2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Owners Manual

up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.

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Child Restraint Systems

A rear-facing infant seat (8) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned

in the restraint.

An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant's head rests toward the center of the vehicle.

in a

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A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.

A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

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When choosing a child restraint, 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. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side.

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Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that chiid 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. Never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and the passenger air bag status indicator shows off. Never put a rear facing child restraint passenger seat unless the air bag is off. Here’s why:

in the right front

ca.. >e

3 rear-facing child restraint

A ( seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure the air bag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position.

is because the

CAUTION:

(Continued)

Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors therefore recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat whenever possible, even if the air bag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is

in

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, the passengers frontal air bag must be off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61 and Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-48 for more on this including important safety information.

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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, don’t 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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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.

Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. Top Strap Anchor Location

60/40 Split Rear Seat Folded

An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located on the back of the rear seat frame above the floor for each rear seating position. In order to get to the brackets, you’ll have to fold the rear seatback(s). See Rear Seat Operation on page 7-8 for information on folding the rear seatbacks. Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle may have the LATCH system. If it does, you’ll find anchors (A) in the second row seats, where the seatback meets the seat cushion. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a visible metal anchorage point in the seat where the seatback meets the seat cushion.

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In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (El), as shown here.

With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.

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i

If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t 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. See “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System”, “Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position”, or “Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position”in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

if your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See Top Strap on page 1-42 if the child restraint has one. 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 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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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. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of

the retractor to set the lock.

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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. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position

5. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into

the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re 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.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

Don’t use child restraints in this position. The restraints won’t work properly.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. Unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat unless the air bag is off.

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s air bag must be off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-61 or Passenger Air Bag Status indicator on page 3-33 for more information on this including important safety information.

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A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure the air bag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors therefore recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat whenever possible, even if the air bag is off.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See Top Strap on page 7-42 if the child restraint has one. 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. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger

air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a child restraint, if you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. See Power Seats on page 1-2 or Manual Passenger Seat on page 1-2. If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you are using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the frontal air bag is off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-6 1. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator on the inside rearview mirror will light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START.

2. Put the 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.

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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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7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

8. If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you’re using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, check to be sure the right front passenger’s frontal air bag is off before you begin to drive. If the air bag has been turned off the off indicator will light and stay lit when the key is turned to RUN or START. If the on indicator is lit, the passenger‘s frontal air bag has not been turned off. If this ever happens, turn the vehicle off, unbuckle the safety belt and perform the steps to install the rear-facing restraint again. After restarting the vehicle, if the air bag still doesn’t turn off, install the infant restraint in a rear seat position of the vehicle and have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

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, feed the shoulder belt back into

the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. 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.

If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the right front passenger, the words AIR BAG will appear on the air bag covering on the side of the right front passenger’s seatback closest to the door.

Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has air bags - a frontal air bag for the driver and another frontal air bag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side impact air bag. Side impact air bags are available for the driver and right front passenger. If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the driver, the words AIR BAG will appear on the air bag covering on the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

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Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:

red or killed in a crash You can be severely il if you aren’t wearing your safety belt - even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them. Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate

CAUTION:

(Continued)

in model e to severe crashes where

on something hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t 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’s an air bag for that person.

eye. If

Both frontal an side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.

it could

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The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-32 for more information. Where Are the Air Bags?

The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags 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 air bag 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 the part of this manual called “Older Children” or “Infants and Young Children”.

There is a air bag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the air bag symbol.

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If something is between an occub-.rt a,.- an air bag, 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 air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.

If your vehicle has one, the right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.

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When Should an Air Bag Inflate? Frontal Air Bags The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air bags, which adjust the amount of restraint according to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these air bags 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 doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 10 to 16 mph (16 to 25 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 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 driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not help the occupant.

