something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.
The right front passenger’s air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
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In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. Inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. The air bag 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” in the Index for more tips on off-road driving. What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. Air bags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
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body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions. What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel for the 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 vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.
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D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the sensors are activated and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.
D Let only qualified technicians work on your air
bag system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.
NOTICE:
If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.
CAUTION:
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
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CAUTION:
For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped with yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as water up to the carpeting or higher -- or if water enters your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood, or if it’s exposed to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately and disconnecting the battery cables. Don’t let anyone start the vehicle under any circumstances. See your dealer for service. Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag system in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the GM service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
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Center Passenger Position
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Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.
Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Q: If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the
front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly?
A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is
attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash.
Q: Is there anything I might add to the front of the
vehicle that could keep the air bags 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 air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag 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” in the Index.)
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When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.
To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
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Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.
Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Don’t let it get twisted.
2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
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When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
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3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies
force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less
likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the
belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could
cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.
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Four-door utility models and the second seat of Suburbans have shoulder belt height adjusters. Move the shoulder belt height adjuster to the height that is right for you.
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To move the height adjuster down, push in at the word PRESS and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make sure it has locked into position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
CAUTION:
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body.
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There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away from the neck and head.
1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of
the seatback.
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2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
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Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes infants and all children smaller than adult size. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Smaller Children and Babies
CAUTION:
Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle.
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4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as
described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.
To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Slide the guide onto the storage clip. Make sure you remove the comfort guide from the belt before you fold a rear seat down or use an easy-entry seat, if your vehicle has one.
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Infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant in a rear-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so important that many hospitals today won’t release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a motor vehicle.
CAUTION:
Smaller children and babies should always be restrained in a child or infant restraint. The instructions for the restraint will say whether it is the right type and size for your child. A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force right on the child’s abdomen, which could cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that any child small enough for one is always properly restrained in a child or infant restraint.
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CAUTION: (Continued)
at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.
CAUTION:
Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash
CAUTION: (Continued)
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Child Restraints Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on
child restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the child’s weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.
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An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. It’s an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.
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A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.
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A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.
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A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.
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When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. The instructions that come with the infant or child restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s manual and the child restraint instructions are important, so if either one of these is not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at General Motors therefore recommend that you put your child restraint in a rear seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat. Here’s why:
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CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.
Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.
Top Strap
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Suburban models: If you need to have an anchor bracket installed for a second row seat or a center rear seat, you can ask your dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install the anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. Anchor brackets for the third row outside seat positions are located on the floor in the cargo area.
If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.
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Utility models: Anchor brackets for the rear outside seat positions are located on the floor in the cargo area.
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CAUTION:
Routing the top strap for a child restraint over or under the cargo security shade could cause the shade to come loose and even break. If this happens, the shade could be thrown about the vehicle in a collision or sudden maneuver. You or others could be injured. When anchoring a top strap to a cargo tiedown, be sure to remove the cargo security shade from your vehicle. See “Cargo Security Shade” in the Index.
Don’t use the front set of tie-down brackets. Anchor the top strap to the rearmost bracket on the same side of the vehicle as the child restraint.
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CAUTION:
Routing the top strap for a child restraint over or under the cargo security shade could cause the shade to come loose and even break. If this happens, the shade could be thrown about the vehicle in a collision or sudden maneuver. You or others could be injured. When anchoring a top strap to a cargo tiedown, be sure to remove the cargo security shade from your vehicle. See “Cargo Security Shade” in the Index.
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Don’t use the front set of tie-down brackets. Anchor the top strap to the rearmost bracket on the same side of the vehicle as the child restraint. If you need to have an anchor bracket installed for the center rear seat, you can ask your dealer to put it in for you. If you want to install the anchor yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. Canadian law requires that child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, your dealer can obtain a kit with anchor hardware and installation instructions specifically designed for this vehicle. The dealer can then install the anchor for you. This work will be done for you free of charge. Or, you may install the anchor yourself using the instructions provided in the kit.
