the time. Finding a Station

AM-FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FMI and FM2. The display will show your selection.

TUNE v : Press the up or the down arrow to SEEK v : Press the up or the down arrow to go to

choose radio stations.

the next or to the previous station and stay there. To scan, press one of the SEEK arrows for two seconds and SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next statinn. Pres: nnp nf the SFFK arrnws again tn stop scanning.

The radio will seek and scan only to stations that are in the selected band and only to those with a strong signal.

P SCAN (Preset Scan): Press this button to listen to each of your preset stations for a few seconds. Press P SCAN again to stop scanning. The radio will scan only to preset stations that are in the selected band and only to those with a strong signal. AUTO SET (Automatic Set): Press this button, after selecting AM or FM, to seek and set the 12 strongest FM or the 6 strongest AM stations on your preset pushbuttons. AUTO SET will flash while seeking and will remain on until this function is complete. To return to the stations you manually set, press AUTO SET again.

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Setting Preset Stations The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FMl and six FM2) by performing the following steps:

1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM-FM to select AM, FM1 or FM2. 3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press TONE to select the setting you prefer. 5. Press and hold one of the six numbered

pushbuttons. The sound will mute. When it returns, release the pushbutton. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return and the tone you selected will be automatically selected for that pushbutton.

6. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.

Setting the Tone (BassKreble)

BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease bass. TREB (Treble): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. Return these knobs to their stored positions when you’re not using them. TONE: Press this button equalization settings designed for country/western, jazz, talk, pop and classical stations. To return the bass and treble to the manual mode, press either TONE until MANUAL appears or press and release the BASS or TREB knob and turn it until the display goes blank. See “Setting Preset Stations” listed previously to program the auto tone feature.

to choose bass and treble

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Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the left or the right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Return these knobs to their stored positions when you’re not using them. Playing a Cassette Tape The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If the ignition and the radio are on, the tape can be inserted and will begin playing. If you hear nothing or hear a garbled sound, the tape may not be in squarely. Press EJECT to remove the tape and start over. While the tape is playina. use the VOLUME, SEEK, FADE, BAL, BASS and TREB controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing.

if you want to insert a tape while the ignition or radio is off, first press EJECT or RECALL. Your tape bias is set automatically. If an error appears on the display, see “Cassette Tape Messages” later in this section.

1 PREV (Previous): Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for previous to work. Press this pushbutton to search for the previous selection on the tape. 2 NEXT: Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for next to work. Press this pushbutton to search for the next selection on the tape. 3 4 (Reverse): Press this pushbutton to reverse the tape rapidly. The radio will play while the tape reverses. Press it again to return to playing speed. 4 bb (Forward): Press this pushbutton to advance quickly to another part of the tape. The radio will play while the tape advances. Press it again to return to playing speed.

5 SIDE: Press this pushbutton to play the other side of the tape.

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6 RAND (Dolby@): Press this pushbutton to reduce background noise. The double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby@ Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby@ Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby@ and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby@ Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

AM-FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a cassette tape is playing.

SOURCE: Press this button to play a cassette tape or a CD when listening to the radio. TAPE SIDE and an arrow will appear on the display. If this button is pressed again, the system will go to disc play; CD PLAY will appear on the display.

A SEEK v : Your tape must have at

least three

seconds of silence between each selection for seek to work. Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous selection on the tape. EJECT: Press this button, located next to the cassette tape slot, to stop a tape when it is playing and to remove a tape when it is not playing. Eject may be activated with the radio off.

Cassette Tape Messages

E (Error): If this message and a number appears while trying to play a cassette tape, it could be for one of the following reasons: 0 E10: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn the

tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player. Try a new tape to make sure your player is working properly. E l 1: The tape is broken. Try a new tape.

CLN (Clean): If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See Care of Your Cassette Tape Player on page 3-78. If any error occurs repeatedly or corrected, contact your dealership. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealership when reporting the problem.

if an error can’t be

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Playing a Compact Disc Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. The disc should begin playing. If you want to insert a CD while the ignition or the radio is off, first press EJECT or RECALL. If you turn off the ignition or radio with a disc in the player, it will stay in the player. When you turn on the ignition or system, the disc will start playing where it stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. Also, as a protection feature, if a CD is ejected and left in the player, it will be pulled back in the player with the ignition on or off. If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc Messages’’ later in this section. 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the start of the current track, if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold this pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc. 2 NEXI: Press tnis pusnburron TO go TO ine next .track. If you hold this pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc. 3 1( (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly reverse within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced ievei. Reiease it to piay the passage.