Seat Position Sensors Vehicles with dual stage air bags are also equipped with special sensors which enable the sensing system to monitor the position of both the driver and passenger front seats. The seat position sensor provides information which is used to determine if the air bags should deploy at a reduced level or at full depoyment. Side Impact Air Bags Your vehicle may or may not have a side impact air bag. See Air Bag Systems on page 1-52. Side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag 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 air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

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Air Bag Systems 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. For frontal air bags, 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 air bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact. The air bag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See Off-Road Driving with Your Four-wheel Drive Vehicle in the Index for tips on off-road driving. What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, the air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules. Frontal air bag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with side impact air bags, the air bag modules are located in the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door.

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How Does an Air Bag Restrain?

~.

of

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 air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air bags 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 air bag. Side impact air bags 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 air bags. 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 for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag.

What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates? After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module will be hot for a short time. These components include the steering wheel hub for the driver’s frontal air bag and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s frontal air bag. For vehicles with side impact air bags, the side of the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door will be hot. 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 air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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 otherbreathing 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 a door. If you experience breathing problems following an air bag deployment, you should seek medical attention.

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Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s seatback, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag, or both the air bag module and seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.

Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, 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. Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate and a more severe frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system and when the system commands are bag inflation. It records the status of the driver’s safety belt usage in a crash in which the air bag deploys or a crash in which the air bag nearly deploys. The module also records speed, engine RPM, brake and throttle data.

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Passenger Sensing System If your rearview mirror has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The indicator will be visibie when you turn your ignition key to START or RUN. 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 Passenger Air Bag Status lndicator on page 3-33. If your rearview mirror doesn’t have either of the indicators pictured, then your vehicle doesn’t have the passenger sensing system.

Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator - United States

Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator

- Canada

The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag under certain conditions. The driver’s air bag and the side air bags 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 and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal air bag 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, therefore, 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.

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The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag if:

the right front passenger seat is unoccupied, the system determines that an infant is present in 3 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 hidher 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 air bag system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the air bag is off.

Never put a child in a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and the passenger air bag status indicator shows off. Never put a rear facing child restraint in the ri! ’ ’ front passsenger seat unless the air bag i- -=

is beacuse the

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This back of the rear facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure the air bag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. Even though the passenger sensing system designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under it is some unusual circumstance, even though turned off. General Motors therefore recommends that rear-facing child retraints be secured in the rear seat whenever possible, even if the air bag

is off.

is

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The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag when a rear facing infant seat, a forward-facing child restraint or a booster seat is detected. If the child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicie off, remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-48 of this manual. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, 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 air bag 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 air bag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the air bag is active.

For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicie who has outgrown child retraints should wear a safety belt properly - whether or not there is an air bag 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 isn’t sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the full 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 air bag.

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P9- L

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or sides 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 or side 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 questions 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 on page 7-2.

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There air bag system parts in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering In forma tion on page 7- 1 1.

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 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.

Air bag systems do 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 air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) Replacing Restraint System Parts After a CY-sh

A crash can dar..,ge the restraint systems inyour vehicle. A damaged restraint system

