2005 Chevrolet Avalanche Owners Manual

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator in the passenger air bag status indicator should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-32.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

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

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.

1-47

5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of

the retractor to set the lock.

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,

pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should not be able to pull more of the belt from the retractor once the lock has been set.

1-48

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 the air bag is off, the off indicator will be lit and stay lit in the inside rearview mirror when the key is turned to RUN or START.

If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Airbag System Your vehicle has airbags — a frontal airbag for the driver and another frontal airbag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have side impact airbags. Side impact airbags are available for the driver and right front passenger. If your vehicle has a side impact airbag for the driver and/or the right front passenger, the words AIR BAG will appear on the airbag covering on the side of the seatback closest to the door.

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

1-49

Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:

CAUTION:

(Continued)

{CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts but do not replace them. Frontal airbags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They are not designed to inflate in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal airbags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful airbags have provided in the past. Side impact airbags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something

CAUTION:

(Continued)

1-50

hits the side of your vehicle. They are not designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

{CAUTION:

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

Where Are the Airbags?

{CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-29 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-32.

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.

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

The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-31
for more information.

1-51

The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

If your vehicle has one, the driver’s side impact airbag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

1-52

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

{CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact airbag.

1-53

When Should an Airbag Inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment events and are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down. In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal airbags, which adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 10 to 16 mph (16 to 25 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h). (The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.)

1-54

Airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. For example:

If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the object were moving. If the object deforms, the airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the object does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the airbag could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not likely help the occupants. Vehicles with dual stage airbags 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 airbags should deploy at a reduced level or at full deployment.

(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) Your vehicle may or may not have a side impact airbag. See Airbag System on page 1-49. Side impact airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact airbag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact airbags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not likely help the occupant. A side impact airbag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact airbags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.

The airbag 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 on page 4-18 for tips on off-road driving.

What Makes an Airbag Inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact airbags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the airbag. The inflator, the airbag and related hardware are all part of the airbag modules. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with side impact airbags, the airbag modules are located in the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door.

1-55

How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The airbag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag. Side impact airbags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for vehicles with a driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact airbag.

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

1-56

{CAUTION:

When an airbag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can not get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:127) Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an

airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for your airbag system. If you do not get them, the air bag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

(cid:127) Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders on page 7-9. Let only qualified technicians work on your airbag system. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.

If you damage the covering for the driver’s

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

1-57

(cid:127) 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 visible 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 Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-32. If your rearview mirror does not have either of the indicators pictured, then your vehicle does not have the passenger sensing system.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – United States

1-58

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – Canada

The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s airbag and the side airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.

Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{CAUTION:

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

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

the right front passenger seat is unoccupied the system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing child restraint the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat a right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time the right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints or if there is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-46.

1-59

(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active.

For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s airbag.

1-60

CAUTION:

(Continued)

vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-31 for more on this, including important safety information.

Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. You may want to consider not using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-62 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

{CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

1-61

{CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the

CAUTION:

(Continued)

Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or

sides of the vehicle that could keep the airbags 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 airbag system from working properly. Also, the airbag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag 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.

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are airbag system parts in several places around your vehicle. You do not 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 airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.

{CAUTION:

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

The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.

1-62

Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether this will affect my advanced airbag system? A: Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,

safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (located under the driver’s seat), or the inside rearview mirror can affect the operation of the advanced airbag system. If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

Restraint System Check

Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)

1-63

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

{CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts. If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system was not being used at the time of the collision. If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section.

