Buick Century 2001 User Manual

Every

Every

2001 Century

2001 Century

under warranty is

under warranty is

backed with the

backed with the

following

following

services:

services:

1-800-252-1112

1-800-252-1112

(

For vehicles purchased in Canada,

(

For vehicles purchased in Canada,

call

call

1-800-268-6800

1-800-268-6800

)

)

that provides in an emergency:

Courtesy

Transportation

Free
Free
Free
Free

lockout assistance
dead-battery assistance
out-of-fuel assistance
flat-tire change

Emergency

towing

2001 Buick Century

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 10422380 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000

All Rights Reserved

i

Section

Section

Table of Contents

Seats and Restraint Systems

1

Seats and Seat Controls
Safety Belts

Features and Controls

2

Windows
Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry
Trunk Release
Automatic Transaxle
Parking Brake
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield Wipers

Air Bag Systems
Restraint Systems for Children

Cruise Control (If Equipped)
Exterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Auxiliary Power Connection
OnStar® System (If Equipped)
Sunroof (If Equipped)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages

ii

Section

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

3

Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio Clock
Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player

Your Driving and the Road

4

Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
Steering

Problems on the Road

5

Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle

Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)

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

Engine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck

iii

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

6

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

Maintenance Schedule

7

Scheduled Maintenance
Owner Checks and Services
Periodic Maintenance Inspections

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

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Maintenance Records

iv

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Customer Assistance Information

Section

Section

8

Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Customer Assistance Offices

Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual)
Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-9
Service Publications

Index

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.

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your

Service Station Guide

v

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK,
the BUICK Emblem and the name CENTURY 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 Buick 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.

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:

Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

vi

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.

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.”

vii

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.

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.

viii

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:

MASTER

LIGHTING

SWITCH

TURN

SIGNALS

PARKING

LAMPS

HAZARD

WARNING

FLASHER

DAYTIME

RUNNING

LAMPS

FOG LAMPS

These symbols
are on some of
your controls:

WINDSHIELD

WIPER

WINDSHIELD

WASHER

WINDSHIELD

DEFROSTER

REAR

WINDOW

DEFOGGER

VENTILATING

FAN

These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:

ENGINE

COOLANT

TEMP

BATTERY

CHARGING

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL

PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK

BRAKES

Here are some
other symbols
you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

FUEL

ix

For

a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Hood Release

See Section 6

Windshield Washer

See Section 6

Battery

See Section 6

Service Station Guide

Fluid

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 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.

1

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

-6 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-11 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-12 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-12 Driver Position

1

-19 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-20 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-21 Air Bag Systems

-29 Center Passenger Position

1

-- and the Answers

-31 Rear Seat Passengers

1
1

-34 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children

and Small Adults

1-36 Children

-40 Restraint Systems for Children

1
1

-55 Older Children

1

-58 Safety Belt Extender

-58 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1
1

-58 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you how to adjust the seats and
explains the reclining seatbacks and the head restraints.

2-Way Manual Front Seats

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.

Lift the bar located under the front of the driver’s and
the passenger’s seat. This will unlock the seat. Slide the
seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to
move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is
locked into place.

1-2

6-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)

The driver’s switch is
located on the left side of
the driver’s seat cushion.

The passenger’s switch
is located on the right
side of the passenger’s
seat cushion.

T o move the seat forward or rearward, push the switch
forward or rearward. T o raise or lower the entire seat,
push the switch up or down. T o raise or lower the front
portion of your seat, push the front of the switch up or
down. T o raise or lower the rear portion of your seat,
push the rear of the switch up or down.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Lift the lever to release the seatback, then move the
seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to
lock the seatback into place. Pull up on the lever
without pushing on the seatback and the seatback
will move forward.

1-3

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 because it
won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be
in front of you. 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.

1-4

Head Restraints

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.

Split Folding Rear Seat (If Equipped)

This feature enables you
to access your trunk.
Pull forward on the seat tab,
located on the rear seatback,
to fold the seatback down.

T o return the seatback to its original position, push it
back up and make sure it latches.

1-5

A lockout feature is located on the rear of the seatback
when folded down. This will disengage the inside seat
tab when the release is locked. The seat will then only
open from the tab on the rear of the seatback, located
inside the trunk.

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.

1-6

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.

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

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!

1-7

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

T ake the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat
on wheels.

Put someone on it.

1-8

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 ...

1-9

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.

1-10

Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

Q:

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

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
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.

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

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
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.

-- even one that isn’t your fault -- you

1-11

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.
T o 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.

1-12

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.

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

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 crash,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

1-13

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt
adjuster to the height that is right for you.

T o move it down, squeeze the release lever and the
shoulder belt guide as shown and move the height
adjuster to the desired position. You can move the
adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it down without squeezing the release lever
to make sure it has locked into position.

Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the
belt is centered on your shoulder. The belt should
be away from your face and neck, but not falling off
your shoulder.

1-14

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

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.

1-15

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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.

1-16

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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.

1-17

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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.

1-18

T o 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.

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.

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.

1-19

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 two things.

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch
plate and keep pulling until you can buckle the belt.

On some vehicles, if you 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.

1-20

Air Bag Systems

This part explains the frontal and side impact air
bag systems.

Your vehicle has air bags
driver and another frontal air bag for the right front
passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side impact
air bag for the driver. If your vehicle has a side impact
air bag for the driver it will say AIR BAG on the air bag
covering on the side of the driver’s seatback closest to
the door.

-- a frontal air bag for the

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.

1-21

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
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.

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
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 bag for

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- even if you

-speed frontal

CAUTION: (Continued)

the driver is designed to inflate only in moderate
to severe crashes where something hits the
driver’s side of the vehicle. It isn’t designed to
inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes.
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety
belt properly
for that person.

-- whether or not there’s an air bag

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, and should not lean on the door.

1-22

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
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.”

-shoulder belts offer

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.

1-23

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.

1-24

The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the
driver’s seatback closest to the door .

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.

1-25

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

-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate

near
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 12 to 18 mph
(19 to 29 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 driver’s side impact air bag is designed to inflate
in moderate to severe side crashes involving the driver’s
door. The 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. The driver’s side impact air bag is not
designed to inflate in frontal or near
rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant.

-frontal impacts,

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 the side impact
air bag, inflation is determined by the location and
severity of the impact.

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 driver’s
seatback closest to the 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.

1-26

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. The side
impact air bag would not help you in many types of
collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions,
rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because the
occupant’s motion is not toward that air bag. 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
driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags,
and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the
driver’s side impact air bag.

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’s side impact air bag
short time.

-frontal collisions for the

-- will be hot for a

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.

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.

1-27

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 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 the air bag module
and seatback for the driver’s side impact air bag.
Do not open or break the air bag coverings.

1-28

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. T o purchase a service manual, see
“Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.

Center Passenger Position

CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds 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.

Lap Belt

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

1-29

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.

1-30

T o 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
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.

-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough,

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
belts. Here’s how to wear one properly.

-shoulder

1. 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.

1-31

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

If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the
latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

On some vehicles, 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.

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

1-32

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,
or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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.

T o unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

1-33

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 seat. T o 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:

1. Pull the elastic cord out from the edge of the seatback
and the interior body to remove the guide from its
storage clip.

1-34

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic
cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide
over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt
into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat.
The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide
on top.

1-35

T o remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze
the belt edges together so that you can take them out
from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its
storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip.
Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the
seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop
of elastic cord exposed.

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.

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.

1-36

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.

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.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

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.

1-37

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
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.

-shoulder belts offer

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.

1-38

CAUTION:

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
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.

-facing seat settles into the restraint,

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.

1-39

Restraint Systems for Children

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.

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.

1-40

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.

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
harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see
out the window.

-back booster seats have a five-point

1-41

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
permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add
child restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle’s owner.

For many years, add
the adult belt system in the vehicle. T o help reduce
the chance of injury, the child also has to be
secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt
system secures the add
vehicle, and the add
system holds the child in place within the restraint.

One system, the three
that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders
and buckle together at the crotch. The five
harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip
straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the
place of hip straps. A T
straps that are attached to a flat pad which rests low
against the child’s body. A shelf
shield has straps that are attached to a wide,
shelf

-like shield that swings up or to the side.

-in child restraint system is a

-on

-on child restraints have used

-on child restraint in the

-on child restraint’s harness

-point harness, has straps

-point

-shaped shield has shoulder

- or armrest-type

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.

1-42

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 the rear seat including an infant
riding in a rear
forward
a booster seat. Never put a rear
in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

-facing infant seat, a child riding in a

-facing child seat and an older child riding in

-facing child restraint

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
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.

-facing child restraint would be

CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat
can be badly injured or killed by the right front
passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a
child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always
better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.
You may secure a forward
in the right front passenger 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
is in it.

-facing child restraint

-- even when no child

1-43

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.

Your vehicle has top strap anchors already installed for
the rear seating positions. You’ll find them behind the
rear seat filler panel.

In order to get to a bracket, you’ll have to open the
trim cover.

1-44

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.

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.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

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.

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.

1-45

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face

or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

1-46

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.

4. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature
on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your
vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt
all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go
back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again.
If you can’t pull the belt out because it has locked,
it means the retractor has the child restraint locking
feature. If the belt doesn’t lock and you can pull the
belt out of the retractor again, it means your vehicle
doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the
shoulder belt retractor.

1-47

D

If your vehicle has the child restraint locking
feature on the shoulder belt retractor, pull the
rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the
retractor to set the lock.

T o 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
child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your
knee to push down on the child restraint as you
tighten the belt.

-facing

D

If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint
locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor,
tighten the belt by pulling up on the shoulder
belt while you push down on the child restraint.
If you’re using a forward
you may find it helpful to use your knee to
push down on the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.

5. Push and pull the child restraint in different
directions to be sure it is secure.

T o 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.

-facing child restraint

1-48

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position

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.

CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat
can be badly injured or killed by the right front
passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a
child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always
better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.
You may secure a forward
in the right front passenger 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.

See the earlier part about the top strap if the child
restraint has one.

-facing child restraint

1-49

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.

1-50

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. T o tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push
down on the child restraint. If you’re using a
forward
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.

-facing child restraint, you may find it

T o 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 Right Front Seat Position

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
very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure
a rear

-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

-facing child restraint would be

Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a
forward

You’ll be using the lap
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

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

-shoulder belt. See the earlier

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

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

-facing child restraint.

1-51

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face

or neck, put it behind the child restraint.

1-52

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. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature
on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your
vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt
all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go
back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again.
If you can’t pull the belt out because it has locked,
it means the retractor has the child restraint locking
feature. If the belt doesn’t lock and you can pull the
belt out of the retractor again, it means your vehicle
doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the
shoulder belt retractor.

1-53

D

If your vehicle has the child restraint locking
feature on the shoulder belt retractor, pull the rest
of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor
to set the lock.

T o 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.

D

If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint
locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor,
tighten the belt by pulling up on the shoulder
belt 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.

6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions
to be sure it is secure.

1-54

T o 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.

Older Children

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
get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

-shoulder belt and

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.

1-55

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 the center seat position,
the one that has only a lap belt.

1-56

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.

1-57

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. T o 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.

T orn 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.

1-58

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

2

-2 Windows

2

-4 Keys

-6 Door Locks

2
2

-10 Remote Keyless Entry

-17 Trunk

2
2

-20 Theft

2

-21 PASS-Key

-22 New Vehicle “Break-In”

2
2

-22 Ignition Positions

-24 Starting Your Engine

2
2

-25 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2

-26 Automatic Transaxle Operation

-30 Parking Brake

2
2

-31 Shifting Into PARK (P)

-33 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2
2

-34 Parking Over Things That Burn

-34 Engine Exhaust

2

-- and what to do if you have a problem.

R

II

-35 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2
2

-36 Horn

-36 Tilt Wheel

2
2

-36 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

-42 Exterior Lamps

2
2

-44 Interior Lamps

2

-46 Mirrors

-50 Storage Compartments

2
2

-52 Sun Visors

-52 Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)

2
2

-53 OnStar

2

-57 Sunroof (If Equipped)

-58 The Instrument Panel -- Your

2
2-60 Instrument Panel Cluster

2

-61 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

R

System (If Equipped)

Information System

2-

2-1

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.

2-2

Power Windows

Switches on the driver’s door armrest control each
of the windows when the ignition is on. In addition,
each passenger’s door has a switch for its own window.

Express

The driver’s window switch has an express
feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of
the switch and the driver’s window will open a small
amount. If the rear of the switch is pressed all the
way down, the window will go all the way down.

T o stop the window while it is lowering, press the front
of the switch. T o raise the window, press and hold the
front of the switch.

The driver’s window controls also include a lock
switch. Press LOCK to stop front and rear passengers
from using their window switches. The driver can still
control all the windows with the lock on. Press the other
side of the LOCK button for normal window operation.

-Down Window

-down

-out

2-3

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.

2-4

The ignition key is for the
ignition only.

The door key is for the
doors and all other locks.

The ignition and door keys don’t have plugs.
Your dealer or Buick Roadside Assistance has the
code for your keys.

If you need a new ignition or door key, contact your
dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Also, see
“Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. But 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 extra keys.

2-5

Door Locks

CAUTION:

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.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your door key or remote keyless

entry transmitter.

From the inside, to lock or unlock the door manually,
push the lever forward to lock the door. To unlock,
push the lever rearward.

2-6

Power Door Locks

Your vehicle is equipped
with front power door lock
switches. Press a power
door lock switch to lock
or unlock all doors.

The rear doors do not have power door lock switches.
There is a lever on each rear door that is used to
manually lock or unlock each door. Manual locks
cannot lock or unlock all doors.

Programmable Automatic Power Door Locks

Programmable automatic power door locks is a standard
feature that is intended to provide enhanced security and
convenience by automatically locking and unlocking
doors. This feature provides four operating modes.

Programmable Modes

Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the
following modes.

Mode 1: No automatic door lock or unlock.
Mode 2:

D

Automatic all
out of PARK (P); no automatic door unlock.

D

Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked,
opened and then all doors are again closed while the
vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and
the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

Mode 3:

D

Automatic all
out of PARK (P).

D

Automatic all
shifted into PARK (P).

D

Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked,
opened and then all doors are again closed while the
vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and
the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

-door lock when the transaxle is shifted

-door lock when the transaxle is shifted

-door unlock when the transaxle is

2-7

Mode 4:

D

Automatic all
out of PARK (P).

D

Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the
transaxle is shifted into PARK (P).

D

Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked,
opened and then all doors are again closed while the
vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and
the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your
vehicle was programmed may have been changed since
it left the factory. To determine the programmable mode
to which your vehicle is programmed or to program
your vehicle to a different mode, do the following:

1. Turn the ignition key to RUN.

2. Close all of the doors.

3. Apply your regular brakes.

4. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
lock position. While holding the door lock switch in
the lock position, move the shift lever out of and
back into PARK (P).

-door lock when the transaxle is shifted

After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle
will advance the operating mode by one, starting from
the current operating mode. During this procedure, the
automatic door lock and unlock functions will operate
as defined by each mode listed previously, providing
the driver with feedback of the current operating mode.
If cycled beyond Mode 4, the vehicle will enter
operating Mode 1. When the door lock switch is
released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent
operating mode.

Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not change the programmed mode of the programmable
automatic power door locks.

2-8

Rear-Door Child Security Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with rear-door child security
locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear
doors of your vehicle from the inside. T o use one of
these locks:

1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. On the inside of the
rear door will be a lock.
Insert your key into
this lock and turn it
upward. This will
engage the safety lock.
T o disengage the feature,
turn the lock downward.

3. Close the door.

4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.
The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the

inside when this feature is in use. If you want to open the
rear door when the security lock is on, unlock the door
from the inside and then open the door from the outside.

Lockout Protection Feature

This feature prevents a driver who has left the key in the
vehicle’s ignition from locking the doors by using the
power door locks while any door is open. The feature
works by disabling the power door locks when a key is
in the ignition and any door is open.

You may override the lockout protection feature by
holding the power door lock switch in the lock position
for more than three seconds while the key is in the
ignition and any door is open.

Remember, this feature can’ t guarantee that you’ll never
be locked out of your vehicle. If you use the manual
door lock or if you don’t leave the key in the ignition,
you could still lock your keys inside your vehicle.
Always remember to take your keys with you.

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from inside. Then get out and
close the door. (Also see “Delayed Locking” in this
section for more information.)

2-9

Remote Keyless Entry

With this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors
or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

Your remote 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 harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device complies with RSS
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.

-210 of Industry Canada.

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:

D

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

D

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. T ake a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

D

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See the instructions that follow.

D

If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or
a qualified technician for service.

2-10

Operation

Press UNLOCK once
to unlock the driver’s
door and to turn on
the interior lamps
(see “Illumination on
Remote Activation”
in the Index for
more details).

Press UNLOCK again within five seconds to unlock all
the doors. T o lock all doors, press LOCK. To unlock the
trunk, press the button with the trunk symbol on the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The trunk will only
unlock if your transaxle is in PARK (P).

Instant Alarm

This feature allows you to activate an alarm by pressing
a button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Your ignition must be off for the instant alarm to work.
When you press the horn button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter, the headlamps will flash, the horn will
honk repeatedly , and the interior lamps will illuminate,
attracting attention if you need it. The alarm will
continue until one of the following occurs:

D

You press the alarm button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter a second time,

D

the ignition is in RUN, or

D

an alarm period of about two minutes has elapsed.

Security Feedback

Security feedback provides audible and/or visible
feedback that a remote keyless entry lock or unlock
command has been received and executed. The ignition
must be off for this feature to work.

You may select one of four operating modes for reception
of a lock command. You may also select one of four
operating modes for reception of an unlock command.
The selection and programming of the lock and unlock
operating modes are independent of each other.

2-11

Programmable Modes

Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the
following modes.

Mode 1: No Verification
Mode 2: Horn Chirp only
Mode 3: Headlamp Flash only
Mode 4: Horn Chirp and Headlamp Flash

When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your
vehicle was programmed may have been changed since
it left the factory. To determine the security feedback
lock mode to which your vehicle is programmed
or to program your vehicle to a different mode,
do the following:

1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN.

2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
lock position.

3. While holding the door lock switch in the lock
position, press and release the remote keyless
entry transmitter LOCK button. This will start the
customization mode. While in the customization
mode, the feature will sound the number of chimes
corresponding to the current lock mode. (If you
do not wish to change the current mode, you can
either exit the programming mode by following the
instructions listed here or program the next feature
available on your vehicle.)

4. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter LOCK button will cause your vehicle to
advance the lock mode by one, starting from the
current lock mode.

5. If cycled beyond lock Mode 4, the vehicle will enter
lock Mode 1. When the door lock switch is released,
the vehicle will remain in the most recent lock mode.

2-12

When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle
was programmed may have been changed since it left the
factory. To determine the security feedback unlock mode
to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your
vehicle to a different mode, do the following:

1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN.

2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the
unlock position. While holding the door lock switch
in the unlock position, press and release the remote
keyless entry transmitter UNLOCK button. This
will start the customization mode. While in the
customization mode, the feature will sound the
number of chimes corresponding to the current
unlock mode. (If you do not wish to change the
current mode, you can either exit the programming
mode by following the instructions listed here or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.)

3. Each additional press of the remote keyless entry
transmitter UNLOCK button will cause your vehicle
to advance the unlock mode by one, starting from
the current unlock mode.

4. If cycled beyond unlock Mode 4, the vehicle will
enter unlock Mode 1. When the door lock switch is
released, the vehicle will remain in the most recent
unlock mode.

The mode you selected is now set. You can either
exit the programming mode by following the previous
instructions or program the next feature available on
your vehicle.

Disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for up to a year will
not change the programmed mode of the lock and
unlock security feedback features.

Delayed Locking

Delayed locking allows the doors to be locked while
passengers are exiting the vehicle. This feature also
provides a brief time period after all the doors are
closed, but before the doors are locked, in which
the doors may be reopened. Delayed locking is user
programmable for enabling or disabling the feature.

Delayed locking is activated when a door lock switch is
pressed while the key is not in the vehicle’s ignition, and
a door is open. The door lock switch may be either the
lock switch on the door or on the remote keyless entry
transmitter (see “Remote Keyless Entry” earlier in this
section for more details). The doors do not lock when
the lock switch is pressed, but instead, three chimes are
heard. These chimes indicate that the delayed locking
feature has been activated.

2-13

You have three actions possible once delayed locking
is activated:

D

Cancel the delayed locking by pressing the unlock
switch or by fully inserting the key in the ignition.

D

Override the delayed locking feature and lock the
doors immediately by pressing the lock switch a
second time.

D

Let the delayed locking feature complete the locking
of the vehicle.

If you wish to let the delayed locking feature complete
the locking of the vehicle, no additional action is
required. The delayed locking feature will lock the doors
automatically after all the doors have been closed for a
period of five seconds. During this five second period,
any door may be reopened, at which time the three
possible actions shown above are again available.

You may also customize your vehicle to activate the
delayed locking feature as described previously, or
you may choose to completely disable the feature at
all times. If disabled, the power door locks will activate
immediately when a power door lock switch is pressed.

The enabled/disabled state of the delayed locking
feature will be toggled when you perform the following
sequence with the doors closed and the ignition key
in RUN:

1. Apply your regular brakes.

2. Press and hold the power door unlock switch.
While holding the door unlock switch, move the
shift lever out of and back into PARK (P).

After an initial transaxle cycle, each additional cycle
will toggle the enable/disable state of the delayed
locking feature. During this procedure, the chime
will sound, providing you with feedback. In Mode 1,
a single chime will be heard if the delayed locking
feature is disabled. In Mode 2, two chimes will be
heard if the feature is enabled. When the door unlock
switch is released, the vehicle will remain in the most
recent operating mode.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery for up to a year
will not change the programmed mode of the delayed
locking feature.

2-14

Illumination on Remote Activation

This feature provides interior lighting when a remote
keyless entry door unlock command is received and
executed by your vehicle. Your ignition must be off for
the illumination on remote activation feature to work.
The interior lamps will light until either the ignition is
turned to RUN or a period of 40 seconds has elapsed.
If a door is opened during the illumination period, the
timed lighting will be canceled, and the interior lamps
will remain on.

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 only four transmitters
matched to it.

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about three 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.

2-15

T o replace the battery:

1. Insert a flat object like a dime into the slot on the
back of the transmitter. Gently pry apart the front
and back.

2. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new
one. (Use type CR2032 or an equivalent.) Make sure
the positive (+) side of the battery is facing down.
Do not use a metal object to remove the old battery.

3. Snap the top and bottom together, making sure the
halves are together tightly so water won’t get in.

4. Test the operation of the transmitter with your vehicle.

2-16

Trunk

CAUTION:

Trunk Lock

T o unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the door key
and turn it. You can also press the trunk symbol on your
remote keyless entry transmitter.

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
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 trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:

D

Make sure all other windows are shut.

D

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in
the Index.

D

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

Remote Trunk Release

Press the button located
inside of the glove box door
to unlock the trunk from
inside the vehicle. The shift
lever must be in PARK (P)
for the remote trunk release
button to work.

2-17

Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped)

Your vehicle may have an assist handle located on
the inside of the trunk lid toward the driver’s side of
the vehicle.

Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid. Then
close the trunk with your other hand. If the trunk is
not properly closed, the DOOR/TRUNK light will
appear in the message center of your instrument panel
cluster. See “DOOR/TRUNK Light” in the Index
for more information.

NOTICE:

The trunk assist handle was not designed to be
used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk assist handle could damage it.

2-18

Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)

NOTICE:

The trunk release handle was not designed to be
used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk release handle could damage it.

There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle
located inside the trunk on the latch. This handle will
glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle
up to open the trunk from the inside.

Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit

T o help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your
trunk, you can order a trap
your dealer. This kit includes:

D

a modified trunk latch,

D

a lighted release handle, and

D

seatback tethers (for vehicles with folding
rear seatbacks).

See your dealer for additional information.

-resistant trunk kit from

2-19

Theft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.

Key in the Ignition

If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
don’t do it.

When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and so will your
ignition and transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.

Parking at Night

Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.

-deterrent

-- so

Parking Lots

Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your
ignition key?

