2011 Chevrolet Impala Owners Manual

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The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.

{ WARNING

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

Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 3‑40 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.

A wet seat can affect the performance of the passenger sensing system. Here is how:

The passenger sensing system may turn off the passenger airbag when liquid is soaked into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator will be lit, and the airbag readiness light on the instrument panel will also be lit. Liquid pooled on the seat that has not soaked in may make it more likely that the passenger sensing system will enable (turn on) the passenger airbag while a child restraint or child occupant is on the seat. If the passenger airbag is turned on, the on indicator will be lit.

If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately. If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑15
for important safety information.

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Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 13‑13.

{ WARNING

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition 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.

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add

to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that

change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system.

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In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger's seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑34.

If you have any 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 13‑1.

Q: Because I have a disability,

I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether this will affect my airbag system?

A: 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 13‑1.

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In addition, your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.

Airbag System Check The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑15 for more information. Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑31. See your dealer for service.

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Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash { WARNING A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

Child Restraints

Older Children

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See your dealer for service. If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5‑15 for more information.

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

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Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑19. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. 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.

The manufacturer's instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the fit test below: . Sit all the way back on the seat.

Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.

Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑19 for more information. If the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.

. Does the lap belt fit low and

snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Can proper safety belt fit be maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to

wear safety belts?

A: 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. This applies belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

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{ WARNING

Never do this. Never allow two children to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time.

WARNING (Continued)

forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.

{ WARNING

Never do this. Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far

(Continued)

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WARNING (Continued)

40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

Infants and Young 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. { WARNING

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts.

Airbags plus lap‐shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ WARNING

Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only

(Continued)

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{ WARNING

Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

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

{ WARNING

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To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant's neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint 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 should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints.

A young child's hip bones are still so small that the 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 is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints.

(A) Rear‐Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat (A) 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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(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

(C) Booster Seats

A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child's body with the harness.

A booster seat (C) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle { WARNING

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑51 for more information.

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Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts.

Children can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. 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. 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 the vehicle — even when no child is in it.

In some areas, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to locate the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation office. Securing the Child within the Child Restraint

{ WARNING

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint.

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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.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. The vehicle may have a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing system, if equipped, has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑34 for additional information.

{ WARNING

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position. When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. Child restraints and booster seats vary considerably in size, and some may fit in certain seating positions better than others. Always make sure the child restraint is properly secured.

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Depending on where you place the child restraint and the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the routing of the safety belt. Wherever a child restraint is installed, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle's safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.

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When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments.

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Lower Anchors

Top Tether Anchor

Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B).

A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

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Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.

To assist you in locating the lower anchors, each seating position with lower anchors has two labels, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

To assist you in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is located on the cover. The top tether anchors are located under the covers on the rear seatback filler panel behind each head restraint. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

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{ WARNING

Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

{ WARNING

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑49 for additional information.

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{ WARNING

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments.

Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat. 1. Attach and tighten the

lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position.

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2.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the

lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. Push on the depression at the rear of the cover and swing the lid open to expose the top tether anchor.

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2.3. Route, attach, and tighten

the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the position you are using has a fixed headrest and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the head restraint.

If the position you are using has a fixed headrest and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the head restraint.

3. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement, for proper installation.

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { WARNING A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

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Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑51 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑51 for top tether anchor locations.

Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. 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.

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If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑49. 1. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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3. Push the latch plate into the

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

5. 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. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 4 and 5.

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Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)

{ WARNING

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the frontal airbags if they inflate. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It is always better to secure a child restraint in a rear seat.

Do not use child restraints in the center front seat position.

Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3‑49. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑34 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑16 for more information, including important safety information.

6.

If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑51 for more information.

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

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A label on the 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.

{ WARNING

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑34 for additional information.

If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3‑51 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached.

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You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when the vehicle is started. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5‑16.

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. Push the latch plate into the

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

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7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side‐to‐side and back‐and‐forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑34 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position.

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. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.

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Storage

Storage Compartments

Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Sunglasses Storage . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . 4-2

Additional Storage Features

Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Storage Compartments

Glove Box Lift up on the glove box lever to open it.

Cupholders Cupholders may be built into the front center console, front portion of the front center seat, and rear armrest of the vehicle.

Storage

4-1

Sunglasses Storage A storage compartment for sunglasses may be located above the rearview mirror. Push on the cover to open the compartment.

Armrest Storage For vehicles with a rear seat armrest, pull the tab on the armrest forward to access it.

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4-2

Storage

Rear Storage For vehicles with a split folding rear seat, there are two storage areas underneath. Pull the tab(s) located by the passenger side safety belt buckle and the driver side rear seat to access the storage areas. See Rear Seats (Split Folding) on page 3‑8 for more information.

Center Console Storage For vehicles with a front center console storage area, open it by pulling up on the latch located in the front of the console cover. There may be a removable tray inside.

Additional Storage Features

Convenience Net For vehicles with a convenience net, it is located in the rear. Use it to store small loads as far forward as possible. The net should not be used to store heavy loads.