1-64

Section 2

Features and Controls

Keys ...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-5
Doors and Locks .............................................2-8
Door Locks ....................................................2-8
Power Door Locks ..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking .............................................2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-12
Lockout Protection ........................................2-12
Midgate .......................................................2-13
Tailgate .......................................................2-22
Windows ........................................................2-24
Power Windows ............................................2-25
Sun Visors ...................................................2-25
Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-26
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-26
Passlock® ....................................................2-27
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-28
New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-28
Ignition Positions ..........................................2-28
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-29
Starting Your Engine .....................................2-29

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ................2-30
Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-31
Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-32
Tow/Haul Mode ............................................2-35
Four-Wheel Drive ..........................................2-35
Parking Brake ..............................................2-40
Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-41
Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-43
Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-43
Engine Exhaust ............................................2-44
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....2-44
Mirrors ...........................................................2-45

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with

OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ....................................................2-45

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with

Compass and Temperature Display ..............2-48
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors .........................2-51
Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-51
Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-52
Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-53
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with Curb

View Assist

..............................................2-53
OnStar® System .............................................2-54

2-1

Section 2

Features and Controls

HomeLink® Transmitter ...................................2-56
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter .........2-57
Storage Areas ................................................2-60
Glove Box ...................................................2-60
Center Overhead Console ..............................2-60
Front Armrest Storage Area ...........................2-60
Center Console Storage Area .........................2-60
Luggage Carrier ...........................................2-61

Rear Storage Area ........................................2-61
Cargo Cover Panels ......................................2-62
All-Weather Cargo Area .................................2-72
Top-Box Storage ..........................................2-77
Tonneau Cover ............................................2-78
Sunroof .........................................................2-84
Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-85
Memory Seat ...............................................2-85

2-2

Keys

{CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The children or others could be badly injured or even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-3

Remote Keyless Entry System Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

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 OnStar® System on page 2-54.

2-4

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: (cid:127) Check the distance. You may be too far from your

vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

(cid:127) 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.

(cid:127) Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5. 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.

K (Unlock): Press this button once to unlock the driver’s door. The interior lamps will come on. Pressing unlock again within three seconds will cause the remaining doors to unlock.

You can choose different feedback options for each press of the unlock button. See “Lock Feedback” and “Unlock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-58 for more information.

2-5

(cid:127) 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 will not work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it is 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.

Q (Lock): Press this button once to lock all of the doors. Pressing lock 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. See “Lock Feedback” and “Unlock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-58 for more information. L (Panic): Press this button to sound the horn and flash the headlamps and taillamps for up to 30 seconds. Panic can be turned off by pressing the button again, by waiting for 30 seconds, or by starting the vehicle. 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.

2-6

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

Resynchronization Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by this system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver will not respond to a signal that has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter. To resynchronize your transmitter, stand close to your vehicle and press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the transmitter at the same time for 15 seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm synchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see your dealer for service.

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. Resynchronize the transmitter. See

“Resynchronization” following this information.

5. Check the operation of the transmitter.

2-7

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{CAUTION:

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. To unlock the door from the outside, use the keyless entry system or the key.

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

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

(cid:127) Passengers — especially children — can

easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.

(cid:127) 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.

(cid:127) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.

2-8

Power Door Locks

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

Q (Lock): Remove the ignition key and press the lock symbol to lock all of the doors.

If the delayed locking feature is on, the doors will not lock until five seconds after the last door is closed. Press the lock symbol twice to override this feature and lock all of the doors immediately. See Delayed Locking on page 2-9 for more information. K (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 or the liftgate (if equipped) is open, the delayed locking feature will delay locking the doors until five seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use. 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. You can also program this feature using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “Door Lock Delay” under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-58.

2-9

Programmable Automatic Door Locks Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic lock/unlock 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. See DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-58
for more information on DIC programming. Programmable Locking Feature The following two modes are available programming options:

Mode 1: All doors lock when the transmission is shifted out of PARK (P).

Mode 2: All doors lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 8 mph (13 km/h). The following instructions tell you how to change the automatic door lock mode. Choose one of the two 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

signal/multifunction lever toward you and hold it there while you perform the next step.

2-10

2. Turn the key to RUN then back to LOCK twice.

Then, with the key in LOCK, release the turn signal/multifunction lever. Once you do this, the doors will lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a 30-second timer will begin. You are now ready to program the automatic door lock feature. 3. Press the lock side of the power lock switch once. You will hear either one or two chimes. The number of chimes tells you which lock mode is currently selected. Continue to press the door lock switch until the number of chimes that you hear matches the number of the mode that you want. If you take longer than 30 seconds, 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, you can 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 doors 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 automatic settings will not be modified.

