1996 Chevrolet Astro Owners Manual

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The 1996 Chevrolet Astro Owner’s Manual

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly.

Beats and Restraint Systems ............................................................. 1-1 It also explains the “SIR” system. Features and Controls .................................................................. 2-1 Bmfort Controls and Audio Systems ..................................................... 3-1 This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. YourDrivingandtheRoad .............................................................. 4-1 Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. Problems on the Road .................................................................. 5-1 This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care ............................................................ 6-1 Maintenanceschedule. ................................................................. 7-1 This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use. ........................................................ 8-1 Customer Assistance Information Index ................................................................................

This section tells you how to contact Chevrolet for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you infomation on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8-8.

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

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Here’s an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

We support voluntary technician certification.

WE SUPPORT

VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION THROUGH

National Institute for

AUTOMOTIVE

SERVICE

EXCELLENCE

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propridtaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franqais chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1500 Bonhill Rd. Mississauga, Ontario LST IC7

@Copyright General Motors Corporation 1995 All Rights Reserved

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name ASTRO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. C9610 B First Edition

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How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in the back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of all that’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

b A CAUTION:

- -

These :--Jan there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

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In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this,” or “Don’t let this happen.”

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

I NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

DOOR LOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

These symbols have to do with your lights:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

WIPER

TURN

SIGNALS e A HAZARD

WARNING FLASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

,111,

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

FOG LAMPS

$0

VENTILATING

FAN (

- b - J

Here are some other symbols you may see:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

CHARGING I-1

COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY

SYSTEM

FUSE

LIGHTER n (0) HORN )a( SPEAKER b p3

FUEL

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL w, ANTI-LOCK (@)

PRESSURE

BRAKES

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Cargo Van

Passenger Van

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, take them out and put them back in. It also tells you about bucket and bench seats, power seats and head restraints.

Manual Front Seat

A CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

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2-Way Front Seat

Manual Lumbar Support (Option)

The bucket seats can be adjusted forward or rearward by the lever at the front of the seat.

Move the seat adjustment lever at the front of the seat toward the driver’s door to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

If you have this feature, there will be a knob on the inboard side of the driver and passenger bucket seats. Turn the knob toward the front of the vehicle to increase lumbar support. Turn the knob toward the rear of the vehicle to decrease lumbar support.

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Power Seats (Option) If you have this feature, there will be a control pad on the inboard side of the driver and passenger bucket seats.

Reclining Seatbacks There is a lever on the inside of the seat to adjust the seatback.

The front control makes the front of the seat go up and down. The rear control makes the rear of the seat go up and down. The center control makes the whole seat go forward and rearward.

You can adjust the seatback by lifting the lever. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull up on the lever and the seat will go to an upright position.

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Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

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Head Restraints Head restraints are fixed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Seatback Latches (Non-Touring Bench Seats)

To fold your non-touring seatback forward, pull up on the latch release lever while pulling the seatback toward you. The lever is on the right rear of your seat.

unlock the seat by pushing forward on the lever, while pushing down on the seat. Make sure the seatback is locked when it is put back in the upright position.

If the seatback isn't locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

Rear Seats

After the latch has been released, push the seatback down until it locks in place. To raise the seatback,

A seat that isn't locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

1 A, CAUTION:

A safety belt that is twisted or not properly attached won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After installing the seat, always check to be sure that the safety belts are not twisted and are properly attached.

Bucket Seats If you have rear bucket seats in your vehicle, they will recline and adjust the same way as the front manual bucket seats. See “Reclining Seatbacks” earlier in this section or in the Index.

Bench Seats If you have bench seats in your vehicle, each seat can carry up to three passengers. They can also be removed to increase storage space.

The center and rear bench seats can be adjusted forward or rearward by the lever at the front of the seat.

Move the seat adjustment lever at the front of the seat toward the passenger’s side to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it. Then release the lever and try to move the’seat with your body, to make sure the seat is locked into place.

