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the TYPE arrows for more than two seconds until SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to the next track, play for 10 seconds, then go on to the next track. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows again, to stop scanning.


INFO (Information): Press this knob to see how long the current track has been playing. ET and the elapsed time will appear on the display. To change the default on the display, track or elapsed time, press the knob until you see the display you want, then press and hold the knob for two seconds. The radio will produce one beep and the selected display will now be the default.


BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when a cassette tape or CD is playing. The inactive tape or CD will remain safely inside the radio for future listening.


TAPE DISC: Press this button to play a cassette tape or CD when listening to the radio. The inactive tape or CD will remain safely inside the radio for future listening.


Z (Eject): Press this button to stop and eject a CD when it is not playing. Eject may be activated with either the ignition or radio off. CDs may be loaded with the radio and ignition off if this button is pressed first. CD Messages If the CD comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons: (cid:127)


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


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


When the road becomes smoother, the CD should play.


(cid:127) The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or


upside down.


(cid:127) The air is very humid. If so, wait about an


hour and try again.


(cid:127) There may have been a problem while


burning the CD.


(cid:127) The label may be caught in the CD player. If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, try a known good CD.


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If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays an error message, write it down and provide it to your GM dealer when reporting the problem. Listening to a DVD If your vehicle has the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system and a DVD is playing, the DVD symbol will appear on the radio display indicating that the DVD is available and can be listened to through your vehicle’s speakers. To listen to the DVD, press the TAPE DISC button until RSE appears on the radio display. The current radio source will stop and the DVD sound will come through the speakers. To stop listening to the DVD, press the TAPE DISC button, if a cassette tape or a CD is loaded, or press the BAND button to select a different source. When the RSE system is turned off, the DVD symbol will go off of the radio display and RSE OFF will appear on the radio display. The radio will return to the last radio source that you were listening to. See Rear Seat Entertainment System on page 328
for more information.


Radio with Six-Disc CD


Base Radio Shown, Bose® Similar


If your vehicle has the Bose® audio system, your vehicle will have six Bose® amplified speakers.


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


type of programming


(cid:127) Receive announcements concerning local and


national emergencies


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


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XM™ Satellite Radio Service XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the 48 contiguous United States and Canada. XM™ offers a large variety of coast-to-coast channels including music, news, sports, talk, traffic/weather (U.S. subscribers), and children’s programming. XM™ provides digital quality audio and text information that includes song title and artist name. A service fee is required in order to receive the XM™ service. For more information, contact XM™; In the U.S. at www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696) or in Canada at www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-GET-XMSR (438-9677). Playing the Radio


PWR (Power): Push this knob to turn the system on and off. o VOLUME p: Turn this knob to increase or to decrease the volume.


INFO (Information): When the ignition is off, press this knob to display the time. For RDS, press the INFO knob to change what appears on the display while using RDS.


The display options are station name, RDS station frequency, PTY, and the name of the program (if available). For XM™ (if equipped), press the INFO knob while in XM™ mode to retrieve four different categories of information related to the current song or channel: Artist, Song Title, Category or PTY, Channel Number/Channel Name. To change the default on the display, press the INFO knob until you see the desired display, then hold the knob until you hear a beep. The selected display will now be the default.


AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): With automatic volume, the audio system will adjust automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive by increasing the volume as vehicle speed increases. Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to select MIN (minimum), MED (medium), or MAX (maximum). AUTO VOL will appear on the display. Each higher setting will provide more volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds. To turn automatic volume off, press this button until AUTO VOL OFF appears on the display.


Finding a Station


BAND: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped). The display will show the selection. oTUNE p: Turn this knob to select radio stations. ©SEEK ¨: Press either the SEEK or the TYPE arrows to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal that are in the selected band. ©SCAN ¨: Press and hold either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows for two seconds until SCN appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows again to stop scanning. To scan preset stations, press and hold either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows for more than four seconds. PSC will appear on the display and you will hear a double beep.


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The radio will go to a preset station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next preset station. Press either the SCAN or the TYPE arrows again to stop scanning presets. The radio will only scan stations with a strong signal that are in the selected band. Setting Preset Stations Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM, six XM1 and six XM2 (if equipped)), can be programed on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1


or XM2.


3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered


pushbuttons until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered pushbutton is pressed, the station that was set will return for that pushbutton.


5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.


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To store an equalization setting to a preset station perform the following: 1. Tune to the preset station. 2. Press and release the AUTO EQ


(equalization) button to select the equalization setting. Once the equalization no longer appears on the display, the equalization will be set for that preset station.


Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)


AUDIO: Push and release the AUDIO knob until BASS or TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob to increase or to decrease. The display will show the bass or treble level. If a station is weak or noisy, decrease the treble. To adjust the bass or treble to the middle position while it is displayed, push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and adjust the display level to the middle position. To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone or speaker controls are displayed. ALL CENTERED will appear on the display and you will hear a beep.


AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press this button to select customized equalization settings designed for country/western, jazz, talk, pop, rock, and classical. The radio will save separate AUTO EQ settings for each preset and source. If the radio is equipped with the Bose® audio system, the equalization settings are either CUSTOM or TALK. Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)


AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and the left speakers, push and release the AUDIO knob until BAL (balance) appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the right or the left speakers. To adjust the fade between the front and rear speakers, push and release the AUDIO knob until FAD (fade) appears on the display. Turn the knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. To adjust the balance or fade to the middle position while it is displayed, push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and adjust the display level to the middle position.


To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone or speaker controls are displayed. ALL CENTERED will appear on the display and you will hear a beep. Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station (RDS and XM™) To select and find a desired PTY perform the following: 1. Press the TYPE button to activate program


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


2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the


TYPE button to select a PTY.


3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press


either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows to select and to take you to the PTY’s first station.


4. To go to another station within that PTY, press the TYPE button then, press either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows once. If the PTY is not displayed, go back to Step 1. 5. Press either the TYPE or the SEEK arrows


twice to exit program type select mode.


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SCAN: Scan the stations within a PTY by performing the following: 1. Press the TYPE button to activate program


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


2. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the


TYPE button to select a PTY.


3. Once the desired PTY is displayed, press and hold either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows for two seconds, and the radio will begin scanning the stations in the PTY.


4. Press either the TYPE or the SCAN arrows to


stop scanning.


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


AF OFF will appear on the display. The radio will not switch to other stations. This function does not apply for XM™ Satellite Radio Service. Setting Preset PTYs (RDS Only) These pushbuttons have factory PTY presets. Up to 12 PTYs (six FM1 and six FM2), can be programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons, by performing the following steps: 1. Press BAND to select FM1 or FM2. 2. Press the TYPE button to activate program


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


3. Turn the TYPE knob or press and release the


TYPE button to select a PTY.


4. Press and hold one of the six numbered


pushbuttons until you hear a beep. Whenever that numbered pushbutton is pressed, while in PTY mode, the PTY that was set will return.


5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.


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RDS Messages


INFO (Information): If the current station has a message, INFO will appear on the display. Press this button to see the message. The message may display the artist, song title, call in phone numbers, etc. If the entire message is not displayed, parts of the message will appear every three seconds. To scroll through the message, press and release the INFO button. A new group of words will appear on the display after every press of this button. Once the complete message has been displayed, INFO will disappear from the display until another new message is received. The last message can be displayed by pressing the INFO button. You can view the last message until a new message is received or a different station is tuned to. Radio Messages


CAL ERR (Calibration Error): The audio system has been calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If CAL ERR appears on the display, it means that the radio has not been configured properly for the vehicle and must be returned to your dealer for service.


LOCKED: This message is displayed when the THEFTLOCK® system has locked up. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service. If any error occurs repeatedly, or if an error cannot be corrected, contact your GM dealer. Radio Messages for XM™ Only See XM Radio Messages on page 327 later in this section for further detail. Playing a CD If the ignition or radio is turned off, with a CD in the player, it will stay in the player. When the ignition or radio is turned on, the CD will start playing where it stopped, if it was the last selected audio source. When a CD is inserted, the CD symbol will appear on the display. As each new track starts to play, the track number will appear on the display. The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner.


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If playing a CD-R, the sound quality may be reduced due to CD-R quality, the method of recording, the quality of the music that has been recorded, and the way the CD-R has been handled. There may be an increase in skipping, difficulty in finding tracks, and/or difficulty in loading and ejecting. If these problems occur, check the bottom surface of the CD. If the surface of the CD is damaged, such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD will not play properly. If the surface of the CD is soiled, see Care of Your CDs and DVDs on page 347 for more information. If there is no apparent damage, try a known good CD. Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caught in the CD player. If a CD is recorded on a personal computer and a description label is needed, try labeling the top of the recorded CD with a marking pen instead.


Notice: If you add any label to a CD, insert more than one CD into the slot at a time, or attempt to play scratched or damaged CDs, you could damage the CD player. When using the CD player, use only CDs in good condition without any label, load one CD at a time, and keep the CD player and the loading slot free of foreign materials, liquids, and debris. If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages” later in this section.


LOAD: Press this button to load CDs into the CD player. This CD player will hold up to six CDs. To insert one CD, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Press and release the LOAD button. 3. Wait for the indicator light, located to the right


of the slot, to turn green.