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.

Mode 4: No automatic door unlock. The following instructions tell you how to change the automatic door unlock mode. 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

signal/multifunction 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/multifunction lever. Once you do this, the doors will lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a 30-second timer will begin. You are now ready to program the automatic door unlock feature. 3. Press the unlock side of the power lock switch once.

You will hear one, two, three, or four chimes. The number of chimes tells you which unlock mode is currently selected. Continue to press the door unlock switch until the number of chimes that you hear matches the number of the mode that you want. If you take longer than 30 seconds, 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, you can 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 doors 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 automatic settings will not be modified.

2-11

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.

The rear doors 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.

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.

To use the locks, do the following:

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

security lock.

3. Close the door. 4. Do the same thing to the other rear door.

2-12

Midgate

{CAUTION:

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 your vehicle. You can not 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

CAUTION:

(Continued)

CAUTION:

(Continued)

or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the midgate: (cid:127) Make sure all windows are shut. (cid:127) Turn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed on the setting that brings in outside air. This will force outside air into your vehicle. See Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-22. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-44.

2-13

(cid:127) 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:

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

Release Button

D. Glass Lock Knobs E. Window Retaining Tabs F. Midgate Release Handle G. Window Alignment Arrows

2-14

Rear Glass Removal and Storage

{CAUTION:

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 1-7 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.

2. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located near the upper corners of the rear glass, to unlatch. Once unlatched, the glass-catch release button (C) will catch the rear glass and prevent it from falling forward.

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

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

2-15

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 into the storage pocket in the midgate, guiding the lower edge of the rear glass 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.

2-16

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

corners of the storage pocket, to the locked position. Push in on 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 up to the locked position.

You should hear a click when each latch lever locks correctly. The rear seats can be returned to the normal position when the rear glass is out and stored properly in the storage pocket.

2-17

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, to 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.

2-18

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

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

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. Push the rear glass flat against the window

frame and push each latch lever up until it locks. You should hear a click when each latch lever locks correctly.

2-19

Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass in Place 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. 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 1-7 for more information.

2-20

Rear Glass in Normal Position

2. Standing outside of the vehicle, hold the midgate

securely so it does not fall forward. Turn the midgate handle clockwise and pull the midgate toward you.

Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass in the Storage Pocket

3. Lower the midgate until it is flat.

Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket

2-21

Raising the Midgate To return the midgate to its normal position, raise the midgate up with a firm swinging motion until it latches into place securely. This will help to ensure that the midgate closes with enough force to engage the latches. If the rear glass is removed and you would like to put it back, do so using the instructions given previously.

Tailgate Use the ignition/door 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. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is latched securely.

Midgate Lowered with Crossbar Attached

This procedure works the same as the procedure described previously, but when you lower the midgate with the rear glass in the stored position, you will notice that the entire crossbar 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 be ready for the extra weight and do not let the midgate fall as you lower it.

2-22

Tailgate Removal The tailgate 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. Hold the tailgate up, slightly raised.

2. Release the retaining cable clip by lifting the cable so it is level with the ground and then push the cable clip toward the vehicle.

3. Raise the tailgate at a slight upward angle, pull

back on the tailgate at the right edge so it releases from the block hinge and then move the tailgate to the right to release the left edge.

Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the tailgate is secure.

2-23

Windows

{CAUTION:

Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

2-24

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 while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-29. The driver’s door also has a switch for each of the passenger’s windows. Press the top of the switch to lower the window. Pull up the top of the switch to raise the window.

Express-Down Windows The driver and front passenger windows also have an express-down feature that allows the windows to be lowered without holding the switch. Press down fully on the window switch, then release, to activate the express-down mode. This mode can be canceled at any time by pulling up on the switch. To open the window partway, press the switch to the first position until the window is at the desired position. Window Lockout Press the lockout switch to prevent passengers from operating the power windows from their switches. A 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.

