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slightly. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-69 for more on this, including important safety information and illustrations of alternate switch designs.


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{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle unless the passenger’s airbag has been turned off. Even though the airbag off switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front static seat or the right front bench seat, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.


United States


Canada


Never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat unless the airbag is off. Here is why:


{CAUTION:


A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Be sure the airbag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the right front passenger seat as far back as it will go.


A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-38. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 1-3 or Power Seats on page 1-4.


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{CAUTION:


If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on when you have turned off the airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The right front passenger’s airbag could inflate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly. Until you have the vehicle serviced, do not let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger airbag risk group sit in the right front passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat). See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-69.


If your vehicle is an extended cab and your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44. See Top Strap on page 1-40 if your child restraint has one.


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You will be using the lap-shoulder 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.


1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal


airbag. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-69. If your child restraint is forward-facing, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the restraint in this seat. See Manual Seats on page 1-3 or Power Seats on page 1-4. If you need to use a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the airbag is off once the child restraint has been installed. When the airbag off switch has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator in the airbag off light should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START. See Airbag Off Light on page 3-34.


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


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


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


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. If you had turned the airbag off with the switch, remember to be sure to use the airbag off switch to turn on the right front passenger’s airbag when you remove the child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger airbag risk group. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-69.


{CAUTION:


If the right front passenger’s airbag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identified by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of an airbag. In a crash, the airbag will not be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s airbag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See Airbag Off Switch on page 1-69 for more on this, including important safety information.


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


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


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-38. In addition, your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a small child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is detected. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-72
and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-36
for more information on this including important safety information.


{CAUTION:


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


If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. See Power Seats on page 1-4 or Manual Seats on page 1-3.


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3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder


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


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


If your vehicle is an extended cab and your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44. See Top Strap on page 1-40 if your child restraint has one. You will be using the lap-shoulder 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. 1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal


airbag. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-72. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint is forward-facing, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the child restraint in this seat. See Power Seats on page 1-4 or Manual Seats on page 1-3. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-36.


2. Put the child restraint on the seat.


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


the retractor to set the lock.


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


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


7. Push and pull the child restraint in different


directions to be sure it is secure.


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


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If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Airbag System Your vehicle has airbags — one airbag for the driver and another airbag for the right front passenger. Frontal airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal airbag. But these airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations.


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


{CAUTION:


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


{CAUTION:


Airbags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you are too close to an inflating airbag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with airbags. 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 airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants.


CAUTION:


(Continued)


CAUTION:


(Continued)


Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-30 and Infants and Young Children on page 1-33.


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


The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-34 for more information.


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Where Are the Airbags?


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


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


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{CAUTION:


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


When Should an Airbag Inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment events and are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help


restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down. Airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. For example:


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


The frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not likely help the occupants.


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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. The airbag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See Off-Road Driving on page 4-20 for more tips on off-road driving. Single Stage vs. Dual Stage Airbags Depending on the weight of your vehicle you will have either “Single Stage Airbags” or “Dual Stage Airbags”. Vehicles that have a passenger sensing system also have dual stage airbags. If the rearview mirror in your vehicle has a passenger airbag status indicator printed on it, your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and therefore, it has dual stage airbags. If the rearview mirror in your vehicle does not have a passenger airbag status indicator printed on it, then your vehicle does not have the passenger sensing system and it has single stage airbags. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-36 or Passenger Sensing System on page 1-72.


Dual Stage Airbags If your vehicle has frontal airbags with dual stage deployment, the amount of restraint will adjust according to crash severity. Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 10 to 16 mph (16 to 25 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h). (The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.) Vehicle’s with dual stage airbags are also equipped with special sensors which enable the sensing system to monitor the position of both the driver and passenger front seats. The seat position sensor provides information which is used to determine if the airbags should deploy at a reduced level or at full deployment.


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Single Stage Airbags If your vehicle has frontal airbags with single stage deployment and your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level is about 13 to 16 mph (20 to 25 km/h). (The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.)


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


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


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What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? After an airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inflated. Some components of the airbag module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, or the instrument panel for the right front 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 the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.


{CAUTION:


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


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In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:127) Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After they inflate, you will need some new parts for your airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.


(cid:127) Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and


diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders on page 7-10. Let only qualified technicians work on your airbag system. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.


