2008 Chevrolet AVEO Owners Manual

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Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in appropriate infant restraints. The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints. 1-37 Child Restraint Systems A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness. A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-38 Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle {CAUTION: A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Make sure the child restraint is properly installed in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42 for more information. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint {CAUTION: A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Because there are different systems, it is important to refer to the instructions that come with the restraint. Make sure the child is properly secured, following the instructions that came with that restraint. 1-39 Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. 1-40 {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65 for additional information. When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. There are a couple of things you need to know about using child restraints in your rear seat: If you use a child restraint in the center rear seating position (A), the safety belts and the child restraint LATCH anchors for the rear outside seating positions (B) will not be accessible. Therefore, you will not be able to secure child restraints or have passengers ride in the rear outside seating positions. If you use two child restraints (A) in the rear outside seating positions, the safety belt for the center rear seat position (B) will not be accessible. Therefore, you will not be able to secure a child restraint or have a passenger ride in the center rear seating position. Wherever you install a child restraint, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. 1-41 Lower Anchors Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B). Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer will provide you with instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in your vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments. 1-42 Top Tether Anchor Your child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If the child restraint does not have a top tether, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available. A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash. 1-43 Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations Hatchback models may have zippers over the lower anchor areas. If so, unzip the seat cover below the labels to access each lower anchor. To assist you in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is located on the cover. i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. To assist you in locating the lower anchors, each seating position with lower anchors has two labels, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion. 1-44 Sedan Hatchback For sedan models, the top tether anchors are located under the covers behind the rear seat on the ﬁller panel. Pull open the cover to access the top tether anchors. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. For hatchback models, the top tether anchors (B) are located in the rear cargo area, attached to the back wall (A) of the vehicle. Squeeze and pull the front part of the plastic cover to access the top tether anchors. Remove the cargo shade before installing the top tether. The cargo shade should remain off while the top tether is in use. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. 1-45 {CAUTION: Each top tether anchor and lower anchor in the vehicle is designed to hold only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per anchor. Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40 for additional information. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System {CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. 1-46 {CAUTION: Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Secure any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed. Be sure to follow the instructions of the child restraint manufacturer. Notice: Contact between the child restraint LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly may cause damage to these parts. Make sure when securing unused safety belts behind the child restraint that there is no contact between the child restraint LATCH attachment parts and the vehicle’s safety belt assembly. Folding an empty rear seat with the safety belts secured may cause damage to the safety belt or the seat. When removing the child restraint, always remember to return the safety belts to their normal, stowed position before folding the rear seat. 1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position. 1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors. 1-47 2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. Flip the cover to access the top tether anchors. 2.3. For hatchback models, remove the cargo shade before installing the top tether. The cargo shade should remain off while the top tether is in use. 2.4. Raise the headrest or head restraint if the desired seating position has an adjustable headrest or head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 1-6. 2.5. Route and tighten the top tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions: If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback. If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback. 1-48 If the position you are using has a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with your child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If you secure a child restraint using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 3. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. 1-49 If you need to install more than one child restraint in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if necessary. 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If you ﬁnd that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the correct buckle. 1-50 5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. If your child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it. 1-51 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Your vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40. In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator (Sedan) on page 3-31 for more information on this, including important safety information. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. 1-52 {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65 for additional information. If your child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If you secure a child restraint using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-42 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator (Sedan) on page 3-31. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. 1-53 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if necessary. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-54 If the airbag or airbags are off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the off symbol is not lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the off symbol is still not lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. Remove any additional material from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters or seat massagers before reinstalling or securing the child restraint. If the off symbol is still not lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer/retailer. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way. 1-55 6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. Airbag System Your vehicle has the following airbags: • A frontal airbag for the driver. • A frontal airbag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may have the following airbags: • A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the driver. • A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the right front passenger. All of the airbags in your vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger. With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest to the door. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today’s airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inﬂating bag, all airbags must inﬂate very quickly to do their job. Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: {CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. 1-56 {CAUTION: {CAUTION: Frontal airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They are not designed to inﬂate in rollover, rear crashes, or in many side crashes. Seat-mounted side impact airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They are not designed to inﬂate in frontal, in rollover, or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. Airbags inﬂate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to the airbag, as you would be if you were sitting on the edge of your seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with seat-mounted airbags. 1-57 {CAUTION: Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-32 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-34. There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30 for more information. 1-58 Where Are the Airbags? The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-59 {CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. Do not use seat accessories that block the inﬂation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag. Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar If your vehicle has seat-mounted side impact airbags for the driver and right front passenger, they are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door. 1-60 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? Frontal airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or right front passenger’s head and chest. However, they are only designed to inﬂate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down. Frontal airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example: • If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. • If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. • If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). • If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. Thresholds can also vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. 1-61 In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. Frontal airbags are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. Your vehicle may or may not have seat-mounted side impact airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-56. Seat-mounted side impact airbags are intended to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. Seat-mounted side impact airbags will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Seat-mounted side impact airbags are not intended to inﬂate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side impact airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact. 1-62 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inﬂator. Gas from the inﬂator ﬁlls the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inﬂator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat-mounted side impact airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-61 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts. 1-63 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After the frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbags inﬂate, they quickly deﬂate, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbags inﬂated. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-63. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle. {CAUTION: When an airbag inﬂates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention. Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers when the airbags inﬂate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features. 1-64 In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. • Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. • Your vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 7-18 and Event Data Recorders on page 7-19. • Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on the airbag system. Improper service can mean that the airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer/retailer for service. Passenger Sensing System Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger’s position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible when you start your vehicle. United States – Sedan Canada – Sedan If you have a sedan, the airbag off symbol will be visible near the clock, located in the center of the instrument panel, during the system check. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator (Sedan) on page 3-31. 1-65 The passenger sensing system works with a sensor that is part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensor is designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) should be enabled (may inﬂate) or not. Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. United States – Hatchback Canada – Hatchback If you have a hatchback, the airbag off symbol will be visible in the Secondary Information Center (SIC) during the system check. See Secondary Information Center (SIC) (Hatchback Only) on page 3-43. When the system check is complete, the airbag off symbol will be visible under certain conditions. The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) under certain conditions. The driver’s airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system. 1-66 {CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) if: • The right front passenger seat is unoccupied. • The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. • The system determines that a small child is present • The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint. in a booster seat. • A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time. • The right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints. • Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), the off symbol will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag or airbags are off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator (Sedan) on page 3-31. 1-67 If a child restraint has been installed and the off symbol is not lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-52. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the off symbol is still not lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 1-6. Remove any additional material from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers before reinstalling or securing the child restraint. If the off symbol is still not lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer/retailer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inﬂate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag or airbags to be enabled, the off symbol will not light. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off symbol is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off, remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters or seat massagers and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. 1-68 Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped). {CAUTION: If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30 for more on this, including important safety information. Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. 1-69 A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has approved for your speciﬁc vehicle. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-71 for more information about modiﬁcations that can affect how the system operates. {CAUTION: Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system. Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-17. {CAUTION: For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inﬂate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inﬂates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualiﬁed to do so. 1-70 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, front sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system. In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger’s position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-65. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modiﬁed. How can I ﬁnd out whether this will affect my airbag system? A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2. In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring. 1-71 Airbags The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30 for more information. If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, Notice: or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-63. See your dealer/retailer for service. Restraint System Check Checking the Restraint Systems Safety Belts Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-30 for more information. Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety Belts on page 5-82. 1-72 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash {CAUTION: A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system (if equipped) parts? After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary. But the belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced. If your vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being used at the time of the crash. If an airbag inﬂates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section. Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been in a crash, if your airbag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle, or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-30. 1-73 ✍ NOTES 1-74 Section 2 Features and Controls Keys ...............................................................2-2 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ................2-3 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation ...................................................2-4 Doors and Locks .............................................2-6 Door Locks ....................................................2-6 Central Door Unlocking System ........................2-7 Door Ajar Reminder ........................................2-7 Rear Door Security Locks ................................2-8 Lockout Protection ..........................................2-8 Trunk ............................................................2-9 Liftgate (Hatchback) ......................................2-11 Windows ........................................................2-12 Manual Windows ..........................................2-12 Power Windows ............................................2-13 Sun Visors ...................................................2-14 Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-14 Theft-Deterrent System ..................................2-14 Immobilizer ..................................................2-16 Immobilizer Operation ....................................2-16 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-17 New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-17 Ignition Positions ..........................................2-18 Starting the Engine .......................................2-19 Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-20 Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-21 Manual Transmission Operation ......................2-25 Parking Brake ..............................................2-26 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) ............................2-27 Shifting Out of PARK (P) ...............................2-28 Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission) ...............................2-29 Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-30 Engine Exhaust ............................................2-30 Running the Engine While Parked ...................2-31 Mirrors ...........................................................2-32 Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-32 Outside Manual Mirrors ..................................2-32 Outside Power Mirror ....................................2-33 Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-34 Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-34 Storage Areas ................................................2-34 Glove Box ...................................................2-34 Cupholder(s) ................................................2-35 Sunglasses Storage Compartment ...................2-35 Sunroof .........................................................2-36 2-1 Keys {CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children. 2-2 One key is used for the ignition, the doors and all other locks. When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer/retailer removes the key tag and gives it to the ﬁrst owner. The tag has a code on it that tells your dealer/retailer how to make extra keys. For vehicle security, keep the key tag in a safe place and also record the key number somewhere other than inside of the vehicle. If you lose your key, you will be able to have a new one made easily using the tag. Your vehicle may have an electronic immobilizer designed to protect your car against theft. If so, only keys with the correct electronic code can be used to start the vehicle. See Immobilizer Operation on page 2-16 for additional information. Even if a key has the same proﬁle, it will not start the engine if the electronic code is incorrect. If you need a new key, contact your dealer/retailer who can obtain the correct key code. Also see Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-8. Notice: you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys. If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, it operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this: • Check the distance. You may be too far from your vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather. • Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. • Check to determine if battery replacement is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section. • If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer or a qualiﬁed technician for service. 