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We recommend that you regularly inspect your vehicle's tires, including the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, for signs of wear or damage. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 10‑51 for more information.
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Tire Rotation Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to 13 000 km). See Scheduled Maintenance on page 11‑2 . The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will ensure that the vehicle continues to perform most like it did when the tires were new. Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate the tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See When It Is Time for New Tires on page 10‑51 and Wheel Replacement on page 10‑55 .
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When rotating the vehicle's tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here. If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not include it in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure on page 10‑43 and Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑10 . Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 10‑46 . Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 .
{ WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57.
Make sure the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, tighten the cable. See Tire Changing on page 10‑67 .
When It Is Time for New Tires Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions influence when you need new tires.
The vehicle needs new tires if any of the following statements are true: . You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire.
. You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire's rubber. The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric. The tire has a bump, bulge, or split. The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that cannot be repaired well because of the size or location of the damage.
One way to tell when it is time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which appear when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) or less of tread remaining.
The rubber in tires degrades over time. This is also true for the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, even if it is not being used. Multiple conditions affect how fast this aging takes place, including temperatures, loading conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance. With proper
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care and maintenance tires typically wear out before they degrade due to age. If you are unsure about the need to replace the tires as they get older, consult the tire manufacturer for more information.
Buying New Tires GM has developed and matched specific tires for your vehicle. The original equipment tires installed on your vehicle, when it was new, were designed to meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) system rating. If you need replacement tires, GM strongly recommends that you get tires with the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed to give the same performance and vehicle safety, during normal use, as the original tires.
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GM's exclusive TPC Spec system considers over a dozen critical specifications that impact the overall performance of your vehicle, including brake system performance, ride and handling, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring performance. GM's TPC Spec number is molded onto the tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the tires have an all-season tread design, the TPC Spec number will be followed by an MS for mud and snow. See Tire Sidewall Labeling on page 10‑37
for additional information. GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This is because uniform tread depth on all tires will help keep your vehicle performing most like it did when the tires were new. Replacing less than a full set of tires can affect the braking and handling performance of your vehicle.See Tire Inspection on page 10‑49
and Tire Rotation on page 10‑49
for information on proper tire rotation.{ WARNING
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes, brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes, brands, or types may also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size, brand, and type of tires on all wheels. It is all right to drive with your compact spare temporarily, as it was developed for use on your vehicle. See Compact Spare Tire on page 10‑77 .
{ WARNING
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the wheels on the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle's tires with those that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating, and construction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your vehicle's original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring system could give an inaccurate low-pressure warning if non-TPC Spec rated tires are installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated tires may give a low-pressure warning that is higher or lower than the proper warning level you would get with TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 10‑44 . Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed on the Tire and Loading Information Label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑10 , for more information about the Tire and Loading Information Label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than your original equipment wheels and tires, this may affect the way your vehicle performs, including its braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, and resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic systems such as, anti-lock brakes, rollover airbags, traction control, and stability control, the performance of these systems can be affected.
{ WARNING
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle may not provide an acceptable level of performance and safety if tires not
(Continued)
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WARNING (Continued)
recommended for those wheels are selected. You may increase the chance that you will crash and suffer serious injury. Only use Saturn specific wheel and tire systems developed for your vehicle, and have them properly installed by a Saturn certified technician.
See Buying New Tires on page 10‑51 and Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑3 for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
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Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and temperature performance. This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these grades, they must also conform to federal safety requirements and additional General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
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Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your dealer/retailer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer/retailer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.
Temperature – A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. It should be noted that the
temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The tires and wheels on the vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give the longest tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary on a regular basis. However, if there is unusual tire wear or the vehicle pulls to one side or the other, the alignment should be checked. If the vehicle vibrates when driving on a smooth road, the tires and wheels might need to be rebalanced. See your dealer/retailer for proper diagnosis.