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-66

~~~

3 person u< - t, may not properly protr 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’ve 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. 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 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.

Section 2

Features and Controls

.... -2-3

Keys ..................................................

....................

Remote Keyless Entry System ..................... 2.4 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ........... 2.5 Doors and Locks ............................................. 2.7 ................. 2.7 Door Locks Power Door Locks .......................................... 2.8 Delayed Locking ............................................. 2.8 ................ 2.8 Programmable Automatic Door Locks Rear Door Security Locks .............................. 2-1 1 Lockout Protection ........................................ 2-12 Midgate ....................................................... 2-12 Tailgate ....................................................... 2-21 2.23 Power Windows ............................................ 2-24 Sun Visors ................................................... 2-24 .................... 2.25 ... .................... 2.25 Content Theft-Deterrent . . Passlock@ .................................................... 2.26 ................ 2.27 ........ 2-27 .... 2-27 .... 2-28

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In .................... Ignition Positions ................... .............. Your Starting Engine

Windows ........................................................

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Mirrors

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal .... ..... 2.29 Engine Coolant Heater ............................... 2.30 Automatic Transmission Operation ................... 2.31 Four-wheel Drive .......................................... 2.34 Parking Brake .............................................. 2.38 Shifting Into Park (P) ..................................... 2-39 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................. 2-41 Parking Over Things That Burn ....................... 2-42 Engine Exhaust ............................................ 2-43 .... 2-43 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked 2-45

...........................................................

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with

Onstar@, Compass and Temperature Display .................................................... 2-45

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display .............. 2-47 Outside Camper-Type Mirrors ......................... 2-50 Outside Power Mirrors ................................... 2-50 Outside Convex Mirror ................................... 2-51 Outside Heated Mirrors .................................. 2-51 Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb View Assist ..............................................

2-52 ............. 2-53

Onstar@ System .................

2- 1

Section 2

Features and Controls

HomeLink@ Transmitter ................................

Programming the HomeLink Transmitter ........ .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .. ..........

Storage Areas ................................ Glove Box ................................... .............. Center Overhead Console Front Armrest Storage Area ........... Center Console Storage Area ......... Luggage Carrier ...........................

. -2-55 . . 2.55 . . 2.59 . -2-59 . . 2.59 . . 2.59 . . 2.59 . . 2.60

Rear Storage Area .................................... 2.61 Cargo Cover Panels ...................................... 2.61 All-Weather Cargo Area ................................. 2.72 .......................... 2.77 Top-Box Storage ........ ...................... 2.77 Tonneau Cover ...................... 2.84 Sunroof ........................... Vehicle Personalization ................................... 2.85 Memory Seat ............................................... 2-85

..............

2-2

Keys

Leaving 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 the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-3

Your vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition, all door locks, tailgate and side storage boxes.

If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining replacements. In an emergency contact roadside assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information. If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may be able to have your doors unlocked automatically with the Onstar@ system if you have an active Onstar@ subscription. For more information see OnStap System on page 2-53. Remote Keyless Entry System Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

2-4

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.

e Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See "Battery Replacement" under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4. If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation

You can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 100 feet (30 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

driver's door. The interior lamps will come on. Pressing unlock again within three seconds will cause the remaining doors to unlock.

#.%; as%E*$ sed& tm-- *?

You can choose different feedback options for each press of the unlock button, such as having the vehicle's perimeter lamps come on and/or having the horn chirp. See DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-46 for more information. @ (Lock): Pressing this button once will lock all of the doors. Pressing the button again within three seconds may cause the horn to chirp for lock confirmation. You can choose different feedback options for each press of the lock button, such as having the vehicle's perimeter lamps flash and/or having the horn chirp. See DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-46 for more information. .& (Panic): When this button is pressed, the horn will sound and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the button again, or by waiting for 30 seconds, or by starting the vehicle.

2-5

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 two 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.

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.

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To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter, do the following:

1. Insert a thin object, such as a coin, in the slot between the covers of the transmitter housing near the key ring hole. Remove the bottom by twisting the coin.

2. Remove and replace the battery with a

three-volt CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up.

3. Align the covers and snap them together. 4. Check the operation of the transmitter.

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. You can use the keyless entry system. You can use your key.

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 won’t open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t 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.

0 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.