2-3 K (Unlock): Press this button to unlock all of the doors. The hazard lamps will ﬂash twice to indicate that unlocking has occurred and that the theft-deterrent system is deactivated. Sedan n (Lock/Unlock): Press this button to lock all of the doors. The hazard lamps will ﬂash once and the horn will sound to indicate that locking has occurred and that the theft-deterrent system is active. Press this button again to unlock all of the doors. The hazard lamps will ﬂash twice to indicate that unlocking has occurred and that the theft-deterrent system is deactivated. V (Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold this button for approximately one second to open the trunk. The LED light, on the transmitter, will ﬂash when the buttons on the transmitter are pressed. The lock and unlock buttons will not operate and the theft-deterrent system will not activate while the key is in the ignition. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation You can lock and unlock your vehicle’s doors from about 20 ft (6 m) away using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Hatchback Sedan The following functions may be available if your vehicle has the RKE system: Hatchback Q(Lock): Press this button to lock all of the doors. If all of the doors and the trunk or liftgate are closed, the hazard lamps will ﬂash once to indicate that locking has occurred and that the theft-deterrent system is active. 2-4 Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer/retailer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer/retailer. When the dealer/retailer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer/retailer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of ﬁve transmitters matched to it. Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your RKE transmitter should last about two years. The battery is weak if the LED fails to illuminate or if the transmitter will not work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it is probably time to change the battery. Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. Hatchback Sedan To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter, do the following: 1. Remove the screw from the back of the cover and open the cover of the transmitter. 2. Pull the transmitter out of the cover and carefully detach the sticker from the unit. Keep the sticker clean. 3. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive side of the battery faces up. Use one three-volt, CR1620, or equivalent, type battery. 4. Attach the sticker and put the transmitter unit in the cover. 2-5 5. Put the two halves back together and replace the screw. Make sure the cover is on tightly, so water will not get in. CAUTION: (Continued) 6. Test the transmitter operation. Doors and Locks Door Locks {CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. (cid:129) Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. CAUTION: (Continued) 2-6 (cid:129) Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it. (cid:129) Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening. There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. From the outside, use your key or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4. To manually unlock the front doors from the outside, insert the key and turn it toward the front of the vehicle. To manually lock the doors from the outside, insert the key and turn it toward the rear of the vehicle. All doors, except for the driver’s door, can be locked by pushing down the manual door lock and then closing the door. The driver’s door can only by locked from the outside by using the key or the optional remote keyless entry transmitter. From the inside, you can lock and unlock all of the doors by pushing or pulling the manual door lock located on each door. Central Door Unlocking System Your vehicle may be equipped with the central door unlocking system. This system is activated from the driver’s door. From the outside, you can lock or unlock all the doors by using either the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped. From the inside, you can lock or unlock all the doors by using the driver’s door lock switch while the driver’s door is closed. Door Ajar Reminder If one of the doors on the sedan is not closed properly while the ignition is on, the door ajar light on the instrument panel comes on and stays on until the doors are closed. If one of the doors on the hatchback is not closed properly while the ignition is on, the door ajar light on the secondary information center comes on and stays on until the doors are closed. 2-7 Rear Door Security Locks Your vehicle has rear door security locks on each rear door that prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside. Using the Rear Door Security Lock 1. Move the lever up to lock. 2. Close the door. 3. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock. Notice: Pulling the inside door handle while the rear door security locks are engaged could damage your vehicle. Do not pull the inside door handle while the rear door security locks are engaged. The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside while this feature is in use. 2-8 Opening a Rear Door When the Security Lock is On 1. Unlock the door from the inside. 2. Open the door from the outside. If you do not cancel the security lock, adults or older children who ride in the rear will not be able to open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and older children know how to cancel the locks. Canceling the Rear Door Security Lock 1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door from the outside. 2. Move the lever down to unlock. 3. Do the same for the other rear door. The rear door locks can now be locked and unlocked normally. Lockout Protection This feature helps prevent locking the key in the car. The driver’s door can only be locked with the door closed. From the outside of the vehicle, close the driver’s door and lock it using the key or the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter. This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be locked out of your vehicle. Always remember to take your key with you. Trunk {CAUTION: To open the trunk on your sedan from outside of your vehicle, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn the key clockwise or use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped. Remote Trunk Release It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid: (cid:129) Make sure all other windows are shut. (cid:129) Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-30. If your vehicle has a trunk release button located on the driver’s door, you can open the trunk from inside your vehicle by pressing the release button. Trunk Release Button When closing the trunk, close from the center to ensure it fully latches. 2-9 (cid:129) If your vehicle has a trunk release lever located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat, you can open the trunk from inside your vehicle by pulling the release lever. Trunk Release Lever Emergency Trunk Release Handle Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside. There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the underside of the trunk lid. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle down to open the trunk from the inside. 