If you damage the covering for the driver’s


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


Airbag Off Switch If your instrument panel has one of the switches pictured in the following illustrations your vehicle has an airbag off switch that you can use to turn off the right front passenger’s airbag.


United States


Canada


This switch should only be turned to the off position if the person in the right front passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identified by the national government as follows:


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(cid:127) Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: (cid:127) my vehicle has no rear seat; (cid:127) my vehicle has a rear seat too small to


accommodate a rear-facing infant seat; or 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: (cid:127) my vehicle has no rear seat;


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 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:


causes the passenger airbag to pose a special risk for the passenger; and


(cid:127) makes the potential harm from the passenger


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


{CAUTION:


If the right front passenger’s airbag is turned off for a person who is not in a risk group identified by the national government, that person will not have the extra protection of an airbag. In a crash, the airbag will not be able to inflate and help protect the person sitting there. Do not turn off the passenger’s airbag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group.


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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) United States


Canada


To turn off the right front passenger’s airbag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the off position.


The airbag off light will come on to let you know that the right front passenger’s airbag is off. The light will stay on to remind you that the airbag is off. The right front passenger’s airbag will remain off until you turn it back on.


{CAUTION:


If the airbag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the airbag, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. The right front passenger’s airbag could inflate even though the switch is off. If your vehicle is a regular cab pickup or an extended cab pickup and this ever happens, do not let anyone whom the national government has identified as a member of a passenger airbag risk group sit in the right front passenger’s position (for example, do not secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced.


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Passenger Sensing System If your rearview mirror has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The indicator will be visible when you turn your ignition key to RUN or START. The words ON and OFF or the symbol for on and off, will be visible on the rearview mirror during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-36. If your rearview mirror does not have either of the indicators pictured below, then your vehicle does not have the passenger sensing system.


Passenger Airbag Status Indicator – United States


Passenger Airbag Status Indicator − Canada


United States


Canada


To turn the right front passenger’s airbag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the on position.


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The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s airbag is not part of the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless the passenger airbag status indicator shows off. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless the airbag is off.


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


When the passenger’s frontal airbag has been turned off by the passenger sensing system, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Airbag Off Switch) on page 1-54 or Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position (Regular and Extended Cab) (With Passenger Sensing System) on page 1-59. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint.


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(cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s airbag.


If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle if one is available and check with your dealer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.


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{CAUTION:


If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-34 for more on this, including important safety information.


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Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. You may want to consider not using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-78 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates.


{CAUTION:


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


Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around your vehicle. You do not want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-13.


{CAUTION:


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


The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.


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Q: What if I added a snow plow? Will it keep the


airbags from working properly?


A: We have designed our airbag systems to work


properly under a wide range of conditions, including snow plowing with vehicles equipped with the optional Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO VYU). But do not change or defeat the snow plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can damage your snow plow and your vehicle, and it may cause an airbag inflation.


Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle


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


vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly?


A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or height, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Also, the airbag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag sensors. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.


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


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


Restraint System Check


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


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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash


{CAUTION:


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


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


1-80


Section 2


Features and Controls


Keys ...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-6
Doors and Locks .............................................2-8
Door Locks ....................................................2-8
Power Door Locks ..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking ...........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cab) .............2-13
Lockout Protection ........................................2-13
Rear Doors ..................................................2-14
Tailgate .......................................................2-14
Windows ........................................................2-16
Manual Windows ..........................................2-16
Power Windows ............................................2-17
Swing-Out Windows ......................................2-18
Sliding Rear Window .....................................2-18
Sun Visors ...................................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-19
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-19
Passlock® ....................................................2-21


Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-21
Ignition Positions ..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-23
Starting Your Engine .....................................2-23
Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-26
Tow/Haul Mode ............................................2-30
Manual Transmission Operation ......................2-32
Four-Wheel Drive ..........................................2-37
All-Wheel Drive ............................................2-48
Parking Brake ..............................................2-49
Shifting Into Park (P)


(Automatic Transmission) ............................2-50


Shifting Out of Park (P)


Parking Your Vehicle


(Automatic Transmission) ............................2-52


(Manual Transmission) ...............................2-53
Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-53
Engine Exhaust ............................................2-54
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked .......2-54