4. Load a CD. Insert the CD part way into the


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


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To insert multiple CDs, do the following: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Press and hold the LOAD button for


two seconds. You will hear a beep and the indicator light, located to the right of the slot, will begin to flash and MULTI LOAD # will appear on the display.


3. Once the light stops flashing and turns green, INSERT CD # will appear on the display, load a CD. Insert the CD part way into the slot, label side up. The player will pull the CD in. Once the CD is loaded, the indicator light will begin flashing again. Once the light stops flashing and turns green, you can load another CD. The CD player takes up to six CDs. Do not try to load more than six. To load more than one CD but less than six, complete Steps 1 through 3. When finished loading CDs, press the LOAD button to cancel the loading function. The radio will begin to play the last CD loaded. If more than one CD has been loaded, a number for each CD will appear on the display.


Playing a Specific Loaded CD For every CD loaded, a number will appear on the display. To play a specific CD, first press the CD AUX button, then press the numbered pushbutton that corresponds to the CD. A small bar will appear under the CD number that is playing and the track number will appear on the display. If an error appears on the display, see “CD Messages” later in this section. CD Z (Eject): Press this button to eject CD(s). To eject the CD that is currently playing, press and release this button. To eject multiple CDs, do the following: 1. Press and hold the CD eject button for


two seconds. You will hear a beep and the indicator light, located to the right of the slot, will begin to flash and EJECT ALL will appear on the display.


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2. Once the light stops flashing, REMOVE CD #


will appear on the display. The CD will eject and can be removed. Once the CD is removed, the indicator light will begin flashing again and another CD will eject. To stop ejecting the CDs, press the LOAD or the eject button.


If the CD is not removed, after 25 seconds, the CD will be automatically pulled back into the player. If CD is pushed back into the player, before the 25-second time period is complete, the player will sense an error and will try to eject the CD several times before stopping. Do not repeatedly press the CD eject button to eject a CD after you have tried to push it in manually. The player’s 25-second eject timer will reset at each press of eject, causing the player to not eject the CD until the 25-second time period has elapsed.


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


RPT (Repeat): With repeat, one track or an entire CD can be repeated. To use repeat, do the following: (cid:127) To repeat the track you are listening to, press and release the RPT button. RPT will appear on the display. Press RPT again to turn off repeat play.


(cid:127) To repeat the CD you are listening to, press


and hold the RPT button for two seconds. RPT will appear on the display. Press RPT again to turn off repeat play.


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RDM (Random): With random, you can listen to the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order, on one CD or on all of the CDs. To use random, do one of the following: (cid:127) To play the tracks on the CD you are listening


to in random order, press and release the RDM button. RANDOM ONE will appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off random play.


(cid:127) To play the tracks on all of the CDs that are


loaded in random order, press and hold RDM for more than two seconds. You will hear a beep and RANDOM ALL will appear on the display. Press RDM again to turn off random play.


AUTO EQ (Automatic Equalization): Press AUTO EQ to select the equalization setting while playing a CD. The equalization will be stored whenever a CD is played. For more information on AUTO EQ, see “AUTO EQ” listed previously in this section.


©SEEK ¨: Press the left arrow to go to the start of the current track, if more than ten seconds have played. Press the right arrow to go to the next track. If either arrow is pressed more than once, the player will continue moving backward or forward through the CD. ©SCAN ¨: To scan one CD, press and hold either SCAN arrow for more than two seconds until TRACK SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to the next track, play for 10 seconds, then go on to the next track. Press either SCAN arrow again, to stop scanning. To scan all loaded CDs, press and hold either SCAN arrow for more than four seconds until ALL CD SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use this feature to listen to 10 seconds of the first track of each loaded CD. Press either SCAN arrow again, to stop scanning.


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


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BAND: Press this button to listen to the radio when a CD is playing. The inactive CD(s) will remain safely inside the radio for future listening.


CD AUX (Auxiliary): Press this button to play a CD when listening to the radio. Inactive CD(s) will remain safely inside the radio for future listening. Using Song List Mode The six-disc CD changer has a feature called song list. This feature is capable of saving 20 track selections. To save tracks into the song list feature, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the CD player on and load it with at least


one CD. See “LOAD CD” listed previously in this section for more information.


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


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


3. Select the desired CD by pressing the


numbered pushbutton and then use the SEEK or TYPE right arrow to locate the track to be saved. The track will begin to play.


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


5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for saving other


selections.


S-LIST FULL will appear on the display if you try to save more than 20 selections. To play the song list, press the SONG LIST button. One beep will be heard and S-LIST will appear on the display. The recorded tracks will begin to play in the order they were saved. Seek through the song list by using the SEEK or TYPE arrows. Seeking past the last saved track will return to the first saved track.


