2003 Chevrolet Suburban Owners Manual

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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Q: What's wrong with this?

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

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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d by a tv

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

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

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

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Center Passenger Position

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-28. The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt-except for one If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature which may turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag. If this happens unintentionally, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

thing.

If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions. When you sit in the center seating position in the second row you have a lap-shoulder belt which is similar to the rear outside seating positions. To learn how to wear this belt see “Lap-Shoulder Belt” under Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-38.

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Lap Belt When you sit in a center seating position other than in the second row you have a lap belt.

A lap safety belt does not have a retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

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Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

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

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-43. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

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I

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

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

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

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Your vehicle may have this feature already. If it doesn’t, you can get it from any GM dealer. Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide available for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt: 1. For the second row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the trim panel near the side of the seatback. For the third row, remove the guide from its storage clip on the side of the seatback

2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two

edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.

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Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt.

Third Row Seat

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-38. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Make sure you remove the comfort guide from the belt before you fold a rear seat down or use an easy-entry seat, if your vehicle has one.

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Child Restraints

Older Children

Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear seat. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. If you have the choice, a child should sit in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? L4: ff the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, move the child toward the center of the vehicle. See Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults on page 1-41. If the child is sitting in the second row center position, move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

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this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash.

Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint.

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in

CAUTION:

(Continued)

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holL .t. For exan ,~ e, in z rash at c y 2 nph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (1 10 kg) force on a person's arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn't weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to

CAUTION: (Continued)

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Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide.

For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

restraints?

Q: What are the different types of add-on child A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.

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 always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.

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Child Restraint Systems

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’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.

An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle.

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/

A rear-facing infant seat (B) 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 (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.

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Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A buiit-in chiid restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint. One system, the three-point harness, has straps that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders and buckle together at the crotch. The five-point harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the place of hip straps. A T-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low against the child’s body. A shelf- or armrest-type shield has straps that are attached to a wide, shelf-like shield that swings up or to the side.

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A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. 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. Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that chldren are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and the passenger air bag status indicator shows off. Never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat unless the air bag is off. Here’s why: 1-52

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure the air bag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. 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 rear seat. better to secure the child restraint in a Even though the Passenger Sensing System is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors therefore recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat whenever possible, even if the air bag

is off.

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, the passengers frontal air bag must be off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-76 and Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-64 for more on this including important safety information. Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle - even when no child is in it. Top Strap Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether”. It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is anchored properly.

If the child restraint does not have a top strap, one can be obtained, in kit form, for many child restraints. Ask the child restraint manufacturer whether or not a kit is available.

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored.

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Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. If you have an adjustable head restraint, route the top strap under it. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say. Top Strap Anchor Location TahoelSuburbanNukonNukon XL models without rear seats: Top strap anchor loops are located at the bottom rear of the front seat cushion for the right front passenger’s position.

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SuburbanNukon XL Models without Rear Seats

Anchor the top strap to this bracket. Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child restraint itself.

TahoelSuburbanNukonNukon XL models with rear seats: A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second or third row. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the front seat because there’s no place to anchor the top strap.

An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion for each seating position in the second row, and for the center seating position in the third row.

SuburbanNukon XL Second Row Seat, Bucket

Seats Similar

Third Row Bench Seat

TahoeNukon models: A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second or third row. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position, because there’s no place to anchor the top strap.

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An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located at the bottom rear of the seat cushion for the center seating position in the third row.

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Third Row 50/50 Split Bench Seat

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle may have the LATCH system. If it does, you’ll find anchors (A) in the second row seats, where the seatback meets the seat cushion. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a visible metal anchorage point in the seat where the seatback meets the seat cushion.

In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B), as shown here.

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If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System’’ or “Securing

1 a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat

Position’’ in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle.

With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.

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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System 1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want

to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the

anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the top

strap to the top strap anchor. See Top Strap on page 1-53. Tighten the top strap according to the child restraint instructions.

5. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect the anchor points.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-56. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See Top Strap on page 1-53 if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

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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.

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

the retractor to set the lock.

3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

5.

6.

To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-56.

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Second Row The center seat position in the second row has a lap-shoulder belt which works the same way as the safety belt in the rear outside seat positions. For instructions on how to secure a child restraint using a lap-shoulder belt see Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position on page 1-59. Third Row The center seat position in the third row has a lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See Top Strap on page 1-53 if the child restraint has one.

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1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch

plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or iarger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position

4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push

down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

Don’t use child restraints in this position. The restraints won’t work properly.

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. Unless your vehicle has the passenger sensing system, Never put a rear-facing child restraint in this seat.

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~~

It can

dd restr

a rear-facing

A child seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat unless the air bag is off.

_I

If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you need to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s air bag must be off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-76 and Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator on page 3-38 for more information on this including important safety information.

~

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This the back of the rear facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Be sure the air bag is off before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat

is because

i position.

Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors therefore recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat whenever possible, even if the air bag is off.

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See Top Strap on page 1-53 if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint, if you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position. See Power Seats on page 1-4 or Manual Seats on page 1-3. If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you are using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the frontal air bag is off. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-76. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator on the inside rearview mirror will light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START.

2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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

the retractor to set the lock.

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8. If your vehicle has the passenger sensing system and you’re using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, check to be sure the right front passenger’s frontal air bag is off before you begin to drive. If the air bag has been turned off, the off indicator will light and stay lit when the key is turned to RUN or START. If the on indicator is lit, the passenger’s frontal air bag has not been turned off. If this ever happens, turn the vehicle off, unbuckle the safety belt and perform the steps to install the rear-facing restraint again. After restarting the vehicle, if the.air bag still doesn’t turn off, install the infant restraint in a rear seat position of the vehicle and have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

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

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

the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. You should not be able to pull more of the belt out of the retractor once the lock has been set.

7. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the right front passenger, the words AIR BAG will appear on the air bag covering on the side of the right front passenger’s seatback closest to the door.

Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has air bags - a frontal air bag for the driver and another frontal air bag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side impact air bag. Side impact air bags are available for the driver and right front passenger. If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the driver, the words AIR BAG will appear on the air bag covering on the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations.

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

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt - even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them. Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They aren’t designed to inflate at all in in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inflate only in moderate to severe crashes where something

CAUTION:

(Continued)

hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly - whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

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

it could

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-38 for more information. Where Are the Air Bags?

The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called “Older Children” or “Infants and Young Children”.

There is a air bag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the air bag symbol.

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

If your vehicle has one, the driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.

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

When Should an Air Bag Inflate? Frontal Air Bags The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.”

If your vehicle has one, the right front passenger’s side impact air bag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest to the door.

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In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air bags, which adjust the amount of restraint according to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these air bags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 10 to 16 mph (16 to 25 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation would not help the occupant. Seat Position Sensors Vehicle’s with dual stage air bags are also equipped with special sensors which enable the sensing system to monitor the position of both the driver and passenger front seats. The seat position sensor provides information which is used to determine if the air bags should deploy at a reduced level or at full depoyment.

Side Impact Air Bags Your vehicle may or may not have a side impact air bag. See Air Bag Systems on page 1-68. Side impact air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inflate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. Air Bag Systems In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For side impact air bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact. The air bag system is designed to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage. Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain. As always, wear your safety belt. See Off-Road Driving with Your Four-wheel Drive Vehicle in the Index for tips on off-road driving.

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What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, the air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules. Frontal air bag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with side impact air bags, the air bag modules are located in the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door. How Does an Air Bag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts,

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primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for vehicle’s with a driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag.

What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?

After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module will be hot for a short time. These components include the steering wheel hub for the driver’s frontal air bag and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s frontal air bag. For vehicles with side impact air bags, the side of the seatback closest to the driver’s and/or right front passenger’s door will be hot. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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

In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. Air bags are designed to air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

inflate only once. After an

Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate and a more severe frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which records information about the frontal air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system and when the system commands are bag inflation. It records the status of the driver’s safety belt usage in a crash in which the air bag deploys or a crash in which the air bag nearly deploys. The module also records speed, engine RPM, brake and throttle data.

0 Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag

systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

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

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Passenger Sensing System

If your rearview mirror has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The indicator will be visible when you turn your ignition key to START or RUN. The words ON and OFF or the symbol for on and off, will be visible on the rearview mirror during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off will be visible. See Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator on page 3-38. If your rearview mirror doesn’t have either of the indicators pictured below, then your vehicle doesn’t have the passenger sensing system.

Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator - United States

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Passenger Air

Bag Status

Indicator - Canada

The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag under certain conditions. The driver’s air bag and the side air bags are not part of the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal air bag should be enabled (may inflate) or not.

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal air bag 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 in a forward-facing child restraint, the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat, a right front passenger takes hidher 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 a very small person, or if there is a critical problem with the air bag system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the air bag is off. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag when a rear facing infant seat, a forward-facing child restraint or a booster seat is detected. If the child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s

directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-64 of this manual. If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal air bag 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 air bag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the air bag is active. If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person isn’t sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the full upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s air bag.

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If the air bag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag 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 frontal air bag. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more on this, including important safety information.

Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers, can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. You may want to consider not using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing system.

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.

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Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or sides of the vehicle that could keep the air bags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s

frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet metal or height, they may keep the air bag system from working properly. Also, the air bag system may not work properly if you relocate any of the air bag sensors. If you have any questions about this, you should contact Customer Assistance before you modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There air bag system parts in several places around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7- 1 1.

For up to 1 minute after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an air bag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an air bag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

Air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

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Restraint System Check

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.

Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

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If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

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Section 2

Features and Controls

Keys ........................................................... .........................

-2-3 Remote Keyless Entry System 2.4 Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ........... 2.5 Doors and Locks ............................................. 2.8 Door Locks .................................................... 2.8 Power Door Locks .......................................... 2.9 Delayed Locking ........................................... 2.10 Programmable Automatic

Door Locks ...............................................

2.10 Rear Door Security Locks .............................. 2-12 Lockout Protection ........................................ 2.12 .... 2.13 Liftgate ................................. Windows ........................................................ 2-15 Manual Windows .......................................... 2.16 Power Windows ............................................ 2.16 Sun Visors ................................................... 2.17 Theft-Deterrent Systems .................................. 2.18 Content Theft-Deterrent ................................. 2.18 Passlock@ .................................................... 2.20 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................ 2.21 New Vehicle Break-in .................................... 2.21 Ignition Positions .......................................... 2.21 Starting Your Engine ..................................... 2.22 Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ................ 2.23 Engine Coolant Heater .................................

-2-24

Automatic Transmission Operation ................... 2.25 Four-wheel Drive .......................................... 2.28 All-Wheel Drive with Stabilitrak@ ................. 2.32 ..... 2-35 Parking Brake ................................. Shifting Into Park (P) ..................................... 2-36 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................. 2-38 Parking Over Things That Burn ....................... 2-39 Engine Exhaust ............................................ 2-40 Running Your Engine While You Are Parked .... 2-40 Mirrors ........................................................... 2-42 Manual Rearview Mirror ................................. 2-42 Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with Onstar@, Compass and Temperature Display ....................................................

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Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with

Compass and Temperature Display .............. 2-45 Outside Manual Mirrors .................................. 2-48 Outside Camper-Type Mirrors ......................... 2-48 Outside Power Mirrors ................................... 2-48 Outside Power Camper-Type Mirror ................. 2-49 Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors ..................... 2-49 Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror .................. 2-49 Outside Curb View Assist Mirrors .................... 2-50 Outside Convex Mirror ................................... 2-50 Outside Heated Mirrors .................................. 2-50

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Section 2

Features and Controls

Onstar@ System ................................. HomeLink@ Transmitter .......................

Programming the HomeLink Transmitter

Storage Areas .................................... Glove Box ....................................... Cupholder(s) .................................... Front Storage Area ........................... Center Console Storage Area .............

