2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Owners Manual

when listening to the radio. Z (Eject): Press this button to stop a CD when it is playing or to eject a CD when it is not playing. Eject may be activated with either the ignition or radio off. CDs may be loaded with the radio and ignition off if this button is pressed first.

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Radio with Six-Disc CD

Base Radio Shown, Bose® Similar

If your vehicle is equipped with the Bose® audio system, your vehicle will have six Bose® amplified speakers.

CD Messages If the CD comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons:

It is very hot. When the temperature returns to normal, the CD should play.

(cid:127) You are driving on a very rough road. When the

road becomes smoother, the CD should play. The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down. The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again. There may have been a problem while burning the CD. The label may be caught in the CD player.

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

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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) Radio Data System (RDS) Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS features are available for use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. With RDS, your radio can do the following: (cid:127) Seek to stations broadcasting the selected type of

programming

(cid:127) Receive announcements concerning local and

national emergencies

(cid:127) Display messages from radio stations (cid:127) Seek to stations with traffic announcements This system relies upon receiving specific information from these stations and will only work when the information is available. In rare cases, a radio station may broadcast incorrect information that will cause the radio features to work improperly. If this happens, contact the radio station. While you are tuned to an RDS station, the station name or the call letters will appear on the display instead of the frequency. RDS stations may also provide the time of day, a program type (PTY) for current programming, and the name of the program being broadcast.

XM™ Satellite Radio Service (48 Contiguous US States) XM™ is a continental U.S. based satellite radio service that offers 100 coast to coast channels including music, news, sports, talk, and children’s programming. XM™ provides digital quality audio and text information, including song title and artist name. A service fee is required in order to receive the XM™ service. For more information, contact XM™ at www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696). Playing the Radio

PWR (Power): Push this knob to turn the system on and off.

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

AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): With automatic volume, your audio system will adjust automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive by increasing the volume as vehicle speed increases.

Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to select LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH. AVOL will appear on the display. Each higher setting will provide more volume compensation as vehicle speed increases. To turn automatic volume off, press this button until AVOL OFF appears on the display.

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RCL (Recall): Press this knob to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. Pressing this knob with the ignition off will display the time.

For XMâ„¢ (48 contiguous US states, if equipped), press the RCL knob while in XMâ„¢ mode to retrieve four different categories of information related to the current song or channel: Artist, Song Title, Category or PTY, Channel Number/Channel Name.

To change the default on the display, press the RCL knob until you see the display you want, then hold the knob until the display flashes. The selected display will now be the default. Finding a Station

BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2 (48 contiguous US states, if equipped). The display will show your selection.

TUNE: Turn this knob to select radio stations. sSEEK t: Press the right or the left arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there.

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

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sSCAN t: Press and hold either SCAN arrow for two seconds until SC appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press either SCAN arrow again to stop scanning.

To scan preset stations, press and hold either SCAN arrow for more than four seconds. PRESET SCAN will appear on the display and you will hear a double beep. The radio will go to a preset station stored on your pushbuttons, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. Press either SCAN arrow again to stop scanning presets.

The radio will scan only to stations that are in the selected band and only to those with a strong signal. Setting Preset Stations The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM, six XM1 and six XM2
(48 contiguous US states, if equipped), by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1

or XM2.

3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press AUTO EQ to select the equalization.

5. Press and hold one of the six numbered

pushbuttons until you hear a beep. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return and the equalization that you selected will be automatically stored for that pushbutton.

6. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)

AUDIO: Push the AUDIO knob until BASS or TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble.

To adjust bass or treble to the middle position, select BASS or TREB and push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and adjust the display level to zero.

To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone or speaker control is displayed. CENTERED will appear on the display and you will hear a beep.

AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press this button to select customized equalization settings designed for country/western, jazz, talk, pop, rock, and classical. Selecting CUSTOM or changing bass or treble, returns the EQ to the manual bass and treble settings.

The radio will save separate AUTO EQ settings for each preset and source.

If you radio is equipped with the Bose audio system, your equalization settings are either CUSTOM or TALK. Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and the left speakers, push the AUDIO knob until BAL appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the right or the left speakers.

To adjust the fade between the front and rear speakers, push and hold the AUDIO knob until FAD appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers.

To adjust the balance and the fade to the middle position, select balance or fade and push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and adjust the display level to the middle position.

To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone or speaker controls are displayed. CENTERED will appear on the display and you will hear a beep.

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Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station (RDS and XM™) To select and find a desired PTY perform the following: 1. Press the P-TYPE button to activate program

type select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display.

2. Turn the P-TYPE knob to select a PTY. 3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press either SEEK arrow to select the PTY and take you to the PTY’s first station.

4. If you want to go to another station within that PTY and the PTY is displayed, press either SEEK arrow once. If the PTY is not displayed, press either SEEK arrow twice to display the PTY and then to go to another station.

5. Press the P-TYPE button to exit program type

select mode. If PTY times out and is no longer on the display, go back to Step 1.

If both P-TYPE and TRAF are on, the radio will search for stations with the selected PTY and traffic announcements.

To use the PTY interrupt feature, press and hold the P-TYPE button until you hear a beep on the PTY you want to interrupt with. When selected, an asterisk will appear beside that PTY on the display. You may select multiple interrupts if desired. When you are listening to a CD, the last selected RDS station will interrupt play if that selected program type format is broadcast.

SCAN: You can scan the stations within a PTY by performing the following: 1. Press the P-TYPE button to activate program type

select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display.