The non-touring center bench seat has a pivoting right armrest. The left armrest can also be used as a storage compartment. The optional touring bench seats come with moveable armrests, individual reclining seatbacks, adjustable headrests and a fold-down center console.

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To raise or lower the center console, press the button between the beverage holders. Only sit in the center seating position when the console is in an upright position.

To adjust your seatback, pull up on the lever on the lower outside of the seat. The center bench seatbacks will recline further back than the rear bench seatbacks.

For details about headrests, see “Head Restraints” in this section.

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2. If you have a safety belt guide on your seat, pull the safety belt all the way out through the guide.

3. Pull up on the seatback latch on the right rear of the front seat. Push the seatback down until it locks in place (non-touring bench seats only).

Removing the Rear Seats To remove the rear seats, do the following:

7-7 I! + iI

I TO DETACH \ I SEAT REMOVAL \

BELT FOR

. INSERT KEY INTO HOLE ANDIUSH

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1. If you are removing the center seat, remove the right lap-shoulder belt. To do this, press the tip of a key into the release hole of the safety belt attachment while pulling up on the safety belt.

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4. Lift up on the seat release latch. The latches are near

the floor on the rear legs of the seat. To relieve pressure on the latch, pull back on the seat.

5. Lift up on the rear of the seat to remove the seat

assembly from the rear latch pins. Then, pull back and lift the seat out of the vehicle.

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Replacing the Rear Seats To replace the rear seats, do the following:

1. Lower the seat into position. Make sure the front

retainers are hooked onto the anchor pins.

2. Pull the seat down to latch the rear retainers. Make

sure the seat is locked in by pulling up and down on the seat.

3. Raise the seatback by pushing forward on the latch at

the right rear of the seat. Pull up on the seatback until it is locked securely in the up position.

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4. If you are replacing the center seat, connect the right

lap-shoulder belt to the attachment on the seat cushion. If you have a safety belt guide on your seat, pull the belt through the guide before reattaching the lap-shoulder belt to the side of the seat. The release hole should be facing outward. If you installed the safety belt with the release hole facing inward (toward the seat), slide the plastic cov’er up so you can see the buckle. Disconnect the seat belt. Slide the cover back down and reinstall the belt correctly.

NOTICE:

Be sure to put the correct seats back in the proper positions so the safety belts will work properly.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR), or air bag system.

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 25 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn't stop.

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The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

or the instrument panel ...

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accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers e.’ Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

@ If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be

in most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale.has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You ‘stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

@ If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. ?. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don't let it get twisted.

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn't long enough, see "Safety Belt Extender" at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash. 1-17

Shoulder Belt Beight Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

To move it down, push in at the top of the arrows and move the height adjuster to the desired,position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

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e." What's wrong with this?

A CAUTION: ' .

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won't give nearly

as much protection this way.

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@ What’s wrong with this?

/i\ CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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@' What's wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

/\ CAUTION:

You can be ser rsly injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

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You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren't as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

e.' What's wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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Q.’ What’s wrong with this?

A CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it.

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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Your vehicle has two air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you You can be severely injul - -I 01 Alled in E. -rash if

have an air bag. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle .or being ejected from it. The air bag is only a “supplemental restraint.” That is, it works with safety belts but doesn’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or Everyone in your vehicle, including the driver,

not there’s an air bag for that person.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle. Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System This part explains the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system or air bag system.

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG.

AIR BAG

The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem, See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information.

I A CAUTION:

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for an air bag inflation in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with an air bag. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.

I A CAUTION:

An inflating air bag can seriously injure small children. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and the caution label on the right front passenger’s safety belt.

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I How the Gir Bag System Works

I The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument

panel on the passenger’s side.

Where is the air bag? ’he driver’s air bag.is in the middle of the steering wheel.

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Don’t put anything on, or attach anything to, the steering wheel or instrument panel. Also, don’t put anything (such as pets or objects) between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. And don’t hang anything from the assist handle on the passenger’s side of the instrument panel. If something is between an occupant and an air bag, it could affect the performance of the air

I bag -- or worse, it could cause injury.