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


on. S-LIST will appear on the display.


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


on. S-LIST will appear on the display.


3. Press either SEEK or TYPE arrow to select


the desired track to be deleted.


4. Press and hold the SONG LIST button for


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


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


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


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


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CD Messages


CHECK CD: If this message appears on the display and/or the CD comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons: (cid:127)


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


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


When the road becomes smoother, the CD should play.


(cid:127) The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or


upside down.


(cid:127) The air is very humid. If so, wait about an


hour and try again.


(cid:127) There may have been a problem while


burning the CD.


(cid:127) The label may be caught in the CD player. If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, try a known good CD. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be corrected, contact your GM dealer. If the radio displays an error message, write it down and provide it to your GM dealer when reporting the problem.


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Listening to a DVD If your vehicle has the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system and a DVD is playing, the DVD symbol will appear on the radio display indicating that the DVD is available and can be listened to through your vehicle’s speakers. To listen to the DVD, press the CD AUX button until RSE appears on the radio display. The current radio source will stop and the DVD sound will come through the speakers. To stop listening to the DVD, press the CD AUX button, if a CD is loaded, or press the BAND button to select a different source. When the RSE system is turned off, the DVD symbol will go off of the radio display and RSE OFF will appear on the radio display. The radio will return to the last radio source that you were listening to. See Rear Seat Entertainment System on page 328
for more information.


XM Radio Messages


Radio Display Message XL (Explicit Language Channels)


Updating


No Signal


Loading XM


CH Off Air


CH Unavail


No Info


No Info


No Info


No Info


Condition


Action Required


Loss of signal


Acquiring channel audio (after 4 second delay)


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


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


Artist Name/Feature not available Song/Program Title not available Category Name not available No Text/Informational message available


Channel no longer available


Channel not in service


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Radio Display Message Not Found


XM Locked


Condition


No channel available for the chosen category Theft lock active


Radio ID


Unknown


Chk XMRcvr


Radio ID label (channel 0)


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


Rear Seat Entertainment System Your vehicle may have a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The RSE system includes a DVD player, a video display screen, two sets of wireless headphones, and a remote control.


Action Required


There are no channels available for the selected category. The system is working properly. The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™ receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this message is received after having your vehicle serviced, check with your GM dealer. If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed to activate the service. If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there may be a receiver fault. Consult with your GM dealer.


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


Parental Control This button is located behind the video screen. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to freeze the video and mute the audio. The video screen will display Parental Control ON and the power indicator light on the DVD player will flash. It will also disable all other button operations from the remote control and the DVD player, with the exception of the eject button. Press this button again to restore operation of the DVD player.


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This button may also be used to turn the DVD player power on and automatically resume play if the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or if RAP is active. Before You Drive The RSE system is for rear seat passengers only. The driver cannot safely view the video screen while driving and should not try to do so. Headphones The RSE system includes two sets of wireless headphones. Each set of headphones has an ON/OFF control. An indicator light will illuminate on the headphones when they are on. If the light does not illuminate, the batteries may need to be replaced. See “Battery Replacement” following for more information. Each set of headphones has a volume knob. To adjust the volume, adjust this knob. The transmitters are located below the video display screen. The headphones will shut off automatically if they lose the signal from the system after about four minutes to save battery power.


The signal may be lost if the system is turned off or if the headphones are out of range of the transmitters. When using the wired headphones, if the front seat passengers play a CD in the Radio with Six-Disc CD (if equipped) or use XM™ Satellite Radio Service (if equipped), you will hear the audio for these sources, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing through the RSE. Notice: Do not store the headphones in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the headphones and repairs will not be covered by your warranty. Keep the headphones stored in a cool, dry place. Both sets of rear seat headphones may include foam ear pads that can be replaced. Foam ear pads on these headphones may become worn or damaged. The headphone foam ear pads can become damaged if they are not handled or stored properly. If the foam ear pads do become damaged or worn out, the pads can be replaced separately from the headphone set. It is not necessary to replace the complete headphone set. The headphone replacement foam ear pads can be ordered in pairs. See your dealer for more information.


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


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


3. Tighten the screw to close the


compartment door.


If the headphones are to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.


Stereo RCA Jacks The RCA jacks are located behind the video screen. The RCA jacks allow audio and video signals to be connected from an auxiliary device such as a camcorder or a video game unit to the RSE system. Standard RCA cables, not included, are needed to connect the auxiliary device to the RCA jacks. The yellow connector inputs video and the red and white connectors input right and left audio. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper connection of the auxiliary device. To use the auxiliary inputs on the RSE system, connect an external auxiliary device to the color-coded RCA jacks and turn both the auxiliary device and the RSE system power on. If the RSE system had been previously in the DVD player mode, pressing the SRCE button on the faceplate or the remote control will switch the RSE system between the auxiliary device and the DVD player.


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How to Change the Video Format when in the Auxiliary Mode The auxiliary input video format is preset to NTSC. In some countries, the video format may be in the PAL system. To change the video format, perform the following: 1. Press the display menu button. 2. Press the down arrow button to highlight the


Video Format option.


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


the desired video format.


5. Press the enter button to accept the change. Audio Output Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be heard through the following possible sources: (cid:127) Wireless Headphones (cid:127) Vehicle Speakers (cid:127) Vehicle wired headphone jacks on the Rear


Seat Audio system (if equipped)


The RSE system will always transmit the audio signal by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is audio available. See “Headphones” previously for more information. The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the vehicle speakers by using the radio. The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the radio if the RSE system power is on. Once the RSE system is selected as an audio source on the radio, adjust the speaker volume on the radio, if necessary. If the RSE system power is not on, the RSE system will not be an available source on the radio. Refer to the radio information for the radio that your vehicle has for more information. The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the wired headphone jacks on the rear seat audio system (if equipped). The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the rear seat audio system if the RSE system power is on. Refer to Rear Seat Audio (RSA) on page 341
for more information.


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Video Screen The video screen is located in the overhead console. To use the video screen, push forward on the release latch and the screen will fold down. Adjust the screen’s position as desired. When the video screen is not in use, push it up into its latched position. The DVD player and display will continue to operate when the screen is in the up or the down position. The video screen contains the transmitters for the wireless headphones and the remote control. If the screen is in the closed position, the signals will not be available for the operation of the headphones or the remote control. Notice: Avoid directly touching the video screen, as damage may occur. See “Cleaning the Video Screen” later in this section for more information. DVD Player The DVD player is located in the overhead console. The DVD player can be controlled by the buttons on the DVD player and/or by the buttons on the remote control. See “Remote Control” later in this section for more information.


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The DVD player power may be turned on when the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. The RSE system DVD player is only compatible with DVDs of the appropriate region code for the country that the vehicle was sold in. The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs. Standard audio CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, Video CD and Photo CD/CD-R media are fully supported by this DVD player. DVD-R and DVD-RW media is supported if formatted as DVD-Video. DVD+R and DVD+RW media may or may not be supported by the DVD player. The DVD player does not support DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, and DVD Audio media. An error message will appear on the display if this type of media is inserted into the DVD player. When using the wired headphones, not included, if the front seat passengers play a CD in the Radio with Six-Disc CD (if equipped) or use XM™ Satellite Radio Service (if equipped), you will hear the audio for these sources, instead of the DVD or CD that is currently playing through the RSE. If an error message appears on the video screen, see “DVD Messages” later in this section.


s (Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue the play of the DVD or CD. y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when playing a DVD. z (Set-up Menu): Press this button to adjust the color, tint, brightness, contrast, display mode, and dynamic range compression. The dynamic range compression feature can be used to reduce loud audio and increase low audio produced by some DVDs. To change a feature back to the factory default setting, press this button to display the feature, then press and hold this button. The default setting will appear on the display. While playing an Audio or DVD disc, press and hold this button to display and to remove the track and time information.


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


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


n, q, p, o (Menu Navigation Arrows): Use the arrow buttons to navigate through a menu. r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu. Playing a Disc To play a disc, gently insert the disc with the label side up into the loading slot. The DVD player will continue loading the disc and the player will automatically start, if the vehicle is in RUN, ACCESSORY, or when RAP is active. If a disc is already in the player, press the play/pause button on the DVD player faceplate or on the remote control. Some DVDs will not allow fast forwarding or skipping of the copyright information or the previews. Some DVDs will begin playing after the previews have finished. If the DVD does not begin to play the main title, refer to the on-screen instructions.


Stopping and Resuming Playback To stop playing a disc, press and release the stop button on the DVD player faceplate or the remote control. To resume playback, press the play/pause button on the DVD player faceplate or the remote control. The movie should resume play from where it was last stopped, if the disc has not been ejected and the stop button has not been pressed twice. If the disc has been ejected or if the stop button has been pressed twice, the disc will resume play at the beginning. Ejecting a Disc Press the eject button on the DVD player faceplate to eject the disc. There is not an eject button on the remote control. If a disc is ejected from the player, but is not removed, the DVD player will reload the disc after a short period of time. The disc will be stored in the DVD player. The DVD player will not resume play of the disc automatically.


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Remote Control To use the remote control, aim it at the transmitter window below the video screen and press the desired button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may affect the ability of the RSE system to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries may need to be replaced. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section. Objects blocking the line of sight may also affect the function of the remote control. Notice: Storing the remote control in a hot area or in direct sunlight may damage it, and the repairs will not be covered by your warranty. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place. To extend the life of the batteries, the remote control does not have a press and hold feature.


Remote Control Buttons


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


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


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


t (Previous Track/Chapter): Press this button to return to the start of the current track or chapter. Press this button again to return to the previous track or chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.


1 through 0 (Numeric Keypad): The numeric keypad provides you with the capability of direct chapter, title, and track number selection. }10 (Double Digit Entries): Press this button to select chapter, title, and track numbers greater than 9. Press this button before inputting the number. \ (Clear): Press this button within three seconds after inputting a number to clear the number(s). P (Illumination): Press this button to turn the remote control backlight on. The backlight will time out after about 7 to 10 seconds if no other button is pressed while the backlight is on.


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y (Main DVD Menu): Press this button to access the DVD menu. The DVD menu is different on every DVD. Use the up, down, left, and right arrow buttons to move the cursor around the DVD menu. After making a selection press the enter button. This button only operates when playing a DVD. r (Enter): Press this button to select the choices that are highlighted in any menu. q (Return): Press this button to exit the current active menu and return to the previous menu. This button will operate only when a DVD is playing and a menu is active. |(Camera Angle): Press this button to change camera angles on DVDs that have this feature when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc. {(Subtitle): Press this button to turn on subtitles and to move through subtitle options when a DVD is playing. The format and content of this function will vary for each disc.


[ (Fast Forward): Press this button to fast forward the DVD or CD. To stop fast forwarding, press this button again. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews. s (Play/Pause): Press this button to start play of a DVD or CD. Press this button while a DVD or CD is playing to pause it. Press this button again to continue the play of the DVD or CD. When the DVD is playing, press the pause button then press the fast forward button. The DVD will continue playing in a slow play mode. To cancel slow play mode, press the play/pause button. u (Next Track/Chapter): Press this button to advance to the beginning of the next track or chapter. This button may not work when the DVD is playing the copyright information or the previews.


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Battery Replacement To change the batteries, do the following: 1. Remove the battery compartment door located


on the bottom of the remote control. 2. Replace the two AA batteries in the


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


3. Close the battery door securely. If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place.


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Problem


No power.


Disc will not play.


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


Recommended Action The ignition might not be in on or accessory. The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash. The system might be off. The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash. The system might be in auxiliary mode. The disc is upside down or is not compatible. Check the display mode settings in the display menu.


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


Problem


In auxiliary mode, the picture moves or scrolls.


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


Recommended Action Check the auxiliary input connections at both devices. Change the Video Format to PAL or NTSC. See “Stereo RCA Jacks” previously for how to change the video format. Check the audio or language selection in the main DVD menu. Check to make sure there is no obstruction between the remote control and the transmitter window. Check the batteries to make sure they are not dead or installed incorrectly. The parental control button might have been turned on. The power indicator light will flash.


Problem


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


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


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


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


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Problem


Sometimes the wireless headphone audio cuts out or buzzes.


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


The audio from the radio for the Radio with Six-Disc CD and XM™ has taken over the audio from the DVD or CD when using the wired headphones.


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


The DVD or CD could be dirty, scratched, or damaged. The RSE is working correctly. Use the wireless headphones or have the front seat passengers listen to another audio source.


DVD Messages The following errors may be displayed on the video screen:


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


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


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


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


No Disc: This message will be displayed if any of the buttons on the DVD faceplate or remote control are pressed and no disc is present in the DVD player.


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DVD Distortion There may be an experience with audio distortion in the wireless headphones when operating cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Positioning Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or walkie talkies. It may be necessary to turn off the DVD player when operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle. * Excludes the OnStar® System. Cleaning the Video Screen Pour some isopropyl or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently wipe the video screen. Do not spray directly onto the screen and do not press too hard or too long on the video screen.


Rear Seat Audio (RSA) This feature allows rear seat passengers to listen to any of the sources: radio, cassette tapes, CDs, or DVDs. However, the rear seat passengers can only control the sources that the front seat passengers are not listening to. For example, rear seat passengers may listen to and control cassette tapes, CDs, or DVDs through the headphones while the driver listens to the radio through the front speakers. The rear seat passengers have control of the volume for each set of headphones. The front seat audio controls always have priority over the RSA controls. If the front seat passengers switch the source for the main radio to a remote source, the RSA will not be able to control the source. You can operate the rear seat audio when the main radio is off.


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xSEEK w: When listening to FM1, FM2, or AM, press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to the radio. When a cassette tape is playing, press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or the previous selection. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to a cassette tape. When a CD is playing, press the up arrow to go to the next track on the CD. Press the down arrow to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to a CD.


PROG (Program): Press this button to go to the next preset radio station set on the pushbuttons on the main radio. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to the radio. When a cassette tape is playing, press this button to go to the other side of the tape. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to a cassette tape.


P (Power): Press this button to turn the system on or off. The rear speakers will be muted when the power is turned on unless your vehicle is equipped with the Bose® audio system. u (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to decrease the volume. The left knob controls the left headphones and the right knob controls the right headphones.


SRC (Source): Press this button to select a source: radio, cassette tapes, CDs, or DVDs.


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When a CD is playing, press this button to go to the beginning of the CD. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to a CD. When a CD is playing in the six-disc CD changer, press this button to select the next CD, if multiple CDs are loaded. This function is inactive if the front seat passengers are listening to a CD.


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


Audio Steering Wheel Controls


If your vehicle has this feature, some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include the following: g (OnStar®/Mute): If your vehicle has OnStar, press this button to interact with the OnStar system. See the OnStar® System on page 189 in this manual for more information. If your vehicle does not have OnStar, press this button to silence the system. Press it again, or any other radio button, to turn on the sound.


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PROG (Program): Press this button to play a station you have programmed on the radio preset pushbuttons. The radio will only seek preset stations with a strong signal that are in the selected band. When a cassette tape is playing, press this button to play the other side of the tape. When a CD is playing in the CD changer, press this button to go to the next available CD, if multiple CDs are loaded. Q SOURCE R: Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped), or a cassette tape or CD. The cassette or CD must be loaded to play. Available loaded sources are shown on the display as a tape or a CD symbol. Q SEEK R: Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous radio station and stay there. The radio will only seek stations with a strong signal that are in the selected band. When a cassette tape or CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow to fast forward or reverse.


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Q VOLR (Volume): Press the up or the down arrow to increase or to decrease the volume. Radio Reception You may experience frequency interference and static during normal radio reception if items such as cellphone chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item from the accessory power outlet. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause station frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio reception, most AM radio stations will boost the power levels during the day, and then reduce these levels during the night. Static can also occur when things like storms and power lines interfere with radio reception. When this happens, try reducing the treble on your radio.


FM Stereo FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. XM™ Satellite Radio Service XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause loss of the XM™ signal for a period of time. The radio may display NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.


Care of the Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they are not, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. The tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. The radio may display CLEAN to indicate that the tape player has been used for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but it should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. If there is a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.


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For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is available through your dealer. When cleaning the cassette tape player with the recommended non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is possible that the cassette may eject, because the cut tape detection feature on the radio may recognize it as a broken tape, in error. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press and hold the TAPE DISC button for


five seconds. READY will appear on the display and the cassette symbol will flash for five seconds.


4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.


5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the


manufacturer’s recommended cleaning time. When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape detection feature will be active again.


A non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head can be used. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended. After the player is cleaned, press and hold the eject button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN indicator. The radio will display --- or CLEANED to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before the tape player is serviced.


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Care of Your CDs and DVDs Handle CDs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. The CD player scans the bottom surface of the disc. If the surface of a CD is damaged, such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the CD will not play properly or not at all. If the surface of a CD is soiled, take a soft, lint free cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution mixed with water, and clean it. Make sure the wiping process starts from the center to the edge. Do not touch the bottom side of a CD while handling it; this could damage the surface. Pick up CDs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.


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


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


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XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System The XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of your vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for clear radio reception. If your vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the XM™ system may be affected if the sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of your vehicle can interfere with the performance of the XM™ system. Make sure the XM™ Satellite Radio antenna is not obstructed.


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


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Section 4


Driving Your Vehicle


Your Driving, the Road, and Your


Vehicle ..................................................... 350
Defensive Driving ...................................... 350
Drunken Driving ........................................ 351
Control of a Vehicle .................................. 354
Braking ...................................................... 354
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 355
Braking in Emergencies ............................. 357
Traction Assist System (TAS) .................... 357
Manual Selectable Ride ............................. 359
Locking Rear Axle ..................................... 360
Steering .................................................... 361
Off-Road Recovery .................................... 363
Passing ..................................................... 363
Loss of Control .......................................... 365
Off-Road Driving ........................................ 366
Driving at Night ......................................... 385
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads ............ 386
City Driving ............................................... 390
Freeway Driving ........................................ 391


Before Leaving on a Long Trip .................. 392
Highway Hypnosis ..................................... 393
Hill and Mountain Roads ........................... 394
Winter Driving ........................................... 396
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,


Ice, or Snow .......................................... 400
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out ........... 401
Recovery Hooks (Except SS Model) .......... 402
Loading Your Vehicle ................................ 403
Adding a Snow Plow or Similar


Equipment .............................................. 410
Truck-Camper Loading Information ............ 415
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab ............ 417
Towing ........................................................ 417
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 417
Recreational Vehicle Towing ...................... 418
Towing a Trailer ........................................ 423
Trailer Recommendations .......................... 456
Power Take-Off (PTO) ............................... 456


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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle


{CAUTION:


Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 22.


