Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it.
Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored properly. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.
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{CAUTION:
Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single bracket could cause the anchor to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per bracket.
Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. If you have an adjustable head restraint, route the top strap under it.
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Top Strap Anchor Location
The top strap anchors are located on the filler panel behind the rear seat head restraints. In order to access the anchors, you will have to open the covers.
Do not secure a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. There is no place to anchor the top strap in this position.
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You will find anchors for the rear seat outboard passenger positions. This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead, it uses vehicle anchors and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap.
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A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system.
A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage C. Top Tether
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To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system has a label on the seatback at each lower anchor position.
The labels are located near the base of rear outboard seating positions.
{CAUTION:
If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating
position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. See LowerAnchoragesandTopTethersfor Children (LATCH System) on page1-39.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the
child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Also see Top Strap on page1-37.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top tether from the top tether anchorage and then disconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCH anchorages.
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see LowerAnchoragesandTopTethersfor Children(LATCHSystem)onpage1-39. See TopStrap on page1-37 if the child restraint has one. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
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Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
4. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,
pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
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Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position
Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. A rear
seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child
restraint. See WheretoPuttheRestraintonpage1-36.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system. The passenger sensing system is designed to
turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag
when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a small
child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is
detected. See PassengerSensingSystemonpage1-58
and PassengerAirbagStatusIndicatoronpage3-40
for more information on this including important
safety information.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat position, move the seat as far
back as it will go before securing the forward-facing
child restraint. See ManualPassengerSeatonpage1-2
or Power Seats on page1-2.
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If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see LowerAnchoragesandTopTethersfor Children (LATCH System) on page1-39. There is no top strap anchor in the right front passenger’s position. Do not secure a child seat in this position if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. See TopStraponpage1-37if your child restraint has one. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal
airbag. See PassengerSensingSystemon page1-58. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint is forward-facing, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the child restraint in this seat. See ManualPassengerSeatonpage1-2 or Power Seats on page1-2. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to ON or START. See PassengerAirbagStatus Indicator on page3-40.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock.
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If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. A thick layer of additional material such as a blanket, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers heaters or massagers, located between the seat cushion and the child restraint or small occupant, can affect how the passenger sensing system operates. Remove any additional material from the seat cushion before reinstalling/securing the child restraint or small occupant. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
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6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,
pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should not be able to pull more of the belt from the retractor once the lock has been set.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
8. If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the rearview mirror will be lit and stay lit when the key is turned to ON or START.
Airbag System Your vehicle has six airbags: • A frontal airbag for the driver and another frontal
airbag for the right front passenger,
• a seat-mounted side impact airbag for the driver
and another for the right front passenger,
• a roof-mounted side impact airbag for the driver
and passenger directly behind the driver, and
• a roof-mounted side impact airbag for the right front
passenger and the person seated directly behind that passenger.
Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating airbag. But these airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:
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{CAUTION:
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are designed to work with safety belts but do not replace them. Frontal airbags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They are not designed to inflate in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal airbags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful airbags have provided in the past. The seat-mounted side impact airbags and roof-mounted side impact airbags are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle.
CAUTION:
(Continued)
CAUTION:
(Continued)
{CAUTION:
They are not designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.
{CAUTION:
Both frontal and side impact airbags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you are too close to an inflating airbag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for airbag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt even with frontal airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.
Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see OlderChildrenonpage1-28 or Infantsand YoungChildrenonpage1-31.
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag symbol.
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The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See AirbagReadinessLightonpage3-39
for more information.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
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The front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
The driver’s side impact airbag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
The right front passenger’s side impact airbag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.
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The roof-mounted side impact airbag for the driver and the passenger directly behind the driver is in the ceiling above the side windows.
The roof-mounted side impact airbag for the front passenger and the passenger directly behind the front passenger is in the ceiling above the side windows.
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{CAUTION:
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact airbag.
If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. And, because your vehicle has side impact airbags, never secure anything to the roof of your vehicle by routing the rope or tiedown through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating side impact airbag will be blocked. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear.
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When Should an Airbag Inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment events and are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down. In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags, which adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic frontal sensor, which helps the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph (19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 18 to 24 mph (29 to 38.5 km/h).
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(The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.) Airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. For example: • If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbag
could inflate at a different crash speed than if the object were moving.