, .... -2-51 ....... -2-53 ........ 2.54 ........ 2.57 ........ 2.57 ........ 2.57 ........ 2.57 ........ 2.57

Luggage Carrier ........................................... 2.57 Rear Storage Area ........................................ 2.59 Convenience Net .......................................... 2.59 Cargo Cover ................................................ 2.59 2.60 Sunroof ......................................................... Vehicle Personalization ................................... 2-61 Memory Seat ............................................... 2-61

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Keys

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

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Your vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and all door locks as well as the spare tire hoist lock, if equipped.

If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining replacements. Notice: Your vehicle has a number of features that can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have spare keys.

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If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle, call the GM Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6. If your vehicle is equipped with the Onstar@ system with an active subscription and you lock your keys inside the vehicle, Onstat-@ may be able to send a command to unlock your vehicle. See OnStaP System on page 2-51 for more information. Remote Keyless Entry System If equipped, the keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 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, and 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 remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

Check the distance. You may be vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

too far from your

a 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” under Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5. If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

UNLOCK: Pressing this button once will unlock the driver’s door. The parking lamps will flash and the interior lights will come on. The ground illumination lamps will come on. Pressing UNLOCK again within three seconds will cause the remaining doors to unlock. The parking lamps will flash and the interior lights will come on.

LOCK: Pressing this button once will lock all of the doors. Wait one second, then press LOCK again and the horn will chirp. Operating the keyless entry transmitter may interact with the theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2- 18.

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Battery Replacement Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about two years. You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery. Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

Remote Alarm When the panic button with the horn symbol on the keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the panic button again, waiting for 30 seconds, or starting the vehicle. Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.

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To replace the battery in the keyless entry transmitter do the following:

2. Remove and replace the battery with a three-volt CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up.

3. Align the covers and snap them together. 4. Resynchronize the transmitter. 5. Check the operation of the transmitter.

1. Insert a dime, or similar object, in the slot between the covers of the transmitter housing near the key ring hole. Remove the bottom by twisting the dime.

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There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. You can use the keyless entry system (if equipped). You can also use your key.

To lock the door from the inside, slide the lever rearward. To unlock the door, slide the lever forward.

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

/r\ CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers - especially children - can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle won’t open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. 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. 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.

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Power Door Locks

If your vehicle is equipped with power door locks, press the raised side of the switch, with the lock symbol, on either front door to lock all the doors at once.

If your vehicle has this power door lock switch, press the bottom of the switch on either front door to lock all the doors at once.

Press the recessed side of the switch with the unlock symbol, to unlock all the doors at once. If your vehicle has the delayed locking feature, see “Delayed Locking” later in this section.

Press the top of the switch to unlock all the doors at once. The power door locks will operate at any time even when the ignition is off. Operating the power locks may interact with the theft-deterrent system (if equipped). See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2- 18.

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Programmable Automatic Door Locks if your vehicle has power door locks, it is equipped with a feature that enables you to program your power door locks. Your vehicle left the factory programmed to automatically lock all doors when the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P), and all doors unlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P). You can set the automatic door lock feature to unlock the doors you select once the vehicle is in PARK (P). The following instructions detail how to program your door locks. To enter the program mode you need to do the following:

1. Beginning with the ignition in LOCK. Pull back on

the turn signaVmultifunction lever all the way toward you until flash-to-pass is activated, and hold it while you perform the next step.

Delayed Locking

When you lock the doors using the power lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter with any door or the liftgate open three chimes will signal that delayed locking is being used. Five seconds after the last door is closed, all the doors will lock. All doors and liftgate can be re-opened for up to five seconds from the time the last door is closed. You can lock the door immediately using the power door lock switch or the optional remote keyless entry transmitter a second time. This feature will not lock the doors if the key is in the ignition. To enable or disable the delayed locking feature, do the following:

1. Press and hold the power door lock switch on the

driver’s door in the lock position.

2. Press the remote keyless entry transmitter unlock

button twice.

If the feature is disabled, the doors will lock immediately when a power door lock switch or remote keyless entry transmitter button is pressed.

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2.

3.

Turn your key to RUN and LOCK twice. Then, with the key in LOCK, release the turn signaVmultifunction lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock mechanism lock and unlock. You are now ready to program the automatic door locks. Select one of the following four programming options and follow the instructions. You will have thirty seconds to begin programming. If you exceed the thirty-second limit, the locks will automatically lock and unlock to indicate you have left the program mode. If this occurs, repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1.