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If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new Saturn original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
{ WARNING
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57 for more information. Used Replacement Wheels
{ WARNING
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You cannot know how it has been used or how far it has been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new Saturn original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{ WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash. Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on the vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions. Follow that manufacturer's instructions.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the device if it is contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the vehicle's wheels. If you do find traction devices that will fit, install them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle's tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
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{ WARNING
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the appropriate safety equipment and training. If a jack is provided with the vehicle, it is designed only for changing a flat tire. If it is used for anything else, you or others could be badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack is provided with the vehicle, only use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.
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{ WARNING
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you or other people. You and they could be badly injured or even killed. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put an automatic
transmission shift lever in P (Park), or shift a manual transmission to 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
To be certain the vehicle will not move, put blocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side, at the opposite end of the vehicle.
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. To use the jacking equipment to change a spare tire safely, follow the instructions below. Then see Tire Changing on page 10‑67. To use the tire sealant and compressor kit, see Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 10‑59. When the vehicle has a flat tire (B), use the following example as a guide to assist you in the placement of wheel blocks (A).
A. Wheel Block B. Flat Tire The following information explains how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{ WARNING
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑21.
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If this vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit, there may not be a spare tire, tire changing equipment, and on some vehicles there may not be a place to store a tire. The tire sealant and compressor can be used to temporarily seal punctures up to ¼ inch (6 mm) in the tread area of the tire. It can also be used to inflate an under inflated tire. If the tire has been separated from the wheel, has damaged sidewalls, or has a large puncture, the tire is too severely damaged for the tire sealant and compressor kit to be effective. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 13‑5. Read and follow all of the tire sealant and compressor kit instructions.
{ WARNING
Over-inflating a tire could cause the tire to rupture and you or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the tire sealant and compressor kit instructions and inflate the tire to its recommended pressure. Do not exceed the recommended pressure.
{ WARNING Storing the tire sealant and compressor kit or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store the tire sealant and compressor kit in its original location.
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This vehicle may have one of the following tire sealant and compressor kits. The kit includes:
Tire Sealant Read and follow the safe handling instructions on the label adhered to the sealant canister. Check the tire sealant expiration date on the sealant canister. The sealant canister should be replaced before its expiration date. Replacement sealant canisters are available at your local dealer/ retailer. See “Removal and Installation of the Sealant Canister” following. There is only enough sealant to seal one tire. After usage, the sealant canister and sealant/air hose assembly must be replaced. See “Removal and Installation of the Sealant Canister” following. Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to Temporarily Seal and Inflate a Punctured Tire Follow the directions closely for correct sealant usage.
A. Selector Switch (Sealant/Air or
Air Only)
B. On/Off Button C. Pressure Gage D. Pressure Deflation Button
(If equipped)
E. Tire Sealant Canister F. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear) G. Air Only Hose (Black) H. Power Plug
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2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (F)
and the power plug (H).
3. Place the kit on the ground.
Make sure the tire valve stem is positioned close to the ground so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) onto the tire valve stem. Turn it clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug the power plug (H) into the
accessory power outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other accessory power outlets. See Power Outlets on page 5‑9 . If the vehicle has an accessory power outlet, do not use the cigarette lighter. If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter, use the cigarette lighter. Do not pinch the power plug cord in the door or window.
When using the tire sealant and compressor kit during cold temperatures, warm the kit in a heated environment for 5 minutes. This will help to inflate the tire faster. Always do a safety check first. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57. Do not remove any objects that have penetrated the tire. 1. Remove the tire sealant and
compressor kit from its storage location. See Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 10‑66.
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7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using the air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (A)
counterclockwise to the Sealant + Air position.
9. Press the on/off (B) button to
turn the tire sealant and compressor kit on. The compressor will inject sealant and air into the tire. The pressure gage (C) will initially show a high pressure while the compressor pushes the sealant into the tire. Once the sealant is completely dispersed into the tire, the pressure will quickly drop and start to rise again as the tire inflates with air only.
10.
Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure using the pressure gage (C). The recommended inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure on page 10‑43. The pressure gage (C) may read higher than the actual tire pressure while the compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to get an accurate pressure reading. The compressor may be turned on/off until the correct pressure is reached.
Notice: If the recommended pressure cannot be reached after approximately 25 minutes, the vehicle should not be driven farther. The tire is too severely damaged and the tire sealant and compressor kit cannot inflate the tire. Remove the power plug from the accessory power outlet and unscrew the inflating hose from the tire valve. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 13‑5. 11. Press the on/off button (B) to
turn the tire sealant and compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will continue to leak air until the vehicle is driven and the sealant is distributed in the tire, therefore, Steps 12 through 18 must be done immediately after Step 11. Be careful while handling the tire sealant and compressor kit as it could be warm after usage.
12. Unplug the power plug (H) from
the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
13. Turn the sealant/air hose (F) counterclockwise to remove it from the tire valve stem.
14. Replace the tire valve
stem cap.
15. Replace the sealant/air hose (F), and the power plug (H) back in their original location.
19. Stop at a safe location and
20. Wipe off any sealant from the
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check the tire pressure. Refer to Steps 1 through 11 under “Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not Punctured).” If the tire pressure has fallen more than 10 psi (68 kPa) below the recommended inflation pressure, stop driving the vehicle. The tire is too severely damaged and the tire sealant cannot seal the tire. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 13‑5. If the tire pressure has not dropped more than 10 psi (68 kPa) from the recommended inflation pressure, inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure.
wheel, tire, and vehicle.
21. Dispose of the used sealant canister (E) and sealant/air hose (F) assembly at a local dealer/retailer or in accordance with local state codes and practices.
22. Replace it with a new canister
available from your dealer/ retailer.
23. After temporarily sealing a tire
using the tire sealant and compressor kit, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer/ retailer within a 100 miles (161 km) of driving to have the tire repaired or replaced.
16.
If the flat tire was able to inflate to the recommended inflation pressure, remove the maximum speed label from the sealant canister (E) and place it in a highly visible location. The label is a reminder not to exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until the damaged tire is repaired or replaced.
17. Return the equipment to its
18.
original storage location in the vehicle. Immediately drive the vehicle 5 miles (8 km) to distribute the sealant in the tire.
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Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not Punctured) To use the air compressor to inflate a tire with air only and not sealant:
Always do a safety check first. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57. 1. Remove the tire sealant and
compressor kit from its storage location. See Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 10‑66.
2. Unwrap the air only hose (G)
and the power plug (H).
3. Place the kit on the ground.
Make sure the tire valve stem is positioned close to the ground so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the tire valve stem cap
9. Press the on/off (B) button to
from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (G) onto
the tire valve stem by turning it clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug the power plug (H) into the
10.
accessory power outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other accessory power outlets. See Power Outlets on page 5‑9 . If the vehicle has an accessory power outlet, do not use the cigarette lighter. If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter, use the cigarette lighter. Do not pinch the power plug cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using the air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (A)
clockwise to the Air Only position.
turn the compressor on. The compressor will inflate the tire with air only.
Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure using the pressure gage (C). The recommended inflation pressure can be found on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure on page 10‑43. The pressure gage (C) may read higher than the actual tire pressure while the compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to get an accurate reading. The compressor may be turned on/ off until the correct pressure is reached. If you inflate the tire higher than the recommended pressure you can adjust the excess pressure by pressing the pressure deflation button (D), if equipped, until the proper pressure reading is
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reached. This option is only functional when using the air only hose (G).
11. Press the on/off button (B) to
turn the tire sealant and compressor kit off. Be careful while handling the tire sealant and compressor kit as it could be warm after usage.
12. Unplug the power plug (H) from
the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
13. Disconnect the air only hose
(G) from the tire valve stem, by turning it counterclockwise, and replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Replace the air only hose (G)
and the power plug (H) and cord back in its original location.
15. Place the equipment in the
original storage location in the vehicle.
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The tire sealant and compressor kit has an accessory adapter located in a compartment on the bottom of its housing that may be used to inflate air mattresses, balls, etc.
Removal and Installation of the Sealant Canister To remove the sealant canister: 1. Unwrap the sealant hose. 2. Press the canister release
button.
3. Pull up and remove the canister. 4. Replace with a new canister which is available from your dealer/retailer.
5. Push the new canister into
place.
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit The tire sealant and compressor kit is located in the storage compartment on the driver side, at the rear of the vehicle.
1. Press down on the latch tab and
pull the cover off to access the storage compartment.
2. Press the two tabs on the quick release buckle to release the tire sealant and compressor kit strap.
3. Remove the sealant and
compressor kit from its tray.
To store the tire sealant and compressor kit, reverse the steps.
Tire Changing
Removing Tools The tools needed to remove the spare tire are located in the storage compartment on the driver side, at the rear of the vehicle. 1. Open the jack storage
compartment by pulling on the latch tab, located toward the rear of the vehicle, and pulling the cover off.
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4. Turn the jack on its side, with the
bottom facing toward you.
5. Pull the jack straight out, bottom
first.
A. Tool Bag B. Wing Bolt C. Jack
2. Remove the wing bolt (B) by
turning it counterclockwise
3. Push the jack (C) up out of the
holding bracket.
The tools you will be using include the jack (A) and lug wrench (B).
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Removing the Spare Tire The compact spare tire is located under the vehicle, in front of the rear bumper. See Compact Spare Tire on page 10‑77 for more information about the compact spare.
A. Rear Convenience Center B. Lug Wrench C. Storage Compartment Cap Hole D. Hoist Shaft
E. Compact Spare Tire F. Retainer G. Hoist Shaft Assembly 1. Open the storage compartment door of the convenience center that is nearest the liftgate and remove the cap on the bottom of the storage compartment.
2. Open the carpet cutout that is located through the hole of the storage compartment.
3. Attach the lug wrench into the
hoist shaft.
4. Turn the lug wrench
counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground. Continue turning the wrench until the spare tire can be pulled out from under the vehicle.
5. Tilt the retainer and slip it
through the wheel opening to remove the spare tire from the cable.
6. Turn the wrench clockwise to raise the cable back up after removing the spare tire. Do not store a full-size or a flat road tire under the vehicle. See “Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools” later in this section.
To continue changing the flat tire, see “Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire” later in this section.
If the spare tire will not lower, the secondary latch could be engaged.
Do the following to check the cable: 1. Check under the vehicle to see if
5.
2.
the cable is visible. If it is not visible, see Secondary Latch System on page 10‑76. If it is visible, first try to tighten the cable by turning the lug wrench clockwise until you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot over-tighten the cable.
4.
3. Loosen the cable by turning the wrench counterclockwise three or four turns. If the spare tire has not lowered, tighten the cable all the way and then loosen it at least two times. If the spare tire did lower to the ground, continue with Step 5
under “Removing the Spare Tire (Vehicles with the Rear Convenience Center)” listed previously.Vehicle Care
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If you still cannot lower the spare tire to the ground, see Secondary Latch System on page 10‑76.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Do a safety check before
2.
proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57 for more information. If the vehicle has a wheel cover, loosen the plastic nut caps with the wheel wrench. They will not come off. Then, using the flat end of the wheel wrench, pry along the edge of the cover until it comes off. Be careful; the edges may be sharp. Do not try to remove the cover with your bare hands. Store the wheel cover securely in the rear of the vehicle until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
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If the vehicle has aluminum wheels, remove the wheel nut caps using the wheel wrench.
Notice: If this vehicle has wheel locks and an impact wrench is used to remove the wheel nuts, the lock nut or wheel lock key could be damaged. Do not use an impact wrench to remove the wheel nuts if this vehicle has wheel locks.
Notice: If a jack is used to raise the vehicle without positioning it correctly, the vehicle could be damaged. When raising the vehicle on a jack, avoid contact with the rear axle control arms. 5. Do not raise the vehicle yet. Put the compact spare tire near you.
3. Loosen the wheel nuts — but do
not remove them — using the lug wrench. For wheels with a wheel lock key, use the wheel lock key between the lock nut and lug wrench. The key is supplied in the front passenger door pocket.
4. To identify the appropriate
jacking location, find the triangle (A) about 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the front tire or (B) about 10.5 inches (27 cm) from the rear tire. The triangle is located near each wheel on the vehicle's exterior.
{ WARNING
Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.
{ WARNING
Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall.
(Continued)
clockwise in the jack. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so that there is enough room for the spare tire to fit under the wheel well.
8. Remove all the wheel nuts and
the flat tire.
WARNING (Continued)
To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.
6. Attach the lug wrench to the
jack, and turn the wrench clockwise to raise the jack head 3 inches (7.6 cm).
9. Remove the plastic spare tire
heat shield by pulling the rubber latch. Store the plastic spare tire heat shield. See “Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools” later in this section for more information.
7. Place the jack under the vehicle as identified in Step 4. Raise the vehicle by turning the lug wrench
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{ WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑57.
{ WARNING
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a crash.
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10. Remove any rust or dirt from
the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces, and spare wheel. 11. Place the spare tire on the
wheel mounting surface.
12. Put the nuts on by hand by
turning them clockwise until the wheel is held against the mounting surface. Make sure the rounded end is toward the wheel.
13. Lower the vehicle by attaching
the lug wrench to the jack and turning the wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
{ WARNING
Wheel nuts that are improperly or incorrectly tightened can cause the wheels to become loose or come off. The wheel nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification after replacing. Follow the torque specification supplied by the aftermarket manufacturer when using accessory locking wheel nuts. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for original equipment wheel nut torque specifications.
Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12‑2 for the wheel nut torque specification.
14. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in
a crisscross sequence, as shown.
Notice: Wheel covers will not fit on your vehicle's compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on the compact spare, the cover or the spare could be damaged.
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4. When the compact spare tire is
almost in the stored position, turn the tire so the valve is toward the rear of the vehicle. This position helps when checking the air pressure in the compact spare tire.
5. Raise the tire fully against the
underside of the vehicle. Continue turning the lug wrench until you feel more than two clicks. This indicates that the compact spare tire is secure and the cable is tight. The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened.
Storing the Spare Tire { WARNING
The underbody-mounted spare tire needs to be stored with the valve stem pointing down. If the spare tire is stored with the valve stem pointing upwards, the secondary latch will not work properly and the spare tire could loosen and suddenly fall from the vehicle. If this happened when the vehicle was being driven, the tire might contact a person or another vehicle, causing injury and damage to itself. Be sure the underbody-mounted spare tire is stored with the valve stem pointing down.
{ WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.
To store the spare tire: 1. Lay the compact spare tire near
the rear of the vehicle with the valve stem down.
2. Reinstall the plastic spare tire
heat shield on the compact spare tire.
3. Slide the cable retainer through the center of the wheel and start to raise the compact spare tire. Make sure the retainer is fully seated across the underside of the wheel.
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3. Put the flat tire in the rear
storage area with the valve stem pointing toward the rear of the vehicle.
6. Make sure the tire is stored
securely. Push, pull (A), and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the tire moves, use the lug wrench to tighten the cable.
Storing the Flat Tire 1. Remove the cable package from
the jack storage area.
2. Remove the small center cap by tapping the back of the cap with the extension of the shaft, if the vehicle has aluminum wheels.
4. Pull the cable (A) through the
door striker (E), the center of the wheel (D), and the plastic spare tire heat shield (C), as shown.
5. Hook the cable onto the outside portion of the liftgate hinges (B). 6. Hook the other end of the cable
onto the outside portion of the liftgate hinge on the other side of the vehicle.
7. Pull on the cable to make sure it
is secure.
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3. Reinstall the wing bolt (B) by
turning clockwise.
4. To replace the cover, line up the tab at the front of the cover with the notch in the cover opening. Push the cover in place and make sure that the rear clips are in the slots and push the cover closed.
Store the center cap or the plastic bolt-on wheel covers until a full size tire is put back on the vehicle. When you replace the compact spare with a full-size tire, reinstall the bolt-on wheel covers or the center cap. Hand-tighten them over the wheel nuts, using the lug wrench.
Storing the Tools
8. Make sure the metal tube is
centered at the striker. Push the tube toward the front of the vehicle.
9. Close the liftgate and make sure
it is latched properly.
A. Tool Bag B. Wing Bolt C. Jack Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack storage compartment and put the compartment cover back on. 1. Ensure that the bottom of the
jack is facing toward you.
2. Turn the jack (C) on its side and
place down on the holding bracket.
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Secondary Latch System This vehicle has an underbody mounted tire hoist assembly that has a secondary latch system. It is designed to stop the compact spare tire from suddenly falling off the vehicle if the cable holding the spare tire is damaged. For the secondary latch to work, the tire must be stowed with the valve stem pointing down. See Tire Changing on page 10‑67 for instructions on storing the spare tire correctly.
{ WARNING
Before beginning this procedure read all the instructions. Failure to read and follow the instructions could damage the hoist assembly and you and others could get hurt. Read and follow the instructions listed next.
To release the spare tire from the secondary latch:
{ WARNING
Someone standing too close during the procedure could be injured by the jack. If the spare tire does not slide off the jack completely, make sure no one is behind you or on either side of you as you pull the jack out from under the spare.
1.
If the cable is not visible, start this procedure at Step 3.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle shown
2. Turn the lug wrench
counterclockwise until approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed.
3. Attach the lug wrench to the jack
and raise the jack at least 10 turns.
4. Place the jack under the vehicle,
ahead of the rear bumper. Position the center lift point of the jack under the center of the spare tire.
5. Turn the lug wrench clockwise to
raise the jack until it lifts the secondary latch spring.
6. Keep raising the jack until the
spare tire stops moving upward and is held firmly in place. This lets you know that the secondary latch has released and the spare tire is balancing on the jack.
8. Disconnect the lug wrench from
the jack and carefully remove the jack. Use one hand to push against the spare tire while firmly pulling the jack out from under the spare tire with the other hand.
9. Tilt the retainer and slip it
through the wheel opening when the spare tire has been completely lowered.
10. Turn the lug wrench clockwise to raise the cable back up if the cable is hanging.
7. Lower the jack by turning the lug wrench counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack until the spare tire slides off the jack.
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Have the hoist shaft assembly inspected as soon as you can. You will not be able to store a spare tire using the hoist assembly until it has been repaired or replaced.
Compact Spare Tire { WARNING Driving with more than one compact spare tire at a time could result in loss of braking and handling. This could lead to a crash and you or others could be injured. Use only one compact spare tire at a time.
The compact spare tire, if the vehicle has one, was fully inflated when the vehicle was new, however, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
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Vehicle Care
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good shape in case it is needed again. Notice: When the compact spare is installed, do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails which can damage the tire, wheel and other parts of the vehicle. Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep the spare tire and its wheel together. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system will be automatically disabled when you use the compact spare. To restore the AWD and prevent excessive wear on the clutch in your AWD, replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as possible. Notice: Tire chains will not fit the compact spare. Using them can damage the vehicle and can damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on the compact spare.
Jump Starting If the vehicle's battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
{ WARNING
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.
Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by the warranty. Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage the vehicle. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
Notice: If the other vehicle's system is not a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle. 2. Get the vehicles close enough
so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you do not want. You would not be able to start
your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral before setting the parking brake. If one of the vehicles is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure the transfer case is not in Neutral.
Notice: If you leave the radio or other accessories on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
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3. Turn off the ignition on both
vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on the other vehicle. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and a remote negative (−) jump starting terminal. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑6 for more information on the terminal locations.
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{ WARNING
Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the batteries have enough water. You do not need to add water to the ACDelco® battery (or batteries) installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water and get medical help immediately.
{ WARNING
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do
not have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or you will get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
8. Now connect the black
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part, or to a remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery.
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9. Connect the other end of the
negative (−) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, and the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. Your vehicle has a remote negative (−) terminal for this purpose.
6. Connect the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 7. Do not let the other end touch
metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
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10. Now start the vehicle with the
good battery and run the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had
the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
Notice: If the jumper cables are connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine
Part or Remote Negative (−) Terminal
B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (−) Terminals
C. Dead Battery or Remote
Positive (+) Terminal
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black
negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black
negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+)
cable from the other vehicle.
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. What is the distance that will be travelled? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. Is the proper towing equipment going to be used? See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed.
Towing
Towing the Vehicle To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service if the disabled vehicle must be towed. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for recreational purposes — such as behind a motorhome, see Recreational Vehicle Towing following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a dolly. Here are some important things to consider before recreational vehicle towing: . What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
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Dinghy Towing
If the vehicle is front-wheel-drive, it can be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles may also be towed by putting the front wheels on a dolly. See “Dolly Towing” later in this section. If the vehicle is all-wheel-drive, it can be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles can also be towed by placing them on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground. These vehicles cannot be towed using a dolly.
For vehicles being dinghy towed, the vehicle should be run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of transmission components. Re-install the fuse to start the vehicle. To tow the vehicle from the front with all four wheels on the ground: 1. Position the vehicle to be towed,
shift the transmission to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
2. Secure the vehicle to the towing
vehicle.
3. Set the parking brake. 4. Turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
5. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
6. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the 50 amp BATT1 fuse from the underhood fuse block and store in a safe location. See Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 10‑31.
7. Release the parking brake. Notice: If the vehicle is towed without performing each of the steps listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the automatic transmission could be damaged. Be sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing procedure prior to and after towing the vehicle. Notice: If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle.
Once the destination is reached: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Reinstall the 50 amp BATT1 fuse
to the underhood fuse block.
3. Shift the transmission to
P (Park), turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and remove the key from the ignition.
4. Disconnect the vehicle from the
towing vehicle.
Notice: Do not tow a vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe damage to the transmission.
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Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be towed with two wheels on the ground. To properly tow these vehicles, they should be placed on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground or dinghy towed from the front.
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle from the front with two wheels on the ground: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly. 2. Move the shift lever to P (Park). 3. Set the parking brake.
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4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Remove the key from the
ignition.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 7. Release the parking brake. Towing the Vehicle From the Rear
Notice: Towing the vehicle from the rear could damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never have the vehicle towed from the rear. Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/ Lenses Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing the Vehicle” later in this section. Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of the vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. Approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer/retailer. If the vehicle has a basecoat/ clearcoat paint finish, the clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are made for a basecoat/ clearcoat paint finish on the vehicle. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. To keep the paint finish looking new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Wash with water or use chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts. Washing the Vehicle To preserve the vehicle's finish, keep it clean by washing it often. Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight and use a car washing soap.
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Notice: Certain cleaners contain chemicals that can damage the emblems or nameplates on the vehicle. Check the cleaning product label. If it states that it should not be used on plastic parts, do not use it on the vehicle or damage may occur and it would not be covered by the warranty. Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum based or that contain acid or abrasives, as they can damage the paint, metal or plastic on the vehicle. Approved cleaning
