2001 Chevrolet Corvette Owners Manual

safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position. Driver Position This part describes the driver’s restraint system. Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see

how, see “Seats” in the Index.

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

Don’t let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. When the lap portion of the belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. See “Lap Belt Cinch Feature” in the Index.

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

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

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

Lap Belt Cinch Feature If you do not want the lap belt to move freely, pull the lap belt out all the way to set the lock. To permit the lap belt to move freely again, unbuckle the belt, let it retract all the way, and buckle up again.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

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

as much protection this way.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

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

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Passenger Position The passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt. See “Driver Position” earlier in this section. Air Bag System This part explains the air bag system. Your vehicle has air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

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CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION: (Continued)

Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children.”

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

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

How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags? The driver’s air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

The passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts.

What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the passenger.

CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate? An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.

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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.

What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

CAUTION:

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

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the passenger air bag. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they

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

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Air Bag Off Switch Your vehicle has a switch in the glove box that you can use to turn off the passenger’s air bag.

D Your vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment. The module also records speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

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

NOTICE:

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

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This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG OFF if the person in the passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identified by the national government as follows: Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: D my vehicle has no rear seat; D my vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate

a rear-facing infant seat; or

D the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: D my vehicle has no rear seat; D although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear

seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12
sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of my vehicle; or

D the child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician: D causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk

for the passenger; and

D makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag

in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the air bag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.

CAUTION:

If the passenger’s air bag is turned off for a person who isn’t in a risk group identified by the national government, that person won’t have the extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air bag wouldn’t be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Don’t turn off the passenger’s air bag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group.

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The AIR BAG OFF light on the center console switch panel will come on to let you know that the passenger’s air bag is off. The passenger’s air bag will remain off until you turn it back on again, and the AIR BAG OFF light will stay on to remind you that the air bag is off.

To turn off the passenger’s air bag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to AIR BAG OFF.

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

CAUTION:

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

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To turn the passenger’s air bag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the ON position.

Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Infants and Young Children Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by the appropriate restraint. Young children should not use the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.

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CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide.

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the

vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

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CAUTION:

CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.

The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.

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Restraint Systems for Children

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

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

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

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

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

When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. If you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s air bag. See “Air Bag Off Switch” and “Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information.

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Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.

CAUTION:

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

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

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In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. If your vehicle is a Z06, an anchor bracket for a top strap is located behind the passenger’s seat in the cargo area. Anchor the top strap to the bracket.

If your vehicle is a convertible or has a removable roof, don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in your vehicle because the strap cannot be anchored properly. You shouldn’t use this type of child restraint without anchoring the top strap. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger Seat Position

Your vehicle has a passenger air bag. There’s an air bag off switch in the glove box you can use to turn off the passenger’s air bag when you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint at the passenger’s position. See “Air Bag Off Switch” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information.

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Unless the passenger’s air bag has been turned off, never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

CAUTION:

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

If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The passenger’s air bag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, don’t let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger air bag risk group sit in the passenger’s position (for example, don’t secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced. See “Air Bag Off Switch” in the Index.

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Your vehicle has a passenger’s air bag. If you are

using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the air bag is turned off. See “Air Bag Off Switch” in the Index. If your child restraint is forward-facing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. See “Seats” in the Index.

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

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

retractor to set the lock.

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

retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

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Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

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. If you were using a rear-facing child restraint, turn on the passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger air bag risk group. See “Air Bag Off Switch” in the Index.

CAUTION:

If the passenger’s air bag is turned off for a person who isn’t in a risk group identified by the national government, that person won’t have the extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air bag wouldn’t be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Don’t turn off the passenger’s air bag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See “Air Bag Off Switch” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information.

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Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.

CAUTION:

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

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

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

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.

CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

The lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

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Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

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

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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.

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

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Section 2 Features and Controls

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

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Windows Keys Door Locks Memory (Option) Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Hatch/Trunk Lid Release Theft-Deterrent System PASS-KeyR New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Switch Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only) Automatic Transmission Operation Manual Transmission Operation Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only) Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)

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Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) Limited-Slip Rear Axle Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD) (Option) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Roof Panel (If Equipped) Convertible Top (Option) The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System Warning Lights, Gages and Messages Driver Information Center (DIC)

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Windows

CAUTION:

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

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Power Windows With power windows, switches on the door control each window when the ignition is on or when RAP is present. See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” in the Index.