• If the object deforms, the airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the object does not deform.
• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the
airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the
airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not likely help the occupants.
The side impact airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact airbag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact airbags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not likely help the occupant. A side impact airbag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact airbags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact airbags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the airbag. The inflator, airbag and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules inside the steering wheel, instrument panel, the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door and the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows.
How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the side impact airbags.
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What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? After the airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inflated. Some components of the airbag module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the seatback closest to the door for the seat-mounted side impact airbags and the area along the ceiling of your vehicle near the side windows — will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can not get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.
Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the airbags inflate (if battery power is available). You can lock the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using the door lock and interior lamp controls. The hazard warning flashers will also come on when the airbags deploy. If you want to turn them off, press the hazard warning flasher button twice.
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In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. • Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for your airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See VehicleDataCollectionandEvent Data Recorders on page7-10.
• Let only qualified technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.
Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the airbag covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s seatback, or the side impact airbag covering on the ceiling near the side windows, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the airbag module in the steering wheel, both the airbag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s airbag, the airbag module and seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s seat-mounted side impact airbags, or side impact airbag module and ceiling covering for the roof-mounted side impact airbag. Do not open or break the airbag coverings.
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Passenger Sensing System Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible when you turn your ignition key to ON or START. The words ON and OFF or the symbol for on and off, will be visible on the rearview mirror during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off will be visible. See PassengerAirbagStatusIndicatoronpage3-40.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – United States
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s airbag and the side airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – Canada
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{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if: • the right front passenger seat is unoccupied • the system determines that an infant is present in
a rear-facing infant seat
• the system determines that a small child is present
in a forward-facing child restraint
• the system determines that a small child is present
in a booster seat
• a right front passenger takes his/her weight off of
the seat for a period of time
• the right front passenger seat is occupied by a
smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints
• or if there is a critical problem with the airbag
system or the passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing system has turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator in the rearview mirror will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. See PassengerAirbagStatus Indicator on page3-40.
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For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s airbag.
If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to SecuringaChildRestraintintheRight Front Seat Position on page1-44. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active.
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{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the frontal airbag. See AirbagReadiness Lightonpage3-39 for more on this, including important safety information.
A thick layer of additional material such as a blanket, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. Remove any additional material from the seat cushion before reinstalling or securing the child restraint or small occupant. You may want to consider not using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. See AddingEquipmentto YourAirbag-EquippedVehicleonpage1-62for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.
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Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether this will affect my advanced airbag system? A: Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (located under the driver’s seat), or the inside rearview mirror can affect the operation of the advanced airbag system. If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page7-2.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see ServicePublicationsOrderingInformationonpage7-12.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are too close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape, yellow coverings or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag systems. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
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Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.
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If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system was not being used at the time of the collision. If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section.
If the frontal airbags inflate, you will also need to replace the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety belt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new buckle assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision. After a crash you may need to replace the driver and front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies, even if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver and front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page3-39.
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Section 2
Features and Controls
Keys ...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-5
Doors and Locks .............................................2-8
Central Door Unlocking System ........................2-9
Power Door Locks ..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking .............................................2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-10
Lockout Protection ........................................2-11
Trunk ..........................................................2-12
Windows ........................................................2-14
Power Windows ............................................2-15
Sun Visors ...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent System ..................................2-18
Immobilizer ..................................................2-19
Immobilizer Operation ....................................2-20
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-22
New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-22
Ignition Positions ..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-24
Starting Your Engine .....................................2-25
Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-26
Manual Transmission Operation ......................2-31
Parking Brake ..............................................2-34
Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) ............................2-35
Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-37
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission) ...............................2-38
Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-39
Engine Exhaust ............................................2-39
Running Your Engine While
You Are Parked ........................................2-40
2-1
Section 2
Features and Controls
Mirrors ...........................................................2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar® ...................................................2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar® and Compass ...............................2-41
Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-43
Outside Curb View Assist Mirror .....................2-44
Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-45
Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-45
OnStar® System .............................................2-45
HomeLink® Transmitter ...................................2-47
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter .........2-48
Storage Areas ................................................2-51
Glove Box ...................................................2-51
Cupholder(s) ................................................2-51
Center Console Storage Area .........................2-51
Map Pocket .................................................2-52
Roof Rack Provisions ....................................2-52
Convenience Net ..........................................2-52
Sunroof .........................................................2-53
Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-54
Memory Seat and Mirrors ..............................2-54
2-2
Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The children or others could be badly injured or even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
2-3
One key works all of the lock cylinders on the vehicle.
