2001 Chevrolet Tahoe Owners Manual

Every 2001

Tahoe/Suburban under warranty is backed with the following

services:

Courtesy

Transportation

1-800-CHEV-USA 1-800-CHEV-USA

® (For vehicles purchased in Canada, (For vehicles purchased in Canada,

call 1-800-268-6800) call 1-800-268-6800)

that provides in an emergency:

Free lockout assistance Free dead-battery assistance Free out-of-fuel assistance Free flat-tire change Emergency towing

2001 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A. Part Number C2116 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents

Section 1

Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts

Seats and Restraint Systems

Air Bag Systems Restraint Systems for Children

Windows Keys and Door Locks Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Liftgate Automatic Transmission Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) Parking Brake Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control

Features and Controls

Exterior and Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Convenience Net/Cargo Cover/Luggage Carrier (If Equipped) Accessory Power Outlets OnStar® System (If Equipped) Sunroof (If Equipped) HomeLink® Transmitter (If Equipped) Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages Message Center

Section 2

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Table of Contents (cont'd)

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

Section 3

Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock

Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)

Your Driving and the Road

Section 4

Your Driving, the Road and Your Vehicle Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering

Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Off-Road Driving Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer

Section 5

Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle

Problems on the Road

Engine Overheating Changing a Flat Tire If You're Stuck

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Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

Section 6

Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped) Brakes Bulb Replacement

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Section 7

Scheduled Maintenance Owner Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspections

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Maintenance Records

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Table of Contents (cont'd)

Customer Assistance Information

Section 8

Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual) Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10
Service Publications

Section 9

In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.

You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

Index

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your Service Station Guide

We support voluntary technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual: Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez votre concessionaire ou au:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the name TAHOE, and the name SUBURBAN are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

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How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

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You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

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Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

For example, these symbols are used on an original battery:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING

CAUSTIC BATTERY ACID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BATTERY

These symbols are important for you and your passengers whenever your vehicle is driven:

CHILD RESTRAINT TOP STRAP ANCHOR

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

POWER WINDOW

AIR BAG

These symbols have to do with your lamps:

These symbols are on some of your controls:

These symbols are used on warning and indicator lights:

Here are some other symbols you may see:

MASTER LIGHTING SWITCH

TURN SIGNALS

PARKING LAMPS

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS

WINDSHIELD WIPER

WINDSHIELD WASHER

WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

FOG LAMPS

VENTILATING FAN

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

FUEL

ix

Model Reference This manual covers these models:

Tahoe

Suburban

For a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Hood Release See Section 6

Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

Battery

See Section 6

Service Station Guide

Cooling System See Section 5

Tire Pressure See Section 6

Spare Tire Pressure

See Section 5

Engine Oil Dipstick

See Section 6

Oil Viscosity Engine Oil See Section 6

Fuel

Use unleaded gas only.

See Section 6

for octane ratings.

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.

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1-15
1-20

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Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Driver Position Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Right Front Passenger Position Air Bag Systems Center Passenger Position

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Rear Seat Passengers Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Children Restraint Systems for Children Older Children Safety Belt Extender Checking Your Restraint Systems Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, and fold them up and down. It also tells you about reclining front seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat

CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

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If your vehicle has a manual bucket or split bench seat, you can adjust it with this lever located at the front of the seat. Lift the lever at the front of the seat to unlock it. Using your body, slide the seat to where you want it. Then, release the lever and try to move the seat with your body in order to make sure the seat is locked into place.

Manual Cushion Tilt (If Equipped)

Manual Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has a lumbar adjustment, you can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area of the lower seatback. The control is located on the outboard side of the front seats.

If your vehicle has this feature, you can raise or lower the front of the driver’s or passenger’s seat with this lever located at the inside edge of the seat. To raise or lower the front of the seat, move the lever up or down in a continuous motion until the cushion reaches the desired height.

To increase support, turn the knob towards the front of the vehicle. Operating effort can be reduced if you lean forward slightly while turning the knob. To decrease support, turn the knob towards the rear of the vehicle.