Express-Down Windows

Both the driver’s and passenger’s window switches have the express-down feature. Tap AUTO and immediately release. The window will lower completely. To stop the express-down feature from lowering the window completely, simply tap the switch again. You can also open the window any amount by pressing and releasing the switch. To close the window, press and hold the up arrow.

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Keys

CAUTION:

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

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One key is used for the ignition, the driver’s door and all other locks.

If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle, call Chevrolet Roadside Assistance. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer gives the first owner a key and a bar coded tag. Both the key and the tag are attached to a key ring. The paper tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a qualified locksmith how to make an extra key. Keep the bar-coded tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, you’ll be able to have a new one made easily using this tag. If your key doesn’t have a tag and you need a new ignition key, go to your Chevrolet dealer for the correct key code.

NOTICE:

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

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Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. D Passengers -- especially children -- can

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

D 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.

D 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.

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There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your door key on the driver’s side or the remote keyless entry transmitter. If your theft-deterrent system is armed, unlock the driver’s door with the key or by using the remote keyless entry transmitter to open either door to avoid setting off the alarm. See “Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index.

To lock the door from the inside, move the lever located on the door forward. To unlock it, move the lever on the door rearward.

Power Door Locks

Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your key, open your door and set the locks from inside or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. Then get out and close the door. Memory (Option)

Press the power door switch on either door to unlock or lock both doors at once. Inadvertent Lockout Protection If you press the power door lock switch when a door is open and a key is in the ignition, a chime will sound. If the power door lock switch is pressed again within five seconds, the doors will lock.

MEMORY can store and recall the settings for the driver’s seat position, the outside rearview mirror positions, telescopic steering wheel (if equipped), radio presets, tone, volume, playback mode (AM/FM, tape or CD), last displayed station, compact disc position and tape direction and the last climate control setting.

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The MEMORY buttons are located on the driver’s door, above the power mirror controls. The MEMORY buttons can store and recall settings for up to three drivers. Use button “1” to store the settings for the first driver, button “2” for a second driver or press buttons 1 and 2 at the same time for a third driver. To store your memory settings: 1. Adjust your settings for the driver’s seat position, outside rearview mirror positions, and telescopic steering wheel (if equipped).

2. Press and hold a MEMORY button. The light above

the MEMORY button will glow steady for one second and then flash once when the settings are complete. Then the light will go off.

3. Set the climate control temperature, fan speed and

mode settings, radio presets, tone, volume, playback mode (AM/FM, tape or CD), tape direction and compact disc position.

Your memory settings are now programmed. Any changes that are made to the audio system and climate controls while driving will be automatically stored when the ignition key is turned off.

When first entering your vehicle, after pressing the unlock button on your remote keyless entry transmitter or a MEMORY button, a recall of your settings will occur when the door is closed and the ignition key is in the ignition switch. As the memory settings are recalled, the light above the button will flash until the correct settings are achieved, then glow for five seconds when complete. A memory recall can be stopped by pressing any memory seat, mirror or steering column position button. When your remote keyless entry transmitter has been programmed to driver 1, 2 or 3, and you insert the key into the ignition, memory will also occur. Drivers 1, 2 and 3 correspond to the order in which your remote keyless entry transmitters were programmed. See “Fob Training” in the Index for more information. Memory recall will not work if the vehicle is moving. Memory recall will be temporarily interrupted during engine crank.

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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Your vehicle has a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system that allows you to lock and unlock your doors, unlock your hatch/trunk lid, turn the panic alarm on and off and disarm or arm your theft-deterrent system. The range distance is as much as 100 feet (30 m) away.

Your vehicle comes standard with two transmitters, and up to three can be matched to your vehicle.

Your RKE 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 harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” later in this section.

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If you ever notice a decrease in the remote keyless entry transmitter range, try doing one of the following: D Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

D 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.

D Check to determine if battery replacement is

necessary. See the instructions that follow.

D Check to make sure that an electronic device such

as a cellular phone or lap top computer is not causing interference.

D Try to resynchronize the transmitter.

See “Resynchronization” in this section.

D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a

qualified technician for service.