Your vehicle has an Immobilizer Vehicle Theft-deterrent System. The key has a transponder in the key head that matches a decoder in the vehicle’s steering column. If a replacement key or any additional key is needed, you must purchase it from your dealer. The key will have PK3+ stamped on it. Keep the bar code tag that came with the original keys. Give this tag to your dealer if you need a new key made. For more information on Immobilizer see ImmobilizerOperationonpage2-20. Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys.
2-4
In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Assistance.
See Roadside Service on page7-6.
If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar system with
an active subscription and you lock your keys inside
the vehicle, OnStar may be able to send a command to
unlock your vehicle. See OnStar® Systemonpage2-45
for more information.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: • Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.
• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
• Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page2-5.
• If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or
a qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation With this feature, you can lock and unlock the doors or the trunk and turn on your vehicle’s interior lamps from about 10 feet (3 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
Q (Lock): Press this symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock the doors. This also arms the theft-deterrent system.
You can program your vehicle so that the exterior lamps will flash and/or the horn will sound when you lock the doors with the remote keyless entry transmitter. See DICVehiclePersonalizationonpage3-74 for more information on programming this feature.
2-5
If your vehicle is programmed for remote confirmation, the doors must be closed for this feature to work. If a door is open, remote confirmation will be canceled. W(Unlock): Press this symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock the driver’s door. This also disarms the theft-deterrent system. Press the button again to unlock the rest of the doors.
You can program your vehicle so that the exterior lamps will flash when you unlock the doors with the remote keyless entry transmitter. See DICVehicle Personalizationonpage3-74 for more information on programming this feature.
If your vehicle is programmed for remote confirmation, the doors must be closed for this feature to work. If a door is open, remote confirmation will be canceled. L(Panic Alarm): The remote keyless entry transmitter comes equipped with an instant panic alarm. Press the horn symbol when the ignition is turned off. The horn will sound and the exterior lamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. To stop the instant panic alarm, press the symbol again or turn the ignition to ON. V (Trunk): Press this button to open the trunk.
The remote keyless entry transmitter can be used to recall the memory settings for up to two drivers. For more information, see DICVehiclePersonalizationon page3-74and MemorySeatandMirrorsonpage2-54. Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it. Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about four years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.
2-6
Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.
1. Use a flat thin object to pry open the transmitter. 2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil
or similar object to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery as the instructions under
the cover indicate.
4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be
sure no moisture can enter.
5. Press any button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter to resynchronize the transmitter.
6. Check the operation of the transmitter.
2-7
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. Because your vehicle has the theft-deterrent system, you must unlock the doors from the outside with the key or remote keyless entry transmitter to avoid setting off the alarm. If the windows are down and the doors are locked, don’t reach in to manually unlock the vehicle because you will set off the alarm.
From the inside, use the manual lock levers located on the door panels near the windows.
Push down on the manual lock lever to lock the door. To unlock the door, pull up on the lever.
Doors and Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
• Passengers — especially children — can
easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. • Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it.
• Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.
2-8
Central Door Unlocking System Your vehicle has a central door unlocking feature. When unlocking the driver’s door, you can unlock the other doors by holding the key in the turned position for a few seconds or by quickly turning the key twice in the lock cylinder.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switches are located on the front doors.
Press the bottom part of the power door lock switch to lock or the top of the switch to unlock all the doors at once. The rear doors do not have power door lock switches. You must use the manual levers to lock and unlock the rear doors when riding in the rear seat.
Delayed Locking With this feature, you can delay the actual locking of the doors. When the power door lock switch or the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed when the key is not in the ignition and the driver’s door is opened, a chime will sound three times indicating that delayed locking is active. When all the doors are closed, the doors will lock automatically after five seconds. If a door is reopened before five seconds have elapsed, the five second timer will reset itself once all the doors are closed again. You can press the door lock switch or the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter again to override this feature and lock the doors immediately. You can turn this feature off using the Driver Information Center (DIC). When delayed locking is off, the doors will lock immediately when you press the power door lock switch or the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. See DICVehiclePersonalizationon page3-74 for more information.