2. Turn the P-TYPE knob to select a PTY. 3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and hold

either SCAN arrow, and the radio will begin scanning the stations in the PTY.

4. Press either SCAN arrow to stop at a station. If both PTY and TRAF are on, the radio will scan for stations with the selected PTY and traffic announcements.

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BAND (Alternate Frequency): Alternate frequency allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the same program type. To turn alternate frequency on, press and hold BAND for two seconds. AF ON will appear on the display. The radio may switch to stronger stations.

To turn alternate frequency off, press and hold BAND again for two seconds. AF OFF will appear on the display. The radio will not switch to other stations.

This function does not apply for XMâ„¢ Satellite Radio Service. Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite PTYs. These buttons have factory PTY presets. You can set up to 12 PTYs (six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the following steps: 1. Press BAND to select FM1 or FM2. 2. Press the P-TYPE button to activate program type

select mode. P-TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display.

3. Turn the P-TYPE knob to select a PTY. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered

pushbuttons until you hear a beep. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the PTY you set will return.

5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. RDS Messages

ALERT!: Alert warns of local or national emergencies. When an alert announcement comes on the current radio station, ALERT! will appear on the display. You will hear the announcement, even if the volume is muted or a CD is playing. If the CD player is playing, play will stop during the announcement. You will not be able to turn off alert announcements.

ALERT! will not be affected by tests of the emergency broadcast system. This feature is not supported by all RDS stations.

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INFO (Information): If the current station has a message, INFO will appear on the display. Press this button to see the message. The message may display the artist, song title, call in phone numbers, etc.

If the whole message is not displayed, parts of the message will appear every three seconds. To scroll through the message at your own speed, press the INFO button repeatedly. A new group of words will appear on the display with each press. Once the complete message has been displayed, INFO will disappear from the display until another new message is received. The old message can be displayed by pressing the INFO button. You can view an old message until a new message is received or a different station is tuned to.

TRAF (Traffic): If TRAF appears on the display, the tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements. To receive the traffic announcement from the tuned station, press this button. Brackets will be displayed around TRAF and when a traffic announcement comes on the tuned radio station you will hear it.

If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, press this button and the radio will seek to a station that does. When the radio finds a station that broadcasts traffic announcements, the radio will stop and brackets will be displayed around TRAF. When a traffic announcement comes on the tuned radio station you will hear it. If no station is found, NO TRAFFIC will appear on the display.

If the brackets are on the display and TRAF is not, you can then press the TRAF button to remove the brackets or use the TUNE knob or the SEEK arrows to go to a station that supports traffic announcements. If no station is found, NO TRAFFIC will appear on the display.

Your radio will play the traffic announcement even if the volume is low. Your radio will interrupt the play of a CD if the last tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements.

This function does not apply to XMâ„¢ Satellite Radio Service.

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XMâ„¢ Radio Messages

Condition

Action Required

Radio Display

Message

XL (Explicit Language Channels)

Updating

XL on the radio display, after the channel name, indicates content with explicit language. Updating encryption code

No Signal

Loss of signal

Loading XM

Acquiring channel audio (after 4 second delay)

CH Off Air

Channel not in service

CH Unavail

Channel no longer available

No Info

No Info

Artist Name/Feature not available Song/Program Title not available

These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).

The encryption code in your receiver is being updated, and no action is required. This process should take no longer than 30 seconds. Your system is functioning correctly, but you are in a location that is blocking the XM signal. When you move into an open area, the signal should return. Your radio system is acquiring and processing audio and text data. No action is needed. This message should disappear shortly. This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another channel. This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned. Tune to another station. If this station was one of your presets, you may need to choose another station for that preset button. No artist information is available at this time on this channel. Your system is working properly. No song title information is available at this time on this channel. Your system is working properly.

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Radio Display

Message

XM™ Radio Messages (cont’d)

Condition

Action Required

Category Name not available No Text/Informational message available No channel available for the chosen category Theft lock active

Radio ID label (channel 0)

Radio ID not known (should only be if hardware failure) Hardware failure

No category information is available at this time on this channel. Your system is working properly. No text or informational messages are available at this time on this channel. Your system is working properly. There are no channels available for the category you selected. Your system is working properly. The XM receiver in your vehicle may have previously been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If you receive this message after having your vehicle serviced, check with the servicing facility. If you tune to channel 0, you will see this message alternating with your XM Radio 8 digit radio ID label. This label is needed to activate your service. If you receive this message when you tune to channel 0, you may have a receiver fault. Consult with your dealer.

If this message does not clear within a short period of time, your receiver may have a fault. Consult with your retail location.

No Info

No Info

Not Found

XM Locked

Radio ID

Unknown

Chk XMRcvr

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Playing a CD If you turn off the ignition or radio with the CD in the player, it will stay in the player. When you turn on the ignition or the radio, the CD will start playing, where it stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. The CD player can play the smaller 8 cm single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner. If playing a CD-R the sound quality may be reduced due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality of the music that has been recorded, and the way the CD-R has been handled. You may experience an increase in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in loading and ejecting. If these problems occur try a known good CD. Do not add paper labels to CDs, they could get caught in the CD player. Do not play 3 inch CDs without a standard adapter CD. If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages” later in this section.

LOAD CD Z: Press the LOAD side of this button to load CDs into the CD player. This CD player will hold up to six CDs. To insert one CD, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Press and release the LOAD side of the LOAD CD

button.

3. Wait for the light, located to the right of the slot, to

turn green.

4. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot,

label side up. The player will pull the CD in.

When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on the display. If you select an equalization setting for your CD, it will be activated each time you play a CD. The CD will begin to play automatically. As each new track starts to play, the track number will appear on the display. To insert multiple CDs, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Press and hold the LOAD side of the LOAD CD

button for two seconds. You will hear a beep and the light, located to the right of the slot, will begin to flash.

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3. Once the light stops flashing and turns green, load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull the CD in. Once the CD is loaded, the light will begin flashing again. Once the light stops flashing and turns green you can load another CD. The CD player takes up to six CDs. Do not try to load more than six.

To load more than one CD but less than six, complete Steps 1 through 3. When you have finished loading CDs, the radio will begin to play the last CD loaded. When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on the display. If more than one CD has been loaded, a number for each CD will appear on the display. If you select an equalization setting for your CD, it will be activated each time you play a CD. As each new track starts to play, the track number will appear on the display. Playing a Specific Loaded CD For every CD loaded, a number will appear on the display. To play a specific CD, first press the CD AUX button. Then press the numbered pushbutton that corresponds to the CD you want to play. A small bar will appear under the CD number that is playing, and the track number will appear on the display. If an error appears on the radio display, see “CD Messages” later in this section.

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LOAD CD Z (Eject): Press the CD eject side of this button to eject a single CD or multiple CDs. To eject the CD that is currently playing, press and release this button. To eject multiple CDs, press and hold this button for two seconds. You will hear a beep and the light will flash to let you know when a CD is being ejected.

REMOVE CD will appear on the display. You can now remove the CD. If the CD is not removed, after 25 seconds, the CD will be automatically pulled back into the receiver. If you try to push the CD back into the receiver, before the 25 second time period is complete, the receiver will sense an error and will try to eject the CD several times before stopping.

Do not repeatedly press the CD eject button to eject a CD after you have tried to push it in manually. The receivers 25-second eject timer will reset at each press of eject, which will cause the receiver to not eject the CD until the 25-second time period has elapsed.

Once the player stops and the CD is ejected, remove the CD. After removing the CD, push the PWR knob off and then on again. This will clear the CD-sensing feature and enable CDs to be loaded into the player again.

{ REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button to reverse quickly within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. Release the pushbutton to play the passage. The elapsed time of the track will appear on the display. FWD | (Forward): Press and hold this button to advance quickly within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. Release the pushbutton to play the passage. The elapsed time of the track will appear on the display.

RPT (Repeat): With repeat, you can repeat one track or an entire CD. To use repeat, do the following:

To repeat the track you are listening to, press and release the RPT button. RPT will appear on the display. Press RPT again to turn off repeat play. To repeat the CD you are listening to, press and hold the RPT button for two seconds. RPT will appear on the display. Press RPT again to turn off repeat play.

RDM (Random): With random, you can listen to the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order, on one CD or on all of the CDs. To use random, do one of the following:

To play the tracks on the CD you are listening to in random order, press and release the RDM button. RANDOM ONE will appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off random play. To play the tracks on all of the CDs that are loaded in random order, press and hold the RDM button for more than two seconds. RANDOM ALL will appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off random play.

AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press AUTO EQ to select the desired equalization setting while playing a CD. The equalization will be automatically set whenever you play a CD. For more information on AUTO EQ, see “AUTO EQ” listed previously in this section. sSEEK t: Press the left arrow to go to the start of the current track, if more than ten seconds have passed. Press the right arrow to go to the next track. If you press either arrow more than once, the player will continue moving backward or forward through the CD.

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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) sSCAN t: To scan one CD, press and hold either SCAN arrow for more than two seconds until SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use this feature to listen to 10 seconds of each track of the currently selected CD. Press either SCAN arrow again, to stop scanning.

To scan all loaded CDs, press and hold either SCAN arrow for more than four seconds until CD SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use this feature to listen to 10 seconds of the first track of each CD loaded. Press either SCAN arrow again, to stop scanning.

RCL (Recall): Press this knob to see how long the current track has been playing. To change the default on the display (track or elapsed time), press the knob until you see the display you want, then hold the knob until the display flashes. The selected display will now be the default.

BAND: Press this button to play the radio when a CD(s) is in the player.

Using Song List Mode The six-disc CD changer has a feature called song list. This feature is capable of saving 20 track selections. To save tracks into the song list feature, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the CD player on and load it with at least one CD. See “LOAD CD” listed previously in this section for more information.

2. Check to see that the CD changer is not in song list

mode. S-LIST should not appear in the display. If S-LIST is present, press the SONG LIST button to turn it off.

3. Select the desired CD by pressing the numbered

pushbutton and then use the SEEK SCAN right arrow to locate the track that you want to save. The track will begin to play.

4. Press and hold the SONG LIST button to save the track into memory. When SONG LIST is pressed a beep will be heard immediately. After two seconds of continuously pressing SONG LIST, two beeps will sound to confirm that the track has been saved.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for saving other selections. S-LIST FULL will appear on the display if you try to save more than 20 selections.

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To play the song list, press the SONG LIST button. One beep will be heard and S-LIST will appear on the display. The recorded tracks will begin to play in the order that they were saved. You may seek through the song list by using the SEEK SCAN arrows. Seeking past the last saved track will return you to the first saved track. To delete tracks from the song list, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the CD player on. 2. Press the SONG LIST button to turn song list on.

S-LIST will appear on the display.