When should an air bag inflate? The air bag is designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 11 to 16 mph (1 8 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that

it can be somewhat above or below,this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and the vehicle’s deceleration. Vehicle damage is only one indication of this. What makes an air bag inflate? In a frontal or near-frontal impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is suddenly stopping as a result of a crash. The sensing system triggers a chemical reaction of the sodium azide sealed in the inflator. The reaction produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules packed inside the steering wheel and in the instrument

, panel in front of the right front passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument .panel. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Air bags 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. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module in the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, will be hot for a short time. The part of the bag that comes into contact with you may be warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag

inflation will not prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor will it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

I A CAUTION:

When an air bag 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’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

The air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

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Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.

0 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

NOTICE:

If you damage the cover for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, they may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag covers.

for the

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your GM dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

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Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle @ If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the

front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly?

A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is

attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash. Is there anything I might add to the front of the vehicle that could keep the air bags from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag sensors. If you have any question about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. (The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See “Customer Satisfaction Procedure” in the Index.)

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mQther. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. When the lap belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. Rear Seat Passengers It’s

important for rear seat .passengers to buckle These ; Accident statistics show that unbeited people in the rear

seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety. belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

1.

. .

:,

.I

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt’

wear one properly,

positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s‘how to

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1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.

Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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i

3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the-belt as.you pull up on the shoulder part.

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less . likelyto slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This, could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash. 1-33

I A CAUTION:

You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.

Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. 1-34'

I Lap Belt

If your vehicle has rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

1-35

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seats. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here's how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

1-36

1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of

the seatback.

I

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.

The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.

1-37

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies (Exce:

Cargo Vans)

’

vays 1

I-- Smaller children and babies should restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, just perform these steps in reverse order. Squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Slide the guide onto the clip. Rotate the guide and clip inward along the side of the seatback, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. 1-38

CAUTION: (Continued)

heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 124b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-1b. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a crash. During a crash a baby will become so

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-39

Smaller Children and Babies (Cargo Vans)

A CAUTION:

A very young child's hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt wiil likely be over the child's abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child's abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child restraint. However, infants, who should be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint, cannot ride safely in this vehicle. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, be sure the child is always properly restrained while riding in this vehicle.

1-40

: p

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a

vehicle. A baby doesn't weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION:

(Continued)

. .

. . . ..

heavy you can’t hold it, For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-1b. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 2404b. (110 kg) force on your arms, The baby would be almost impossible to hold.

Child Restraints Be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that.

Where to Put the Restraint (Except Cargo Vans) Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in a rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may, however, secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Before you secure a forward-facing child restraint, always move the it will go, Or, front passenger seat as far back as secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly.

1-41

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. Where to Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans) The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here’s why:

A CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured if the passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in 1-42

the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it. Top Strap

If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If you need to have an anchor installed, you can ask your GM dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install an anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

You'll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

2. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child's face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

1-43

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. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while

you push down on the child restraint.

6. 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.

1-44

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position (Bench Seat)

1.. .

You’ll be using the lap belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.

1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch

plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say.

4. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

1-45

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

5. 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.

6. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push

down on the child restraint.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure. If it isn’t, secure the restraint in a different place in the vehicle and contact the child restraint maker for their advice about how to attach the child restraint properly.

1-46

4. 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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

1 a rear-fac

lg child ;traint can be

A ch seriously injured if the front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of a rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. If your vehicle is a passenger van, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle is a cargo van, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. Because your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.)

2. Put the restraint on the seat. Follow the instructions

for the child

restraint.

3. Secure the child in the child restraint as the

instructions say. quickly

safety

belt

5. Buckle the belt.

Make sure the release button

is

positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the

you

if

ever had to.

1-47

.a.

6. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the

retractor to set the lock.

7 . To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the

retractor while you push down on the child restraint.

8. 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.

,1-48

 Larger Children

% .

I j

I.

' Children who have outgrown child restraints should

wear the vehicle's safety belts.

If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and ' get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they need to use the are restrained in the

rear they

safety belts properly. 0 ,Children who aren'i buckled up can be thrown out in

seat.