4 bb (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly advance within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced level. Release it to play the passage. 6 RAND (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. Press it again to turn off random play. RECALL: Press this button to see which track is playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how long it has been playing. To change what is normally shown on the display (track or elapsed time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold this button until the display flashes. AM-FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a CD is playing. SOURCE: Press this button to play a cassette tape or a CD when listening to the radio. TAPE SIDE and an arrow will appear on the display. If this button is pressed again, the system will go to disc play; CD PLAY will appear on the display. i\ SEEK ‘v’ : Press the up or the down arrow to go to the previous or to the next track on the CD. EJECT: Press this button, located next to the CD slot, to stop a CD when it is playing and to remove a CD when it is not playing. Eject may be activated with the radio off.

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Compact Disc Messages E (Error): If you’re driving on a very rough road or if it’s very hot, the disc may not play and an E and a number may appear on the display. When the road becomes smooth or the temperature returns to normal, the disc should play. If the disc comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons:

E20: The disc is upside down, dirty, scratched or wet. E20: There’s too much moisture in the air. Wait about an hour and try again.

If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, try a known good CD. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem.

Trunk-Mounted CD Changer

With the optional compact disc changer, you can play up to 12 discs continuously. Normal size discs may be played using the trays supplied in the magazine. The small discs (8 cm) can be played only with specially designed trays.

Notice: Place large objects in the trunk appropriately so that they will not come into contact with the CD changer. Damage could result that wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

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You must first load the magazine with discs before you can play a compact disc. Each of the 12 trays holds one disc. Press the button on the back of the magazine and pull gently on one of the trays. Load the trays from bottom to top, placing a disc on the tray label side &wn. If y n c I ! n x i 3. disc with the label side up: the disc will not play and an error will occur. Gently push the tray back into the magazine slot. Repeat this procedure for loading up to 12 discs in the magazine.

Once you have loaded the discs in the magazine, slide open the door of the compact disc (CD) changer Push the magazine into the changer in the direction of the arrow marked on top of the magazine.

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To eject the magazine from the player, slide the CD changer door all the way open. The magazine will automatically eject. Remember to keep the door closed whenever possible to keep dirt and dust from getting inside the changer. All of the CD functions are controlled by the radio buttons except for ejecting the magazine. Whenever a CD magazine with discs is loaded in the changer, CHNGR will appear on the radio display. changer is checking the magazine for CDs, CHNGR will flash on the display until the changer is ready to play. When a CD begins playing, the disc and track number will be displayed. The disc numbers are listed on the front of the magazine.

If the CD

Close the door by sliding it all the way to the left. If the door is left partially open, the changer will not operate and an error will occur. When the door is closed, the changer will begin checking for discs in the magazine. This will continue for up to two minutes depending on the number of discs loaded.

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Playing a Compact Disc If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc Messages” later in this section. 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the start of the current track, if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold this button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc to the previous track.

2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to go to the next track on the disc. If you hold this button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc to the next track. 3 d (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly reverse within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced level. 4 (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly advance within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced level.

5 SIDE: Press this pushbutton to select the next disc in the magazine. Each time you press this button, the disc number on the radio display will go to that of the next available CD. If a CD cannot be played, its number will be skipped when selecting discs while using this button.

6 RAND (Random): Press this pushbutton to enter the random play mode. RAND will appear on the display. While in this mode, tracks and discs will be played in random, rather than sequential, order. Press this button again to turn off the random feature and return to normal operation.

RECALL: Press this button to see what track is currently playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how long the track has been playing. EL TM will appear on the display when in elapsed time mode. When a new track starts to play, the track number will also appear. Press this button a third time and the time of day will be displayed.

AM-FM: Press AM-FM to listen to the radio when a CD is playing.

SOURCE: Press this button to play a CD if you have a magazine loaded in the changer when listening to the radio. You can also press this button to switch between a cassette tape, CD or the CD changer if all three are loaded.

3-73

Compact Disc Changer Errors

E (Error): If this message and a number appear on the display, an error has occurred and the compact disc temporarily cannot play. The CD changer will send an error message to the receiver to indicate:

E30: Disc Loaded Incorrectly (Label Side Up) E34: CD Changer Door Open (Completely close the door to restore normal operation.) E35: CD Changer Cartridge Empty (Try the magazine again with a disc loaded on one of the trays.)

If the error occurred while trying to play a CD in the compact disc player or changer, the following conditions may have caused the error:

You’re driving on a very rough road. When the road becomes smoother, the disc should play. The disc is dirty, scratched, wet or upside down. The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again.

If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be corrected, contact your dealership. If your radio displays an error number other than the error codes listed previously, write it down and provide it to your dealership when reporting the problem.