3. Press the SEEK SCAN arrows to select the desired

track to be deleted.

4. Press and hold the SONG LIST button. When SONG LIST is pressed, a beep will be heard immediately. After two seconds of continuously pressing the SONG LIST button, two beeps will be heard to confirm that the track has been deleted.

After a track has been deleted, the remaining tracks are moved up the list. When another track is added to the song list, the track will be added to the end of the list.

To delete the entire song list, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the CD player on. 2. Press the SONG LIST button to turn song list on.

S-LIST will appear on the display.

3. Press and hold the SONG LIST button. A beep will be heard, followed by two beeps after two seconds and a final beep will be heard after four seconds. S-LIST EMPTY will appear on the display indicating that the song list has been deleted.

If a CD is ejected, and the song list contains saved tracks from that CD, those tracks are automatically deleted from the song list. Any tracks saved to the song list again are added to the bottom of the list. To end song list mode, press the SONG LIST button. One beep will be heard and S-LIST will be removed from the display.

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CD Messages

CHECK CD: If this message appears on the display, it could be for one of the following reasons:

It is very hot. When the temperature returns to normal, the CD should play.

(cid:127) You are driving on a very rough road. When the

road becomes smooth, the CD should play. The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down. The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again. There may have been a problem while burning the CD. The label may be caught in the CD player.

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

Listening to a DVD If your vehicle has Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system and a DVD is playing, the DVD symbol will appear on the radio display indicating that the DVD is available and can be listened to through your vehicles speakers. To listen to the DVD, press the CD AUX button until RSE appears on the radio display. The current radio source will stop and the DVD sound will come through the speakers. To stop listening to the DVD, press the CD AUX button, if a CD is loaded, or press the BAND button to select a different source. When the RSE system is turned off, the DVD symbol will go off of the radio display and RSE OFF will appear on the radio display. The radio will return to the last radio source that you were listening to.

Rear Seat Entertainment System Your vehicle may have the optional Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system includes a DVD player, a video display screen, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control. Before You Drive The RSE system is for rear seat passengers. The driver cannot safely view the video screen while driving and should not try to do so.

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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) DVD Player The DVD player is located in the overhead console. The DVD player can be controlled by the buttons on the DVD player or by the buttons on the remote control. See “Remote Control” later in this section for more information. The DVD player power may be turned on when the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. The RSE system DVD player is only compatible with DVDs of the appropriate DVD region code for the country that the vehicle was sold in. The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs. Standard audio CDs (CD-R and CD-RW discs) can also be played in this DVD player. When using the wired headphones, if the front seat passengers play a CD in the Radio with Six-Disc CD (if equipped) or use XM™ Satellite Radio Service (48 contiguous US states, if equipped), you will hear the audio for these sources, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing through the RSE. If an error message appears on the video screen, see “DVD Messages” later in this section.

DVD Player Buttons O(Power): Press this button to turn the RSE system on or off. The power indicator light will illuminate when the power is on. X (Eject): Press this button to eject a DVD or a CD.

SRCE (Source): Press this button to toggle between the DVD player and an auxiliary source. c(Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD or CD. Press this button twice to return to the beginning of the DVD.

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k (Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue the play of the DVD or CD. y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when using a DVD. z (Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the color, tint, brightness, contrast, and display mode (normal, full, or zoom). The dynamic range compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio and increase low audio produced by some DVDs. n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to navigate through a menu. r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu.

Playing a Disc To play a disc, gently insert the disc with the label side up into the loading slot. The DVD player will continue loading the disc and the player will automatically start, if the vehicle ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when RAP is active. If a disc is already in the player, press the play/pause button on the face of the DVD player or on the remote control. Some DVDs will not allow you to fast forward or skip the copyright information or previews. Some DVDs will begin playing after the previews have finished. If the DVD does not begin to play the main title, refer to the on-screen instructions, as the DVD may be displaying its main title menu. Stopping and Resuming Playback To stop a disc, press and release the stop button on the DVD player or the remote control. To resume playback, press the play/pause button on the DVD player or the remote control. As long as the disc has not been ejected and the stop button has not been pressed twice, the movie should resume play from where it was last stopped. If the disc has been ejected, or if the stop button has been pressed twice, the disc will resume play at the beginning of the DVD or CD.

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Ejecting a Disc Press the eject button on the DVD player to eject the disc. If a disc is ejected from the player, but is not removed, the DVD player will reload the disc after a short period of time. The disc will then be stored in the DVD player. The DVD player will not resume play of this disc automatically. There is not an eject button on the remote control. DVD Messages The following errors may be displayed on the video screen:

Disc Format Error: This message will be displayed if a disc is inserted upside down, not readable, or the format is not compatible with the DVD player.

Load/Eject Error: This message will be displayed if the disc is not properly loaded or ejected.

Disc Play Error: This message will be displayed if the DVD player cannot play the disc. Scratched or damaged discs will cause this error.

Region Code Error: This message will be displayed if the region code of the DVD is not compatible with the region code of the DVD player.

No Disc: This message will be displayed if any of the buttons on the DVD faceplate or remote control are pressed and no disc is present in the DVD player. Parental Control Button: This button is located behind the video screen. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to freeze the video and mute the audio. The video screen will display Parental Control ON and the power indicator light on the DVD player will flash. It will also disable all other button operations from the remote control and the DVD player, with the exception of the eject button. Press this button again to restore operation of the DVD player. This button may also be used to turn the DVD player power on and automatically resume play if the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or if RAP is active. Video Screen The video screen is located in the overhead console. To use the video screen, push forward on the release latch and the screen will fold down. Adjust the screen’s position as desired. When the video screen is not in use, push it up into its latched position.