To lock the door from the inside, slide the manual IocWunlock lever rearward. To unlock the door, slide the manual IocWunlock lever forward.

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Pressing the power lock switch or the lock button on the keyless entry transmitter twice will override the delayed locking feature and immediately lock all the doors. You can turn the delayed locking feature off or back on again by doing the following: 1. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the

lock position.

2. Press unlock twice on the remote keyless entry

transmitter.

This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition. Programmable Automatic Door Locks Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic IocWunlock feature which enables you to program your vehicle’s power door locks. You can program this feature through the Driver Information Center (DIC), or by the following method.

Power Door Locks

The power door lock switches are located on the driver’s and front passenger’s armrests.

8 (Lock): Remove the ignition key and press the lock symbol to lock all of the doors. a (Unlock): To unlock the doors, press the unlock

symbol. Delayed Locking

When locking the doors with the power lock switch or the keyless entry transmitter and a door is open, the delayed locking feature will delay locking the doors and tailgate until five seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use.

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Programmable Locking Feature The following is the list of available programming options:

Mode 1: All doors lock when the transmission is shifted into gear. Mode 2: All doors lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 8 mph (1 3 km/h).

Mode 3: No automatic door locking. The automatic door locks were pre-programmed at the factory to lock all the doors when the transmission is shifted into gear. The following instructions detail how to program your door locks differently than the factory setting. Choose one of the three programming options listed above before entering the program mode. To enter the program mode, do the following: 1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn

signaVmultifunction lever toward you and hold it there while you perform the next step.

2. Turn the key to RUN and LOCK twice. Then, with

the key in LOCK, release the turn signaVmultifunction lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock switch lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a 30 second program timer will begin. You are now ready to program the automatic door locks.

3. Select one of the three programming options listed

previously, and press the lock side of the power door lock switch to cycle through the lock options. You will have 30 seconds to begin programming. if you exceed the 30 second limit, the locks will automatically lock and unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you have left the program mode. If this occurs, repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1 to re-enter the programming mode.

You can exit the program mode any time by turning the ignition to RUN (the locks will automatically lock and unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you are leaving the program mode). If the lock/unlock switches are not pressed while in the programming mode, the current auto lock/unlock setting will not be modified. See your dealer for more information. Programmable Unlocking Feature The following is the list of available programming options:

Mode 1: Driver’s door unlocks when the transmission is shifted into PARK (P). Mode 2: All doors unlock when the transmission is shifted into PARK (P). Mode 3: All doors unlock when the key is removed from the ignition.

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Mode 4: No automatic door unlock. The automatic door locks were pre-programmed at the factory to unlock the driver’s door once the transmission is shifted to PARK (P). The following instructions detail how to program your door locks differently than the factory setting. Choose one of the four programming options listed above before entering the program mode. To enter the program mode, do the following:

1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn

signaVmultifunction lever toward you and hold it there while you perform the next step.

2. Turn the key to RUN and LOCK twice. Then, with the

key in LOCK, release the turn signal/muItifunction lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock switch lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a 30-second program timer will begin.

3. You are now ready to program the automatic door locks. Select one of the four programming options listed previously, and press the unlock side of the power door lock switch to cycle through the unlocking options. You will have 30 seconds to begin programming. If you exceed the 30-second limit, the locks will automatically lock and unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you have left the program mode. If this occurs, repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1 to re-enter the programming mode.

You can exit the program mode any time by turning the ignition to RUN. The locks will automatically lock and unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you are leaving the program mode. If the IocWunlock switches are not pressed while in the programming mode, the current auto IocWunlock setting will not be modified. See your dealer for more information.

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Rear Door Security Locks With this feature, you can lock the rear doors so they can’t be opened from the inside by passengers.

This feature is located on the inside edge of the rear doors.

To use one of the locks, do the following:

1. Open one of the rear doors. 2. Move the lever forward to engage the rear door

security iock.

3. Close the door. 4. Do the same thing to the other rear door. The rear doors or your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the rear door while the security lock is engaged, unlock the door and open the door from the outside. Move the lever rearward to disengage the child security lock feature.

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Lockout Protection This feature protects you from locking your key in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a door is open. If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the driver’s door will unlock.

I - - - -

It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo area covered and the tailgate and the midgate open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into you vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the cargo covers on and the tailgate and midgate open or if

CAUTION:

(Continued)

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CAUTION: (Co -hued)

-ng or ler cable

electrical w must pass through the seal between the body and the midgate:

connec

Ins

~~

Make sure all windows are shut. Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on OUTSIDE AIR. 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.

Midgate Operation Your vehicle is equipped with a midgate and a removable rear glass panel. The midgate allows you to extend the length of your vehicle’s cargo area.

The following are the main components of the midgate system:

Rear Glass Removal and Storz-3

- -

If the removable rear glass is not stored properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Whenever you store the rear glass in the vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely in the midgate storage pocket.

Do not remove the rear glass when the rear defroster is on. If you remove the rear glass with the rear defroster on, you may see a discharge spark coming from the latch area. To remove the rear glass do the following:

1. Fold the rear seats. See Rear Seat Operation on

page 7-8 for more information. The front seats may have to be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to fold completely. Although the rear glass can be removed without folding the rear seats, you will not be able to access the rear glass storage pocket. Be sure to fold the seats before removing the rear glass.

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A. Latch Levers B. Grab Handles C. Glass-Catch

Release Button

E. Window

Retaining Tabs

F. Midgate Release

Handle

Arrows

D. Glass Lock Knobs G. Window

Alignment

i

2. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located

near the upper corners of the rear glass, so they unlatch. After both latch levers are unlatched, the glass-catch release button (C) will catch the rear glass and prevent it from falling forward. Follow the next step to release the button and remove the rear glass.

3. While holding the rear glass in place, press the

glass-catch release button and pull the top of the rear glass toward you using the grab handle(s) (B) located at the top of the rear glass.

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4. With the rear glass tilted toward you, lift it out from

the lower window frame channel. Use the grab handles to assist you in removing the rear glass.

5. Load the rear glass in its storage pocket in the midgate using the lower edge of the rear glass to guide it behind the three rear glass retaining tabs (E). Hold the rear glass flat against the storage pocket (with grab handles facing you) until the next step.

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6. Turn both glass lock knobs (D), located at both top

corners of the storage pocket, to the locked position. You may need to push the corner of the rear glass to allow the lock knob to engage more easily.

Once both glass lock knobs are in the locked position, the rear glass is securely stored.

7. Push both latch levers (A) up to the locked position. You should hear a click when each latch lever locks correctly. Rear seats can be returned to the normal position when the rear glass is out and stored properly in the storage pocket.

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Reinstalling the Rear Glass To reinstall the rear glass, do the following: 1. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located

near the upper corners of the rear glass, so they unlatch.

2. Hold the rear glass in place with one hand and turn the glass lock knobs, located at both top corners of the glass storage pocket, to the unlocked position.

3. Pull the rear glass out from the storage pocket using

the grab handles.

4. With the rear glass tilted at an angle, place the bottom edge in the lower channel of the window f rame.

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Be sure to align the rear glass side-to-side using the alignment arrows (G) as shown in the picture.

5. Apply a firm downward pressure and then push the

rear glass flat against the window frame. Use the grab handles at the top of the rear glass to assist you.

6. Use one hand to push the rear glass flat against the window frame and with your free hand push each latch lever up until it locks. You should hear a click when each latch lever locks correctly.

Lowering the Midgate The Midgate can be lowered to allow the cargo area of your vehicle to extend into the cab. The rear glass can be either installed in its normal position, or it can be removed and stored in the rear glass storage pocket.

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To lower the Midgate, do the following: 1. Fold the rear seats. The front seats might have to

be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to fold. See Rear Seat Operation on page 7-8 for more information. At this point you may choose to remove the rear glass following the instructions given previously or leave the rear glass in place.

3. Lower the Midgate until it is flat.

Rear Glass in Normal Position

2. Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand

against the Midgate so it does not fall forward unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise and pull the Midgate toward you.

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Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket

Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand against the crossbar so the Midgate does not fall forward unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise and pull the Midgate toward you.

If you lower the Midgate with the rear glass in the stored position, you will notice that the entire crossbar (the bar with the release handle) will lower with the Midgate. This is completely normal; however, since the crossbar lowers with the Midgate, it will be heavier. As you lower the Midgate in this configuration be ready for the extra weight and be careful not to let the Midgate fall out of your hands as you lower it.

2-20

to

Raising the Midgate To return the Midgate to its normal position, raise the Midgate up with a firm swinging motion (this will help to ensure that the Midgate closes with enough force engage the latches) until it latches into place securely. If the rear glass is removed and you would like to put it back, do so using the instructions given previously. Tailgate Use the ignitioddoor key to unlock/lock the tailgate. Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling the tailgate toward you. To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward until it latches. After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards you to be sure it is latched securely.

Tailgate Removal The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be removed without assistance, you may want someone to assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to the vehicle. To remove the tailgate, do the following:

1. Raise the tailgate

slightly and release both retaining cable clips. To release the retaining cable clips, lift the cable so it points straight out and push the cable clip forward.

2-2 1

2. With the tailgate at a slight upward angle, pull back on the tailgate at the right edge so it releases from the block hinge (arrow) and then move the tailgate to the right to release the left edge.

2-22

Windows

Leaving chil-.- en in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

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Power Windows

The controls for the power windows are located on the armrest on each of the side doors. The switches operate the windows when the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory Power” under ignition Positions on page 2-27. The driver’s door has a switch for each of the passenger’s windows as well. Press the top of the switch to lower the window. Pull up the top of the switch to raise the window.