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
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2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat.
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3. 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.
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4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock.
5. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re 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.
6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
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.
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position
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You’ll be using the lap belt. 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. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch
plate and pulling it along the belt.
2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.
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6. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
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. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push
down on the child restraint. If you’re 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.
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Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air
bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. (See “Seats” in the Index.) 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder
portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.
Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:
CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates, even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
5. Pull the rest of the lap belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock.
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Larger Children
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6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the
retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.
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.
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Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the safety belts properly. D Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in
a crash.
D Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who are.
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CAUTION:
Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?
A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but
be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.
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CAUTION:
Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.
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Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.
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- NOTES
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Section 2 Features and Controls
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Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
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Keys Door Locks Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Your Doors and How They Work Theft PasslockR New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Gasoline Engine Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) Automatic Transmission Operation Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) Parking Brake Shifting Into Park (P) Shifting Out of Park (P) Parking Over Things That Burn
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Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped) Windows Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter Sun Visors Universal Transmitter (If Equipped) Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Cluster Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
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Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.
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Your vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and all door locks.
Door Locks
CAUTION:
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If you ever lose your key, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining a new one.
Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out. When a door is locked, the inside handle won’t open it. Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. This may not be so obvious: You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts properly, lock your doors, and you will be far better off whenever you drive your vehicle.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key.
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Power Door Locks
From the inside, to lock the door, slide the lever on your door down. To unlock the door, slide the lever up.
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Press the side of the power door lock switch marked LOCK on either front door to lock all the doors at once. Press the ribbed side of the switch to unlock all the doors at once.
On four-door models, the manual switch on each rear door works only that door’s lock. It won’t lock (or unlock) all of the doors -- that’s a safety feature.
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On the passenger side of the rear cargo door or tailgate, there is a power lock switch which can be used to lock or unlock all of the doors.
Child Security Locks (If Equipped)
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With this feature, you can lock the rear side doors so they can’t be opened from the inside by passengers.
On vehicles with cargo doors, if the rear cargo lock switch is pressed with the cargo doors open, all of the doors will lock five seconds after the cargo doors are closed. If the cargo doors are closed, the vehicle’s doors will lock when a power door lock switch is pressed.
Move the button up to engage the security feature. Move the button down to return the door locks to normal operation. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside. Then get out, and close the door.
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Changes or modifications to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m). 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: D Check to determine if battery replacement or
transmitter resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions that follow.
D Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.
D Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
D If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your interior lamps will be illuminated for a set period of time when the transmitter signal is received by the Keyless Entry System. In addition, your vehicle’s horn will chirp if you press the LOCK button twice, to let you know that the doors have locked. Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
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Operation To unlock the driver’s door, press the UNLOCK button. The interior lamps will come on for 40 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If you press this button again within five seconds, all the remaining doors will unlock. Press the LOCK button to lock all the doors. The interior lamps will come on for two seconds as soon as all the doors are closed. If you press the LOCK button twice the horn will chirp to confirm that the doors are locked. If you do not want the horn to chirp as a confirmation that the doors have locked or unlocked, please consult your dealer. The rear cargo doors or tailgate glass will unlock automatically when the REAR button on the transmitter is pressed twice within three seconds. If your vehicle is equipped with a rear liftglass, pressing the REAR button twice within three seconds will release the liftglass, but only if the transmission selector is in PARK (P). The interior lamps will come on for 40 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have only four transmitters matched to it. 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 won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.
NOTICE:
When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.
Use one three volt, type CR2032, or equivalent battery.
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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 it 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 simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for at least five seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm synchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see your dealer for service.
Your Doors and How They Work Side Doors To open the door from the outside, pull the handle up and pull the door open. To open the door from the inside, pull the lever toward you and push the door open.
To replace the battery:
1. Insert a small coin, or flathead screwdriver, to
separate the bottom of the transmitter from the top. 2. Remove the battery and replace it with a new one, making sure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing down.
3. Snap the top and bottom together. 4. Test the operation of the transmitter with your
vehicle. If the transmitter does not work, try synchronizing the transmitter with the receiver.
