1999 Chevrolet Venture Owners Manual

the seat into place properly when installing it.

4. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it locks upright.

5. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it

is locked.

CAUTION:

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

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If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check that the seat is in the full rear position.

2. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins

by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

3. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down.

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6. Attach the mini-buckle so that the safety belt is

ready for use when a passenger uses the seat. The buckle reattaches by pushing the latch into the buckle until the red center pops out again. Repeat these steps for the other section of the split bench seat.

CAUTION:

A safety belt that is twisted or not properly attached won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After installing the seat, always check to be sure that the safety belts are not twisted and are properly attached.

Bucket Seats There are three types of rear bucket seats: RIGHT ONLY, CENTER OR LEFT and LEFT ONLY. RIGHT ONLY and LEFT ONLY seats may be equipped with the built-in child restraint option. The rear bucket seats can be removed to provide extra storage. Each seat that has the built-in child restraint option fits in only one location in your vehicle, but seats that don’t have the built-in child restraint option can be moved to different rows.

Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks The seatback on a bucket seat can be either folded down or reclined. The following explains how to use either the nylon strap or the lever to fold or recline the seatback.

To fold down the seatback, pull this nylon strap on the rear of the seat.

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To raise a seatback, pull the nylon strap while raising the seatback until it locks upright.

To fold down the seatback, lift up on this lever located on the front of the seatback.

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Adjusting the Bucket Seats There are two adjustment levers on each seat to adjust the seat forward or rearward.

Use the lever to raise or lower the seatback to the desired position. When raising or reclining a seatback to an upright position, push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked upright.

One is located below the center, in front of the bucket seat.

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The other lever is located on the rear of the bucket seat.

Removing the Bucket Seats Make sure the seatback is in the upright position. The head restraints should be fully down. 1. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap

on the back of the seat to fold the seatback forward. 2. Slide the seat all the way back by lifting either one of the adjuster levers and sliding the seat fully rearward.

Lift up either lever and slide the seat forward to allow for extra storage behind the seat, or slide the seat back to allow extra room for passengers. Release the lever. Push and pull on the seat to be sure it is locked into place.

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3. From behind the seat, pull the nylon strap at the

base of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins.

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You can also lift the lever on the side of the seat to release the rear latches from the floor pins. Do not let go of the straps or lever until the seat is folded all the way forward.

4. To unlatch the front latches, with the seat folded

forward, squeeze the angled latch release bar toward the straight crossbar.

5. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the

rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. This should be done in one motion.

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LEFT ONLY seats that have the built-in child restraint option fit only in the left location of the second row, the A and B sets of floor cups. Make sure the seat is in the full rear position before beginning this procedure. 1. With the seat folded, squeeze the angled bar toward

the solid crossbar while placing the front hooks of the bucket seat onto the front two floor pins.

To do this, the seat will need to be angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins.

If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

Replacing the Bucket Seats Don’t put the seats in so they face rearward because they won’t latch that way. If you want more storage room behind the seat, adjust the seat by sliding it forward. The bucket seats have seat position labels, located on the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go. Follow that diagram. See “Seat Controls” in the beginning of this section for more details. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly. RIGHT ONLY seats that don’t have the built-in child restraint option fit only in the right location of either row, the E and F or I and J sets of floor cups. The CENTER OR LEFT seat fits in the center location or in either left location, the A and B, C and D or G and H sets of floor cups. The LEFT ONLY seats that don’t have the built-in child restraint option fit only in the left location of either row, the A and B or G and H sets of floor cups. RIGHT ONLY seats that have the built-in child restraint option fit only in the right location of the second row, the E and F sets of floor cups.

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If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check that the seat is in the full rear position.

2. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins

by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

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CAUTION:

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

3. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down. 4. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it locks upright.

5. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is

locked in place.

CAUTION:

If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

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Captain’s Chairs The captain’s chairs adjust like the manual front passenger seats.

Removing the Captain’s Chairs

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The seatback can be reclined or raised by turning the knob on the inboard side of the seat. It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean forward and take the weight off the seatback.

The armrests can be lowered or raised for entering or exiting the vehicle.

1. Pull the nylon strap behind the chair to release the

rear hooks from the floor pins.

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2. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins

and removed from the vehicle.

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Replacing the Captain’s Chairs The left chair goes in the A and C sets of floor pins. The right chair goes in the D and F sets of floor pins.

1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins.

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system.