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The DVD player and display will continue to operate when the screen is in either the up or the down position. The video screen contains the infrared transmitters for the wireless headphones and the infrared receiver for the remote control. If the screen is in the closed position, the infrared signals will not be available for the operation of the headphones or the remote control. Notice: Directly touching the video screen may damage it. Do not touch the screen. See Cleaning the Video Screen on page 3-108 for more information. Remote Control To use the remote control, aim it at the infrared window below the video screen and press the desired button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may affect the ability of the entertainment system to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries may need to be replaced. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight may also affect the function of the remote control. Notice: Do not store the remote control in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the remote control and it would not be covered by your vehicles warranty. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place.

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Remote Control Buttons

O (Power): Press this button to turn the DVD player on or off. v (Title): Press this button to return the DVD to the main menu of the DVD. n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to navigate through a menu.

z (Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the color, tint, brightness, contrast, and display mode (normal, full, or zoom). The dynamic range compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio and increase low audio produced by some DVDs. e (Audio): Press this button to display a menu that will only appear when a DVD is being played. The format and content of this function is dependent on the disc. r (Fast Reverse): Press this button to fast reverse the DVD or CD. To stop fast reversing, press this button again. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

SRCE (Source): Press this button to toggle between the DVD player and an auxiliary source. c (Stop): Press this button to stop playing, rewinding, or fast forwarding a DVD or CD. Press this button twice to return to the beginning of the DVD. t (Previous Track/Chapter): Press this button to return to the start of the current track or chapter. Press this button again to return to the previous track or chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.

1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The remote control numeric keypad provides you with the capability of direct chapter, title, and track number selection. \: Press this button, within 3 seconds after inputting a numeric selection to clear all numeric inputs. Press this button before inputting the number. }10: Press the button, to select chapter, title, and track numbers greater than 9. Press this button before inputting the number. P (Illumination): Press this button to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight will time out after about 7 to 10 seconds if no other button is pressed while the backlight is on. y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when using a DVD. r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu.

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q (Return): Press this button to exit the current active menu and return to the previous menu. This button will operate only when a DVD is being played and a menu is active. | (Camera Angle): This button changes camera angles on DVDs that have this feature when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function is dependent on the disc. { (Subtitle): This button turns on subtitles and moves through subtitle options when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function is dependent on the disc. [ (Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding, press this button again. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. s (Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue the play of the DVD or CD.

Slow Play: When the DVD is playing, press the pause button then press the fast forward button. The DVD will continue playing in a slow play mode. To cancel slow play mode, press the play/pause button.

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u (Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. Battery Replacement To change the batteries, do the following: 1. Remove the battery compartment door located on

the bottom of the remote control.

2. Replace the two AA batteries in the compartment. Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment.

3. Close the battery door securely. Notice: Do not store the remote control in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the remote control and it would not be covered by your vehicles warranty. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place. If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Headphones The RSE system includes two sets of wireless headphones. Each set of headphones has an ON/OFF control. An indicator light will illuminate on the headphones when they are on. If the light does not illuminate, the batteries may need to be replaced. See “Battery Replacement” following for more information. Each set of headphones has a volume knob. To adjust the volume, adjust this knob. The headphones will automatically turn off if they lose the infrared signal from the system after approximately four minutes in order to preserve their battery power. The signal may be lost if the system is turned off or if the headphones are out of range of the infrared signal transmitters that are located below the video display screen. When using the wired headphones, if the front seat passengers play a CD in the Radio with Six-Disc CD (if equipped) or use XM™ Satellite Radio Service (48
contiguous US states, if equipped), you will hear the audio for these sources, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing through the RSE.

Battery Replacement To change the batteries, do the following: 1. Loosen the screw on the battery compartment door located on the left side of the headphone earpiece. 2. Replace the two AAA batteries in the compartment.

Make sure that they are installed correctly, using the diagram on the inside of the battery compartment.

3. Tighten the screw to close the compartment door. Notice: Do not store the headphones in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the headphones and repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Keep the headphones stored in a cool, dry place. If the headphones are to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place. Stereo RCA Jacks The RCA jacks are located behind the video screen. The RCA jacks allow you to connect audio and video from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game unit to your RSE system. Standard RCA cables are needed to connect the auxiliary device to the RCA jacks. The yellow connector inputs video and the red and white connectors input right and left stereo audio. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper connection of your auxiliary device.

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To use the auxiliary inputs on the RSE system, connect an external auxiliary device to the color-coded RCA jacks and turn both the auxiliary device and the RSE system power on. If the RSE system had been previously in the DVD player mode, pressing the SRCE button on the faceplate or the remote control will toggle the RSE system between the auxiliary device and the DVD player. How to Change the Video Format when in the Auxiliary Mode The auxiliary input video format is preset to NTSC. In some countries, the video format may be in PAL system. To change the video format, perform the following: 1. Press the display menu button. 2. Press the down arrow button to highlight the Video

Format option.

3. Press the enter button to select Video Format. 4. Press the right or left arrow button to select

the desired video format.