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CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the tailgate glass, tailgate or rear doors open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the tailgate glass, tailgate or rear doors open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the tailgate glass, tailgate or rear doors: D Make sure all other windows are shut. D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.
D If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
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Tailgate Glass and Tailgate If your vehicle has a tailgate, you must raise the rear glass before lowering the tailgate. To open the glass from the outside, use your key. With the key in the lock, turn the key clockwise to release the glass, then lift it up. To release the glass from the inside, use the electric tailgate glass release switch on the instrument panel. For more information, see “Tailgate -- Electric Glass Release” in the Index. To open the tailgate, lift up on the handle while pulling the tailgate toward you. Close the tailgate before closing the rear glass. After closing the tailgate, make sure the tailgate is securely latched by pulling it toward you. After closing the rear glass, pull up on its handle to make sure it is locked. Panel Doors To open the rear panel doors, you must open the passenger’s side panel door first. If the door is locked, insert your door key in the lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it. To open the passenger’s side panel door, pull up on the handle and pull the door open.
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To open the driver’s side panel door, first open the passenger’s side door. Then, pull the handle on the left door edge out and pull the door open. The rear doors have a check assembly to keep them from fully opening during normal use. To fully open either rear door, you must release the check strap. To release the check strap just: 1. Open the door partway until the white mark on the check strap is fully outside the door edge. If the end of the strap catches the pin on the door, the door is open too far.
2. Then, hold the strap at the white mark, pull the strap toward you and open the door all the way.
To re-engage the door check strap, just close the door
and the strap will catch the pin.
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To close the doors, close the driver’s side door first. After securely closing the door, close the passenger’s side door. Make sure both doors are latched securely. To lock the rear doors from outside the vehicle, put your key in the lock and turn it clockwise. If you have power door locks, you can lock the side doors as well as the rear doors from inside the vehicle. For more information, see “Power Door Locks” in this section. Theft Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help. Key in the Ignition If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door, you’ll hear a tone reminding you to remove your key from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this. Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your ignition and transmission. Also remember to lock the doors.
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During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off approximately five seconds after the key is turned to the RUN ignition position. 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” in the Index). See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the Roadside Assistance Center.
Parking at Night Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. Parking Lots If you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys. But what if you have to leave your ignition key? What if you have to leave something valuable in your vehicle? D Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.
D Lock all the doors except the driver’s. PasslockR 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.
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New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions
NOTICE:
CAUTION:
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Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be injured or even killed. They could operate power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in the vehicle with children.
Use your key to start your vehicle. The key lets you turn the ignition switch to five different positions.
Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: D Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).
D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.
D Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.
D Don’t tow a trailer during break-in.
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.
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RUN (D): This is the position for driving. START (E): This position starts your engine.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. But turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
Starting Your Gasoline Engine If you have a diesel engine, see “Starting Your Diesel Engine” in the Diesel Engine Supplement. Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
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ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. Push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the key. LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK. OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is being pushed).
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2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the accelerator pedal all the way down for five more seconds, unless it starts sooner.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), wait 15 seconds and start over. When the engine starts, let go of the key and the accelerator pedal.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t, your engine might not perform properly. If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see the part of this manual that tells how to do it without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
How to Start the Engine 1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
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 cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.
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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help.
You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The engine coolant heater electrical cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the power steering reservoir.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
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CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
Your vehicle features an electronic shift position indicator
within the instrument cluster. This display must be
powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved
out of PARK (P). This means that if your key is in OFF,
rather than LOCK, there will be a small current drain on
your battery which could discharge your battery over a
period of time. If you need to leave your key in the
ignition in OFF for an extended period for any reason, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable from
the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It’s the best
position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.
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CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). 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 (N). 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 (N). See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see “Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
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CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: D Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
D Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off-road driving. You may want to shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B). 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 your vehicle is under 8600 lbs. GVWR, when you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission will drive in second gear. You may use this feature for reducing torque to 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 won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
NOTICE:
If your rear wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.