2-25

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.

2-26

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 3-45. 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.

(cid:127) 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.

(cid:127) 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 Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-106 and Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-109. If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by your dealer.

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 5-105. See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.

2-27

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:127) Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for

the first 500 miles (805 km).

(cid:127) Do not drive at any one speed — fast or slow — for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.

(cid:127) Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

(cid:127) Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a

Trailer on page 4-62 for more information.

2-28

Ignition Positions

Use the key to turn the ignition switch to four different positions.

A (Lock): This position locks the ignition and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove the key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the ignition switch could cause damage or break the key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

B (Accessory): This position lets you use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. Notice: Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the accessory ignition position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the accessory ignition position for a long period of time.

C (Run): This is the position for driving.

D (Start): This position starts the 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 or until one of the doors is opened.

Starting Your Engine Your vehicle is equipped with Starter Motor Control. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects the electrical system. This feature may cause the engine to crank even after the ignition key is not in START.

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in any other position — that is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. 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 disengage the starter motor, cause your battery to be drained much sooner, and add excessive heat that can damage your starter motor. Try not to hold the key in START for longer than 15 seconds and wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it does not 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.

2-29

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. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you 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 do not, 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 closer to you 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. 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 you. Press the button farthest from you to move the pedals away from you.

2-30

Engine Coolant Heater Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant heater. In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord. 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.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

{CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and

store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

2-31

Automatic Transmission Operation

Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and features an electronic shift position indicator located within the instrument panel cluster. There are several different positions for your shift lever.

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

{CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-41. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.

2-32

{CAUTION:

{CAUTION:

Your vehicle will 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 — not in NEUTRAL. See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-41.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. 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 4-44.

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not connect with the drive wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you are: (cid:127) Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your

accelerator pedal about halfway down.

(cid:127) Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the

accelerator all the way down.

You will shift down to the next gear and have more power.

2-33

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 transmission will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your transmission is designed to shift differently until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is intended to improve heater performance.

2-34

Tow/Haul 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 4-62 for more information.

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 on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel drive for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle’s powertrain. Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in four-wheel drive for extended periods of time. 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.

2-35

Automatic Transfer Case

{CAUTION:

Shifting the transfer 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 on page 2-40.

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

For four-wheel drive vehicles with StabiliTrak®, see StabiliTrak® System on page 4-10. Use these buttons to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. You can choose among four driving settings: h (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. G (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.

2-36

5 (4LO): 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. Four-wheel drive vehicles with StabiliTrak® will not engage in this mode. See StabiliTrak® System on page 4-10 for more information.

{CAUTION:

Shifting the transfer 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 on page 2-40.

NEUTRAL (N): Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to NEUTRAL only when towing your vehicle. See Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-56 or Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-56 for more information.

Indicator lights in the button 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. If the SERVICE 4WD message stays on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See “Service 4WD message” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45. Shifting Into 4HI or AUTO 4WD Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD button. 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 2HI button. This can be done at any speed, except when shifting from 4LO.

2-37

Shifting Into 4LO To shift to the 4LO 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 4LO button. You must wait for the 4LO indicator light to stop flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission in gear. Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the 4LO indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO indicator light to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear. It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant engagement noise and bump when shifting between 4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running. If the 4LO button 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 shift to 4HI mode.

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 button. You must wait for the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light to stop flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear. Notice: Shifting the transmission into gear before the 4LO indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case. To help avoid damaging your vehicle, always wait for the 4LO indicator light to stop flashing before shifting the transmission into gear. It is typical for your vehicle to exhibit significant engagement noise and bump when shifting between 4LO and 4HI ranges or from NEUTRAL with the engine running. 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).

2-38

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. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). 6. Shift the transfer case to 2HI. 7. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO buttons for 10 seconds. The NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer case shift to NEUTRAL is complete.

8. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D) for one second. 9. Turn the ignition to LOCK. 10. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P). 11. Release the parking brake prior to towing.