CAUTION:

Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passengers’ belts are fastened properly too.

2. Push the rear of the seat down to lock the rear latches

onto the rear set of floor pins.

3. Push and pull on the seat to be sure it is

properly attached.

CAUTION:

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.

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In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

CAUTION:

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. (See “Safety Belt Reminder Light” in the Index.)

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Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

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Put someone on it.

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.

The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...

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or the instrument panel ...

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or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.

Q: If my vehicle has air bags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts -- not instead of them. Every air bag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

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Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.

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

so you can sit up straight.

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

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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

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

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5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt.

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

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you.

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To move it down, push down on the button 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 the button down 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.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

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

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

as much protection this way.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

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

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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

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

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

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

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Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags -- a “Next Generation” frontal air bag for the driver, another “Next Generation” frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger. Next Generation frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

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Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems:

CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags -- even Next Generation air bags -- are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them.

CAUTION: (Continued)

Next Generation frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, Next Generation frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

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CAUTION:

CAUTION:

Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door.

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. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Children” and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passenger’s safety belt.

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

How the Air Bag Systems Work

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

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

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

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The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door. The right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.

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CAUTION:

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

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When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. The frontal air bags are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. The driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes involving a front door. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

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. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation is determined by the location of the impact and how quickly the side of the vehicle deforms.

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. For both frontal and side impact air bags, 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, instrument panel and the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door.

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How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal 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 the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear 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 for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bags.

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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 an air bag inflates, 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.

D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.

D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

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, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the side of the seatback closest to the door for the driver and right front passenger’s side impact air bags -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

CAUTION:

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

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NOTICE:

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

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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 frontal and side impact air bags inflate and safety belt pretensioners activate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to replace the air bags, all the sensors and related parts, parts of the safety belt system and parts of the driver and right front passenger’s seatbacks. 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 systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

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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

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 systems. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance. Safety Belt Pretensioners Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners. You’ll find them on the buckle end of the safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. They help the safety belts reduce a person’s forward movement in a moderate to severe crash in which the front of the vehicle hits something. Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a crash, you’ll need to get new ones, and probably other new parts for your safety belt system. See “Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash” in the Index.

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Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

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

Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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

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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.

Third Row Outside Seats

If you are sitting in a third row seat and the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

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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.

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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.

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, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

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1. Remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of

the seatback.

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. If your vehicle has bucket seats in the second row, there is one guide for each outside passenger position. If your vehicle has a bench seat in the second row, there is one guide for the left-hand outside passenger position. If your vehicle has third-row seats, there is one guide for each outside passenger position. 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:

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2. 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

guide must be on top of the belt.

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Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)

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Lap Belt If your vehicle has a third row rear bench seat, someone can sit in the center position.

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.

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When you sit in the center position of the bench seat, 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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Center Passenger Position (Bucket Seat)

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Lap Belt If your vehicle has bucket seats, someone can sit in the center position bucket seat.

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When you sit in the center position bucket seat, you have a lap safety belt which has a retractor. 1. Pick up the latch plate and, in a single motion, pull

the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, let it go back all the way and start again. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

3. Feed the lap belt into the retractor to tighten it.

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The center position bucket seat is a CENTER OR LEFT type seat. Because it is the only bucket seat with a lap belt, and has a buckle on only one side, there are certain places a CENTER OR LEFT type bucket seat should, and should not, be used. See “Seats” in the Index. If the CENTER OR LEFT bucket seat is used on the left side of the vehicle, the person sitting there should use the lap-shoulder belt. See “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” in the Index.

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4. 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.

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.

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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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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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Built-in Child Restraint (Option)

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If your vehicle has this option in a bucket seat, each bucket seat that has the built-in child restraint fits in only one location in your vehicle. To find out where a bucket seat that has a built-in child restraint must be located in your vehicle, see “Removable Rear Bucket Seats” in the Index. If your vehicle has this option in a 60/40 bench seat, you may have one or two built-in child restraints. This bench seat will only fit in the second row of your vehicle. In both types of seats, the built-in child restraint works the same way.