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Manual Transfer Case (If Equipped)
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Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you can send your engine’s driving power to all four wheels for extra traction. To get the most satisfaction out of four-wheel drive, you must be familiar with its operation. Read the part that follows before using four-wheel drive. You should use 2-WHEEL HIGH (2H) for most normal driving conditions.
NOTICE:
Driving in the 4-WHEEL HIGH (4H) or 4-WHEEL LOW (4L) positions for a long time on dry or wet pavement could shorten the life of your vehicle’s drivetrain.
Front Axle Locking Feature The front axle locks and unlocks automatically when you shift the transfer case. Some delay for the axle to lock or unlock is normal.
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2-Wheel High (2H): This setting is for driving in most street and highway situations. Your front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. 4-Wheel High (4H): This setting engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle. Use 4H when you need extra traction and in most off-road situations.
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL (N) can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL (N). See “Parking Brake” in the Index.
The transfer case shift lever is on the floor to the right of the driver. Use this lever to shift into and out of four-wheel drive.
The front axle portion of the indicator diagram will light up when you shift into four-wheel drive and the front axle engages. Some delay between shifting and the indicator’s lighting is normal. If the front axle light does not go out immediately after you shift out of four-wheel drive, have your dealer check your system. An indicator near the lever shows you the transfer case settings:
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NEUTRAL (N): Shift to this setting only when your vehicle needs to be towed or when using a power take-off. 4-Wheel Low (4L): This setting also engages your front axle to give you extra power and also gives you a higher driveline ratio. It should be used only for off-road driving. You can shift from 2-Wheel High (2H) to 4-Wheel High (4H) or from 4-Wheel High (4H) to 2-Wheel High (2H) while the vehicle is moving. Your front axle will engage faster if you take your foot off the accelerator for a few seconds after you shift. In extremely cold weather, it may be necessary to stop or slow the vehicle to shift into 4-Wheel High (4H).
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To shift into or out of 4-Wheel Low (4L) or NEUTRAL (N): 1. Slow the vehicle to a roll, about 1 to 3 mph (2 to 5 km/h) and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N).
2. Shift the transfer case shift lever in one
continuous motion.
Don’t pause in NEUTRAL (N) as you shift the transfer case into 4-Wheel Low (4L), or your gears could clash. Remember that driving in 4-Wheel High (4H) or 4-Wheel Low (4L) may reduce fuel economy. Also, driving in four-wheel drive on dry pavement could cause your tires to wear faster and make your transfer case harder to shift and run noisier. When your headlamps or parking lamps are on, rotate the thumbwheel next to the headlamp switch up to brighten or down to dim your transfer case indicator light.
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Automatic Transfer Case (If Equipped)
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The transfer case switches are below and to the left of the climate controls. Use these switches to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. You can choose among four driving settings: 2HI: This setting is used for driving in most situations. Your front axle is not engaged in two-wheel drive. This setting also provides the best fuel economy. AUTO 4WD: This setting is ideal for use when road conditions are variable. When driving your vehicle in AUTO 4WD, the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent only to the rear wheels. When the vehicle senses a loss of traction, the system will automatically engage four-wheel drive. Driving in this mode results in slightly lower fuel economy than 2HI. 4HI: Use 4HI when you need extra traction, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations. This setting also engages your front axle to help drive your vehicle. 4LO: This setting also engages your front axle and delivers extra torque. You may never need 4LO. It sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose 4LO if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow and climbing or descending steep hills.
CAUTION:
Shifting the transfer case to NEUTRAL can cause your vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in PARK (P). You or someone else could be seriously injured. Be sure to set the parking brake before placing the transfer case in NEUTRAL. See “Parking Brake” in the Index.