2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, your vehicle is programmed so that when the doors are closed, the ignition is on and the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P), all the doors will lock. The doors will unlock every time you stop the vehicle and move the shift lever back into PARK (P). If your vehicle has a manual transmission, the vehicle is programmed so that the doors will lock automatically after the vehicle speed reaches 5 mph (8 km). The doors will not automatically unlock until the ignition is turned off and the key is removed from the ignition switch. If someone needs to exit the vehicle once the doors are locked, have that person use the manual lever or power door lock switch. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Use the manual lever or the power door lock switch to lock the door. The power door locks can be programmed through prompts displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC). These prompts allow you to choose various lock and unlock settings. For more information on programming, see DICVehiclePersonalization on page3-74.
2-10
Rear Door Security Locks Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that prevent passengers from opening the rear doors on your vehicle from the inside.
The rear door security locks are located on the inside edge of each rear door. You must open the rear doors to access them.
To use these locks, do the following:
1. Insert your key into the slot next to the rear door security lock label and turn it to engage the lock.
2. Close the door. 3. Repeat the steps for the other rear door.
The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. When you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the following: 1. Unlock the door using the remote keyless entry transmitter, the front door power lock switch or by lifting the rear door manual lock.
2. Then open the door from the outside. To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following: 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside. 2. Insert your key into the slot next to the rear
door security lock label and turn it to disengage the lock.
3. Repeat the steps for the other lock. The rear door locks will now work normally.
Lockout Protection If you press the power door lock switch when the key is in the ignition and any door is open, all the doors will lock and only the driver’s door will unlock. If you close the doors, you can lock them using the remote keyless entry transmitter. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition when locking your vehicle. This feature can be overridden by pressing the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter or by pressing the power lock switch a second time.
2-11
Trunk
{CAUTION:
Trunk Lock Release
The remote trunk release button is located on the lower portion of the driver’s door.
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:
• Make sure all other windows are shut. • Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System in the Index.
• If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See EngineExhaustonpage2-39.
2-12
To use this feature, an automatic transmission must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and your manual transmission must be in NEUTRAL with the parking brake set. Press the button to open the trunk. You can also press the button with the trunk symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter to open the trunk. If your vehicle is ever without power, you can still access the trunk area. Use one of the following procedures to open the trunk manually.
Rear-Seat Pass Through If your vehicle is equipped with the rear seat-pass through door, you can access the trunk without opening the trunk lid. This is especially useful when transporting long items. To open the door, pull down the rear seat armrest. Then pull the lever all the way down to release the door. To close the panel, push the door up and back into place. Then try to open the door without pulling up on the lever to make sure it is locked into place.
If your vehicle is equipped with the rear seat pass-through door, do the following:
1. Fold the rear armrest down and open the
pass-through door. See “Rear-Seat Pass Through” following for more information.
2. Reach upward through the opening to locate the
emergency trunk release handle. See “Emergency Trunk Release Handle” following.
3. Pull forward on the trunk release handle to open
the trunk lid.
If your vehicle is equipped with the split folding rear seat, do the following: 1. Fold down the rear seatback. See SplitFolding
RearSeatonpage1-6 for more information.
2. Reach upward through the opening to locate the
trunk release handle.
3. Pull forward on the trunk release handle to open
the trunk lid.
2-13
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Notice: Using the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk may damage it. Use the emergency trunk release handle only to help you open the trunk lid. There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the back wall of the trunk. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle toward the front of the vehicle to open the trunk from the inside.
2-14
Power Windows
The power window switches are located on the armrest near each window. Press the up or down arrows on the switches to raise or lower the windows. Your vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP) that allows you to use the power windows once the ignition has been turned off for up to 10 minutes. For more information, see RetainedAccessory Power (RAP) on page2-24.