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Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the forward edge of the button. Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the whole button forward or rearward. Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by raising or lowering the rear edge of the button. Moving the whole button up or down raises or lowers the entire seat cushion. Vertical Control: If your vehicle has the power reclining seats, you can use this button to adjust the angle of the seatback. Move the reclining front seatback rearward or forward by moving this button toward the rear or the front of the vehicle. See “Reclining Seatbacks” in the Index for further information.

Power Seat(s) (If Equipped)

Horizontal Control: If your vehicle has a power seat, you can adjust it with these controls located at the outboard edges of the seats.

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Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

Memory Seat (If Equipped)

To increase or decrease support, press and hold the front or rear of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.

The memory function controls the driver’s seat cushion and recliner positions and is located on the driver’s door trim panel.

You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower seatback for more lateral support. To increase or decrease support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control. Let go of the control when the lower seatback reaches the desired level of support.

It does not store the lumbar or back support positions. To set your memory seat, do the following: 1. Adjust the driver’s seat to your desired position. 2. Press the SET button and then press the 1 or 2 side of the memory control within five seconds. When your vehicle is in PARK (P), press the 1 or 2
button of the memory control to recall the seat setting. To do the same thing for a second driver, follow the preceding steps, but press the other number of the memory control. The memory feature only works when the transmission is in PARK (P).

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Heated Front Seats (If Equipped)

Reclining Seatbacks

If your vehicle has heated front seats, the ignition must be in RUN for them to operate.

The control for the driver’s side heated seat is located on the driver’s side door panel. The control for the passenger’s side heated seat is located on the passenger’s side door panel. To activate the heated seats, press the button once for the HI heat setting. Press the button again for the LO heat setting. To turn off the heated seats, press the button a third time. An indicator light on the button will illuminate for each heat setting anytime the heated seats are operating. The heated front seats will be canceled after the ignition is turned to OFF. If you still want to use the heated front seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need to press the heated seat button again.

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To adjust the front seatback, lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Lift the lever again upward and the seatback will go to an upright position. If your vehicle has power seats with a power recliner, see “Power Seats” in the Index for further information on how to operate the reclining seatback feature.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

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Head Restraints

CAUTION:

If a head restraint is not installed on the seatback or stored in the vehicle properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Remove the head restraints only when you need to fold the seat, and be sure that the head restraints are stored securely in the space provided on the folded up seat cushion. When the seat is returned to the passenger position, be sure the head restraints are installed properly.

Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

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Rear Seats Utility: The rear seat may have a 60/40 split seat which may be folded down to give you more cargo space. The rear seatbacks may be equipped with rearward folding head restraints. When the seatback is being folded down, the head restraint will automatically fold rearward to allow a flat load floor for cargo or entry to the third row seat (if equipped). Suburban/Yukon XL: The second row rear seat of Suburban/Yukon XL models may have a 60/40 split seat or rear bucket seats. Either side of the rear seat may be folded down to give you more cargo space.

On both Utility and Suburban/Yukon XL models with 60/40 split bench seats, before folding the rear seat back down on the driver’s side, insert the center occupant lap belt latch plate into the loop provided on the underside of the folded forward seat cushion. You may have to adjust the location of the latch plate on the webbing so that it reaches the loop. Stowing in this loop will reduce the chances of damaging and soiling the belt. Remember to remove the latch plate from the loop before the seat is returned to the passenger position. On Suburban/Yukon XL models with rear bucket seats, the head restraints need to be removed in order to fold the rear seat. To do this, lift the head restraints up until they stop. Press in the button on the side of the head restraint guide cap and lift up on the head restraint. This will need to be repeated on the other cap. The head restraint can be removed and stored in the space provided on the folded up seat cushion. On Suburban/Yukon XL models with bucket seats, the seatbacks can be reclined. To adjust the seatback, pull the lever, located at the base of the back, forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. Pull the lever again and the seatback will go to an upright position. In order to fold the back of a bucket seat into a horizontal load floor, the back must be in its full upright position and not reclined.