Shifting Out of NEUTRAL To shift out of NEUTRAL do the following: 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular

brake pedal.

2. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (N) and turn the

ignition to RUN with the engine off.

3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift

position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD OR 4LO).

4. After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL

the NEUTRAL light will go out.

5. Release the parking brake. 6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the

desired position.

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 the transfer case to respond to one shift per 10 seconds. The transfer case may stay in this mode for up to three minutes.

2-39

Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. A chime will activate and the warning light will flash when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at least 3 mph (5 km/h) for at least three seconds.

If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released, the brake system warning light will go off. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.

To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the bottom edge of the lever, located above the parking brake pedal, with the parking brake symbol, to release the parking brake.

2-40

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and

set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go.

3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not

in NEUTRAL (N).

4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can

leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

Shifting Into Park (P)

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. With four-wheel drive, if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62.

2-41

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P). Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-41. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

2-42

Shifting Out of Park (P) Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-32. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then, move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY. There is no shift

interlock in this key position.

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear

you want.

5. Have the system fixed as soon as possible.

Parking Over Things That Burn

{CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

2-43

Engine Exhaust

{CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if:

(cid:127) Your exhaust system sounds strange

or different.

(cid:127) Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. (cid:127) Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. (cid:127) Your vehicle was damaged when driving

over high points on the road or over road debris.

(cid:127) Repairs were not done correctly. (cid:127) Your vehicle or exhaust system had been

modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

(cid:127) Drive it only with all the windows down to

blow out any CO; and

(cid:127) Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

2-44

Running Your Engine While You Are Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

{CAUTION:

Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. See the earlier caution under Engine Exhaust on page 2-44. Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the climate control fan is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in a garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See Winter Driving on page 4-40.

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).

{CAUTION:

Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case in NEUTRAL will allow the vehicle to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — not in NEUTRAL. Always set your parking brake.

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-41. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-62. Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display Your vehicle may have this feature. When on, the automatic dimming mirror dims to the proper level to minimize glare from lights behind you after dark. The mirror has a dual display in the upper right corner of the mirror face that shows the compass reading and the outside temperature. Control buttons for the OnStar® system are at the bottom of the mirror. See OnStar® System on page 2-54 for more information about the services OnStar® provides. P (On/Off): This is the on/off button.

2-45

Temperature and Compass Display Press the on/off button, located to the far left, briefly to turn the compass/temperature display on or off. If the display reads CAL, the compass needs to be calibrated. For more information, see “Compass Calibration” following. To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius, do the following: 1. Press and hold the on/off button for approximately four seconds until either a flashing F or C appears.

2. Press the button again to change the display to

the desired unit of measurement. After approximately four seconds of inactivity, the new unit will be locked in and the compass/temperature display will return.

If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an extended period of time, please see your GM dealer. Under certain circumstances, a delay in updating the temperature is normal.

2-46

Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on automatically each time the ignition is started. To operate the automatic dimming mirror, do the following: 1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to the

left of the on/off button, is lit. If it is not, press and hold the on/off button for approximately six seconds until the green light comes on, indicating that the mirror is in automatic dimming mode.

2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function by

pressing and holding the on/off button for approximately six seconds, until the green indicator light turns off.

Compass Variance The mirror is set in zone eight upon leaving the factory. It will be necessary to adjust the compass to compensate for compass variance if the vehicle is outside of zone eight. Under certain circumstances, as during a long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary to adjust for compass variance. Compass variance is the difference between earth’s magnetic north and true geographic north. If not adjusted to account for compass variance, the compass could give false readings. To adjust for compass variance, do the following: 1. Find your current location and variance zone

number on the following zone map.

Compass Calibration The compass may need calibration if one of the following occurs: (cid:127) After approximately five seconds, the display does

not show a compass heading, N for North, for example, there may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Such interference may be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item. The compass does not display the correct heading and the compass zone variance is set correctly.

In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push the on/off button for approximately 12 seconds or until CAL is displayed. The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads a direction.