But

a crash.

0 Children who aren't buckled upcan strike other

peopl-e who are.

1-49

A CAUTION: -

Never do this. belt. The Here two children are wearing the same forces. In a belt can’t properly spread the impact crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

@ What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the centex of the vehicle, but

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.

1-50

in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

1-51

A CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part the child. If the child wears the belt in this way,

is behind

CAUTION: (Continued)

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 air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? 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 belts.

1-52

If you ever see a label on a right front safety belt that says to replace the belt, be sure to do so. Then the new belt will be there to help protect you in a collision. You would see this label on the belt near the latch plate. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

or seat parts

Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem. Keys

Leaving young children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.

2-1

This vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and door locks. It will fit with either side up.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer provides the owner with a pair of identical keys and a bar-coded tag. The bar-coded tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep this tag in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you'll be able to have new ones made easily using this tag.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of new features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have extra keys.

You will have a separate single-sided key to secure the locking front storage compartment.

2-2

Front Doors To open the front side door from the outside, grasp the handle and pull the door open.

Rear Doors If you have the Dutch doors, you must open the hatch first.

To open the front side door from the inside, pull the lever toward you and push the door open.

To open the rear doors from the outside, open the passenger's side rear door first. Grasp the handle and pull the door open.

2-3

To open the driver’s side rear door. pull on the latch release handle in the inside of the door.

‘ I

To fully open the rear doors, push in on the clip and lift the check assembly up off the mounting bracket.

To close the rear doors, close the driver’s side door first. Check to make sure both doors are completely closed. The rear doors have a check assembly to keep the doors from opening beyond 90”.

Do this on each door. Replace the assemblies the same way. See the Caution following “Swing-Out Windows” in this section.

2-4

Door Locks A. CAUTION: Passengers -- especially children -- can easily

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

is

open the doors and fall out. When a door locked, the inside handle won't open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren't locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

I'here are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.

To unlock your door from the outside, use your key.

To lock the front doors and sliding side door from the inside, slide the lock levers down. To unlock the front doors and the sliding side door from the inside, slide the lock levers up.

Rear doors cannot be manually locked from the inside. To unlock the rear hatch and Dutch doors from the inside, press the REAR HATCH button located to the right of the shift lever.

2-5

Power Door Locks

’r x ’?

If your vehicle has power door locks, press the power door lock switch to lock or unlock all the doors at once.

The power door lock switch will not lock or unlock the rear hatch and Dutch doors. You must use the REAR HATCH button. See “Rear Hatch and Dutch Doors Release” in this section.

Every vehicle with power door locks has a pulse lock system. A pulse lock system works like this: If the sliding door is open and you press the power door lock switch, the sliding door will not lock immediately. After you close the door, the system comes on and, in about five seconds, locks the sliding door. All models have overriding door locks. When a door is locked, the door handle will not work the latch. This will help stop a door from being accidentally opened. However, power door locks do not affect the operation of the hatch. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and close the door.

2-6

Keyless Entry System If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the key chain transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your Keyless Entry System operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Should interference to this system occur, try this:

Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See the instructions on battery replacement.

Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. This product has a maximum range. Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. See your GM dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. Operation When you press UNLOCK, the driver’s door will unlock automatically. If you press UNLOCK again within five seconds, all doors will unlock. All doors will lock when DOOR is pressed. The interior lamps will come on whenever you lock or unlock the doors. See “Keyless Illumination’’ in the Index. Pressing REAR twice within 3 1/2 seconds, will unlock the hatch or rear cargo doors.

2-7

Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each key chain 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 the new transmitter is coded, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only two transmitters matched to it. See your dealer to match transmitters to another vehicle. Battery Replacement Under normal use, the batteries in your key chain transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the batteries are 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 batteries. Your transmitter housing snaps apart for ease in battery replacement.

2-8

To open the housing:

1. Insert a dime be

een two halves of the transmitter

housing near the Key ring hole.