5. Press the enter button to accept the change.

Audio Output Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be heard through the following possible sources: (cid:127) Wireless Headphones (cid:127) Vehicle Speakers (cid:127) Vehicle wired headphone jacks on the Rear Seat

Audio system (if equipped)

The RSE system will always transmit the audio signal by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is audio available. See “Headphones” previously for more information. The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the vehicle speakers by using the radio. The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the radio if the RSE system power is on. Once the RSE system is selected as an audio source on the radio you may adjust the speaker volume on the radio. If the RSE system power is not on, the RSE system will not be an available source on the radio. Refer to the radio information for the radio that your vehicle has for more information. The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the wired headphone jacks on the rear seat audio system (if equipped). The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the rear seat audio system if the RSE system power is on. Refer to Rear Seat Audio (RSA) on page 3-105 for more information.

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Problem

No power.

Disc will not play.

The picture does not fill the screen. There are black borders on the top and bottom or on both sides or it looks stretched out. The disc was ejected, but it was pulled back into the DVD player.

Recommended Action The ignition might not be in on or accessory. Check to make sure the parental control button has not been activated. (The power indicator light will flash if parental control is active.) The system might be off. Check to make sure the parental control button has not been activated. (The power indicator light will flash if parental control is active.) The system might be in auxiliary mode. The disc is upside down or is not compatible. Check the display mode settings in the display menu.

The disc is being stored in the DVD player. Press the eject button again to eject the disc.

Problem

In auxiliary mode, the picture moves or scrolls.

The language in the audio or on the screen is wrong. The remote control does not work.

Recommended Action Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices. Change the Video Format to PAL or NTSC. Check the audio or language selection in the main DVD menu. Check to make sure there is no obstruction between the remote control and the infrared window located below the video screen. Check the batteries to make sure they are not dead or installed incorrectly. Check to make sure the parental control button has not been activated. (The power indicator light will flash if parental control is active.)

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Problem

After stopping the player, I push Play but sometimes the DVD starts where I left off and sometimes at the beginning.

The auxiliary source is running but there is no picture or sound.

My disc is stuck in the player. The Load/Eject button does not work.

Recommended Action

If the stop button was pressed one time, the DVD player will resume playing where the DVD was stopped. If the stop button was pressed two times the DVD player will begin to play from the beginning of the DVD. Check that the DVD player is in the auxiliary source mode. Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices. Turn the DVD power off, then on and press the Load/Eject button on the DVD player. Do not attempt to forcibly remove the disc from the DVD player. This could permanently damage the disc and DVD player.

Problem

Recommended Action

Sometimes the wireless headphone audio cuts out or buzzes.

I lost the remote and/or the headphones. The DVD is playing, but there is no picture or sound. The audio/video skips or jumps.

What is the best way to clean the video screen? The audio from the radio for the Radio with Six-Disc CD and XMâ„¢ has taken over the audio from the DVD or CD when using the wired headphones.

Check for obstructions, low batteries, reception range, and interference from cellular telephone towers or by using your cellular telephone in the vehicle. Check that the headphones are facing the front of the vehicle. See your dealer for assistance. Check that the DVD player is in DVD mode.

The DVD or CD could be dirty, scratched, or damaged. Wipe the video screen with a damp, soft cloth. The RSE is working correctly. Use the wireless headphones or have the front seat passengers listen to another audio source.

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Rear Seat Audio Controls

Rear Seat Audio (RSA) This feature allows rear seat passengers to listen to any of the audio sources: radio, CDs, or DVDs, depending on your vehicles options. However, the rear seat passengers can only control the music sources that the front seat passengers are not listening to. For example, rear seat passengers may listen to CDs or DVDs through the headphones while the driver listens to the radio through the front speakers. The rear seat passengers have control of the volume for each set of headphones. The front seat audio controls always override the RSA controls.

The following functions are controlled by the RSA system buttons: P (Power): Press this button to turn the rear seat audio system on or off. The rear speakers will be muted when the power is turned on unless your vehicle is equipped with the Bose® audio system. You may operate the rear seat audio functions even when the primary radio power is off.

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u (Volume): Turn the knob to increase or to decrease volume. The left knob controls the left headphone and the right knob controls the right headphone.

SRC (Source): Press this button to select an audio source: radio, CDs, or DVDs, depending on your vehicles options. x SEEK w: While listening to FM1, FM2, or AM, press the up or the down arrow to tune to the next or to the previous station and stay there. If the front radio is in use, you cannot seek through different stations.

While listening to a CD, press the up arrow to hear the next track on the CD. Press the down arrow to go back to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If the CD player on the front radio is in use, you cannot seek through different tracks.

PROG (Program): The front passengers must be listening to something different for each of these functions to work: (cid:127) Press this button to go to the preset radio stations

set on the pushbuttons on the main radio.

(cid:127) When a CD is playing in the radio, press this button

to go back to the beginning of the CD.

(cid:127) When a CD is playing in the CD changer, press this

button to select the next CD.

Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCK® is designed to discourage theft of your radio. The feature works automatically by learning a portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the radio is moved to a different vehicle, it will not operate and LOCKED will appear on the display. When the radio and vehicle are turned off, the blinking red light indicates that THEFTLOCK® is armed. With THEFTLOCK® activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.

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Audio Steering Wheel Controls You can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel.

g (OnStar/Voice Recognition): If you vehicle has OnStar®, you can press this button to interact with the OnStar® system. See the OnStar® manual provided with your vehicle for more information. If your vehicle does not have OnStar®, pressing this button will mute the audio system.

PROG (Program): Press this button to play a station you have stored on the radio preset pushbuttons.

If a CD is playing in the CD changer, press this button to go to the next available CD.