Operation The driver’s door will unlock when the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, or press the unlock button again within 10 seconds to unlock both doors. Also, by pressing the unlock button, it may automatically disarm your theft-deterrent system, depending on how the theft-deterrent system is programmed. If it’s dark enough outside, your interior lamps will come on. Your memory settings will also be recalled when you press the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. See “Memory” in the Index for more information. The hatch/trunk lid will unlock when the button with the trunk symbol is pressed, as long as the ignition is turned to OFF.

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The system has a feature that makes it difficult for you to lock your keys in your vehicle. If you leave your keys in the ignition and attempt to lock the doors, the vehicle will not lock and a chime will sound to remind you that the keys are in the ignition. If the door lock is pressed again, within five seconds, the doors will lock and the keys can be locked in the vehicle. This system can’t guarantee that you will never be locked out of your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you.

Panic Alarm Button When you press the horn button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the horn will sound. This panic alarm button will allow you to attract attention, if needed. If the horn alarm sounds, there are three ways to turn it off: D Push the panic alarm button again on the remote

keyless entry transmitter.

D Wait 90 seconds, and the horn will turn off by itself. D Turn the key to any position in the ignition,

except OFF.

RKE Settings You can adjust the settings on the system through the Driver Information Center (DIC). You can change the type of alarm used by the theft-deterrent system. See “Driver Information Center Controls and Displays” in the Index for more information. 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 only three transmitters matched to it.

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To match transmitters to your vehicle: 1. Turn the ignition key to ON. 2. Clear any warning messages on the Driver Information

Center (DIC) by pressing the RESET button.

3. Press the OPTIONS button on the DIC several times until the blank page is displayed, then press and hold the RESET button for two seconds.

4. When the message FOB TRAINING is displayed, push the RESET button once. The message HOLD LK + UNLK 1ST FOB in the DIC will be displayed.

5. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the first transmitter simultaneously for five seconds. 6. When a transmitter is learned (matched), the DIC

will display FOB LEARNED and then prompt you to learn the second transmitter.

7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the third transmitter. 8. Remove the key from the ignition.

The programming mode will shut off if any of following has occurred: D You don’t program any transmitters for two minutes. D You take the key out of the ignition. D You have programmed three transmitters. Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about three years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.

NOTICE:

When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

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Replacing the Battery in the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter

1. Insert a coin into the slot on the back of the

transmitter and gently pry apart the front and back.

2. Gently pull the battery out of the transmitter. 3. Put the new battery in the transmitter, positive (+) side up. Use a battery, type CR2032, or equivalent.

4. Reassemble the transmitter. Make sure to put it

together so water won’t get in.

5. Test the transmitter.

Resynchronizing Your Transmitter Your RKE system uses a continually changing code for increased security. Normally, the receiver in your vehicle will keep track of this changing code. If your vehicle does not respond to your transmitter, do the following to determine what’s wrong: 1. Get closer to the vehicle and try pressing a button again. Your battery may be low. If so, see “Battery Replacement” in the Index.

2. While standing close to your vehicle, press the

lock and unlock buttons on your transmitter at the same time and hold for seven seconds. This will attempt to resynchronize the security code in your RKE transmitter.

3. When resynchronization is achieved, the horn

will chirp.

If attempts to resynchronize your transmitter to the vehicle are not successful, you may need to match the transmitter to the vehicle. See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” in the Index.

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Hatch/Trunk Lid Release

Press the button with the trunk symbol on it, located at the left side of the steering column on the instrument panel, to release the hatch/trunk lid from inside your vehicle. The remote keyless entry transmitter will also release the hatch/trunk lid. See “Remote Keyless Entry System” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with a hatch and you have lost battery power, use the manual release cables to open the hatch. To access the cables, remove the two access panels located in the rear of the trunk area. There is one cable located under each access panel. See “Rear Storage Compartments” in the Index for more information.

To use the hatch/trunk lid release on vehicles with an automatic transmission, your vehicle must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). For manual transmissions, set the parking brake. See “Parking Brake” in the Index.

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Pull each cable straight down for each latch to release the hatch. If your vehicle is equipped with a convertible top/hardtop and you have lost battery power, use the manual release cable to open the trunk lid. To access the cable, remove the center storage compartment lid located in the rear of the trunk area. See “Rear Storage Compartments” in the Index for more information.