2-24

Express-Down Windows The driver’s and front passenger’s window switches have an express-down feature that allows you to lower the window without continuously pressing the switch. Press the top of the window switch down briefly to activate the feature. Lightly tap the switch to open the window slightly. The express-down feature can be interrupted at any time by pulling up on the top of the switch. Lockout Switch Press the lockout switch to prevent passengers from operating the power windows. A small light in the lockout switch will come on to show that the switch has been activated. Press the lockout switch again to return to normal operation. Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them out to help block glare at the front and side windows. Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors Pull the sunvisor down and lift the mirror cover to turn on the lamps.

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. Content Theft-Deterrent Your vehicle is equipped with a content theft-deterrent alarm system.

With this system, the security light in the instrument panel cluster will flash as you open the door if your ignition is off.

This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it: 1. Open the door. 2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The security light should come on and stay on.

3. Close all doors. The security light should go off after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the security light goes off.

If a locked door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. The headlamps and parking lamps will flash for two minutes, and the horn will sound for 30 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery power. You can choose different feedback options for the alarm. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46. Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off. Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent system, the vehicle should be locked with the door key after the doors are closed.

0 Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote

keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing unlock on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.

2-25

Testing the Alarm The alarm can be tested by following these steps:

1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window

and open the driver’s door.

2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter.

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for

the security light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm.

While the alarm is set, the power door unlock switch is not operational. If the alarm does not sound when it should but the headlamps flash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-95. If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by your dealer.

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Passlock@ Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock@ theft-deterrent system. Passlock@ is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock@ enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, the fuel system is disabled and the vehicle will not start. During normal operation, the security light will turn off approximately five seconds after the key is turned to RUN. If the engine stalls and the security light flashes, wait about 10 minutes until the light stops flashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from START as soon as the engine starts. If the engine does not start after three tries, the vehicle needs service. If the engine is running and the security light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock@system is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock@at this time. You may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-95. See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Notice: Your 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 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t drive at any one speed - fast or slow - for the first 500 miles (805 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.

Ignition Positions With your key in the ignition switch you can turn it to four different positions.

A (LOCK): This position locks your ignition and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.

2-27

Notice: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle needs service. B (ACCESSORY): This position allows you to use things like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. C (RUN): This position is for driving. D (START): This position starts your engine. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) The Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature will allow certain features on your vehicle to continue to work for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to LOCK. 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.

Notice: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

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. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the

accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you hold the ignition key in START. When the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.

When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18”C), do this: 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the

ignition key to START and hold it there up to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key.

2-28

The vehicle must be in PARK (P) for this feature to operate.

The buttons used to adjust the pedals are located on the driver’s side door panel.

Press the button closest to you to move the pedals closer to your body. Press the button farthest from you to move the pedals away from your body.

2. If your engine still won’t 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 hold the key in START for about three seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

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. Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal If your vehicle has this feature, you can change the position of the throttle and brake pedals. This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals cannot move farther away from the standard position, but can move forward for better pedal reach. This feature can be programmed to work with the memory function (if equipped) on your vehicle. See Memory Seat on page 2-85.

2-29

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’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. At temperatures above 32°F (OX), use of the coolant heater is not required. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The

cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the power steering fluid reservoir.

2-30

3. plug it into a r mal, grounded 11 0-volt AC outlet.

- -. ou-.- t

Plugging the cord into an ungrou 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 1 IO-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t 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 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 dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

Automatic Transmission Operation Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and features an electronic shift position indicator located within the instrurnefit par;ei cluster. There are several different positions for your shift lever.