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On Suburban/Yukon XL models with 60/40 split bench seats, before folding the rear seat on the driver’s side, insert the two buckles into the retainer in the seatback. That way, the buckles will be out of the way when the seat is folded and will be available for passengers to use when the seat is returned to the passenger position. Also, make sure that nothing is under or in front of the seat and that the head restraints are completely lowered.

To fold, pull up on the strap loop at the rear of the seat cushion. Then, pull the seat cushion up and fold it forward.

After folding the seat cushion fully forward, pull the seatback forward and fold the seatback down until it is flat. If the seatback cannot fold flat because it interferes with the cushion, try moving the front seat forward and/or bringing the front seatback more upright. On the passenger side of Suburban/Yukon XL models, the lever at the base of the seat must be turned rearward to release the seatback.

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To create a load floor, release the panels from the seatback by pushing forward on the latch. Then fold the panels back to cover the rear seat footwell area. To return the seat to the passenger position on a Suburban/Yukon XL, lift the floor load panels and latch them into the seatback. Lift the seatback up and push rearward all the way. Then lower the seat cushion until it latches into position. Pull forward on the seatback and up on the seat cushion to make sure the seat is securely in place.

Check to see that the buckles on the driver’s side seatback are accessible to the outboard and center occupant and are not under the seat cushions. If you have removed the head restraints to fold the rear bucket seat, be sure to reinstall them on the seatback after it has been returned to the normal seating position. Be sure to return the head restraints to the upright position on utility models.

Entry to the Third Seat Suburban/Yukon XL: The passenger’s side of the second row 60/40 or rear bucket seats has an easy entry feature. This makes it easy to get in and out of the third seat, if your vehicle has one. To operate the easy entry seat, turn the release lever, located near the back of the seat rearward. Tilt the seatback toward the front of the vehicle by pulling the top of the seatback forward. When you do, the seat bottom will release. Just pull the seat forward until it stops. Be sure to return the seat to the passenger position when finished. Pull forward and push rearward on the seat to make sure it is locked in place.

Folding the Third Seat Utility: The seatback of the third seat (if equipped) in utility models also folds down on the floor.

To fold the seatback down, pull up on the release lever, labeled 1, located on the rear of the seatback. Then push the seatback forward.

To return the seat to the passenger position, pull up on the release lever labeled 1 and then pull up on the seatback until it locks into the upright position. Push forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked into position.

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If still more cargo space is desired, the third seat can also be folded and tumbled forward or removed if necessary by pulling up on the release lever labeled 2.

The seat locks into place and does not need to be removed when carrying cargo. See “Removing the Third Row Seats” for utility later in this section for removal instructions. Suburban/Yukon XL: The seatback of the third seat (if equipped) in Suburban/Yukon XL models also folds down to create more cargo space. To fold the seatback down, pull up on the release lever, labeled 1, located on the rear of the seatback, then push the seatback forward.

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To return the seat to the passenger position, pull up on the release lever and then pull up on the seatback until it locks into the upright position. Push forward on the seatback to make sure it is locked into position. If still more cargo space is desired, the third seat can also be folded and tumbled forward by using the lever, labeled 2. To return the seats to their original position, reverse the above steps.

Fold and Tilt Feature (Suburban/Yukon XL Third Seat) Once the third seatback has been folded down, the entire seat can be tilted forward to create a flat load floor. To do this, you will need to enter the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Make sure the head restraints have been lowered completely. With the seat folded, unlatch the seat from the floor by pulling up on the lever located under the carrying handle at the rear of the seat labeled 2. Lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor. You will not be able to unlatch the seat from the floor unless the seatback is folded down. Tilt the seat fully forward and secure it in place using the support rod located on the underside of the seat, passenger side. Make sure the support rod pin is fully engaged in the lock.

Push and pull on the seat, making sure the support rod is holding it firmly in place. Use the seat in this position only when necessary for additional cargo space.