2. Remove the bottom by twisting the dime. 3. Remove and replace the batteries with two Duracell

batteries (DL2016 or equivalent), positive

(+) side down.

4. Align and snap together the back and top

transmitter housings.

Sliding Door

To open the sliding side door, pull the handle toward the back and slide the door to the rear until it latches in the open position.

To close the sliding side door, pull the handle toward the front to release the rear latch, and slide the door forward.

2-9

Sliding Door Child Security Lock

Your vehicle’s sliding side door is equipped with a child security door lock, located at the rear of the sliding door, near the side door latch mechanism.

There are two labels on your vehicle to remind you that works, you have this feature. One can be seen from the outside on your sliding door. It is located near the bottom of the door glass, toward the rear of the door. The other label is at the back of the sliding door, near the child security door lock. child

security

lock:

the

This feature prevents passengers from opening the sliding side door from the inside. To use this feature, do the following: 1. Move the lever all the way up. (Arrow is pointing to

the lever that you must move.)

2. Close the door. To open the sliding side door while the child security lock is engaged, unlock the door and open it from the outside. If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open the sliding door from the inside. You should let adults and older children know how the security door lock

and how to cancel the lock,

Canceling the Sliding Door Child Security Lock

To cancel 1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside. 2. Move the lever all the way down.

2-10

Hatch A CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the rear swing-out windows, rear hatch or rear doors open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the rear swing-out windows, rear hatch or rear doors open or electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the rear swing-out windows, rear hatch or rear doors:

if

Make sure all windows are shut. ’hrn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on anything but MAX A/C. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Rear Hatch and Dutch Doors Release (Option) If you have this option, your vehicle must be in either PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to release the hatch and unlock the Dutch doors. If your battery is dead, the hatch and Dutch doors will not open, even from the outside with a key.

To release the hatch and unlock the doors from the inside of the vehicle, press the REAR HATCH button on the instrument panel.

It is located on the right side of the steering column. The hatch will release with or without the key in the ignition. Then, pull up on the hatch handle and open the doors.

2-11

Theft 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. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transmission. And remember to lock the doors.

To release the hatch using the optional Keyless Entry hand-held transmitter, see “Keyless Entry System” in the Index.

To release the hatch and unlock the doors from the outside of the vehicle, put the key in the lock and turn clockwise.

Then, pull up on the hatch and open the right rear door first. Grasp the handle and pull the door open. The hatch and doors will automatically lock when the hatch is shut. If the hatch is partially closed, the rear doors will lock and you will need to use the key or the REAR HATCH button to unlock them. Also, see the Caution following “Hatch,” located in this section.

2-12

Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? 0 Put your valuables in a storage area, like your

glove box.

0 Remember to lock the storage compartment/glove

box and take that key with you.

0 Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your modern vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 kmk) or Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or less for the first 500 miles (804 km). slow -- for the first 500 miles (804 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer’’ in the Index for more information.

2-13

Ignition Positions Use your ignition key to start your vehicle. The ignition key lets you turn the ignition switch to five different positions.

NOTICE:

Don’t operate accessories in the ACCESSORY position for long periods of time. Prolonged operation of accessories in the ACCESSORY position could drain your battery and prevent you from starting your vehicle.

LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transmission shift lever in PARK (P). It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering wheel. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is being towed). RUN (D): This is the position for driving. START (E): This starts your engine.

ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. To get into ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the key.

NOTICE:

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure it is all the way in. If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

Starting Your Engine Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

Don’t 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.

1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your

ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

I NOTICE:

Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor.

2-15

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in

START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way down for five more seconds, or until it starts.

3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then

stops), wait 15 seconds and start over. When the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator pedal.

I 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 don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.

3 I L

Fuel Regulator You have a fuel regulator that shuts the fuel off when the engine reaches 5,600 rpm. Engine Coolant Heater (Option) In very cold weather, 0°F (- 18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help.

You’ll 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.

4. After you’ve used the coolant heater, be sure to store

the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

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 GM dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

To use the coolant heater: 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

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 won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

2-17

Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever.

PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. ,

’

CAUTION: (Continued)

is Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine