2003 Pontiac Grand PRIX Owners Manual

Notice: When using an accessory power outlet, maximum electrical load must not exceed amperage rating. Always turn off any electrical equipment when not in use. Leaving electrical equipment on for extended periods will drain your battery. Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could result in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem, see your dealer for additional information on the accessory power plugs.

Notice: Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle can damage it or keep other things from working as they should. This wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Check with your dealer before adding electricai equipment, and never use anything that exceeds the amperage rating. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment.

Notices Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty. Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)

The vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary power connection. This feature provides power, ground and accessing wires which can be used to add aftermarket electrical equipment to the vehicle. The connection is located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, below the glove box on the right side of the console.

Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter The center front ashtray is on the instrument panel. To open it, pull at the bottom of the ashtray until it is fully open. To remove the ashtray cup, lift the tabs on the sides and pull out. Notice: Don’t put papers or other flammable items into your ashtrays. Hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them, causing a damaging fire. To use the lighter, located inside the center front ashtray, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself. Notice: Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with you hand while it is heating. If you do, it won’t be able to back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the lighter and the heating element.

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Climate Controls Dual Climate Control System With this system you can control the heating, cooling and ventilation for your vehicle.

located on the

right side of the to Use the mode knob climate control panel to select the following modes:

2 MAX (Maximum): This mode recirculates much of

the air inside your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the temperature is at or below freezing.

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f;' (Vent): This mode directs air to the instrument panel outlets. +2 (Bi-Level): This mode directs half of the air to the

instrument panel outlets, and then directs the remaining air to the floor outlets. Some air may be directed toward the windshield. Cooler air is directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the floor outlets.

(Floor): This mode directs most of the air to the floor outlets with some air directed toward the outboard outlets (for the side windows) and a little air directed to the windshield. The mode knob can also be used to select defog or defrost mode. Information on defogging and defrosting, see "Defogging and Defrosting" later in this section. 3f (Fan): Turn the knob located on the left of the climate control panel clockwise or counterclockwise

increase or decrease the fan speed.

Driver or Passenger (Temperature Levers): Slide the lever(s) up or down to increase or decrease the temperature.

A/C (Air Conditioning): Press this button to turn the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is pressed, an indicator light above the button will come on to let you know that A/C is active. The instrument brightness control may have to be adjusted to the highest setting during the daytime in order to see the indicator light. On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps the system to operate more efficiently. For quick cool down on hot days: 1. Select the MAX recirculation mode. 2. Select A/C. 3. Select the coolest temperature. 4. Select the highest fan speed. Using these settings together for long periods of time may cause the air inside your vehicle to become too dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in your vehicle has cooled, change the mode from MAX to another mode such as bi-level. The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This is normal.

Defogging and Defrosting There are two modes to clear fog from your windshield. Use the floor/defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly. Turn the mode knob to select the defog or defrost mode.

,2 (Floor/Defog): This mode directs the air equally

between the windshield and the floor outlets. When you select this mode, the system turns on the air-conditioning compressor unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.

9 FRONT (Defrost): Pressing FRONT directs most

of the air to the windshield and the side window outlets, with some air directed to the floor outlets. In this mode, the system will automatically run the air-conditioning compressor, unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.

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Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog or frost from the rear window. The rear window defogger will only work when the ignition is in RUN.

REAR: Press this button to turn the rear window

defogger on or off. When this button is pressed an indicator light above the button will come on to show that the rear window defogger is active. The instrument brightness control may have to be adjusted to the highest setting during the daytime in order to see the indicator light. Be sure to clear as much snow from the rear window as possible. The rear window defogger will turn off approximately 15 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the defogger will only run for approximately seven and one-half minutes before turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning off the engine. Notice: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the defogger and the repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar to the defogger grid.

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Outlet Adjustment

Use the controls located in the center of each outlet to change the direction of the airflow. Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air inlets at the base of the windshield that may block the flow of air into your vehicle. Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may adversely affect the performance of the system. Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more effectively.

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights come on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you start the engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.

Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly - and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help. Your vehicle may also have a Driver Information Center (DIC) that works along with the warning lights and gages. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-38.

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Instrument Panel Cluster Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel is in your tank and many other things you need to drive safely and economically.

c 3 *

SRS AIR

e,

SECURI TY

r3

SERVICE ENG I NBOON

LOW OIL

APPLY BRAKE 10 SHIFT FROM PARK

TEMP

United States ABS-Equipped Version Shown, Canada Similar

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Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them. Speedometer and Odometer The speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven in either miles (used in the United States) or in kilometers (used in Canada). The vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If you see silver lines between the numbers, you’ll know someone has probably tampered with it and the numbers may not be correct. You may wonder what happens if the vehicle needs a new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done. If it can’t, then it will be set at zero and a label must be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading when the new odometer was installed.

Trip Odometer The trip odometer tells how far you have driven since you last reset it. To set it to zero, press the reset button located to the right of the instrument panel cluster. Tachometer

The tachometer displays the engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). Notice: Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the shaded warning area, or engine damage may occur.

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Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to RUN, a chime will come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.

The safety belt light will also come on and stay on for several seconds, then it will flash for several more.

Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the words SRS AIR BAG or the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on page 1-51.

If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light will come on.

SRS AIR BAG

United States

Canada

This light will come on when you start your vehicle, and it will flash for a few seconds. Then the light should go out. This means the system is ready.

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If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced right away.

If the air bag reai.---less light s 1s on after you start your vehicle, it means the air bag system may not be working properly. The air bags in your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle serviced right away if the air bag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle.

The air bag readiness light should flash for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

Charging System Light

The charging system light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition as a check to show you it’s working. Then it will go out.

If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose drive belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

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Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.

United States

Canada

This light should come on when you turn the key to RUN. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

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If the light comes on while you are driving, carefully pull off the road and stop. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing Your Vehicle on page 4-33.

Your oraKe system may not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.

While the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will also come on when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light

if your vehicle has the optional anti-lock brake system, this light will come on when your engine is started and may stay on for several seconds. That’s normal.

TCS OFF

If your vehicle is equipped with the 3800 supercharged V6 engine, the traction control system warning light may come on for the following reasons:

If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off. If the light comes on and stays on while you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your vehicle needs service. If the light is on and the regular brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. This is normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

If you turn the system off by pressing the TCS button located on the far right side of the trip computer, the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again. The warning light should go off. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-10 for more information. If there’s a brake system problem that is specifically related to traction control, the traction control system will turn off and the warning light will come on. If your brakes begin to overheat, the traction control system will turn off and the warning light will come on until your brakes cool down.

If the traction control system warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.

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Enhanced Traction System Warning Light

TRAC OFF

If your vehicle is equipped with a 31 00 V6 or 3800 V6 engine and the optional ABS brake system, the Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons:

If you turn the system off by pressing the TRAC button on the far right side of the Driver Information Center or trip computer (if equipped), the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again. The warning light should go off. See Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-1 1 for more information. If the Enhanced Traction System warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time while the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service. Adjust your driving accordingly. If the traction control system is affected by an engine-related problem, the system will turn off and the warning light will come on.

When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. 3-30

Low Traction Light

LOW TRAC

If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System or the Traction Control System, this light will also come on while the system is limiting wheel spin.

You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if the low traction light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly. The light will stay on for a few seconds after the Enhanced Traction System or the Traction Control System stops limiting wheel spin. See Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-1 1 or Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4- 10. The low traction light also comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the Traction Control System or Enhanced Traction System is active.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

TEMP

This light tells goti ihai the engine coolant has overheated or the radiator cooling fan is not working.

If you have been operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull of the road, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating on page 5-33.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

19

United States

Canada

Your vehicle has a gage that shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the shaded area, the engine is too hot. That reading means the same thing as the warning light. It means that the engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating the vehicle under normal conditions, you should pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating on page 5-33.

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Malfunction indicator Lamp Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

United States

~~ Canada

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.

The SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction. Notice: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by your warranty. Notice: Modifications made to the engine, transaxle, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission controls and may cause this light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

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This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:

Light Flashing - A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.

0 Light On Steady - An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required. If the Light Is Flashing The following may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle: 0 Reducing vehicle speed. 0 Avoiding hard accelerations. Avoiding steep uphill grades. If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.

If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your dealer or qualified service center for service. If the Light Is On Steady You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle? If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See Filling Your Tank on page 5-7. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off. Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water? If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition will usually be corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

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Are you low on fuel? As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See filling Your Tank on page 5-7. It will take a few driving trips to turn the light off. Have you recently changed brands of fuel? If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See Gasoline Ocfane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be detected by the system and cause the light to turn on. If you experience one or more of these conditions, change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If none of the above steps have made the light turn off, have your dealer or qualified service center check the vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may have developed.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs Some state/provincial and local governments have or may begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle registration. Here are some things you need to know to help your vehicle pass an inspection: Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light is on or not working properly. Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if you have recently replaced your battery or if your battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This may take several days of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, see your dealer or qualified service center to prepare the vehicle for inspection.

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Oil Pressure Light

kPa

United States

Canada

If you have a problem with your oil pressure, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that oil is not going through your engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could be low on oil or could have some other oil problem. Have it fixed right away. The oil light could also come on in two other situations: 0 While the ignition is on but the engine is not

running, the light will come on as a test to show you it’s working. The light will go out when you turn

the ignition to RUN. If it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

driving if the oi , ressure is low.

Do keep If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.

Notice: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty.

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Low Oil Level Light

Security Light

LOW OIL LEVEL

The engine is equipped with an oil level monitoring system. When the ignition key is turned to RUN, the LOW OIL LEVEL light will briefly flash.

SECURITY

This message is displayed to monitor the PASS-Key@ Ill system.

If the SECURITY message is displayed continuously while driving, there may be a problem with the PASS-Key@ Ill system. Your vehicle will not be protected by PASS-Key@ Ill, and you should see your dealer for service. For more information see PASS-Key 111 on page 2- 16.

If the light does not flash, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface and turn the engine off. Check the oil level using the engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil on page 5-18. The oil level monitoring system only checks the oil level during the brief period when the ignition key is between RUN and START. It does not monitor engine oil level while the engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is only performed if the engine has been turned off for a considerable period of time, allowing the oil normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

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Fuel Gage

United States

Canada

The fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left while the ignition is on. When the indicator nears empty, you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things owners usually ask about the fuel gage. All these situations are normal and do not indicate a problem with the fuel gage:

At the gas station, the pump shuts off before the gage reads full. It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage indicates. For example, the gage reads half full, but it took more (or less) than half the tank‘s capacity to fill it.

0 The gage pointer may move while cornering,

braking or speeding up.

0 The gage may not indicate full when the ignition i?

turned off.

Low Fuel Warning Light

If your fuel is low, the warning light near the fuel gage will go on.

LOW FUEL

It will also come on for a few seconds when you first turn on the ignition as a check to show you it’s working properly. If it doesn’t come on then, see your dealer for service.

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Driver Information Center (DIC)

SHANGE

OIL SOON

3100 V6 or 3800 V6 Engine Vehicles Equipped with the ABS Brake System

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The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you important safety and maintenance facts. When you turn the ignition on, all of the DIC lights illuminate for a few seconds. After this, the DIC will begin working. Functions __

the doors is ajar, this light

(Door Ajar):

If one of

will appear next to that door on the vehicle outline. CHANGE OIL SOON: This light will appear when the system indicates that it’s time for an oil change. The system predicts remaining oil life using data from length of drives, coolant temperature, engine rpm and vehicle speed. It alerts you to change the oil on a schedule consistent with the vehicle’s driving conditions. After changing the oil, the system must be reset. See How to Reset the GM Oil Life SystemTM under Engine Oil on page 5- 18.

e LOW: This light will come on when the ignition is

on and the fluid in the washer fluid container is low.

AJAR: This light alerts you that the trunk is not

fully closed.

LOW TRAC (Low Traction): If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, this light will come on when the enhanced traction system is limiting wheel spin. See Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4- I I or Low Traction Light on page 3-30.

TRAC OFF (Traction Off): If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, this light lets you know that the enhanced traction system has been disabled and will not limit wheel spin. See Enhanced Traction System Warning Light on page 3-30 or Low Traction Light on page 3-30.

TRAC (Traction): If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and the enhanced traction system, you will have a disable button on the far right side of the DIC. The enhanced traction system is automatically activated when you turn the ignition on. This button will activate/deactivate the system. If you need to disable the system, such as when you are stuck and are rocking the vehicle back and forth, push this button. See If You Are Stuck: in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-32.

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Trip Computer

ENG/MET

RESET

0 AVG --RANGE

3800 V6 Engine Vehicles Equipped with the ABS Brake System

3-40

0 AVG ECON O R A N G E

3800 V6 Supercharged Engine

When you start the engine, the trip computer, if equipped, will display a mode. A lighted oval will appear to the left of the mode currently being used.

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Control Buttons The trip computer has three buttons that control its functions. ENG/MET (English/Metric): Press this button to change the display from English to metric units or metric to English. RESET: Press this button for two seconds to reset the mode displayed. MODE: Press this button to change the function mode, (Fuel Used, AVG ECON, OIL LIFE, RANGE) being displayed. Functions FUEL USED: This mode shows the total amount of fuel used since you last reset it. The amount displayed in gallons or liters. AVG ECON (Average Economy): This mode shows the average fuel economy since you last reset it.

can be

OIL LIFE: This shows a percentage of the engine’s oil remaining useful life. The system predicts remaining oil life using data from length of drives, coolant temperature, engine rpm and vehicle speed. Each time you get an oil change, be sure to reset this function so that it will give you an accurate percentage. See “How to Reset the GM Oil Life System” under Engine Oil on page 5-18. RANGE: This mode shows how much farther you can travel with the fuel you have remaining in the gas tank before refueling. When the range displays L, for 40 to 50 miles (64.36 to 80.45 km), the display will flash LOW continuously. The range is calculated from the AVG ECON value multiplied by the fuel remaining in the tank. LOW: This light will come on the vehicle outline when the ignition is on and the fluid in the washer fluid container is low.

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DOOR AJAR: If one of the doors is left ajar, a light will appear next to that door on the vehicle outline. BOOST GAGE: If you have the 3800 V6 supercharged engine, this gage will show the amount of boost the engine is receiving. TRUNK AJAR: If the trunk is not fully closed, the trunk area will light up on the vehicle outline. LOW TRAC (Low Traction): This light will come on when the enhanced traction system (3100 or 3800 V6 engine) or the traction control system (3800 supercharged V6 engine) is limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4- IO, Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4- 1 I and Low Traction Light on page 3-30. TRAC OFF (Traction Off) or TCS OFF (Traction Control System Off): This light lets you know that the enhanced traction system (31 00 or 3800 V6 engine) or

the traction control system (3800 supercharged V6 engine) has been disabled and will not limit wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-29, Enhanced Traction System Warning Light on page 3=30 and Low Trxti=n Light a1 page 3-38. TRAC (Traction) or TCS (Traction Control System): If the vehicle has the enhanced traction system (3100 or 3800 V6 engine) or the traction control system (3800 supercharged V6 engine), you will have a disable button on the far right side of the trip computer. The enhanced traction system and traction control system are automatically activated when you turn the ignition on. This button will activate/deactivate the system. If you need to disable the system, such as when you are stuck and are rocking the vehicle back and forth, push this button. See If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-32.

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Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio system even after the ignition is turned off. See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” under Ignition Positions on page 2- 19. Setting the Time

Press RECALL, then press and hold HR or MIN seconds. Then press and hold HR until the correct hour appears on the display. AM or PM will also appear. Press and hold MIN until the correct minute appears on the display. The time can only be set with the ignition off.

for two

sound equipment may

Audio System(s) Notice: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle - like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio - be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly. Added interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, Delphi Electronics radio or other systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s interfere with the operation of sound equipment that has been

So, before adding sound equipment, check with your dealer and be sure to check federal rules covering mobile radio and telephone units. Your audio system has been designed to operate easily and to give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your audio system can do and how to operate all of its controls to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.

systems may

improperly.

added

~~

3-44

Radio with Cassette

Finding a Station

Playing the Radio

POWER: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. VOL (Volume): Turn this knob to increase or to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. Time display is available with the ignition turned off.

AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FMI and FM2. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Press the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it.

A SEEK

: Press the up or the down arrow to go to

the next or to the previous station and stay there. Setting Preset Stations The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FMI and six FM2) by performing the following steps:

1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

Turn the radio on. Press AM/FM to select AM, FMI or FM2. Tune in the desired station. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons until SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.

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Setting the Tone (Bassnreble) BASS: Slide the lever to the right or to the left to increase or to decrease bass. TREBLE: Slide the lever to the right or to the left to increase or to decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn this knob to move the sound toward the left or the right speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn this knob to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. Press these knobs back into their stored positions when you’re not using them. Playing a Cassette Tape Your tape player is built to work best with tapes that are up to 30 to 45 minutes long on each side. Tapes longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player.

While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, BASS and TREBLE controls just as you do for the radio. The display will show an arrow to show which side of the tape is playing. When the down indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. When the up arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape. If an error appears on the display, see ‘Cassette Tape Messages” later in this section. 1 PREV (Previous): Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for previous to work. Press this pushbutton to search for the previous selection on the tape. Press PREV again or the SEEK down arrow to stop searching. 2 NEXT: Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for next or seek to work. Press this pushbutton to search for the next selection on the tape. If you hold the pushbutton, the player will continue moving forward through the tape. Press NEXT again or the SEEK up arrow to stop searching. 3 PROG (Program): Press this pushbutton to play the other side of the tape.

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4 00 (Dolby): Press this pushbutton to reduce background noise. The double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. 5 REV (Reverse): Press this pushbutton to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape reverses. You may select stations during reverse operation using SEEK or TUNE. 6 FWD (Forward): Press this pushbutton to advance quickly. Press the pushbutton again to return to playing speed. The radio will play while the tape advances. You may select stations during forward operation using SEEK or TUNE. A SEEK to the next or to the previous selection on the tape. AM/FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a tape is playing.

the down arrow to seek

: Press the up or

TAPE/PLAY: Press this button to change to playing a tape when listening to the radio. The tape symbol with an arrow will appear on the display while the tape is active.

A EJECT: Press this button to stop a tape when it is

playing and to remove a tape when it is not playing. The eject button may be activated with either the ignition or radio off. Cassettes may be loaded with the radio and ignition off if this button is pressed first. Cassette Tape Messages E (Error): If this message and a number appears while trying to play a cassette tape, it could be one of the following: 0 ElO: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn the

tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player. Try a new tape to make sure your player is working properly. E l 1 : The tape is broken. Try a new tape.

0 E14: Wrapped tape. Try a new tape.

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CLN (Clean): If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See Care of Your Cassette Tape Player on page 3-58. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem. CD Adapter Kits It is possible to use a portable CD player adapter kit with your cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature on your tape player. To activate the bypass feature, use the following steps:

1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press and hold TAPE/PLAY for three seconds.

The tape symbol on the display will flash for two seconds, indicating the feature is active.

4. Insert the adapter into the cassette slot. It will

power up the radio and begin playing.

The override feature will remain active until EJECT is pressed.

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Radio with CD (Base Level)

Playing the Radio

POWER: Push this knob to turn the system on and off.

VOL (Volume): Turn the knob to increase or to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. Time display is available with the ignition turned off.

Finding a Station

Setting the Tone (BasdTreble)

AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FMl and FM2. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Press the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it.

A SEEK v: Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. Setting Preset Stations The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FMI and six FM2) by performing the following steps: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Turn the radio on. Press AM/FM to select AM, FMI or FM2. Tune in the desired station. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons until §ET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.

5.

BASS: Slide the lever to the right or to the left to increase or to decrease bass. TREBLE: Slide the lever to the right or to the left to increase or to decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound toward the left or the right speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. Press these knobs back into their stored positions when you’re not using them.

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Playing a Compact Disc Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. The compact disc symbol will appear on the display. If the ignition and the radio are on, the disc will begin playing. CD will appear on the display next to the compact disc symbol. If you want to insert a disc when the ignition is off, first press the EJECT button. The integral CD player can play the smaller 8 cm single discs with an adapter ring. Full-size compact discs and the smaller discs are loaded in the same manner. If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc Messages” later in this section. 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc. 2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to go to the start of the next track. If you hold the pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc. 3 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. The display will show RDM. Press RDM again to turn off random play.

3-50

5 REV (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly reverse within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time. 6 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly advance within a track. You wiil hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time.

A SEEK v: Press the up or the down arrow to go to

the next or to the previous selection on the tape. RECALL: Press this button to see what track is currently playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how long the track has been playing. When a new track starts to play, the track number will also appear. Press it a third time and the time of day will be displayed. AM/FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a CD is playing. The CD will stop but remain in the player. CD/PLAY: Press this button to play a CD when listening to the radio. 4 EJECT: Press this button to stop a CD when it is playing or to remove a CD when it is not playing. The EJECT button will work with the radio off.

Compact Disc Messages

Radio with CD (Up Level)

E (Error): If this message and a number appears on the radio display or if the disc comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons:

You’re driving on a very rough road. When the road becomes smoother, the disc should play. It’s very hot. When the temperature returns to normal, the disc should play. The disc is dirty, scratched, wet or upside down. The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again.

If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, try a known good CD. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem.

Playing the Radio

POWER: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. VOL (Volume): Turn the knob to increase or to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button to switch the display between the radio station frequency and the time. Pressing this button with the ignition off will display the time.

3-5 1

Finding a Station

AM/FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display will show your selection. TUNE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to choose radio stations. Press the knob back into its stored position when you’re not using it.

A SEEK v: Press the up or the down arrow to go to the next or to the previous station and stay there. Setting Preset Stations The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FMI and six FM2) by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM/FM to select AM, FM1 or FM2. 3. Tune in the desired station.

4. Press and hold one of the six numbered

pushbuttons until SET appears on the display. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return.

5. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton. Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)

Equalizer: A seven-band equalizer is part of your audio system. Slide the levers up to boost or down to reduce frequency range. Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)

BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound toward the left or the right speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn it to move the sound toward the front or the rear speakers. Press these knobs back into their stored positions when you’re not using them.

3-52

Playing a Compact Disc Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. The compact disc symbol will appear on the display. If the ignition and the radio are on, the disc will begin playing. CD will appear on the compact disc symbol. If you want to insert a disc when the ignition is off, first press the EJECT button. The integral CD player can play the smaller 8 cm single discs. Full-size compact discs and the smaller discs are loaded in the same manner. If an error appears on the display, see “Compact Disc Messages” later in this section.

the display next to

1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc. 2 NEXT: Press this pushbutton to go to the start of the next track. If you hold the pushbutton or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc.

3 RDM (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. The display will show RDM. Press RDM again to turn off random play. 5 REV (Reversej: Press and hoid this pushbutton to quickly reverse within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time. 6 FWD (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly advance forward within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time.

: Press the up or the down arrow

to go to

the next or to the previous track. RECALL: Press this button to see what track is currently playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how long the track has been playing. When a new track starts to play, the track number will also appear. Press it a third time and the time of day will be displayed. AM/FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a disc is playing. The disc will stop but remain in the player.

A SEEK

3-53

CD/PLAY: Press this button to play a CD when listening to the radio.

EJECT: Press this button to stop a CD when it is

playing or to remove a CD when it is not playing. The EJECT button will work with the radio off. Compact Disc Messages

E (Error): If this message and a number appears on the radio display or if the disc comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons:

You’re driving on a very rough road. When the road becomes smoother, the disc should play. It’s very hot. When the temperature returns to normal, the disc should play. The disc is dirty, scratched, wet or upside down. The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and try again.

If the CD is not playing correctly, for any other reason, try a known good CD. If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an error number, write it down and provide it to your dealer when reporting the problem.

Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCK@ is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is interrupted. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is activated, your radio will not operate if stolen. When THEFTLOCK is activated, the radio will display LOC to indicate a locked condition anytime battery power is removed. If your battery loses power for any reason, you must unlock the radio with the secret code before it will operate. Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature The instructions which follow explain how to enter your secret code to activate the THEFTLOCK system. Read through all nine steps before starting the procedure. If you allow more than 15 seconds to elapse between any steps, the radio automatically reverts to time and you must start the procedure over at Step 4. 1. Write down any three or four-digit number from 000

to 1999 and keep it in a safe place separate from the vehicle.

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2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

7.

8.

9.

Turn the ignition on. Turn the radio off. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time. Hold them down until --- shows on the display. Next you will use the secret code number which you have written down. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree with your code. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree with your code. Press AM/FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show REP to let you know that you need to repeat Steps 5 through 7 to confirm your secret code. Press AM/FM and this time the disdav will show SEC to let you know that your radio is secure.

With the flash, indicating a secured radio.

ignition off, the THEFTLOCK LED

indicator will

Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds betweer! steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the

display.

2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

4. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

5. Press AM/FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is now operable and secure.

If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will appear on the display. You wilj have to wait an hour with the ignition on before you can try again. When chances you try again, you (eight tries per chance) to enter the correct code before INOP appears. If you lose or forget your code, contact your dealership.

only have three

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Disabling the Theft-Deterrent Feature Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. 2. Turn the radio off. 3. Press the 1 and 4 pushbuttons at the same time. Hold them down until SEC shows on the display.

4. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 5. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree

with your code.

6. Press HR to make the first one or two digits agree

with your code.

7. Press AM/FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down. The display will show ---, indicating that the radio is no longer secured.

If the code entered is incorrect, SEC will appear on the display. The radio will remain secured until the correct code is entered. When battery power is removed and later applied to a secured radio, the radio won’t turn on and LOC will appear on the display. To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss” earlier in this section.

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Audio Steering Wheel Controls If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel.

PRESET: Press this button to play the stations you have programmed on the radio preset pushbuttons. The radio will go to a preset station, play for a few seconds, then go to the next station. When a cassette tape is playing, press this button to change tape sides. Press this button again to stop scanning the preset stations.

AM FM: Press this button to select AM, FMI or FM2. The band you select will be displayed. The frequency will also be displayed and, if the station is in stereo, the stereo indicator will also be displayed. If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, it will stop and the radio will play.

SEEK A : Press the up or the down arrow to go to

the next or to the previous radio station and stay there. If a cassette tape is playing, press the up or the down arrow to search for the next or the previous selection on the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for SEEK to work. If a compact disc is playing, press the up arrow to go to the start of the next track. Press the down arrow to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If less than eight seconds have played, press the down arrow to go to

A VOL (Volume) v: Press the up or the down arrow

the previous track.

to increase or to decrease volume.

PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or compact disc when listening to the radio. MUTE: Press this button to silence the system. Press it again, or any other radio button, to turn on the sound. Understanding Radio Reception AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it.

FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (1 6 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go.

3-57

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player

A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate that you have used your tape player for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean timer. If this message appears on the display, your cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a known good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player. For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn. The recommended cleaning cassette is available through your dealership.

The cut tape detection feature of your cassette tape player may identify the cleaning cassette tape as a damaged tape, in error. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps:

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

Turn the ignition on. Turn the radio off. Press and hold the TAPE/PLAY button for five seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash for two seconds. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning time.

After the cleaning cassette is ejected, the cut tape detection feature will be active again. You may also choose a non-scrubbing action, wet-type cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not eject on its own. A non-scrubbing action cleaner may not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner. The use of a non-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning cassette is not recommended. After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset.

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Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. Care of Your CDs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the side without writing when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge. Care of Your CD Player The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism. Backglass Antenna The AM-FM antenna is integrated with the rear window defogger, located in the rear window. Be sure that the inside surface of the rear window is not scratched and that the lines on the glass are not damaged.

If the inside surface is damaged, it could interfere with radio reception. Also, for proper radio reception, the antenna connector at the top-center of the rear window needs to be properly attached to the post on the glass. Notice; Do not try to clear frost or other material from the inside of the rear window with a razor blade or anything else that is sharp. This may damage the rear defogger grid and affect your radio’s ability to pick up stations clearly. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Because this antenna is built into your rear window, there is a reduced risk of damage caused by car washes and vandals. If you choose to add a cellular telephone to your vehicle, and the antenna needs to be attached to the glass, be sure that you do not damage the grid lines for the AM-FM antenna. There is enough space between the lines to attach a cellular telephone antenna without interfering with radio reception Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting to the back glass. The metallic film in some tinting materials will interfere with or distort the incoming radio reception. Care must be taken when cleaning the rear window because it breaks in the resistive material heating element and will adversely affect radio and defogger performance. See your dealer for details.