Pull the cable straight down to release the trunk lid. If your vehicle is equipped with a convertible top and trunk release handle and you have lost battery power, use the trunk release handle to open the trunk. See “Trunk Release Handle” in the Index for more information.

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CAUTION:

NOTICE:

It can be dangerous to drive with the hatch/trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the hatch/trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the hatch/trunk lid: D Make sure all other windows are shut. D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed with the setting on BI-LEVEL or VENT. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.

D If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

If you put things in the hatch/trunk area, be sure they won’t break the glass when you close it. Never slam the hatch/trunk lid down. You could break the glass or damage the defogger grid. When you close the hatch/trunk lid, make sure you pull down from the center, not the sides. If you pull the hatch/trunk lid down from the side too often, the weatherstrip can be damaged.

NOTICE:

Do not store heavy or sharp objects in the rear storage compartments located in the hatch/trunk area. If you do, the objects could damage the underbody.

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Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)

NOTICE:

The trunk release handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk release handle could damage it.

There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located on the rear wall of the trunk below the latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle down to open the trunk from the inside.

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Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your ignition will be locked. If you have an automatic transmission, it will be locked. If you have a manual transmission, the steering wheel will also be locked. And remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots Even if you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your key? Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, since there would be no place to secure them.

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

With this system, the SECURITY light will flash as you open the door (if your ignition is off). This light reminds you to arm the theft-deterrent system.

Arming the System Use one of the two following items listed here to arm the system: D Press the lock button on the remote keyless

entry transmitter.

D Open the door. (The SECURITY light should flash.) Lock the door with the power door lock switch. The SECURITY light will stop flashing and stay on. Close the door. The SECURITY light should go off.

Testing the Alarm Use the following to test the system: 1. Make sure the hatch/trunk lid is latched. 2. Lower the window on the driver’s door. 3. Manually arm the system. 4. Close the doors and wait 15 seconds. 5. Reach through the open window and manually

unlock the driver’s door.

6. Open the door. The alarm should sound. 7. Turn off the alarm. If the alarm is inoperative, check to see if the horn works. If not, check the horn fuse. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index. If the horn works, but the alarm doesn’t go off, see your dealer.

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Disarming the System Always use your key or the remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock a door. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm. If your alarm sounds, listed below are the ways you can disarm it: D Unlock the driver’s door with your key. D Put the key in the ignition. D Press the unlock button on the remote keyless

entry transmitter.

Now, if a door or the hatch/trunk lid is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your horn will sound for two minutes, then it will go off to save battery power. And, your vehicle won’t start. The theft-deterrent system won’t arm if you lock the driver’s door with a key, the manual door lock, or if you use the power door lock after the doors are closed. If your passenger stays in the vehicle when you leave with the keys, have the passenger lock the vehicle after the doors are closed. This way the alarm won’t arm, and your passenger won’t set it off.

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PASS-KeyR

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.

PASS-Key uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. When the PASS-Key system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someone tries to start your vehicle again or uses another key during this time, the shutdown period will start over again. This discourages someone from randomly trying different keys with different resistor pellets in an attempt to make a match. The key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the SECURITY light comes on, the key may be dirty or wet.

If this happens and the starter won’t work, turn the ignition off. Clean and dry the key, wait three minutes and try again. If the starter still won’t work, wait three minutes and try the other ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuses (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key. If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or missing resistor pellet, you will see no SECURITY light. You don’t have to wait three minutes before trying the proper key. If the resistor pellet is damaged or missing, the starter won’t work. Use the other ignition key, and see your dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS-Key to have a new key made. If the SECURITY light comes on while driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. If you lose or damage a PASS-Key ignition key, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key. In an emergency, call Chevrolet Roadside Assistance. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: D Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or

less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.

D Avoid making hard stops for the first

200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

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Front Air Dam Your vehicle is equipped with a front air dam which has minimal ground clearance for aerodynamics. For this reason, the air dam has a spring-loaded hinge provided and it will retract with road contact. Under normal operation, the air dam will occasionally contact some road surfaces (speed bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This can be heard inside the vehicle as a scraping noise. This is normal and does not indicate a problem. Use care when approaching bumps or objects on road surfaces and avoid them when possible.

Ignition Switch

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four positions.