NEUTRAL: Shift the vehicle’s transfer case to neutral only when towing your vehicle. See “Recreational Vehicle Towing” or “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index for more information. Indicator lights in the switches show which setting you are in. The indicator lights will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition and one will stay on. If the lights do not come on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. An indicator light will flash while shifting the transfer case. It will remain illuminated when the shift is complete. If for some reason the transfer case cannot make a requested shift, it will return to the last chosen setting. If the SERVICE 4WD light stays on, you should take your vehicle to your dealer for service. See “Service 4WD” in the Index for further information.
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Shifting to 4HI or AUTO 4WD Press and release the 4HI or AUTO 4WD switch. This can be done at any speed, and the indicator light will flash while shifting. It will remain illuminated when the shift is completed.
Shifting to 2HI Press and release the 2HI switch. This can be done at any speed.
Shifting to 4LO To shift to 4LO, the vehicle’s engine must be running and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). The preferred method for shifting into 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4LO switch. You must wait for the 4LO indicator light to stop flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear. If the 4LO switch is pressed when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4LO indicator light will flash for 30 seconds and not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N). After 30 seconds the transfer case will return to the setting last chosen.
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Shifting Out of 4LO To shift from 4LO to 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI your vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) with the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. The preferred method for shifting out of 4LO is to have your vehicle moving 1 to 2 mph (1.6 to 3.2 km/h). Press and release the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch. You must wait for the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light to stop flashing and remain illuminated before shifting your transmission into gear. If the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI switch is pressed when your vehicle is in gear and/or moving, the 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 2HI indicator light will flash for 30 seconds but will not complete the shift unless your vehicle is moving less than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) and the transmission is in NEUTRAL (N).
Shifting to Neutral To shift the transfer case to neutral, first make sure the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Start the vehicle. 3. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle. 4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N).
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5. Shift the transfer case to 2HI. 6. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and 4LO
buttons for 10 seconds. The NEUTRAL light will come on when the transfer case shift to neutral is complete.
7. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE B for one second.
8. Turn the ignition to OFF. 9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P). 10. Release the parking brake prior to towing.
Shifting Out of Neutral To shift out of neutral: 1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular brake pedal. 2. Start the vehicle with the transmission in PARK (P). 3. Press the button for the desired transfer case shift
position (2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N). 5. Shift the transmission lever to the desired position.
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL, the light will go out.
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Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down. Pull the lever, located just above the parking brake pedal, marked BRAKE RELEASE, to release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released, the brake system warning light will go off.
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1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like this:
D Pull the lever toward you.
Shifting Into PARK (P)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. With four-wheel drive if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL (N). If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in NEUTRAL (N), your vehicle will be free to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL (N). And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.
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D Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. If you have four-wheel drive, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear--not in NEUTRAL (N).
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK. 5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Shifting Out of PARK (P) Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transmission” in the Index. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then, move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the key to the OFF ignition position. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have the brake-transmission shift interlock system
fixed as soon as you can.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P). Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
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Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
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CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. D Your vehicle was damaged when driving over
high points on the road or over road debris.
D Repairs weren’t done correctly. D Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modified improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle: D Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
D Have your vehicle fixed immediately.
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CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.
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Running Your Engine While You’re Parked It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if ever you have to, here are some things to know.
CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle (see the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”). Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan switch is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage. Exhaust -- with CO -- can come in easily. NEVER park in a garage with the engine running. Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. (See “Blizzard” in the Index.)
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CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Four-wheel drive vehicles with the transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) will allow the vehicle to roll, even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL (N). Always set your parking brake. Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.
Power Windows (If Equipped)
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Locking Rear Axle (If Equipped) If you have 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. Windows Manual Windows To open your manual windows, turn the hand crank on each door to raise or lower your side door windows.
2-Door Utility
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Push the rear of the switch with the power window symbol on it to lower the window. Push the front of the switch with the power window symbol on it to raise the window. The driver’s window switch has an express-down feature that allows the window to be lowered without holding the switch. Press and hold the side of the window switch marked AUTO for one second to activate the express-down mode. The express-down mode can be canceled at any time by pressing the opposite side of the switch. To open the window partway, lightly tap the switch until the window is at the desired position. If you have a four-door vehicle and power windows, the power window switch has a lockout feature. This feature prevents the rear windows from operating except from the driver’s position, when the front driver’s side switch is in LOCK. When the switch is moved to NORM, the rear power windows will operate again.