2-15
Express-Down Window This feature is on all the power windows. Press the down arrow on the switch to the second position to activate the express-down feature. If you want to stop the window as it is lowering, press the down arrow on the switch again. Express-Up Window This feature is on both front power windows. Press the up arrow on the switch to the second position to activate the express-up feature. If you want to stop the window as it is raising, press the up arrow on the switch again. Programming the Power Windows If the battery on your vehicle has been recharged, disconnected or is not working, you will need to reprogram each front power window for the express-up feature to work. Before reprogramming, you will need to replace or recharge your vehicle’s battery. To program each window, follow these steps: 1. With the ignition in ACCESSORY, ON or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active, press and hold the down arrow on the power window switch until the window has fully opened. 2. Press the up arrow on the power window switch
until the window is fully closed.
2-16
3. Continue holding up arrow on the switch for approximately two seconds after the window is completely closed.
The window is now reprogrammed. Repeat the process for the other front window. Anti-Pinch Feature If any object is in the path of the window when the express-up feature is active, the window will stop at the obstruction and auto-reverse to a preset factory position. Weather conditions such as severe icing may also cause the window to auto-reverse. The window will return to normal operation once the obstruction or condition is removed.
{CAUTION:
If express override is activated, the window will not reverse automatically. You or others could be injured and the window could be damaged. Before you use express override, make sure that all people and obstructions are clear of the window path.
Express Window Override A condition may exist that causes auto-reversal of the window due to weather or an obstruction. In an emergency, the anti-pinch feature can be overridden in a supervised mode. Hold the window switch all the way down in the express position. The window will rise for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch is released, the express mode is re-activated. In this mode, the window can still close on an object in its path. Use care when using the override mode. Window Lockout This feature allows you to disable the passenger window switches.
The passenger window lockout button is located below the power window switches on the driver’s door armrest.
Press the button to disable the passenger window controls. The light on the button will illuminate, indicating that the feature is in use. The passenger windows still can be raised or lowered using the driver’s window switches when the lockout feature is active. To restore power to the passenger windows, press the button again. The light on the button will go out. You can program this feature to disable all passenger windows or only the rear passenger windows. See DICVehiclePersonalizationonpage3-74 for more information. Sun Visors Swing down the primary visor to block out glare. It can also be detached from the center mount and moved to the side to block glare from that direction. The driver’s sunshade may also have buttons for a built-in garage door opener. See HomeLink® Transmitter onpage2-47 for more information. Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror Pull the visor down and lift the cover. The light will automatically come on. The light will go out when you close the cover.
2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal.
Theft-Deterrent System
If your vehicle has this feature, the security light is located on the instrument panel cluster.
If the ignition is off and a door is open, the security light will flash, reminding you to arm the theft-deterrent system. To arm the system, do the following:
1. Lock the door using the remote keyless entry
transmitter or the power door lock switch.
2. Close all the doors. The security light will illuminate.
It should go off within approximately 30 seconds. Your security system is now armed.
2-18
If a door or a trunk is opened without a key or a remote keyless entry transmitter, the horn will sound and the lamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. The theft-deterrent system won’t arm if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use the remote keyless entry transmitter or the power lock on the door. To avoid activating the alarm by accident do the following: • The vehicle should be locked with the door key or the manual door lock after the doors are closed if you don’t want to arm the theft-deterrent system.
• Always unlock a door with a key or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Pressing the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter disables the theft-deterrent system. Unlocking a door any other way will activate the alarm when a door or the trunk is opened.
If you activate the alarm by accident, unlock the driver’s door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm by using the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, or by starting the vehicle with a valid key.
Testing the Alarm 1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window, then
get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open.
2. From outside of the vehicle, with the door open, lock the vehicle using the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter and close the door. Wait approximately 30 seconds until the security light goes off.
3. Reach in and unlock the door using the manual lock and open the door. The horn will sound and the exterior lamps will flash.
You can turn off the alarm by unlocking the driver’s door with your key, using the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter or by starting the car with a valid key. If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see FusesandCircuitBreakerson page5-97. If the fuse does not need to be replaced, you may need to have your vehicle serviced. To reduce the possibility of theft, always arm the theft-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
Immobilizer This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.
2-19
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not start and the security light comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again. If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses andCircuitBreakersonpage5-97. If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system to have a new key made. It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle. This procedure is for learning additional keys only.
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system works when you turn the key to ON. The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control unit in your vehicle. The correct key will start the vehicle. If the key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your vehicle.