2-10 Liftgate (Hatchback) {CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the liftgate open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the liftgate: (cid:129) Make sure all other windows are shut. (cid:129) Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System on page 3-20. If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-30. To open the liftgate on your hatchback from outside of the vehicle, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it counterclockwise or use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped. Then pull up the handle above the license plate to open the liftgate. When closing the liftgate, close from the center to ensure it fully latches. To lock the liftgate, insert the key into the lock cylinder and turn it clockwise or use the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped. The liftgate can also be locked or unlocked by the central door unlocking system or remote keyless entry, if equipped. See Central Door Unlocking System on page 2-7 and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4. 2-11 (cid:129) Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. 2-12 Manual Windows Use the window crank to open and close each window. The rear windows do not open fully. Power Windows {CAUTION: Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome from extreme heat in warm or hot weather and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons, children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children. When there are children in the rear seat use the window lockout button to prevent unintentional operation of the windows. If your vehicle has power windows, the switches are located on the driver’s door. In addition, each passenger door has a switch for its own window. The ignition must be turned to ON/RUN to use the power windows. To lower the window, press and hold the switch. To raise the window, lift up on the switch. Release the switch when the window reaches the desired level. 2-13 Window Lockout The window lockout is located with the driver’s power window switches. Press the lockout button to stop the front and rear passengers from using their window switches. The driver can still operate all the windows with the lockout on. Press the lockout button again to return to normal window operation. Sun Visors To block out glare you can swing down the visors. You can also remove them from the center mount and swing them to the side. Visor Vanity Mirror Your vehicle has vanity mirrors located on the back of the sun visors. Swing down the sun visor to expose the vanity mirror. 2-14 Theft-Deterrent Systems Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. Theft-Deterrent System Your vehicle may have a theft-deterrent system. The theft-deterrent system will not arm when you lock the doors using the key or the manual door lock. It arms only when you use the remote keyless entry transmitter. Arming the System To arm the system, do the following: 1. Close the doors, the windows, the hood, and the trunk or liftgate. Ensure that the windows are closed, as the system can be armed even if the windows are open. 2. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF and remove the key from the ignition. If the key is inserted in the ignition, the transmitter will not arm the theft-deterrent system. 3. Lock the doors by pressing the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. • The LED light on the transmitter will ﬂash once. • All of the doors will lock. • The hazard warning lamps will ﬂash once and the horn will sound. • The security light will ﬂash to indicate that the theft-deterrent system is armed. For hatchback models, the security light is located on the secondary information center (SIC) on the center of the instrument panel. See Secondary Information Center (SIC) (Hatchback Only) on page 3-43. For sedan models, the security light is located on the center of the instrument panel near the clock. See Instrument Panel Overview on page 3-4. To avoid activating the alarm by accident, do one of the following: • Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front door using the key. • Press the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will activate the alarm when a door or the trunk or liftgate is opened. If you do not want to arm the theft-deterrent system, lock the vehicle using the key or the manual door locks. Disarming the System To disarm the system, do one of the following: • Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front door using the key. • Press the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. − The LED light on the transmitter will ﬂash once. − All of the doors will unlock. − The hazard warning lamps will ﬂash twice. If the door is not opened or if the engine is not started within 30 seconds after disarming the system using the transmitter, all of the doors will automatically lock and the theft-deterrent mode will rearm. How the System Alarm is Activated If a door or the trunk or liftgate is opened without using the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the horn will sound and the lamps will ﬂash for up to 30 seconds. 2-15 How to Turn Off the System Alarm If the system alarm is active, it can be deactivated using one of the following methods: • Press the lock or unlock buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter. • Unlock the driver’s or passenger’s front door using the key. Otherwise, the alarm will automatically stop after 30 seconds. The system will then lock the doors and rearm the theft-deterrent system. How to Detect a Tamper Condition If the hazard warning lamps ﬂash once when you press the lock or unlock buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the theft-deterrent system alarm was activated while you were away. Immobilizer This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 2-16 This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment. Immobilizer Operation Your vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system. The immobilizer system prevents your vehicle from being started by unauthorized persons. The system is automatically armed when the key is removed from the ignition. You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system. The security light will come on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. If your vehicle has an immobilizer system, your vehicle has a special key that works with the theft-deterrent system. There is a transponder in the key head that is electronically coded. The correct key will start the vehicle. An invalid key immobilizes the engine. The immobilizer system isolates the power supply to the ignition system, the fuel pump and the fuel injectors. If the immobilizer system does not recognize the electronic code when the key is turned to START, the engine will not start and the security indicator will continue blinking. If your key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your vehicle. When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not start and the security light continues ﬂashing, there may be a problem with the theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again. If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-89. If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the ﬁrst key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can have a new key made. Up to ﬁve keys may be programmed for the vehicle. If you lose or damage your keys, only a dealer/retailer can have new keys made. In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-8. Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle. Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:129) Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle. (cid:129) Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased. 2-17 Ignition Positions The ignition switch can be turned to four different positions with the key. {CAUTION: On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK/OFF will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ACC/ACCESSORY. Do not push the key in while the vehicle is moving. 2-18 Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the ignition switch could cause damage or break the key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service. LOCK/OFF: This position locks the steering wheel, ignition, shift lever and transmission. This is the only position in which you can insert or remove the key. If the steering wheel is locked, move it form right to left and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. ACC/ACCESSORY: This position operates some of the electrical accessories, such as the radio, but not the climate control system. ON/RUN: This is the position the switch returns after you start the engine and release the key. The switch stays in ON/RUN when the engine is running. But even when the engine is not running, you can use ON/RUN to operate the electrical accessories, and to display some instrument panel warning lights. START: This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The switch returns to ON/RUN for normal driving. Do not turn the key to START if the engine is running. Even if the engine is not running, ACC/ACCESSORY and ON/RUN allow you to operate electrical accessories, such as the radio. Starting the Engine Automatic Transmission Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). The engine will not start in any other position — that is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transmission The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ﬂoor and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a safety feature. Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engine by turning the ignition to START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try. When the engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not run your engine at high speed when it is cold. If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 2-19 3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts brieﬂy but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for ﬁve or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If electrical parts or accessories are added, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. Engine Coolant Heater The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting your vehicle. To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-Volt AC outlet. {CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps. 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged. 2-20 How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice for that particular area. Automatic Transmission Operation If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats. Movement between certain positions requires pushing the release button on the front of the shifter. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. {CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-27. Ensure that the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P) while holding the brake pedal down, see Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-28. 2-21 REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. When shifting from NEUTRAL (N) to REVERSE (R), you need to apply the regular brake and push the release button on the front of the shifter and then forward. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-17. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart while you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting your vehicle. AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D4): This position is for normal driving. When operating your vehicle in severe cold conditions, the transmission may be prevented from shifting into D4 gear until the transmission ﬂuid has warmed up to it’s operational temperature. 2-22 If your vehicle seems to start up rather Notice: slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you could damage the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. Notice: Do not drive in SECOND (2) at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage the transmission. Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D4) as much as possible. Do not shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage your engine. FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transmission will not shift into ﬁrst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. If there is a malfunction with the automatic transmission, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or the HOLD indicator light will turn on or ﬂash. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-49 or Hold Mode Light on page 3-48. Have your vehicle ﬁxed as soon as possible. 2-23 Hold Mode If your vehicle’s transmission has hold mode, you can select this mode to drive with some characteristics of a manual transmission. With hold mode turned on, the automatic transmission will stay in a speciﬁc gear range. For the Hatchback, the HOLD light will light up on the secondary information center. For the Sedan, the HOLD light will light up on the instrument panel cluster. See Hold Mode Light on page 3-48. When hold mode is activated, the transmission runs as follows: Selector Lever Position D4 Gear Range Third Gear Second Gear First Gear Hold Mode Features Winter Function Select hold mode while in AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D4) or SECOND (2) gear to help the vehicle maintain traction on slippery road surfaces, such as snow, mud, or ice. Manually Controlling Shift Select hold mode to use your automatic transmission like a three-speed manual transmission. Press the HOLD button on the shift lever console to turn on hold mode. Press the button again to turn off hold mode, and return to normal automatic transmission operation. 2-24 Manual Transmission Operation Five-Speed This is your shift pattern. Here is how to operate your manual transmission: FIRST (1): Press the clutch pedal and shift into FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1). SECOND (2): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5): Shift into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5), the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL. NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal, lift up the ring on the shift lever and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. 2-25 Shift Speeds {CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-33. To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake lever all the way down. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. The parking brake lever is located between the bucket seats. 2-26 Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission)

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2008 Chevrolet AVEO Owners Manual