3-74

Personal Choice Radio Controls If your vehicle has this feature it will enable two drivers to store and recall personal settings for radio presets, last tuned station, volume, tone and audio source (radio, cassette or CD). The memory buttons (1 or 2) for this feature are located on the driver’s door panel and correspond to the numbers (1 or 2) found on the back of each remote keyless entry transmitter. To recall audio sources, press the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter and turn the ignition on. The source last listened to will be recalled for the identified driver (1 or 2). To program this feature, do the following:

1. Set all radio preferences. For more information see

“Setting Preset Stations’’ and ‘Setting the Tone” listed for your particular radio.

2. Locate the memory buttons on the driver’s

door panel.

3. Press one of the memory buttons (1 or 2) until you

hear two beeps. The beeps confirm that your selection has been saved and can now be recalled.

Follow these steps each time you want to change the stored settings.

Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCK@ is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is interrupted. If THEFTLOCK@ is active, the THEFTLOCK@ indicator will flash when the ignition is off. The THEFTLOCK@ feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK@ is activated, your radio will not operate if stolen. When THEFTLOCK@ is activated, the radio will display LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery power is removed. If your battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code before it will operate. Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK@ system. Read througn all nine steps beiore starring ine procedure. If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4.

1. Write down any three or four-digit number from

000 to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle.

2. Turn the ignition on. 3. Turn the radio off. 4. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time.

Hold them down until --- shows on the display. Next you will use the secret code number which you have written down.

5. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 6. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

7. Press HRS to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

8. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show REP to let you know that you need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your secret code.

9. Press AM-FM and this time the display w~ll show

SEC to let you know that your radio is secure.

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Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

4. Press HRS to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is now operable and secure.

If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour with the ignition on before you can try again. When you try again, you will only have three more chances (eight tries per chance) to enter the correct code before INOP appears. If you lose or forget your code, contact your dealership.

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Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time. Hold them down until SEC shows on the display.

4. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 5. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

6. Press HRS to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

7. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show ---, indicating that the radio is no longer secured.

If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will appear on the display. To unlock a secured radio see “Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in this section.

Audio Steering Wheel Controls If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel.

A VOL (Volume) v : Press the up or the down arrow SEEK v : Press the up arrow to seek to the next

to increase or to decrease volume.

ststis-! and the down arrow to seek to the previous station. When playing a cassette tape or a compact disc, press the up arrow to hear the next selection.

AM/FM: Press this button to choose AM, FM1 or FM2.

SCAN: Press this button to scan your radio preset stations. The radio will scan to the first preset station stored on your pushbuttons, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. The radio will scan preset stations with a strong signal only. Press this button again to stop scanning. Understanding Radio Reception AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it. FM FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go.

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The cut tape detection feature of your cassette tape player may identify the cleaning cassette as a damaged tape, in error. If the cleaning cassette ejects, insert the cassette at least three times to ensure thorough cleaning. You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended. After you clean the player, press and hold the EJECT button for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate that you have used your tape player for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message appears on the display, your cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is available through your dealership.

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Care of Your CDs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the side without writing when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Care of Your CD Player The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism. Heated Backlite Antenna Your AM-FM antenna is integrated with your rear window defogger, located in the rear window. Be sure that the Inside suriace oi tne rear winaow is nor scratched and that the lines on the glass are not damaged. If the inside surface is damaged, it could interfere with radio reception.

Notice: Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting with metallic film. The metallic film in some tinting materials will interfere with or distort the incoming radio reception. Any damage caused to your backglass antenna due to metallic tinting materials will not be covered by your warranty. Notices Do not try to clear frost or other material from the inside of the rear window with a razor blade or anything else that is sharp. This may damage the rear defogger grid and affect your radio’s ability to pick up stations clearly. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. If, when you turn on your rear window defogger, you hear static on your radio station, it could mean that a defogger grid line has been damaged. If this is true, the grid line must be repaired. If you choose to add a cellular telephone to your vehicle, and the antenna needs to be attached to the glass, be sure that you do not damage the grid lines for the AM-FM antenna. Be sure the antenna does not touch a grid line.

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.& NOTES

3-80

Section

Driving Your Vehicle

Your Driving. the Road. and Your Vehicle .......... 4-2 Defensive Driving ........................................... 4.2 Drunken Driving ............................................. 4-3 Control of a Vehicle ........................................ 4-6 Braking ......................................................... 4-6 Traction Control System (TCS) ......................... 4-9 Steering ...................................................... 4-1 1 Off -Road Recovery ....................................... 4- 1 3 Passing ....................................................... 4-13 Loss of Control ............................................. 4-15 Driving at Night ............................................ 4-16 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads .................. 4-18 . . . . . . . . . 4-2 1 City Driving ..............................