2-1


Section 2


Features and Controls


Mirrors ...........................................................2-56
Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-56
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror


with OnStar®, Compass and Temperature Display ..................................2-56


Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with


Compass and Temperature Display ..............2-58
Outside Manual Mirrors ..................................2-61
Outside Camper-Type Mirrors .........................2-61
Outside West Coast-Type Mirrors ....................2-62
Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-62
Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror .................2-62
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .....................2-63
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................2-64
Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors ....................2-64
Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-65
Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-65


OnStar® System .............................................2-66
HomeLink® Transmitter ...................................2-68
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter .........2-68
Storage Areas ................................................2-72
Glove Box ...................................................2-72
Cupholder(s) ................................................2-72
Coinholder(s) ................................................2-72
Front Storage Area .......................................2-72
Center Console Storage Area .........................2-72
Tonneau Cover ............................................2-73
Sunroof .........................................................2-75
Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-76
Memory Seat ...............................................2-76


2-2


Keys


{CAUTION:


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


2-3


Your vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and all door locks as well as the spare tire hoist lock, if equipped.


If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,


Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle, call the GM Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6. If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar® system with an active subscription and you lock your keys inside the vehicle, OnStar® may be able to send a command to unlock your vehicle. See OnStar® System on page 2-66
for more information.


If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining replacements.


2-4


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


including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.


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


including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.


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


At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: (cid:127) Check the distance. You may be too far from your


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


(cid:127) Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may


be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.


(cid:127) Check to determine if battery replacement or resynchronization is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” and “Resynchronization” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-6. If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.


2-5


(cid:127) Remote Keyless Entry System Operation You can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 100 feet (30 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.


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


You can choose different feedback options for each press of the unlock button. See “Lock Feedback” and “Unlock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-63 for more information.


Q (Lock): Press this button once to lock all of the doors. Pressing lock again within three seconds may cause the horn to chirp for lock confirmation. You can choose different feedback options for each press of the lock button. See “Lock Feedback” and “Unlock Feedback” under DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-63 for more information. L (Panic): Press this button to sound the horn and flash the headlamps and taillamps for up to 30 seconds. Panic can be turned off by pressing the button again, by waiting for 30 seconds, or by starting the vehicle. Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.


2-6


Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it is probably time to change the battery. Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter, do the following:


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


2. Remove and replace the battery with a three-volt CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up.


3. Align the covers and snap them together. 4. Resynchronize the transmitter. See


“Resynchronization” following this information.


5. Check the operation of the transmitter.


2-7


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


2-8


Doors and Locks Door Locks


{CAUTION:


Unlocked doors can be dangerous.


(cid:127) Passengers — especially children — can


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


(cid:127) Young children who get into unlocked


vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it.


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


There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. You can use the keyless entry system, if equipped, or you can also use your key.


Power Door Locks


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


If your vehicle has this power door lock switch, press the raised side of the switch, with the lock symbol, on either front door to lock all the doors at once.


Press the recessed side of the switch with the unlock symbol, to unlock all the doors at once.


2-9


Delayed Locking If your vehicle is a crew cab, it may be equipped with this feature. When locking the doors with the power lock switch or the keyless entry transmitter and a door is open, the doors will not lock until five seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use. Pressing the power lock switch or the lock button on the keyless entry transmitter twice will override the delayed locking feature and immediately lock all the doors. You can turn the delayed locking feature off or back on again by doing the following: 1. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the


lock position.


2. Press unlock twice on the remote keyless entry


transmitter.


This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition. You can also program this feature using the DIC. See DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-63.


If your vehicle has this power door lock switch, press the bottom of the switch on either front door to lock all the doors at once.


Press the top of the switch to unlock all the doors at once. The power door locks will operate at any time even when the ignition is off. The power door locks will also automatically lock when the vehicle is out of PARK (P), or for manual transmission, when the vehicle reaches 8 mph (24 km/h). Operating the power locks may interact with the theft-deterrent system, if equipped. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-19.


2-10


Programmable Automatic Door Locks Your vehicle may be equipped with an automatic lock/unlock feature which enables you to program your vehicle’s power door locks. You can program this feature through the Driver Information Center (DIC), or by the following method. See DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-63. Programmable Locking Feature Following are the two available programming options:


Mode 1: All doors lock when the transmission is shifted into gear. This is the mode that is pre-programmed in the factory for your vehicle for automatic transmission vehicles.