CAUTION:

If the support rod isn’t properly engaged, the folded third row seat could come loose in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to people and damage to your vehicle. Always be sure the support rod is properly engaged when the third row seat is folded forward.

To return the seat to its seating position, push forward on the seat and release the support lock rod. Secure the support rod in its stored position on the underside of the seat. Lower the seat to the floor and let the seat drop into place. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat is locked in place.

Return the seatback to the upright position by pulling up on the release lever labeled 1 before the back can be folded upright. Pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked into place.

Removing the Third Row Seat Utility: If your vehicle has third row seating, it can be taken out for more cargo space. To remove the seat, fully open the rear doors and enter the rear of the vehicle.

Fold the seatback forward into the seat cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded.

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Fold the seatback forward into the seat cushion by using the lever labeled 1. The seat cannot be removed unless the seatback is folded. To unlatch the seat from the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2 at the rear of the seat and lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor. Pull on the strap, labeled 3, at the rear of the seat to release the front seat latches. Then, pull the seat straight back, towards the rear of the vehicle and remove it. There are wheels at the front of the seat to assist you.

Replacing the Rear Seat Utility: To put the seat back in, place the front of the seat on the load floor facing towards the front of the vehicle. Slide the wheels into the slots on the floor and lock into place using the hooks there. Once the latches are engaged, let the seat drop into place. Release the lever labeled 1 to return the seat to its upright position. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place.

To unlatch the seat from the back of the floor, pull up on the release lever labeled 2 at the rear of the seat and lift the rear of the seat up, off of the floor.

Pull on the release lever located in the lower middle to unlatch the seat from the front of the floor and pull the seat out. Use one hand on the release lever and the other on the handle to pull the seat out. Suburban/Yukon XL: If your vehicle has third row seating, it can be taken out for more cargo space. To remove the seat, fully open the rear doors and enter the rear of the vehicle.

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Suburban/Yukon XL: To put the seat back in, place the front of the seat on the load floor, facing the front of the vehicle. While holding the rear of the seat up, use the wheels on the front of the seat to roll it towards the seat hooks in the floor. When the latches are engaged in the hooks, let the seat drop into place. Lift up on the carrying handle to make sure the seat is locked in place. Raise the seatback into the upright position. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked into place. The seatback cannot be raised to the upright position unless the seat is secured to the floor.

CAUTION:

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

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

CAUTION:

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

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CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

Put someone on it.

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

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

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or the instrument panel ...

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

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an

accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.

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

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

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

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

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

to wear safety belts?

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

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

how, see “Seats” in the Index.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

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

as much protection this way.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

CAUTION:

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

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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

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

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

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

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

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CAUTION: (Continued)

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

CAUTION:

Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. 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.

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CAUTION:

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 “Children.”

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

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

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How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

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

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

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CAUTION:

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

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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When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts, or rear impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant. The 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.

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” in the Index for more tips on off-road driving.

What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel, instrument panel and the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door.

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

How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bags.

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CAUTION:

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

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

D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

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

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

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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Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

CAUTION:

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

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

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Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Q: If I add a push bumper or bicycle rack to the front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags from working properly?

A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is

attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic structure isn’t changed, it’s not likely to keep the air bags from working properly in a crash.

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” in the Index.

Lap Belt If your vehicle has front and rear bench seats, someone can sit in the center positions.

Q: What if I add a snow plow? Will it keep the

air bags from working properly?

A: We’ve designed our air bag systems to work properly under a wide range of conditions, including snow plowing with vehicles equipped with the optional Snow Plow Prep Package (RPO VYU). But don’t change or defeat the snow plow’s “tripping mechanism.” If you do, it can damage your snow plow and your vehicle, and it may cause an air bag inflation.

When you sit in a center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

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To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 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.

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Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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

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

Don’t let it get twisted.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

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When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.

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.

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

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CAUTION:

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

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

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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults 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 for each outside passenger position in the rear seats. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

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Second Row Seat

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.