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CAUTION:

BEFORE YOU USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT, BE SURE THE TOP OF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS BELOW THE SLOTS THAT THE HARNESS GOES THROUGH. A CHILD WHOSE SHOULDERS ARE ABOVE THOSE SLOTS COULD BE INJURED DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. IF THE TOP OF THE CHILD’S SHOULDERS IS ABOVE THE SLOTS, DON’T USE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Each child restraint is designed for use only by children who weigh between 22 and 40 pounds (10 and 18 kg) and whose height is between 33.5 and 40 inches (850 and 1 016 mm) and who are capable of sitting upright alone. The child should also be at least one year old. It is important to use a rear-facing infant restraint until the child is about a year old. A rear-facing restraint gives the infant’s head, neck and body the support they would need in a crash. See “Child Restraints” later in this section for more information. Q: What if the top of my child’s shoulders is above

the shoulder belt slots for the five-point child restraint harness system?

A: A child whose shoulders are above the shoulder belt slots for the five-point child restraint harness system shouldn’t use this child restraint. Instead, the child should sit on the vehicle’s regular seat cushion and use the vehicle’s adult safety belts.

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Securing a Child in the Built-In Child Restraint

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1. Raise the head restraint until the lower edge of the head restraint is even with the top of the seatback.

2. Rotate the head restraint rearward until it touches the

top of the seatback. Make sure there is no gap between the lower edge of the head restraint and the top of the seatback.

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3. Lower the child restraint cushion.

You’ll be using the child restraint’s harness (A) to secure your child. Don’t use the vehicle’s safety belts.

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CAUTION:

Using the vehicle’s regular safety belts on a child seated on the child restraint cushion can cause serious injury to the child in a sudden stop or crash. If a child is the proper size for the built-in child restraint, secure the child using the child restraint’s harness. But children who are too large for the built-in child restraint should sit on the vehicle’s regular seat and use the vehicle’s adult safety belts.

WARNING! FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE OF THIS CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN YOUR CHILD STRIKING THE VEHICLE’S INTERIOR DURING A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. SNUGLY ADJUST THE BELTS PROVIDED WITH THIS CHILD RESTRAINT AROUND YOUR CHILD.

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4. Before placing the child in the child restraint, add

slack to the shoulder harness. Pull the black shoulder harness release strap firmly. At the same time pull both shoulder harness straps through the slots in the seatback as shown.

5. Place the child on the child restraint cushion.

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8. Place the other side of the harness over the

child’s shoulder.

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

6. Select only one side of the harness. Place the harness

over the child’s shoulder.

7. Push the latch plate (B) into the buckle until it clicks. Be sure the buckle is free of any foreign objects that may prevent you from securing the latch plates. If you can’t secure a latch plate, see your dealer for service before using the child restraint.

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10. Pull up on both latch plates to make sure they

are secure.

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CAUTION:

An unfastened shoulder harness clip won’t help keep the harness in place on the child’s shoulders. If the harness isn’t on the child’s shoulders, it won’t be able to restrain the child’s upper body in a sudden stop or crash. The child could be seriously injured. Make sure the harness clip is properly fastened.

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11. Now fasten the left and right halves of the shoulder harness clip together. The purpose of this clip is to help keep the harness positioned on the child’s shoulders.

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12. Pull the shoulder harness adjustment strap (C)

firmly until the harness is snugly adjusted around the child. You should not be able to put more than two fingers between the harness and the child’s chest. Make sure the harness and buckle strap are not twisted.

13. Adjust the position of the harness on the child’s

shoulder by moving the clip up or down along the harness. On each side of the harness, the shoulder part should be centered on the child’s shoulder. The harness should be away from the child’s face and neck, but not falling from the child’s shoulders. If you expect that the child will sleep while riding, you can recline the seatback. See “Seats” in the Index.

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Removing the Child from the Built-In Child Restraint

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1. Unfasten the shoulder harness clip.

2. Unlatch the harness by pushing the button on

the buckle.

3. Move one side of the harness off the child’s shoulder. 4. Move the other side of the harness off the

child’s shoulder.

5. Remove the child from the child restraint cushion.

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Storing the Built-In Child Restraint Always properly store the built-in child restraint before using the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt.

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2. Fold the child restraint cushion and leg rest up into

the seatback.

3. Press the child restraint cushion firmly into

the seatback.

1. Move both latch plates and both sides of the shoulder

harness clip to the bottom of the harness straps.

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4. Then press the leg rest firmly into the seatback, and

secure it by pressing the upper corners against the fastener strips on the seatback.

5. Rotate the head restraint forward and push it all the

way down.

Just like the other restraint systems in your vehicle, your built-in child restraint needs to be periodically checked and may need to have parts replaced after a crash. See “Checking Your Restraint Systems” and “Replacing Seat and Restraint System Parts After a Crash” in the Index.