Mode 2: All doors lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 8 mph (13 km/h). This is the mode that is pre-programmed in the factory for manual transmission vehicles. The following instructions tell you how to change the automatic door lock mode (automatic transmission only). Choose one of the two programming options listed above before entering the program mode. To enter the program mode, do the following:


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


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


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


Then, with the key in LOCK, release the turn signal/multifunction lever. Once you do this, the doors will lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a 30-second timer will begin. You are now ready to program the automatic door lock feature.


3. Press the door lock switch once. You will hear either one or two chimes. The number of chimes tells you which lock mode is currently selected. Continue to press the door lock switch until the number of chimes that you hear matches the number of the mode that you want. If you take longer than 30 seconds, the locks will automatically lock and unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you have left the program mode. If this occurs, you can repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1
to re-enter the programming mode.


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


2-11


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


Mode 1: Driver’s door unlocks when the transmission is shifted into PARK (P), for automatic transmission vehicles only.


Mode 2: All doors unlock when the transmission is shifted into PARK (P), for automatic transmission vehicles only. This is the mode that is pre-programmed in the factory for your vehicle.


Mode 3: All doors unlock when the key is removed from the ignition. This is the mode that is pre-programmed in the factory for manual transmission vehicles.


Mode 4: No automatic door unlock. The following instructions tell you how to change the automatic door unlock mode (automatic transmission only). Choose one of the four programming options listed above before entering the program mode. To enter the program mode, do the following: 1. Begin with the ignition off. Then pull the turn


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


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


key in LOCK, release the turn signal/multifunction lever. Once you do this, the doors will lock and unlock, the horn will chirp twice, and a 30-second timer will begin. You are now ready to program the automatic door unlock feature.


3. Press the door unlock switch once. You will hear


one, two, three, or four chimes. The number of chimes tells you which unlock mode is currently selected. Continue to press the door unlock switch until the number of chimes that you hear matches the number of the mode that you want. If you take longer than 30 seconds, the locks will automatically lock and unlock and the horn will chirp twice to indicate that you have left the program mode. If this occurs, you can repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1
to re-enter the programming mode.


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


2-12


Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cab) With this feature, you can lock the rear side doors so that they cannot be opened from the inside by passengers.


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


To use one of the locks do the following: 1. Open one of the rear doors. 2. To engage the rear door security lock, move the


lever forward.


3. To disengage the lock, move the lever rearward. 4. Close the door. 5. Do the same thing to the other rear door. The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the rear door while the security lock is engaged, unlock the door and open the door from the outside.


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


2-13


Rear Doors Extended Cab Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear access door(s) that allows easier access to the rear area of the extended cab.


To open a rear access door from the outside, first open the front door. Then, use the handle located on the front edge of the rear access door to open it.


You must fully close a rear access door before you can close the front door.


2-14


To open a rear access door from the inside, the front door must be opened first. Then, use the handle located on the inside of the rear access door to open it.


Crew Cabs If your vehicle is a crew cab, you can open your doors from the inside or outside. Your vehicle may also have a feature which prevents children from opening the rear doors. See Rear Door Security Locks (Crew Cab) on page 2-13 for more information. Tailgate You can open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling the tailgate toward you. To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward until it latches. After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards you to be sure it latches securely.


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


1. Raise the tailgate


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


2. With the tailgate at a slight upward angle, pull back on the tailgate at the right edge and then move the tailgate to the right to release the left edge.


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


2-15


Windows


{CAUTION:


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


2-16


Manual Windows Turn the hand crank on each door to manually raise or lower the manual windows.


Power Windows


If your vehicle is equipped with power windows, the controls are located on each of the side doors in the front and rear for crew cab models.


The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger’s and rear windows as well, if equipped. Your power windows will work when the ignition has been turned to ACCESSORY or RUN or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-23. Press the switch down to lower the window. Pull up the front of the switch to raise the window. Express Down Windows The driver and front passenger windows also have an express down feature that allows the windows to be lowered without holding the switch. Press down fully on the window switch, then release, to activate the express down mode. The express down mode can be canceled at any time by pulling up on the switch. To open the window partway, press the switch to the first depression position, until the window is at the desired position.