Q SOURCE R: Press this button to select FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2 (48 contiguous US states, if equipped), or a CD. If a CD is loaded the CD symbol will appear on the display. Q SEEK R: Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous radio station and stay there.

If a CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow to fast forward or reverse. Q VOL R (Volume): Press the up or the down arrow to increase or to decrease volume. DVD Distortion You may experience audio distortion in the IR headphones when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Positioning Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies. It may be necessary to turn off the DVD player when operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle. * Excludes the OnStar® System.

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Radio Reception AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise. FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. XMâ„¢ Satellite Radio Service (48 Contiguous US States) XMâ„¢ Satellite Radio gives you digital radio reception from coast to coast. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to come and go. Your radio may display NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.

Care of Your CDs and DVDs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the side without writing when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.

Care of Your CD and DVD Player The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.

Cleaning the Video Screen Pour some isopropyl or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently wipe the video screen. Do not spray directly onto the screen and do not press too hard or too long on the video screen.

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Chime Level Adjustment The radio is the vehicle chime producer. To change the volume level, press and hold pushbutton 6 with the ignition on and the radio power off. The chime volume level will change from the normal level to loud, and LOUD will appear on the display. To change back to the default or normal setting, press and hold pushbutton 6 again. The chime level will change from the loud level to normal, and NORMAL will appear on the display. Each time the chime volume is changed, three chimes will sound as an example of the new volume selected. Removing the radio and not replacing it with a factory radio or chime module will disable vehicle chimes.

Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check occasionally to be sure the mast is still tightened to the cowl. If tightening is required, tighten by hand, then with a wrench one quarter turn.

XMâ„¢ Satellite Radio Antenna System (48 Contiguous US States) Your XMâ„¢ Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for clear radio reception. The performance of your XMâ„¢ system may be affected if your sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle can interfere with the performance of your XMâ„¢ system. Make sure that the XMâ„¢ satellite antenna is not obstructed.

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✍ NOTES

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Section 4

Driving Your Vehicle

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle ..........4-2
Defensive Driving ...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving .............................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle ........................................4-5
Braking .........................................................4-6
Traction Assist System (TAS) ...........................4-9
Locking Rear Axle ........................................4-11
Stabilitrak® System .......................................4-11
Steering ......................................................4-14
Off-Road Recovery .......................................4-16
Passing .......................................................4-16
Loss of Control .............................................4-18
Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive

Vehicle ....................................................4-19
Driving at Night ............................................4-34
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads ..................4-35
City Driving ..................................................4-38

Freeway Driving ...........................................4-39
Before Leaving on a Long Trip .......................4-40
Highway Hypnosis ........................................4-41
Hill and Mountain Roads ................................4-42
Winter Driving ..............................................4-44
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow ...4-48
Towing ..........................................................4-51
Towing Your Vehicle .....................................4-51
Recreational Vehicle Towing ...........................4-51
Loading Your Vehicle ....................................4-54
Level Control ...............................................4-60
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar Equipment .......4-61
Truck-Camper Loading Information ..................4-65
Trailer Recommendations ...............................4-65
Towing a Trailer ...........................................4-66

4-1

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 1-9. Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It is the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task — such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor — makes

4-2

proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

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

Judgment

(cid:127) Muscular Coordination (cid:127) Vision (cid:127) Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured.

(cid:127) Many adults — by some estimates, nearly half the adult population — choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological and developmental reasons for these laws. The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But what if people do? How much is “too much” if someone plans to drive? It is a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

The amount of alcohol consumed The drinker’s body weight The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180 lb (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the

same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of liquors like whiskey, gin or vodka.

It is the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level.

4-3

(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not the right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There is something else about drinking and driving that many people do not know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord or heart. This means that when anyone who has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking.

There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight will when each has the same number of drinks. The law in an increasing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we have seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!

4-4

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

{CAUTION:

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

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

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Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important.

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

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

If there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this warning light will stay on. See Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39.

Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem, both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights and chime will come on each time the ignition is turned on until the problem is repaired. See your dealer for service.

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

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

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

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

4-8

Traction Assist System (TAS) Your vehicle may have a Traction Assist System (TAS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. The TRACTION ACTIVE message will come on in the DIC when the TAS is limiting wheel spin. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60. You may hear or feel the system working or notice a lack of accelerator response, but this is normal. The Traction Assist System may operate on dry roads under some conditions. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on rough roads. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TAS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control under Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.

When the traction off light is on, the TAS is off and will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The traction off light will come on under the following conditions:

The Traction Assist System is turned off, either by pressing the TAS on/off button or turning off the automatic engagement feature of the TAS. The transmission is in FIRST (1); TAS will not operate in this gear. This is normal. The vehicle is driven on an extremely rough road. When the vehicle leaves the rough surface, slows down or stops, the light will go off and TAS will be on again. This is normal.

(cid:127) A Traction Assist System, Anti-Lock Brake System or engine-related problem has been detected and the vehicle needs service.

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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) See Traction Off Light on page 3-40. The Traction Assist System, as delivered from the factory, will automatically come on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the TAS off if you ever need to. You should turn the TAS off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-48.

To turn the system on or off press the TAS on/off button located on the instrument panel.

If you used the button to turn the system off, the traction off light will come on and stay on. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The traction off light should go off.

If desired, you can change the TAS automatic engagement feature so that the system will not come on automatically when the engine is started. To do so:

1. Park the vehicle with the ignition off and the

transmission in PARK (P).