4-Door Utility and Suburban
If you have the optional power windows, the controls are on each of the side doors. The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger windows as well. Your power windows will work when the ignition has been turned to ACC or RUN.
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Electric Tailgate Glass Release Before operating your electric tailgate glass release, see the caution under “Your Doors and How They Work” in this section.
The electric hatch release button lets you release the tailgate glass. To release the glass, press the top of the button.
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Horn Push on the center of the steering wheel to sound the horn. Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive.
Then, lift the window up to open. The shift lever must be in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) for the release to work. There is also a power door lock switch at the rear of the vehicle which will allow you to lock or unlock all of the doors. See “Power Doors Locks” in the Index.
You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you enter and exit the vehicle. To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
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Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column includes your: D Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator D Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer D Windshield Wipers D Windshield Washer D Cruise Control (If Equipped)
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Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.
An arrow on the instrument panel will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.
To signal a lane change, just raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash. Hold it there until you complete your lane change. The lever will return by itself when you release it. If you move the lever all the way up or down and the arrow flashes at twice the normal rate, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers may not see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and a blown fuse (see “Fuses” in the Index).
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer To change the headlamps from low beam to high or high to low, pull the turn signal lever all the way toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams are on, this light on the instrument panel also will be on.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the knob with the wiper symbol on it.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the knob to MIST. Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
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stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the knob on MIST longer. You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or snow. Turn the knob to choose the delay time. The closer to LOW, the shorter the delay. For steady wiping at low speed, turn the knob to the LOW position. For high-speed wiping, turn the knob further, to HIGH. To stop the wipers, move the knob to OFF. Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. Heavy snow or ice can overload your wipers. The windshield wiper motor is protected from overload by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. Although the circuit is protected from electrical overload, overload due to heavy snow, etc. may cause wiper linkage damage. Always clear ice and heavy snow from the windshield before using your windshield wipers.
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Windshield Washer
At the top of the lever, there’s a paddle with the word PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle.
The use of hood-mounted air deflectors may adversely affect windshield wiper and washer performance. Rear Window Wiper and Washer
The rear window wiper and washer switch is on your instrument panel, to the right of the gage cluster.
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CAUTION:
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
To turn the wiper on, slide the switch all the way up. For delay wiping, slide the switch even with DELAY in the center position of the rear wiper control. The wiper will cycle every nine seconds.
Washer fluid will spray as long as you push the paddle. When you let go of the paddle, the wipers will continue to wipe for a few seconds and then either stop or return to the preset speed.
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To wash the window, push in on the switch. Window washer fluid will continue to spray until the switch is released. The wiper will continue with three more wipes and then return to the setting that was chosen before the lever was pushed. The rear window washer uses the same fluid bottle as the front windshield washer. If the fluid level is low in the washer fluid bottle, you may not be able to wash your rear window. If you can wash your windshield, but not your rear window, check the fluid level. Cruise Control (If Equipped)
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h). When you apply your brakes, cruise control shuts off.
CAUTION:
D Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
D Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads.
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Setting Cruise Control
CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise control switch off until you want to use it.
1. Move the cruise control switch to ON. 2. Get up to the speed you want. 3. Push in the SET button at the end of the lever and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Resuming a Set Speed Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it.
Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A (Resume/Accelerate) for about half a second. You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there. Remember, if you hold the switch at R/A longer than half a second, the vehicle will keep going faster until you release the switch or apply the brake. So unless you want to go faster, don’t hold the switch at R/A.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed: D Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed.
Push the SET button at the end of the lever, then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed.
D Move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A.
Hold it there until you get up to the speed you want, and then release the switch. (To increase your speed in very small amounts, move the switch to R/A for less than half a second. Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.)
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Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: D Push in the SET button at the end of the lever until you reach the lower speed you want, then release it.
D To slow down in very small amounts, push the