2-17


Lock-Out Switch If you have power windows on a crew cab, the driver’s door power window switch has a lockout feature. The lockout switch is located in front of the window switches. This feature prevents all windows from operating, except from the driver’s position. To engage the lock-out feature press the switch, and an indicator light on the switch will illuminate. To disengage the lock-out feature press the switch again, and the indicator light will turn off.


Swing-Out Windows


Your vehicle may have swing-out windows. To open a rear swing-out window, flip the latch open and swing the glass out.


The latch will catch when the window is fully open and it will also hold it in the open position. Sliding Rear Window If your vehicle has this feature, squeeze the latch in the center of the window and slide the glass to open it. When you close the window, be sure the latch is engaged.


2-18


The sliding rear window does not have rear defogger. However, if your vehicle has outside heated mirrors, it will have a defogger button. See Outside Heated Mirrors on page 2-65.


Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also swing them out to help block glare at the front and side windows. The passenger’s side sun visor may have a vanity mirror. Theft-Deterrent Systems Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal.


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


With this system, the security light will flash as you open the door, with the ignition off, to let you know that you are activating the system.


This message reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it: 1. Open the door. 2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The security light should come on and flash. If using the remote keyless entry transmitter, the door does not need to be open. If the delayed locking feature is active, the alarm will not be activated until all doors are closed and the security light goes off.


3. Close all doors. The security light will stop flashing


and stay solid. The light should go off after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the security light goes off.


2-19


Testing the Alarm The alarm can be tested by following these steps: 1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window


and open the driver’s door.


2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the


power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter.


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


for the security light to go out.


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


If the alarm does not sound when it should but the vehicle’s headlamps flash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-128. If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s headlamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized service center.


If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will flash and the horn will sound for about two minutes, then will turn off to save the battery power. Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off. Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:


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


(cid:127) Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm if the system has been armed.


If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter or by placing the key in the ignition and turning it to START.


2-20


(cid:127) Passlock® Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock® theft-deterrent system. Passlock® is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock® enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled. If the engine stalls and the security light flashes, wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from START as soon as the engine starts. If the engine is running and the security light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock® system is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock® at this time. You may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-128. See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.


Starting and Operating Your Vehicle


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


for the first 500 miles (805 km).


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


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


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


Trailer on page 4-69 for more information.


2-21


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


If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you


Notice: cannot turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle needs service.


2-22


A (Lock): This position locks your ignition when the key is removed. The steering locks when equipped with a manual transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK


B (Accessory): This position allows you to use things like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers when the engine is off.


{CAUTION:


On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK 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 only to ACCESSORY. Do not press the key release button while the vehicle is moving.


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


D (Start): This position starts your engine.


Key Release Button (Manual Transmission)


The ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition of manual transmission vehicles unless the key release button is used.


To remove the key on manual transmission vehicles, turn the key to ACCESSORY, then press the button and turn the key to LOCK. Do not hold the button in while turning the key to ACCESSORY. Pull the key straight out.


Retained Accessory Power (RAP) If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP), certain features will continue to operate for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to LOCK unless a door is opened.


Starting Your Engine Your vehicle is equipped with Starter Motor Control. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects the electrical system. This feature may cause the engine to crank even after the ignition key is not in START. Automatic Transmission Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in any other position — that is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. If you have a diesel engine refer to the diesel supplement for the starting procedure. Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.


2-23


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


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


2. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.


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


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 will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a safety feature. Starting Your V8 Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.


Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will disengage the starter motor, cause your battery to be drained much sooner, and add excessive heat that can damage your starter motor. Try not to hold the key in START for longer than 15 seconds and wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it does not start within 10 seconds, push the


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


2-24


Engine Coolant Heater In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18 C°) as noted on the cord. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the power steering fluid reservoir. If you have a diesel engine, refer to diesel supplement for location.


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


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


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


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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. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-50. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-69.


Automatic Transmission Operation If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of PARK (P). See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-128. There are several different positions for your shift lever.


PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. If your vehicle is equipped with the Allison Transmission®, use PARK (P) for stationary operation of the Power Takeoff (PTO), if equipped. The Allison Transmission® is equipped with park pawl designed to hold the higher weight of commercial medium duty trucks. Therefore, the Allison Transmission® uses larger parts than other automatic transmission. These larger parts may sometimes make a clunk noise when the selector lever is moved from DRIVE (D) or REVERSE (R) to PARK (P). This is normal and there is no damage occurring during these shifts.