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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 (Except Cargo Vans) 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 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.

Where to Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans) The child restraint must be secured properly in the passenger seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. Here’s why:

Top Strap

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CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the 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. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

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.

Canadian law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second row. If your vehicle has third row seats, anchor brackets for the second row outside positions are located just above the place where the third row lap-shoulder belts meet the floor.

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Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

There’s a vinyl sleeve there; to get to the bracket, push this vinyl sleeve aside slightly. You may need to remove the staple in the sleeve to do this. Anchor the top strap to the bracket. If your vehicle does not have third row seats and belts, or if you need to have an anchor bracket installed for the center bucket seat in the second row, or for the right-hand side of a 60/40 bench seat, you can ask your dealer to put it in for you. This work will be done for you free of charge. If you want to install an anchor bracket yourself, your dealer can tell you how to do it. 1-76

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 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.

Third Row Outside Seats

If you are using a child restraint in a third row outside seat position, tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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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.

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

the retractor to set the lock.

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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 the Center Seat Position (Third Row Bench Seat)

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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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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.

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.

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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.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Bucket Seat)

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You’ll be using the lap 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.

2. Pull the lap belt all the way out without stopping. 3. While holding it out, run the belt through or around

the child restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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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. To tighten the belt, feed it 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.

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To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

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CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the 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. If your vehicle is a passenger van, always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If your vehicle is a cargo van, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle. If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for your child, always move the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

Your vehicle has a front passenger air bag. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

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You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a 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.

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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.

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

the retractor to set the lock.

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

retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

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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.

Larger Children

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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.

Children who have outgrown child restraints should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

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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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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. If your vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn or frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces just like torn or frayed safety belts can. They may not protect a child in a crash. If a harness strap is torn or frayed, get a new harness 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.)

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. If your vehicle has a built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, child head restraint and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt or built-in child restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired.

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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new safety belts or built-in child restraint parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new safety belts or harness straps. If the frontal air bags inflate, you’ll also need to replace the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety belt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new buckle assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.

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If safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in child restraint or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt or built-in child restraint 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 (Option) Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices Sliding Door Power Sliding Door (Option) Liftgate Theft Content Theft-Deterrent (Option) PASS-KeyR III New Vehicle “Break-In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) Automatic Transaxle Operation Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P)

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Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked Windows Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Sun Visors OnStar SystemR (Option) Accessory Inflator System (Option) Accessory Power Outlets The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)

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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 children.

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The master key can be used for the ignition as well as all door locks, the liftgate lock and the storage compartments.

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NOTICE:

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

If you need a new key, contact your Chevrolet dealer, who can obtain the correct key code. In an emergency, call Chevrolet Roadside Assistance at 1-800-CHEV-USAR (1-800-243-8872). (In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.)

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You can lock either front door from the outside with your key by inserting and turning it toward the rear of the vehicle.

To lock either front door from the inside, push the locking lever forward. To unlock either front door from the inside, pull back on the locking lever.

Door Locks

CAUTION:

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 or the remote keyless entry transmitter (if your vehicle has this option). To unlock either front door from the outside with the key, insert the key and turn it toward the front of the vehicle.

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Power Door Locks

From the inside, press the front of the power door lock switch (on either front door) to unlock all doors and the liftgate. If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent system, the power door lock switch will not unlock the doors until the system is disarmed. See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in the Index for more details. You can lock all doors and the liftgate from the inside by pressing the rear of the power lock switch on either front door. If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent system, the power door lock switch may cause the system to arm. See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in the Index for more details.

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To unlock any door or the liftgate from the outside with your key, turn the key to the unlock position and release. This will only unlock that door or the liftgate. You can unlock all the doors and the liftgate by inserting the key into the key cylinder, turning to the unlock position and holding for one second. With power door locks, you can lock all the doors from the outside by inserting the key and turning the key to the lock position. Also, when the doors are locked with the power door locks, the inside as well as the outside door handle cannot open the doors. This safety feature prevents a door from being accidentally opened from the inside by moving the handle. To override this safety feature, move the locking lever to the unlock position on the door you want to open. When the liftgate has been unlocked with the power door locks, you won’t need the key to open it. Simply squeeze the handle above the license plate. This is also true if you use the optional remote keyless entry transmitter. See “Keyless Entry System” later in this section.