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Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle

Your Driving. the Road. and Your Vehicle .......... 4-2 Defensive Driving ........................................... 4.2 Drunken Driving ............................................. 4-3 Control of a Vehicle ........................................ 4-6 Braking ......................................................... 4.6 ....................... 4.10 Traction Control System (TCS) Enhanced Traction System (ETS) .................... 4-1 1 Steering ...................................................... 4.13 Off-Road Recovery ....................................... 4-15 Passing ....................................................... 4.15 Loss of Control ............................................. 4.16 Driving at Night ............................................ 4.18 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads .................. 4-19

..... 4-22 City Driving .................................. Freeway Driving ............................... ..... 4.23 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ....................... 4-24 Highway Hypnosis ........................................ 4.25 Hill and Mountain Roads ................................ 4-25 Winter Driving .............................................. 4.27 If You Are Stuck:

Ice or Snow .............................................. ............................

4-32 4.33 Towing Your Vehicle ................. ......... 4.33 Recreational Vehicle Towing ....... ..... 4.33 Loading Your Vehicle .................................... 4.35 Towing a Trailer ........................................... 4.37

In Sand, Mud,

Towing .......................

4- 1

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your vehicle: Buckle up. See Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 1-7. Defensive driving really means ”be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.

Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task - such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor - makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.

4-2

Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death to!!, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

0 Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 16,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with more than 300,000 people injured.

Many adults - by some estimates, nearly half the adult population - choose never to drink alcohol, so they never drive after drinking. For persons under 21, it’s against the law in every US. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological and developmental reasons for these laws. The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. But what if people do? How much is “too much” if someone plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things: 0 The amount of alcohol consumed

The drinker’s body weight The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinking

0 The length of time it has taken the drinker to

consume the alcohol.

4-3

It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 mi of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a somewhat lower BAC level. There is a gender difference, too. Women generally have a lower relative percentage of body water than men. Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in an increasing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.1 0 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour). Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180 Ib (82 kg) person who drinks three 12 ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4 ounce (1 20 mi) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1 - 1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.

4-4

But the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater! The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “1’11 be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision.

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

lking.

lking and the1

riving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness and judgement can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious - or if you drive after drinking. even fatal -collision Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you’re with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

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Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.

Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle. Also see Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-10 and Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-1 1. Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (1 00 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important.

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And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking - rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid.

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this warning light on the instrument panel will come on briefly when you start your vehicle.

When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.

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

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

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

Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Using Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. If you have anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. However, if you don’t have anti-lock, your first reaction - to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down - may be the wrong thing to do.

Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can’t respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic. If you don’t have anti-lock, use a “squeeze’’ braking technique. This will give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This will help you retain steering control. If you do have anti-lock, it’s different. See “Anti-Lock Brakes.” In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

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TCS OFF

This light should come on briefly when you start the engine. If it stays on or comes on while you are driving, there is a problem with your traction control system.

See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-29. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the system on. But you can turn the traction control system off if you ever need to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See “Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out” under I f You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-32.

Traction Control System (TCS)

If your vehicle has the 3800 supercharged V6 engine it has a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.

LOW TRAC

This light will come on when your traction control system is limiting wheel spin. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-29.

You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control” under Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever on page 3-5.

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To turn the system off, press the button located on the instrument panel DIC (Driver’s Information Center) or Trip Computer, if equipped.

Enhanced Traction System (ETS) If your vehicle has the 3100 V6 or 3800 V6 engine and anti-lock brakes, your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.

is limiting wheel spin

The traction control system warning light will come on and stay on. If the system when you press the button, the warning light will come on and the system will turn off instantly. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The traction control system warning light should go off.

LOW TRAC

This light will come on when your Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin. See Enhanced Traction System Warning Light on page 3-29.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the enhanced traction system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See ‘Cruise Control’’ under Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.

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To turn the system on or off, press the TCS button on the far right end of the Driver Information Center (DIG) or the trip computer (if equipped).

When you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction System warning light will come on and stay on. If the Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the system off, the warning light will come on and the system will turn off right away. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The Enhanced Traction System warning light should go off.

The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you should use the lower gears only when necessary. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-24.

This TRAC OFF warning light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem.

TRAC OFF

See Enhanced Traction System Warning Light on page 3-30. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the Enhanced Traction System on. But you can turn the system off if you ever need to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required. See “Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out” under If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-32.

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Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Variable Effort Steering If your vehicle has this steering system, the system provides less steering effort for parking and when driving at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h). Steering effort will increase at higher speeds for improved road feel. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems - steering and braking - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems - steering and acceleration - can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4- 10 or Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4- I 1. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.

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If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking - if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action - steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. See Braking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available.

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

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

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,