2. Turn the ignition to RUN; do not start the engine. 3. Apply the brake pedal, shift into NEUTRAL (N),

press the accelerator pedal to the floor and then press the TAS on/off button and hold it down for at least six seconds.

4. Release the TAS button and both pedals. 5. Turn off the ignition and wait a few seconds. The next time you start your vehicle, the TAS will not automatically come on. You can restore the automatic feature by using the same procedure. Whether the TAS is set to come on automatically or not, you can always turn the system on or off by pressing the TAS on/off button.

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Locking Rear Axle If your vehicle has this feature, it can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.

Stabilitrak® System Your vehicle may be equipped with Stabilitrak® which combines antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving conditions. When you first start your vehicle and begin to drive away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to insure there are no problems. You may hear or feel the system working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h). In some cases, it may take approximately two miles of driving before the system initializes.

If the system fails to turn on or activate, the STABILITY SYS DISABLED or SERVICE STABILITY message will be displayed. If the vehicle has gone through heavy acceleration or braking or multiple turns during the first two miles of driving after starting your vehicle, the STABILITY SYS DISABLED message may appear. If this is the case, your vehicle does not need servicing. You will need to turn the vehicle off and then restart it to initialize Stabilitrak®. If either message appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC), and your vehicle hasn’t gone through hard acceleration, braking or multiple turns in the first two miles of driving, your vehicle should be taken in for service. The STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message will appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) only when the system is both on and activated. You may also feel or hear the system working; this is normal. For more information on the stability messages, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-49.

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Stabilitrak® and part of the traction control system can be turned off or back on by pressing the Stabilitrak® button on the instrument panel.

When the system is turned off, the traction off light will illuminate, and the STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will appear on the DIC to warn the driver that both the stability system and part of the traction control system are disabled. Your vehicle will still have brake-traction control when Stabilitrak® is off, but will not be able to use the engine speed management system. See “Traction Control Operation” next for more information. When the Stabilitrak® system has been turned off you may still hear system noises as a result of the brake-traction control coming on.

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It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-48. Traction Control Operation The traction control system is part of the Stabilitrak® system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary. The traction control system is enabled automatically when you start your vehicle, and it will activate and display the TRACTION ACTIVE message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. If you turn off Stabilitrak®, only the brake-traction control portion of traction control will work. The engine speed management will be disabled. In this state, engine power is not reduced automatically and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly. For more information on the traction active message, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-49.

If the traction off light comes on due to

Notice: heavy braking and/or because the traction control system has been continuously active, do not allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin excessively. If you do, you may be causing damage to the transfer case. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. If the brake-traction control system activates constantly or if the brakes have heated up due to high speed braking, brake-traction control will be disabled and the TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed. In the limited mode, the traction control system will only use engine traction-control and is limited in its ability to provide optimal performance since the system will not utilize brake traction-control to control slip on the drive wheels. The system will return to normal operation after the brakes have cooled. This can take up to two minutes or longer depending on brake usage. Notice: excessively while the traction off, ABS and brake warning lights and the SERVICE STABILITY MESSAGE are displayed, you could damage the transfer case. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and this message are displayed.

If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin

The traction control system may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this happens you may notice a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise or vibration. This is normal. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system activates, the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message will appear on the Driver Information Center and the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control” under Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8. Stabilitrak® may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system. If the problem does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, you should see your dealer for service.

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Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems — steering and acceleration — have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. See Traction Assist System (TAS) on page 4-9. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here is why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.

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Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can not; there is not room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. See Braking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

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

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

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

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

“Drive ahead.” Look down the road, to the sides and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time.

(cid:127) Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates it is all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

(cid:127) (cid:127) Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to

pass while you are awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you are following a larger vehicle. Also, you will not have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance.

(cid:127) When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,

start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and do not get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a “running start” that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. If other vehicles are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait your turn. But take care that someone is not trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.

(cid:127) Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that if your right outside mirror is convex, the vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle.

(cid:127) Do not overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly.

Even though the brake lamps are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you are being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right.

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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

If you have the Traction Assist System, remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not have this system, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a “mirrored surface” — and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid.

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Off-Road Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel drive. Also, see Braking on page 4-6. If your vehicle does not have four-wheel drive, you should not drive off-road unless you are on a level, solid surface. Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have some definite hazards. The greatest of these is the terrain itself. “Off-roading” means you have left the great North American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not marked. Curves are not banked. There are no road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill or downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature. Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that is why it is very important that you read this guide. You will find many driving tips and suggestions. These will help make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.

Before You Go Off-Roading There are some things to do before you go out. For example, be sure to have all necessary maintenance and service work done. Check to make sure all underbody shields (if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure you read all the information about your four-wheel-drive vehicle in this manual. Is there enough fuel? Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels up where they should be? What are the local laws that apply to off-roading where you will be driving? If you do not know, you should check with law enforcement people in the area. Will you be on someone’s private land? If so, be sure to get the necessary permission.

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Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving There are some important things to remember about how to load your vehicle.

The heaviest things should be on the load floor and forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far forward as you can.

(cid:127) Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on

the off-road terrain does not toss things around.

{CAUTION:

CAUTION:

(Continued)

(cid:127) Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s

center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof. Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and low as possible.

You will find other important information in this manual. See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-54, Luggage Carrier on page 2-63 and Tires on page 5-64.

(cid:127) Cargo on the load floor piled higher than

the seatbacks can be thrown forward during a sudden stop. You or your passengers could be injured. Keep cargo below the top of the seatbacks.

(cid:127) Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be