OFF: The only position from which you can remove the key. If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch can’t be turned to OFF unless the shift lever is in PARK (P). ACC: This is the position in which you can operate your electrical power accessories. With the key in this position, the automatic transmission and steering column will unlock.

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CAUTION:

If you have a manual transmission, removing the key from the ignition switch will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key to ACC.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.

ON: This is the position to which the switch returns after you start the engine and release the switch. The switch stays in ON when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate your electrical power accessories and to display some instrument panel cluster messages and telltales. START: This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON for normal driving. When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio. A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is in OFF or ACC and the key is in the ignition. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) With RAP, your power windows and the audio system will continue to work for up to 15 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and neither door is opened. If a door is opened, the power windows and audio system will shut off.

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Starting Your Engine This vehicle has a computer system that monitors engine speed, throttle and pedal position, and records the current status. Automatic Transmission Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

Manual Transmission The gear selector should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that’s a safety feature. 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:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

NOTICE:

Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.

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2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the

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

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

2.

ignition key to START and hold it there. When the engine starts, let go of the key. Use the accelerator pedal to maintain engine speed, if you have to, until your engine has run for a while. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

NOTICE:

Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly.

Starter Interlock Feature For your convenience and to avoid damage to your starter, your vehicle is equipped with a starter interlock feature. This feature will not allow you to crank the engine when the vehicle is already running.

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Racing or Other Competitive Driving See your Warranty Book before using your vehicle for racing or other competitive driving.

NOTICE:

If you use your vehicle for racing or other competitive driving, your engine may use more oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil level often during racing or other competitive driving and keep the level at or near 1 quart (1 L) above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range on the engine oil dipstick. For information on how to add oil, see “Adding Oil” under “Engine” in the Index. After the competitive driving, remove excess oil so that the level on the dipstick is not above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range.

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Engine Coolant Heater (Canada Only)

The engine coolant heater is located on the driver’s side of the engine under the manifold. In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The electrical cord is attached to the generator bracket assembly, between the generator and the windshield washer fluid tank.With the headlamps closed, route the cord in the opening between the headlamp door and the fender panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Do not pinch the cord when closing the hood.

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

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

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

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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. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.

Automatic Transmission Operation

There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

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Be sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. 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 key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. If you do not apply the brake after 15 seconds once the ignition is turned on, you will receive a PRESS BRAKE BEFORE SHIFT message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in the Index. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

NOTICE:

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.

CAUTION:

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

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NOTICE:

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

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B): This position is for normal driving. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B): D When driving on hilly, winding roads. D When going down a steep hill. 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) when you start the vehicle, the transmission will drive (and stay) in second gear. You may use this feature for reducing torque to 2-30

the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces, or for preventing the transmission from downshifting into FIRST (1) in situations where a downshift would be undesirable. 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 selector lever is put in FIRST (1), the transmission won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

Maximum engine speed is limited to protect driveline components from improper operation.

Manual Transmission Operation

This is the shift pattern for the six-speed manual transmission.

Here’s how to operate your transmission: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you’re going less than 40 mph (64 km/h). If you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.

THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL. NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL when it is centered in the shift pattern, not in any gear. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Just apply pressure to get the lever past FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Your six-speed manual transmission has a feature that allows you to safely shift into REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is rolling (at less than 3 mph (5 km/h)). You will be locked out if you try to shift into REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph (5 km/h). If you have turned your ignition off and wish to park your vehicle in REVERSE (R), you will have to move the shift lever quickly to the right, and immediately forward into gear.

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Shift Speeds (Manual Transmission)

CAUTION:

If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Don’t shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift.

This chart shows when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy.

If your engine speed drops below 900 rpm, or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good engine performance.

NOTICE:

When you are shifting gears, don’t move the gearshift lever around needlessly. This can damage parts of the transmission and may require costly repair. Shift directly into the next appropriate gear.

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One to Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission)

NOTICE:

When this light comes on, you can only shift from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) instead of FIRST (1) to SECOND (2).

Do not try to force the shift lever into SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes on. Do not try to re-engage FIRST (1) after starting to shift into FOURTH (4). You will damage your transmission. Shift only from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.

You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) to turn off this feature. This helps you get the best possible fuel economy. After shifting to FOURTH (4), you may downshift to a lower gear if you prefer.