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Instruments and Controls

5-1

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-3
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-4
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Engine Coolant Temperature

Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-14
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-15
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-17
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Brake System Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Electronic Stability Control

(ESC) Indicator Light . . . . . . . 5-21

Traction Control System

(TCS) Warning Light . . . . . . . 5-22

Engine Coolant Temperature

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-24
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-25
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Battery Voltage and Charging

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-31
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Engine Cooling System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-33
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-33
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-34
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-34
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Ride Control System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Airbag System Messages . . . . 5-36
Anti-Theft Alarm System

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-36
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37

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5-2

Instruments and Controls

Transmission Messages . . . . . 5-38
Vehicle Reminder

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . 5-38

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-39

Universal Remote System

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

Universal Remote System . . . 5-45
Universal Remote System

Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45

Universal Remote System

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51

To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Hold the wheel and pull the lever

toward you.

2. Move the steering wheel up

or down.

3. Release the lever to lock the

steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

The tilt wheel lever is located on the left side of the steering column.

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Steering Wheel Controls

Vehicles with audio steering wheel controls could differ depending on the vehicle's options. Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.

Instruments and Controls

5-3

w (Next): Press to go to the next radio station stored as a favorite, or the next track if a CD is playing. c x (Previous/End): Press to go to the previous radio station stored as a favorite, go to the next track if a CD is playing, reject an incoming call, or end a current call. b g (Mute/Push to Talk): Press to silence the vehicle speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. For vehicles with OnStar® or Bluetooth® systems, press and hold b g for longer than two seconds to interact with those systems. See the OnStar Owner's Guide and Bluetooth on page 7‑21
for more information.

SRCE (Source): Press to choose between the radio (AM, FM, XM), CD, and auxiliary input jack.

+ e − e (Volume): Press to increase or to decrease the radio volume. ¨ (Seek): Press to go to the next radio station while in AM, FM, or XM™. Press ¨ to go to the next track or chapter while sourced to the CD.

Horn Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn.

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5-4

Instruments and Controls

Windshield Wiper/Washer

Turn the band with the wiper symbol to control the windshield wipers. 8 (Mist): Single wipe, turn to 8, then release. Several wipes, hold the band on 8 longer. 9 (Off): Turns the windshield wipers off. 6 (Adjustable Interval Wipes): Turn the band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.

6 (Low Speed): Slow wipes. ? (High Speed): Fast wipes. Clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced. See Wiper Blade Replacement on page 10‑31. Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down. Windshield Washer Push the paddle L at the top of the lever to spray washer fluid on the windshield. The wipers run for several sweeps and then either stop or return to the preset speed. The ignition key must be in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN for this to work. See Washer Fluid on page 10‑25.

{ WARNING

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

When the vehicle is low on washer fluid, the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC) for 60 seconds. When the ignition is turned off, this message displays again for three seconds to remind you that the fluid level is low. Until the fluid reservoir is refilled, every time the vehicle is started, the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC) for 60 seconds. See Washer Fluid Messages on page 5‑38.

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Instruments and Controls

5-5

Compass This vehicle may have a compass in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Compass Zone Your dealer will set the correct zone for your location. Under certain circumstances, such as during a long distance cross-country trip or moving to a new state or province, it will be necessary to compensate for compass variance by resetting the zone through the DIC if the zone is not set correctly. Compass variance is the difference between the earth's magnetic north and true geographic north.

If the compass is not set to the zone where you live, the compass may give false readings. The compass must be set to the variance zone in which the vehicle is traveling. To adjust for compass variance, use the following procedure:

Compass Variance (Zone) Procedure 1. Do not set the compass zone

when the vehicle is moving. Only set it when the vehicle is in P (Park).

Press T until PRESS V TO CHANGE COMPASS ZONE displays.

2. Find the vehicle's current

location and variance zone number on the map. Zones 1 through 15 are available.

3. Press V to scroll through and select the appropriate variance zone.

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5-6

Instruments and Controls

4. Press 3 until the vehicle heading, for example, N for North, is displayed in the DIC. If calibration is necessary, calibrate the compass. See “Compass Calibration Procedure” following.

5.

Compass Calibration The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location, such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers, or other industrial structures, if possible. If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the compass should be calibrated.

If the DIC display does not show a heading, for example, N for North, or the heading does not change after making turns, there may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the compass. Such interference may be caused by a magnetic CB or cell phone antenna mount, a magnetic emergency light, magnetic note pad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn on the vehicle and calibrate the compass. To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:

Compass Calibration Procedure 1. Before calibrating the compass,

make sure the compass zone is set to the variance zone in which the vehicle is located. See “Compass Variance (Zone) Procedure” earlier in this section.

Do not operate any switches such as window, sunroof, climate controls, seats, etc. during the calibration procedure.

2. Press T until PRESS V TO

CALIBRATE COMPASS displays.

3. Press V to start the compass

calibration.