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{CAUTION:


If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will be free to roll — even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) — if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, two-wheel high (2H) or four-wheel high (4H) or four-wheel low (4L) — not in NEUTRAL. See Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-50.


REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. If your vehicle is equipped with the Allison Transmission®, the R may blink on the PRNDL if the shift inhibitor is active. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-48.


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


{CAUTION:


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


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


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


your accelerator pedal about halfway down.


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


the accelerator all the way down.


You will shift down to the next gear and have more power. DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road driving. You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often. If your vehicle is equipped with the Allison Transmission®, it will initially attain first range when DRIVE (D) is selected. As vehicle speed increases, the transmission will upshift automatically through each available range up to FIFTH (5). As the vehicle slows, the transmission will downshift automatically.


The Allison Transmission® uses a shift stabilization feature to adjust the transmission shift schedule to the current driving situation to reduce rapid upshifts and downshifts. This shift stabilization feature is designed to determine before making an upshift if the engine will be able to maintain vehicle speed by analyzing things such as throttle position, vehicle load, and hill grade. If the shift stabilization feature determines that current vehicle speed cannot be maintained, the transmission does not upshift and instead holds the current gear. In some cases, this may appear to be a hanging shift, however the transmission is operating normally. The Allison Transmission® also uses adaptive shift controls. Adaptive shift controls continually compares key shift parameters to pre-programmed ideal shift conditions. The Allison Transmission® constantly makes adjustments to improve vehicle performance according to the way the vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy load. During this adaptive shift controls process, some shifts may feel different as the transmission determines optimum settings for a particular shift.


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By using shift stabilization and adaptive shift controls, the Allison Transmission® shift schedule is variable and adjusts to how the vehicle is being used, providing improved vehicle performance.


THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however it offers more power and lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D).


SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.


If you manually select SECOND (2) in a light duty automatic transmission, the transmission will drive in second gear. You may use this feature for reducing the speed of the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.


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) while the vehicle is moving forward, the transmission will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your transmission is designed to shift differently. The transmission uses a warm-up mode shift schedule until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. While the transmission is in warm-up mode it is normal for transmission upshifts to be delayed or held longer. This feature improves heater performance by giving quicker vehicle warm-ups.


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Tow/Haul Mode


If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it may be equipped with a Tow/Haul mode. The selector button is located on the end of the column shift lever. You can use this feature to assist when towing or hauling a heavy load. Turn Tow/Haul on and off by pressing the button until the Tow/Haul indicator light illuminates on the instrument panel.


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Tow/Haul is a feature on automatic transmission equipped vehicles that assists when pulling a heavy trailer or large or heavy load. Tow/Haul mode adjusts the transmission’s shift pattern to reduce shift cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle control, and transmission cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. If your vehicle is equipped with an Allison® transmission, you may have both Tow/Haul mode and overdrive disable. See “Tow/Haul Mode” under Towing a Trailer on page 4-69 for more information. Grade Braking (Allison Transmission® Only) Grade braking uses the engine and transmission to slow a loaded vehicle on hills in addition to using the brakes, saving on brake wear and increasing vehicle stability. The Allison Transmission®, when sensing the driver’s desire to slow down while driving downhill, will automatically shift to the next lower gear range to assist in slowing down the vehicle. Grade braking is active and automatic both in Tow/Haul mode and normal shift mode. Grade braking is more aggressive when in Tow/Haul mode and can automatically downshift to SECOND (2), which is different than grade braking while in normal shift mode where automatic downshifts are limited to FOURTH (4).


Overdrive Disable (Allison® Transmission Only)


The tachometer for both the diesel and gasoline engine shows a dashed red zone and a solid red zone. The dashed red zone indicates where a transmission shift occurs for full engine power. When using grade braking, the transmission’s shift point is adjusted to just prior to the solid red zone, providing the benefit of additional engine braking. Grade braking driving within the dashed red zone is normal, both the diesel and gasoline engine have been designed for this grade braking feature. Do not allow the engine to go into the solid red zone. Apply the vehicle’s brakes for a short time to slow down if you are driving on a long hill and the tachometer needle enters the solid red zone. See Towing a Trailer on page 4-69 for more information.