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

-icle if the

-0 get out of y - - . ~

It is d,..gerou- shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t 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.

CAUTION:

(Continued)

t move, even

)ur vehicle w(

To be sure when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See “Shifting Into Park (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

’- wheel drive, your vehicle will

If 1 - -. --ave fc be free to roll - even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) - if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, two-wheel high (2H) or four- wheel high (4H) or four-wheel low (4L) - not in NEUTRAL. See ”Shifting into Park (P)” in the index.

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REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-45. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

--...--..= into a drive gear while bwdr engine is “racing” (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. Don’t shift into a drive gear while your engine is racing.

Notice: Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty. 2-32

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road driving. You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however it offers more power and lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D). SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) 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 you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission will drive in second gear. You may use this feature for reducing the speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces. Once the vehicle is moving, shift into DRIVE (D).

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power, but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving forward, the won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: If your wheels won't turn, don't try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill. On cold days, approximately 32°F (OOC) or colder, your transmission is designed to shift differently until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is intended to improve heater performance.

Tow/HauI Mode

Your vehicle is equipped with a tow/haul mode. The button is located on the end of the column shift lever You can use this feature to assist when towing or hauling a heavy load. See "Tow/Haul Mode" under Towing a Trailer on page 4-58 for more information.

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Four-wheel Drive If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction. To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that follows before using four-wheel drive. See the appropriate text for the transfer case in your vehicle. Notice: Driving in the 4-WHEEL HIGH (4HI) or 4-WHEEL LOW (4LO) positions for a long time on dry or wet pavement could shorten the life of your vehicle’s drivetrain.

Front Axle Locking Feature The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to lock or unlock is normal. Automatic Transfer Case

I I

case to NEUTRAL can

Shifting the tr,..sfer cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL. See ”Parking Brake” in the Index.

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The transfer case buttons are located to the left of the instrument panel cluster.

Use these switches to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. You can choose among four driving settings: (2HI): This setting is used for driving in most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy.

AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI. R4! 0) (4HI): Use the 4HI position when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle. This is the best setting to use when plowing snow.

a ( 4 L O ) : This setting also engages your front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need this setting. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing or descending steep hills.

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Shifting ...- ..,nsfer case to NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL. See ”Parking Brake” in the Index.

NEUTRAL: Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-48 or Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-48 for more information. Indicator lights in the switches show which setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will flash while shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting.

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If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See “Service 4WD message” under Driver lnformation Center (DE) on page 3-46. Shifting into 4HI or AUTO 4WD Press and release the 4 hi or AUTO 4WD switch. This can be done at any speed (except when shifting from 4LO), and the indicator light will flash while shifting. It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed. Shifting into 2HI Press and release the 2 hi switch. This can be done at any speed (except when shifting from 4LO). Shifting into 4 L 0 To shift to the 4 lo position, the ignition must be in RUN and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4 lo switch. You must wait for the 4L0 indicator light to stop flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear. If the 4 lo switch is pressed when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will flash for 30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds the transfer case will return to the setting last chosen.

Shifting Out of 4LO To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the ignition in RUN. The preferred method for shifting out of 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch. You must wait for the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light to stop flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear. If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light will flash for 30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). Shifting into NEUTRAL To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL do the following:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will

not roll.

2. Set the parking brake. 3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to RUN. 4. Connect the vehicle

to the towing vehicle.

5. 6. 7.

8.

Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). Shift the transfer case to 2HI. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer case shift to NEUTRAL is complete. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second. Turn the ignition to OFF. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P). Release the parking brake prior to towing.

9. 10. 11. Shifting Out of NEUTRAL To shift out of NEUTRAL: 1.

Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD OR 4LO). After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL the red light will go out. You may start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired position.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Excessively shifting the transfer case into or out of the different modes may cause the transfer case to enter the shift protection mode. This will protect the transfer case from possible damage and will only allow