4. The DIC will display

CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in tight circles at less than 8 km/h (5 mph) to complete the calibration. The DIC will display CALIBRATION COMPLETE for a few seconds when the calibration is complete. The DIC display will then return to PRESS V TO CALIBRATE COMPASS.

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Instruments and Controls

5-7

3. Press the H button again until the clock display stops flashing to set the currently displayed time, or wait five seconds until the flashing stops and the current time displayed is automatically set.

To change the time default setting from 12 hour to 24 hour, press the H button until 12H or 24H is displayed. Once 12H or 24H is displayed, turn the f knob to the desired option to select the setting. Press the H button again to apply the setting, or let the screen time out.

With Date Display

Single CD (MP3) Player This radio has a H button for setting the time. To set the time and date: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press the H button and the HR, MIN, MM, DD, and YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year) display.

3. Press the pushbutton located

under any one of the tabs to be changed.

Clock

Without Date Display

AM/FM Base Radio with a Single CD Player This radio has a H button for setting the time. To set the time: 1. Press the H button until the hour

begins flashing on the display. Press H a second time and the minutes begin flashing on the display.

2. To increase or decrease the time, do one of the following while the hours or minutes are flashing:

Turn the f knob. Press ¨ SEEK or © SEEK. Press \ FWD or s REV.

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5-8

Instruments and Controls

To change the time default setting from 12 hour to 24 hour or to change the date default setting from month/day/year to day/month/year: 1. Press the H button and then the

pushbutton located under the forward arrow tab. The time 12H and 24H, and the date MM/DD/ YYYY (month, day, and year) and DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, and year) displays.

2. Press the pushbutton located

under the desired option.

3. Press the H or MENU button

again to apply the selected default, or let the screen time out.

Power Outlets The vehicle has three 12‐volt outlets which can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player. On vehicles with a center console, one outlet is located inside the center floor console and two outlets are located at the front of the console bin under the instrument panel. On vehicles without a center console, two are located under the climate controls and another outlet for the rear seat passengers is at the rear of the center front seat.

4. To increase the time or date,

do one of the following:

Press the pushbutton below the selected tab. Turn the f knob clockwise. Press ¨ SEEK. Press \ FWD.

5. To decrease the time or date,

do one of the following:

Turn the f knob counter‐clockwise. Press © SEEK. Press s REV.

The date does not automatically display. To see the date press the H button while the radio is on. The date with display times out after a few seconds and goes back to the normal radio and time display.

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Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use. { WARNING

Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in when the vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could catch fire and cause injury or death.

Notice: Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for an extended period of time while the vehicle is off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.

Instruments and Controls

5-9

Certain accessory plugs may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could overload vehicle and adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9‑48. Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone charge cords.

Cigarette Lighter The vehicle may have a cigarette lighter. The cigarette lighter may be located in the console, if the vehicle has one; otherwise, it may be located in the center armrest of the front seat. Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is heating does not let the lighter back away from the heating element when it is hot. Damage from overheating can occur to the lighter or heating element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a cigarette lighter in while it is heating. To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.

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5-10

Instruments and Controls

Ashtrays The vehicle may have an ashtray. The ashtray may be located in the console, if the vehicle has one; otherwise, it may be located in the center armrest of the front seat. Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them and possibly damage the vehicle. Never put flammable items in the ashtray.

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.

Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Follow this manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

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Instrument Cluster

Instruments and Controls

5-11

English Uplevel Shown, Base and Metric Similar

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5-12

Instruments and Controls

Speedometer The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).

Odometer The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven in either miles (used in the United States) or in kilometers (used in Canada). This vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If the odometer displays ERROR, it probably has been tampered with and the numbers might not be accurate. If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, it must be set to the mileage total of the old odometer.

If that is not possible, then it will be set at zero and a label must be put on the driver door to show the old mileage reading of the vehicle when the new odometer was installed.

Tachometer The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Notice: If the engine is operated with the tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle could be damaged, and the damages would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the shaded warning area.

Fuel Gauge

English

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Instruments and Controls

5-13

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

English

Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge: . At the gas station, the gas pump

shuts off before the gauge reads full. It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the fuel tank's capacity to fill the tank. The gauge moves a little when while turning a corner or speeding up. The gauge does not go back to empty when the ignition is turned off.

Metric

When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left in the fuel tank. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.

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5-14

Instruments and Controls

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. This only occurs if the passenger airbag is enabled. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3‑34 for more information. The passenger safety belt reminder light, located on the instrument panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and then flashes for several more.

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.

Metric

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gauge pointer moves toward the “H” (United States) or torward the shaded thermostat (Canada), it means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating on page 10‑21 for more information.

The safety belt light comes on and stays on for several seconds, then flashes for several more. This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.

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Instruments and Controls

5-15

Airbag Readiness Light The system checks the airbag's electrical system for possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 3‑26.

The airbag readiness light flashes for a few seconds when the engine is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

{ WARNING

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be