If your vehicle has an Allison Transmission®, you may have the overdrive disable feature. The overdrive disable feature prevents the transmission from shifting into FIFTH (5) gear. The selector button is located on the end of the column shift lever. You can turn overdrive disable on and off by pressing and holding the button at the end of the column shift lever until the indicator light, on the instrument panel, illuminates. If your vehicle has both Tow/Haul and overdrive disable, tap the button once to enable or disable Tow/Haul, and press and hold the button to enable or disable overdrive disable.


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Manual Transmission Operation Five-Speed (VORTEC™ 6000 V8 Engine)


Here is how to operate your transmission.


FIRST (1) is intended only for heavy loads or trailer towing and is not recommended for normal driving. During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start your vehicle moving in FIRST (1). This allows clutch components to break-in properly.


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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. Shift into FIRST (1) only when the vehicle is below 5 mph (8 km/h). If you try to shift down into FIRST (1) at excessive vehicle speeds, the shift lever will not move into FIRST (1) until vehicle speed is reduced.


SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.


You can shift into SECOND (2) when you are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into SECOND (2), put the shift lever into NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into SECOND (2). If you try to downshift into SECOND (2) at excessive vehicle speeds, the shift lever will not move into the SECOND (2) position until the vehicle speed is reduced.


THIRD (3): Press the clutch pedal and shift into THIRD (3). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.


FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into the higher forward gears the same way you do for THIRD (3). 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.


REVERSE (R): To back up, first press down the clutch pedal. Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, when turning off your engine and parking your vehicle.


Five-Speed (VORTEC™ 4300 V6
and 4800 V8 Engines) Here is 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 are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever into 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) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.


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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.


REVERSE (R): To back up, first press down the clutch pedal. Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, when turning off your engine and parking your vehicle.


Six-Speed (VORTEC™ 8100 V8 and DURAMAX™ 6600 V8 Engines)


Here is how to operate your transmission.


This six-speed pattern is unique to GM manual transmissions. The transmission always repositions the shift lever to NEUTRAL, which is located between FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) gear. To prevent unintentional gear selections, additional force is required to move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) or FIRST (1). Use FIRST (1) when trailer towing, driving with payload in the pickup box or launching on a grade. Otherwise, start in SECOND (2) gear. Only shift into FIRST (1) when the vehicle has stopped moving.


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During the first 500 miles (805 km) of vehicle use, start the vehicle moving in FIRST (1) gear. This allows the clutch components to wear-in properly.


THIRD (3): Press the clutch pedal and upshift into THIRD (3). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.


FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6): Upshift into the higher forward gears the same way as you do THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.


NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine.


REVERSE (R): To back up, press the clutch pedal. Wait for the vehicle to stop moving and then, shift to REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, when turning off your engine and parking your vehicle.


FIRST (1): With the vehicle at a stop, release the brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. Only downshift into FIRST (1) when the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the shift lever will not go into FIRST (1), put the lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal to fully engage the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again. Then, shift into FIRST (1).


SECOND (2): With the vehicle at a stop, release the brake, press the clutch pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. With the vehicle moving, press the clutch pedal and upshift into SECOND (2) from FIRST (1) while applying light pressure to the right on the shifter. Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. If you come to a complete stop and the shift lever will not go into SECOND (2), put the lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal to fully engage the clutch. Press the clutch pedal again. Then, shift into SECOND (2).


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Shift Speeds


{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.


Do not allow the engine rpm to overspeed and enter the tachometer red lines. Engine overspeed occurs when downshifting, or descending a grade, at too high a vehicle speed. When going down steep grades, always select a gear at least one position lower than you would use on climbing a grade. This will allow the vehicle’s engine to provide some braking and help to slow the vehicle as it goes down the grade. Monitor your vehicle speed, acceleration and engine rpm while applying the brakes as you go down the grade to ensure you have complete control over the vehicle. If your engine speed drops below 600 rpm, or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. When operating on slippery surfaces, downshift at lower than normal vehicle speeds to prevent the tires from slipping.


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In bench seat equipped vehicles, move the tallest beverage containers to the right cupholder to provide additional clearance for the shift lever. For vehicles equipped with a center console, the front cup holder pulls out and turns 180° to provide additional clearance between tall beverage containers and the

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