Defensive driving really means “Be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or expressways, it means “Always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do these things, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.


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Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It is the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: (cid:127) Judgment (cid:127) Muscular Coordination (cid:127) Vision (cid:127) Attentiveness Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured.


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


and during drinking


(cid:127) The length of time it has taken the drinker to


consume the alcohol


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According to the American Medical Association, a 180 lb (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of liquors like whiskey, gin, or vodka.


It is the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 ml of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight will when each has the same number of drinks. The law in most U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we have seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.


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But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater! The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not the right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.


There is something else about drinking and driving that many people do not know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when anyone who has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking.


{CAUTION:


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


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Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. See Traction Assist System (TAS) on page 357. Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 464.


Braking See Brake System Warning Light on page 252. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time. Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.


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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If the engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 464.


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


If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light will stay on. See Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light on page 253.


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


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


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


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


Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have ABS. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal.


Braking in Emergencies With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.


Traction Assist System (TAS) Your vehicle may have a Traction Assist System (TAS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. The traction control system is enabled every time your vehicle is started. The system will activate if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. You may hear or feel the system working or notice a lack of accelerator response, but this is normal. The Traction Assist System may operate on dry roads under some conditions. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in acceleration. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your vehicle. Examples of these conditions include a hard acceleration in a turn, an abrupt upshift or downshift of the transmission or driving on rough roads.


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If your vehicle is in cruise control when the TAS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control on page 217.


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


The traction off light will come on under the following conditions: (cid:127) The Traction Assist System is turned off, either by pressing the TAS on/off button, located on the instrument panel, or by turning off the automatic engagement feature of the TAS.


(cid:127) The transmission is in FIRST (1); TAS will not


operate in this gear. This is normal.


(cid:127) The vehicle is driven on an extremely rough


road. When the vehicle leaves the rough surface, slows down or stops, the light will go off and TAS will turn on again. This is normal.


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(cid:127) A Traction Assist System, Anti-Lock Brake


(cid:127)


System or engine-related problem has been detected and the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle has been driven with the TAS system on for long periods of time, or if the vehicle has gone through many several high speed braking maneuvers the system may be automatically disabled. The system will automatically re-enable after approximately two minutes of not using the brakes.


See Traction Off Light on page 254. The Traction Assist System, as delivered from the factory, will automatically come on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the TAS off if you ever need to. You should turn the TAS off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 401 and If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 400.


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


If you used the button to turn the system off, the traction off light will come on and stay on. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The traction off light should go off. Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 464 for more information.


Manual Selectable Ride The main function of this system is to provide superior ride comfort while trailering or fully loaded, as well as for unloaded driving. This system also helps to provide: (cid:127) (cid:127)


Improved trailering stability Improved handling response when trailering or fully loaded


This button is located on the center of the instrument panel near the radio.


Press it to activate the selectable ride setting as desired. An indicator light near the button will illuminate whenever the system is active.


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It is recommended to use this system as follows: (cid:127) For superior ride comfort in an unloaded vehicle the button should be out. The indicator light will not be lit. This button position indicates NORMAL levels of ride control or damping.


(cid:127) For superior ride comfort when trailering, fully


loaded, driving off-road, or when personal preferences demand more control, the button should be pressed in with the indicator light lit. This switch position indicates FIRM levels of ride control or damping.


The following guide can also be used to help determine the best setting.


NORMAL: The indicator light will not be lit when the system is in this setting. Use for normal city and highway driving. This setting provides a smooth, soft ride when the vehicle is unloaded.


FIRM (Unloaded): Press the button to activate this setting, the indicator light will be lit. Use this setting when road conditions or personal preference demand more control. This setting provides more “feel” or response to the road conditions.


FIRM (Loaded): Press the button to activate this setting, the indicator light will be lit. Use this setting to minimize trailer inputs to the vehicle or when the vehicle is fully loaded. This setting is also appropriate for off-road driving. You can select a setting at any time based on road and trailering conditions to provide the best ride and handling. Select a new setting whenever driving conditions change. Locking Rear Axle If your vehicle has this feature, your locking rear axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no traction and the other does, this feature will allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.


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


Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems — steering and acceleration — have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. See Traction Assist System (TAS) on page 357. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 464.


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Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. See Braking on page 354. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.


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


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


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


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

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