2-20
Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys, only a GM dealer can service the theft-deterrent system to have new keys made. To program additional keys you will require two current driver’s keys. You must add a step to the following procedure. After Step 2, repeat Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver’s key. Then continue with Step 3. To program a new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3+ stamped on it. 2. Insert the current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON
within ten seconds of removing the previous key.
5. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed. It may not be apparent that the security light went on due to how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat the Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. The theft-deterrent system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the theft-deterrent system at this time. In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Service on page7-6.
2-21
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines for the first 500 miles (805 km): • Do not drive at any one speed — fast or slow. • Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h). • Do not make full-throttle starts; also refrain
from using the full throttle while driving.
If these procedures are not followed, your engine, axle, or other parts could be damaged. Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this break-in guideline every time you get new linings. Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing aTraileronpage4-40 for more information.
2-22
Ignition Positions With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key to four different positions.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the ignition switch could cause damage or break the key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
A (OFF): This is the only position in which you can insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature.
B (ACCESSORY): This position allows you to use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off the engine, but still turn the steering wheel.
C (ON): This position is for driving. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission and you turn off the engine, the transmission will lock. If you need to shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.
D (START): This position starts the engine.
Key Release Button (Manual Transmission)
The key cannot be removed from the ignition of manual transmission vehicle unless the key release button is used.
To remove the key, do the following:
1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY. 2. Press and release the button and then turn
the key to OFF. Do not hold the button in while turning the key to OFF.
3. Pull the key straight out of the ignition switch.
2-23
Steering Column Ignition Lock Release (Automatic Transmission) If your vehicle has a dead battery or a battery with low voltage, you can still release the ignition lock and remove the key. Use the following procedure to release the steering column:
3. Insert a narrow, pointed object into the hole in the
steering column cover and press the spring.
4. Then, turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove
the key.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) The following accessories on your vehicle may be used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned from ON to OFF: • Radio • Power Windows • Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(if programmed)
• Sunroof Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or if a door is opened. If you want power for another 10 minutes, close all the doors and turn the ignition key to ON and then back to OFF.
1. Locate the plastic screw head on the underside
2.
of the plastic cover for the steering column. Insert a flat, thin object into the slot and turn it until the plastic piece detaches from the steering column cover.
2-24
Starting Your Engine Automatic Transmission Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in any other position — that is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transmission The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a safety feature. 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. Then, let go of the key; the engine will start automatically. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.
2. If your engine will not start, or starts but then stops,
it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you turn the key to START. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.
Notice: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant heater. In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required.
2-25
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transmission Operation If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift lever is located on the center console between the front seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. You must remove the plastic cap to access the plug. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110 - volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.
2-26
PARK (P): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See ShiftingIntoPark(P) (AutomaticTransmission)onpage2-35. If you are pulling a trailer, see TowingaTrailer onpage4-40.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) while pressing the button on the shift lever as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See ShiftingOutofPark(P)onpage2-37. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use REVERSE (R) to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission. See IfYouAreStuck:InSand,Mud,IceorSnowon page4-32 for additional information.
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NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. You can also use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you are: • Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
• Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear and have more power. Notice: Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase speed may damage the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
FOURTH (4): This position is also used for normal driving. However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are examples for using FOURTH (4) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). • When driving on hilly, winding roads. • When going down a steep hill.
THIRD (3): This position gives you more power. You can use THIRD (3) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.
If the shift lever is put into THIRD (3), the transmission will not shift into THIRD (3) until the vehicle is moving slowly enough.
SECOND (2): This position gives you even more power than THIRD (3). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. (If the shift lever is put in SECOND (2), the transmission will not shift into SECOND (2) until the vehicle is going slowly enough).
FIRST (1): The transmission will automatically select this gear when conditions indicate that more power is needed. You cannot select this gear manually. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Sport Mode Button (Automatic Transmission) This button allows you to change the driving mode of the vehicle from the normal driving mode to a sportier driving mode. In sport mode the vehicle will have firmer shifting and increased performance.
The sport mode button is located on the center console near the transmission shift lever.
Press the button once to turn on the sport mode. Press the button again to return to normal driving mode.
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This light located on the instrument panel cluster will come on while the sport mode is active.
Winter Driving Mode Button (Automatic Transmission) This feature provides more traction during slippery conditions by using THIRD (3) gear when you begin to accelerate from a stopped position.