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Last Door Closed Locking The Last Door Closed Locking feature makes it easier to use your power door locks to lock all the doors and the liftgate when leaving your vehicle. When any door or the liftgate is open, the first time you attempt to lock the doors using the power lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped), this will result in three chimes to signal that Last Door Closed Locking is being used. All doors and the liftgate can be opened for five seconds from the time the last door is closed. Five seconds after the last door is closed, all the doors will lock. You can lock the doors immediately by using the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter a second time. If the ignition is in RUN or ACCESSORY, this feature will not lock the doors. To turn the Last Door Closed Locking feature off or on, see “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index.

Automatic Door Locks All of the doors will lock automatically when you move your shift lever out of PARK (P). All doors will unlock automatically when the ignition is turned off while the shift lever is in PARK (P). You can program the Automatic Door Locks to operate with the remote keyless entry system and to lock and unlock automatically to suit your needs. See “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. With the Automatic Door Locks feature, you can still lock or unlock the doors at any time, either manually or with the power door lock switches. Sliding Door Delayed Locking If the sliding door is open when you use your power door locks to lock the vehicle, the sliding door is not locked. Normally the Last Door Closed Locking feature will be used to lock the sliding door after it has been closed. When the ignition is on or if the Last Door Closed Locking feature has been overridden or programmed to be off, the Sliding Door Delayed Locking feature will lock your sliding door for you. Three seconds after the sliding door is closed, all the doors will lock. If you have the dual sliding doors, all doors will lock three seconds after both sliding doors are closed.

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Lockout Deterrent The Lockout Deterrent feature makes it difficult for you to lock your keys in your vehicle. If the driver’s door is open while the keys are in the ignition, a chime will sound and you will not be able to use your power door lock switch to lock the vehicle. If you don’t leave the keys in the ignition or if you use the manual door lock, you could still lock your keys in your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys with you. To turn this feature off or on, see “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from the inside. Then get out and close the door. Keyless Entry System (Option) If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your liftgate from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

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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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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

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.

Operation

Remote Driver’s Door and All Door Unlock When you press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter, only the driver’s door will unlock. If you press UNLOCK again within five seconds, all the doors and the liftgate will unlock. If you would like all the doors to unlock the first time you press UNLOCK, see “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent system, the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter will disarm the system. See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in the Index for more details.

Remote All Door Lock To lock all doors, press LOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter (see “Power Door Locks” in the Index for more details on the power door lock features). If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent system, the LOCK button may arm the system. See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in the Index for more details.

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Remote Lock Confirmation (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent system, your remote keyless entry transmitter will have this feature. When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock your vehicle, your parking lamps will flash briefly to let you know the command has been received. If you press the LOCK button again, within five seconds, the horn will sound briefly and the parking lamps will flash to let you know the vehicle is already locked. If you would like to change the way the parking lamps and horn operate with Remote Lock Confirmation, see “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index. Remote Unlock Confirmation (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with the Content Theft-Deterrent system, your remote keyless entry transmitter will have this feature. When you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock your vehicle or to operate the power sliding door (if equipped), your parking lamps will flash briefly to let you know the command was received. If you would like to change the way the parking lamps operate with Remote Unlock Confirmation, see “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index.

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Remote Alarm (If Equipped) When you press the horn button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the parking lamps will flash and the horn will sound. This will allow you to attract attention, if needed.

Remote Power Sliding Door Operation (If Equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with a power sliding door (see “Power Sliding Door” later in this section), your remote transmitter will have a button that has a van symbol on it. Press it to open or close the sliding door.

If the sliding door is locked, first unlock all doors (see “Remote Driver’s Door and All Door Unlock” earlier in this section), then press the van symbol to open the sliding door. Press the van symbol again to close the sliding door.

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Replacing the Battery in the Remote Transmitter

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1. Insert a flat object like a dime into the slot on the

side of the transmitter and twist to separate the halves.

You can operate the power sliding door with the remote transmitter only when the power sliding door override switch on the overhead console is disabled. 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. See your dealer to match transmitters to another vehicle. 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.

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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.

Resynchronization Your remote keyless entry system uses a continually changing code for increased security. Normally, the receiver in your vehicle will keep track of this changing code. D Loss of synchronization will occur if the transmitter is activated more than 256 times while out of range of the vehicle.

D Loss of synchronization will occur after the battery

replacement if the transmitter is immediately activated more than 16 times while out of range of the vehicle.

If your remote keyless entry transmitter has stopped working, you may need to resynchronize the transmitter