Third Row Seat

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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3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.

The guide must be on top of the belt.

Second Row Seat

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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. Infants and Young Children Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by the appropriate restraint. Young children should not use the vehicle’s safety belts, unless there is no other choice.

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Third Row Seat

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as

described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. 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.

CAUTION:

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 hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

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CAUTION:

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.

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CAUTION:

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.

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

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.

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.

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Restraint Systems for Children

CAUTION:

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 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 built-in child 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 children 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 rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat. Here’s why:

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CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle -- even when no child is in it.

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. 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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Suburban/Yukon 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.

Suburban/Yukon 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.

Suburban/Yukon 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.

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Suburban/Yukon XL Second Row Seat.

Bucket seats similar.

Suburban/Yukon XL Third Row Seat

Utility models: A child restraint with a top strap should only be used in the second row. Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position or in the third row, 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.

Utility Second Row Seat

Anchor the top strap to one of these 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. Raise the head restraint and 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.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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.

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

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

the retractor to set the lock.

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

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

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

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

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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.

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.

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6. Push and pull the child restraint in different

directions to be sure it is secure.

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

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

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

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

CAUTION:

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. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See “Seats” in the Index.

2. Put the restraint on the seat. 1-60

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder

portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

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.

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

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

directions to be sure it is secure.

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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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 next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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CAUTION:

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

Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

A: Move the child toward the center of the vehicle, but

be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide. If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” in the Index. If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.

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CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

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

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Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. 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.)

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts? 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 belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

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Section 2 Features and Controls

Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.

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Windows Keys Door Locks Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Theft Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped) PasslockR New Vehicle “Break In” Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped) Automatic Transmission Operation Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) Parking Brake Shifting Into PARK (P) Shifting Out of PARK (P) Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust

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Running Your Engine While You’re Parked Level Control (If Equipped) Autoridet (If Equipped) Locking Rear Axle Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments HomeLinkR Transmitter (If Equipped) OnStarR System (If Equipped) The Instrument Panel - Your Information System Instrument Panel Cluster Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Message Center

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Windows

CAUTION:

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 raise or lower manual windows.

Power Windows (If Equipped) 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 present. See “Retained Accessory Power” in the Index.

Press the rear of the switch with the power window symbol on it to lower the window or the front of the switch to raise it. The driver’s window also has an express down feature that allows the window to be lowered without holding the switch. Press and hold the rear of the window switch for one second to activate the express down mode. The express down mode can be canceled at any time by pressing the opposite side of the switch. To open the window partway, lightly tap the switch until the window is at the desired position. If you have power windows, the driver’s door power window switch has a lockout feature. This feature prevents the rear windows from operating except from the driver’s position when the front driver’s door button labeled WINDOW LOCK is engaged. When the button is not engaged, the rear power windows will operate.

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Keys

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate 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.

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Your vehicle may also have a key that locks and unlocks the center floor console only (if equipped).

If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to assist you with obtaining replacements.

Unlocked doors can be dangerous. D 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.

D 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.

D 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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There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle. Use the keyless entry system (if equipped) or use the door key.

Power Door Locks

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

Press the raised side of the switch, marked “L” on either front door to lock all the doors at once.

Press the recessed side of the switch marked “U” to unlock all the doors at once.

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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 top of the switch to unlock all the doors at once.

On the passenger side of the rear cargo door or liftgate opening trim there is a power lock switch which can be used to lock or unlock all of the doors.

If the rear lock switch is pressed with the rear doors open, all of the doors will lock five seconds after the cargo doors are closed. The power door locks will operate at any time without the ignition being on. Operating the power locks may interact with the theft-deterrent system (if equipped). See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in the Index. Programmable Automatic Door Locks Your vehicle is equipped with an auto lock/unlock feature which enables you to program your power door locks. Your vehicle left the factory programmed to have the automatic lock feature lock all the doors when the vehicle speed is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h) for two seconds,