The winter driving mode button is located on the center console near the transmission shift lever.
Press this button once to turn on the winter driving mode feature. Press it again to turn the feature off. The winter driving mode feature works when the vehicle is in any gear except SECOND (2).
When driving in sport mode, the transmission may remain in a gear longer than it would in normal driving mode. Also, if the transmission is in AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) when the sport mode button is pressed, the transmission will immediately downshift into FOURTH (4) gear to provide more power. Both of these situations are normal and do not indicate a transmission problem. When you turn off the ignition while driving in sport mode, the vehicle will remain in sport mode. If your vehicle is equipped with the memory feature, the transmission mode (sport or normal) will be saved with the memory seat position. Press the sport mode button again to turn off the feature and return to normal driving mode.
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This light on the instrument panel cluster will come on when the winter driving mode is active.
Manual Transmission Operation If your vehicle has a manual transmission, the shift lever is located on the center console between the front seats. The following explains how to operate the manual transmission.
When you turn off the ignition while using this feature, winter mode is automatically turned off. The vehicle will return to normal driving mode. You must select the winter driving mode feature each time you restart the vehicle if you wish to use the feature. The transmission will be in THIRD (3) gear when the vehicle begins to move. Once the vehicle is moving, the vehicle will upshift normally. The transmission will downshift when the accelerator pedal is pressed and held for more than two seconds, and the vehicle will accelerate more slowly than normal while using the winter driving mode. This feature is not intended for continuous use or for use when the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow or gravel. If your vehicle becomes stuck, see Rocking YourVehicletoGetItOutonpage4-33 for more information on how to free it.
CTS
CTS-V
This is the shift pattern for the six-speed manual transmission. Here is how to operate your transmission:
FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
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You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less than 40 mph (64 km/h). If you come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL when it is centered in the shift pattern, not in any gear.
REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Your six-speed manual transmission has a feature that allows you to safely shift into REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is rolling at less than 3 mph (5 km/h). You will be locked out if you try to shift into REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h). If you have turned your ignition off and wish to park your vehicle in REVERSE (R), you will have to overcome the lockout mechanism by moving the shift lever quickly to the right, and immediately forward into gear using more force than a normal shift.
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Shift Speeds (Manual Transmission)
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Don’t shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift.
Notice: If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you could damage the engine, clutch, driveshaft or the transmission. Do not skip gears or race the engine when downshifting. If the vehicle speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance.
Skip Shift (CTS-V) 1r4: This may appear in the message center in the speedometer during light throttle, low speed maneuvers (15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h)). When this message appears, you can only shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) instead of FIRST (1) to SECOND (2). During the shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4), pull the shift lever straight back using light force on the shift lever. You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) to turn off this feature. This helps you get the best possible fuel economy. Notice: Forcing the shift lever into any gear except FOURTH (4) when the skip shift light comes on may damage the transmission. Shift only from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on. This light comes on when: • The engine coolant temperature is higher
than 169°F (76°C),
• you are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and • you are 21 percent throttle or less.
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Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is located on the lower portion of the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot and push the parking brake pedal down with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced. See BrakeSystemWarningLightonpage3-42 for more information.
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To release the parking brake, pull the release lever located to the left of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move. To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake. If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see TowingaTraileronpage4-40 for more information.
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see TowingaTraileron page4-40.
To shift into PARK (P), use the following steps: 1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot. 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the button on the front of the shift lever while pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle. Release the button.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake with your left foot. See Parking Brake on page2-34 for more information.
4. Turn the key to OFF. 5. Remove the key from the ignition switch and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the key in your hand, the vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” listed previously. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pushing the button on the shift lever. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of Park (P) Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON. See AutomaticTransmissionOperation on page2-26 for more information. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease the pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) while pushing the button on the shift lever as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. Shift Lock Release (Automatic Transmission) If your vehicle has a dead battery or a battery with low voltage, you can still shift the vehicle into PARK (P) and remove the ignition key. Use the following procedure to release the shift lever:
1. Pull up on the rear part of the leather boot that
surrounds the shift lever.
2. Fold the boot upward to expose the mechanism
beneath the shift lever.
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Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission) Before you get out of your vehicle, place the shift lever in REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake. Turn the ignition key to OFF, press the release button