This light will come on when: D The engine coolant temperature is higher than

169_F (76_C),

D you are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and D you are at 21 percent throttle or less.

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The six-speed transmission has a spring that centers the gearshift lever near THIRD (3) and FOURTH (4). This spring helps you know which gear you are in when you are shifting. Be careful when shifting from FIRST (1) to SECOND (2) or downshifting from SIXTH (6) to FIFTH (5). The spring will try to pull the gearshift lever toward FOURTH (4) and THIRD (3). Make sure you move the lever into SECOND (2) or FIFTH (5). If you let the gearshift lever move in the direction of the pulling, you may end up shifting from FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) or from SIXTH (6) to THIRD (3).

Downshifting (Manual Transmission) Do not downshift into the gear shown below at a speed greater than shown in the table: FIRST (1) SECOND (2) THIRD (3) FOURTH (4)

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

50 mph (80 km/h) 74 mph (119 km/h) 101 mph (163 km/h) 130 mph (209 km/h)

NOTICE:

If you skip more than one gear when you downshift, or if you race the engine when you downshift, you can damage the clutch, driveshaft or transmission.

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Parking Brake

To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up. This sets your parking brake. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.

To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Then push the release button in as you move the parking brake lever all the way down.

NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. Make sure the brake warning light is not on before driving.

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Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission Only)

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 won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.

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

set the parking brake.

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2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can remove the key from the ignition, the vehicle is in PARK (P).

Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you don’t 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)” in the Index. 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).

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission Only)

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t 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 your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold down the regular brake pedal. 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 wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON. See “Automatic Transmission Operation” in the Index. As a reminder, you will see a message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) that will say PRESS BRAKE BEFORE SHIFT within 15 seconds unless the brake is pressed. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the key to ACC. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear

you want.

5. Have your vehicle inspected by your dealer as soon

as possible.

Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission Models Only) Before you get out of your vehicle, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been placed into REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release the clutch.

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Parking Over Things That Burn

Engine Exhaust

CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange

or different.

D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. D Your vehicle was damaged when driving

over high points on the road or over road debris.

D Repairs weren’t done correctly. D Your vehicle or exhaust system had been

modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: D Drive it only with all the windows down to

blow out any CO; and

D Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

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CAUTION:

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

Running Your Engine While You’re Parked (Automatic Transmission) It’s 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.” Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan switch 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 “Blizzard” in the Index.

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. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).

Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. Limited-Slip Rear Axle Your limited-slip rear axle 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.

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Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD) (Option) You may have a ride control system on your vehicle called Selective Real Time Damping (SRTD). The system provides the following performance benefits: D Reduced Impact Harshness D Improved Road Isolation D Improved High-Speed Stability D Improved Handling Response

TOUR: Use for normal city and highway driving. This setting provides a smooth, soft ride. SPORT: Use where road conditions or personal preference demand more control. This setting provides more “feel,” or response to the road conditions. PERF: Use for performance driving. This setting provides a tight, firm ride and precise response to road conditions. You can select a setting at any time. Based on road conditions, steering wheel angle and your vehicle speed, the system automatically adjusts to provide the best ride and handling. Select a new setting whenever driving conditions change. There are three Driver Information Center (DIC) messages that are displayed when a malfunction occurs with the SRTD system. Refer to “DIC Warnings and Messages” in the Index. Horn To sound the horn, press either horn symbol on the steering wheel.

This switch is located on the center console. Turn it to select the suspension of your choice.

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Tilt Wheel A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle.

Telescopic Steering Wheel (If Equipped) The telescopic steering wheel switch is located on the right side of the steering column.

To operate the telescopic steering wheel, push the switch forward and the wheel will move away from you. Pull the switch rearward and the wheel will move toward you.

The telescopic steering wheel position can be stored with your memory settings. See “Memory” in the Index for more information.

The lever is located on the left side of the steering column. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever toward you. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the steering wheel into place.

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Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The multifunction lever on the left side of the steering column includes the following: D Turn and Lane Change Signals D Headlamps D Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer D Flash-to-Pass Feature D Cruise Control

Turn and Lane Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the multifunction lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.

An arrow on the instrument panel cluster will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.

To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you release it. If you signal a turn or a lane change and the arrows flash faster than normal, a signal bulb may be burned out. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check the fuses and check for burned-out