You can exit the program mode any time by turning the ignition to RUN (the locks will automatically lock and unlock to indicate you are leaving the program mode). If the lock/unlock switches are not pressed while in the programming mode, the auto lock/unlock setting will not be modified.

The following is a list of the available programming options:

All door locks/Only the driver’s door unlocks: Press the lock side of the power lock switch on ihe door pmei G W ~ and then the unlock side once All doors IocWAll doors unlock: Press the lock side of the power lock switch on the door panel once, and then the unlock side twice. All doors IocWNone of the doors unlock: Press the lock side of the power lock switch on the door panel once, and then the unlock side three times. No doors IocWNone of the doors unlock: Press the lock side of the power lock switch on the door panel twice. This turns off the automatic lock feature.

For more information, see your dealer

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Rear Door Security Locks If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, you can lock the rear side doors so they cannot be opened from the inside by passengers.

This feature is located on the inside edge of the rear doors.

To use one of the locks do the following:

1. Open one of the rear doors. 2. To engage the rear door security locks, move the

lever forward.

3. To disengage the lock, move the lever rearward. 4. Close the door. 5. Do the same thing to the other rear door. The rear doors or your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the rear door while the security lock is engaged, unlock the door and open the door from the outside.

Lockout Protection

This feature protects you from locking your key in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a door is open. If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the driver’s door will unlock.

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Liftgate Glass and Liftgate To open a mechanical lock system from the outside, insert the key into the lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock the glass and liftgate. The liftgate glass can be opened using the button on the liftgate after the doors have been unlocked. This can be done by using either the power door locks or the remote keyless entry system. To open the entire liftgate, lift the handle located in the center of the door. To lock a power lock system from the outside, insert the key into the lock button and turn clockwise. All doors will lock. You may also use the keyless entry system or the power door locks to lock the liftgate and liftgate glass.

Liftgate

It Can be dangerous to drive with tnn, liftgate glass, liftgate or rear doors open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the liftgate glass, liftgate or rear doors open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the liftgate glass, liftgate or rear doors:

Make sure all other windows are shut. Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT or OUTSIDE AIR. That will force outside air into your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.

0 If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

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Panel Doors To open the rear panel doors, you must open the passenger’s side panel door first. If the door is locked, insert your door key in the lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it. To open the passenger’s side panel door, pull on the handle and pull the door open. To open the driver’s side panel door, first open the passenger’s side door. Then, pull the handle on the left door edge out and pull the door open.

To close the doors, close the driver’s side door first. After securely closing the door, close the passenger’s side door. Make sure both doors are latched securely. To lock the rear doors from outside the vehicle, put your key in the lock and turn it clockwise. If you have power door locks, you can lock the side doors as well as the rear doors from inside the vehicle. For more information, see Power Door Locks on page 2-9 earlier in this section.

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Windows

Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.

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Manual Windows Turn the hand crank on each door to manually raise or lower the manual windows. Power Windows If you have power windows, the controls are located on each of the side doors.

The driver’s door has a switch for the passenger’s windows as well. Your power windows will work when the ignition has been turned to ACCESSORY or RUN or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Ignition Positions on page 2-21.

Pull up the front edge of the switch to raise the window. Press the forward edge of the switch to lower the window.

Express-Down Windows The driver and passenger windows also has an express down feature that allows the windows to be lowered without holding the switch. Press the front edge of the window switch for one second to activate the express down mode. The express down mode can be canceled at any time by pulling up on the switch. To open the window partway, lightly tap the switch until the window is at the desired position.

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Lock-Out Switch If you have power windows, the driver’s door power window switch has a lockout feature. The lockout switch is located in front of the power window switches. This feature prevents all windows from operating, except from the driver’s position, when the front driver’s door button labeled is engaged. To engage the lock-out feature press the switch, and an indicator light will illuminate. To disengage the feature, press the switch again and the indicator light will go off. When the button is not engaged, the passenger’s power windows will operate.

Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the top and bottom visors (if equipped). You can also swing the bottom visor from side-to-side. Your visors may have an extension that can be pulled out for additional glare protection. Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror If equipped, pull the sun visor down and lift the mirror cover to turn on the lamps. There is a slide switch to adjust the brightness of the lamps.

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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. However, there are ways you can help. Content Theft-Deterrent Your vehicle may be equipped with a content theft-deterrent alarm system.

With this system, the security light will flash as you open the door (if your ignition is off), to let you know that you are activating the system.

This message reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it:

1. 2.

3.

Open the door. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The security light should come on and flash. If using the remote keyless entry transmitter, the door does not need to be open. If the delayed locking feature is active, the alarm will not be activated until all doors are closed and the security light goes off. Close all doors. The security light will stop flashing and stay solid. The light should go off after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the security light goes off.

If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will flash and the horn will sound for about two minutes, then will turn off to save the battery power.

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Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off. Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

locked with the door

If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent system, the vehicle should be key after the doors are closed. Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm if the system has been armed.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter or by placing the key in the ignition and turning it to START.

Testing the Alarm The alarm can be tested by following these steps: 1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window

and open the driver’s door,

2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter.

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for

the security light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm.

If the alarm does not sound when it should but the vehicle’s headlamps flash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-97. If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s headlamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized service center.

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Passlock@ Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock@ theft-deterrent system. Passlock@ is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock@ enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled. If the engine stalls and the security light flashes, wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart the engine. Remember to release the key from START as soon as the engine starts.

If the engine is running and the security light comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock@ system is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock@ at this time. You may also want to check the fuse (see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-97.) See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance Center. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 under Customer Assistance Information.

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Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-in

Notice: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t drive at any one speed - fast or slow - for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

Ignition Positions

With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the key to four different positions.

A (LOCK): This position locks your ignition and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.

B (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things like the radio, power windows and the windshield wipers when the engine is off.

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Notice: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle needs service. C (RUN): This is the position for driving. D (START): This position starts your engine. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) Your vehicle may be equipped with a Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain features on your vehicle to continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF. Your radio, power windows, sunroof (if equipped), and Onstar@ System (if equipped) will work when the ignition key is in RUN or ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from RUN to LOCK, these features will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until a door is opened.

Starting Your Engine Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position - that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Notice: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the

ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the

accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you hold the ignition key in START. When the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.

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When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or -18"C), do this: 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the

ignition key to START and hold it there up to 75 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key.

2. If your engine still won't 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. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. 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: Your engine is designed to work with the electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't, your engine might not perform properly.

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal

If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, you can change the position of the throttle and brake pedals. This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals can not move farther away from the standard position, but can move forward for better pedal reach. The vehicle must be in PARK (P) for this feature to operate.

The switch used to adjust the pedals is located on the driver's side door panel.

Press the arrow at the end of the switch closest to you to move the pedals closer to your body. Press the arrow at the far end of the switch to move the pedals away from your body.

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Engine Coolant Heater

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 1 IO-volt AC outlet.

In very cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

the cord into an una. wnded outlet

PIL,,--lg could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

At temperatures above 32°F (OOC), use of the coolant heater is not required. 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 power steering fluid reservoir. If you have a diesel engine, refer to diesel supplement for location.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and

store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you don’t, it could be damaged.

How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you’ll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

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Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever. Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument panel cluster. This display must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of PARK (P).

PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily.

IU or 4

lers cl---- De injure

- J su enly. be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See “Shifting Into Park (P)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move

CAUTION:

(Continued)

If you have four- wheel drive, your vehicle will be free to roll - even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) - if your transfer case is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear, two-wheel high (2H) or four- wheel high (4H) or four-wheel low (4L) - not in NEUTRAL. See ”Shifting into Park (P)” in the index.

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REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-50.

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your two-wheel drive vehicle is being towed.

Sh-- --ng into a d.. . e gear w ... Je your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don’t shift into a drive gear while your engine is racing.

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Notice: Damage to your transmission caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

Going less than about 35 mph (56 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the