Freeway Driving ........................................... 4.22 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ....................... 4-23 Highway Hypnosis ........................................ 4.24 Hill and Mountain Roads ................................ 4-24 Winter Driving .............................................. 4.26 If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,

Ice or Snow .............................................. 4.30 Towing .......................................................... 4-32 Towing Your Vehicle ..................................... 4.32 Recreational Vehicle Towing ........................... 4-32 Loading Your Vehicle .................................... 4-33 Towing a Trailer ........................................... 4-36

4- 1

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 1-6. Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.

Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task - such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor - makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

4-2

Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: Judgment Muscular Coordination

0 Vision 0 Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half 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 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured.

Many adults - by some estimates, nearly half the adult population - choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it’s 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. But what if people do? How much is “too much” if someone plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

The amount of alcohol consumed

0 The drinker’s body weight

The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking

Th- I I I I C 2 IGI l y L l I V I L I I I I b I L I I U U L U l \ b l I L I t u U I II I I \ u I

it hne t o b n n t h n A r i n I I n r tn L V

n f ti-n

consume the alcohol.

4-3

According to the American Medical Association, a 180 Ib (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in an increasing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.

4-4

But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.1 5 percent, the chance is 25 times greater! The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.

There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. 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.

‘y dangerous. Drinking and then driving is 1 Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and judgement can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious-or even fatal-collision Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in G I il yuu I G v v l c l t G yluup, uGatylIuLG u driver who will not drink.

-s - -- . - 7 -- *:*L -”-. . - A- -: I

if you drive after drinking.

-4-

4-5

Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s 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 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (1 00 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.

Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. Also see Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. 4-6

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. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. if your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to the brake pedal will be harder to push.

stop and

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.

ANTI- LOCK

States

United

Canada

If there’s a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this warning light will stay on. See Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-40.

4-7

The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

Let’s say the road is wet and you’re driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here’s what happens with ABS: A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at both rear wheels.

4-8

As YOU brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Using Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

Traction Control System (TCS) Your vehicle may have a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control” under Turn SignaVMultifuncfn Lever on page 3-5.

4-9

TRAC OFF

This light should come on briefly when you start the engine. If it stays on or comes on while you are driving, there’s a problem with your traction control system.

See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-40. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control system off if you ever need to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-30.

4-1 0

To turn the system off, press the button located at the end of the shift lever. The traction control system warning light will come on and stay on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when you press the button, the warning light will come on - but the system won’t turn off right away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The traction control system warning light should go off.

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering Your vehicle may be equipped with this steering system that continually adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease when parking yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s whv: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia tiie saii7e direction. if you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.

iteep the uehicie going

iii

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems - steering and acceleration - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. If you have Stabilitrak@, you may see the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information Center. See “Stability System Active Message” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-51. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to acceierate unfii you are out of tiie c.ur-ve, accelerate gently into the straightaway.

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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. You can avoid these problems by braking - if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action - steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. See Braking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

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An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it 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 drivinp at all times and wear safety belts properly.

Off-Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving.

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavemeni, recovery snouici be iairiy easy. Edse uii ii~e accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents - the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing:

“Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

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0 Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone isn’t trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lamps are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right.

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Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t 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 your vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren’t 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 thmtt!~ czusss A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the traction control system, remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not have iraciion coniroi, or if the systeE is off, the^ an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

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If your 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, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. If you have Stabilitrak@, you may see the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information Center. See “Stability System Active Message” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-51. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery ~ntil y n ~ - I r \mhicIe is skiddin? I earn tn recnc~ni7e 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: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid.

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Driving at Night

Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired - by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Here are some tips on night driving.

to reduce the

Drive defensively. Don't drink and drive. Adjust your inside rearview mirror glare from headlamps behind you. Since you can't see as well, you may need down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. In remote areas, watch for animals. If you're tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.

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No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot of things invisible. You can be temporarily blinded by approaching headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching headlamps.

Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean - inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlamps should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness - the inability to see in dim light - and aren’t even aware of it.

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Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement. The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road and even people walking. It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads

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Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can’t, try to slow down before you hit them.

We- ,.,.ces can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally.

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Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is sta:lding on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Driving Through Deep Standing Water Notice: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly.

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Driving Through FInwing Water

Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. If you try to drive through flowing water, as you might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can be carried away. As little as six inches of flowing water can carry away a smaller vehicle. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Don’t ignore police warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips

Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tires on page 5-65.

City Driving

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One of the biggest problems with city streets is the arrruurlt V I 1 I c L t t I c I w11 L I I ~ I I I I . what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals.

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Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:

Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip.

0 Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. See the next part, “Freeway Driving.”

0 Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light.

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Freeway Driving

Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules.

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The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane. At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow. Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot. Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly slower at night.

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh - such as after a day’s work - don’t plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.

Here are some things you can check before a trip: Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservior full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

0 Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked

all levels? Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route? Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system? Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

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Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or rolling terrain.

Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a second, and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior. Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your instruments frequently. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

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If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.

Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on