D

If possible, park in a busy, well

D

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.

D

Close all windows.

D

Move the trunk release lockout switch to
LK (LOCK).

D

Lock the glove box.

D

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

D

Then take the door key and remote keyless entry
transmitter with you.

-lit area.

2-20

PASS-KeyR II

Your vehicle is equipped
with the PASS
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)

-deterrent system.

theft
PASS

-Key II is a passive

theft

-deterrent system.

It works when you insert
or remove the key from
the ignition.

-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key

PASS
that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

When the PASS-Key II system senses that someone is
using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and
fuel systems. For about three minutes, the starter won’t
work and fuel won’t go to the engine. If someone tries to
start your vehicle again or uses another key during this
time, the vehicle will not start. This discourages someone
from randomly trying different keys with different resistor
pellets in an attempt to make a match.

The ignition key must be clean and dry before it’s inserted
in the ignition or the engine may not start. If the engine
does not start and the SECURITY light is flashing,
the key may be dirty or wet. Turn the ignition off.

-Key II

Clean and dry the key. Wait about three minutes and try
again. If the starter still won’t work, and the key appears
to be clean and dry, wait about three minutes and try
another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to
check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in
the Index). If the starter won’t work with the other key,
your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start,
the first ignition key may be faulty. See your dealer
or a locksmith who can service the PASS

If you accidentally use a key that has a damaged or
missing resistor pellet, the starter won’t work. The
SECURITY light will then come on. But you don’t have
to wait three minutes before trying another ignition key.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can service the

-Key II to have a new key made.

PASS
If you’re ever driving and the SECURITY light comes

on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it
off. Your PASS
properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your
vehicle is not protected by the PASS

If you lose or damage a PASS
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS

-Key II to have a new key made. Also,

see “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for
more information.

-Key II system, however, is not working

-Key II ignition key,

-Key II.

-Key II system.

2-21

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break
the long run if you follow these guidelines:

D

D

D

-in.” But it will perform better in

Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow

-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Don’t make full
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
time you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow a trailer during break
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

-throttle starts.

-in guideline every

-in.

Ignition Positions

With the ignition key in the ignition, you can turn the
switch to five positions:

ACC (A): The accessory position lets you use the
radio and windshield wipers when the engine is off.
T o use ACC, push in the key and turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will stay locked.

2-22

LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition

switch, the switch is in LOCK. It’s also the only position
from which you can remove your key. This position
locks your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle.
It’s a theft

-deterrent feature.

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? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.

OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but

still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering
wheel. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle pushed
or towed.

RUN (D): This position is where the key returns after
you start your vehicle. With the engine off, you can
use RUN to display some of your warning and
indicator lights.

START (E): This position starts your engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s

door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or ACC
and the key is in the ignition.

2-23

Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position
a safety feature. T o restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.

-- that’s

NOTICE:

Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to STAR T. 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. W ait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.

2. If your engine 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
STAR T for not more than 15 seconds at a time.
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.

2-24

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

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
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

-up. Usually,

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is attached to the underside of the vehicle’s
diagonal brace, which is located above the engine air
cleaner filter assembly.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
110

-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach,

use a heavy
rated for at least 15 amps.

-duty three-prong extension cord

-prong

2-25

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.

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your automatic transaxle will have a shift lever on the
steering column.

The graphic shown above is displayed on your
instrument panel cluster in reference to your steering
column shift lever.

Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle
vehicles when you’re in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to
protect driveline components from improper operation.

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There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It’s the best

position to use when you start your engine because your
vehicle can’t move easily.

CAUTION:

It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.

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 suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To 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.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shiftlock control system. You must fully apply
your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it
all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal
pushed down. See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in
the Index.

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

NOTICE:

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.

T o rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow , ice or sand without damaging your transaxle,
see “If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow”
in the Index.

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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 vehicle is being towed.

CAUTION:

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
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 out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

NOTICE:

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

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B): This position is

for normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you’re:

D

Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.

D

Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.

NOTICE:

If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly,
or if it seems not to shift gears as you go faster,
something may be wrong with a transaxle system
sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (B) for higher speeds.

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal

driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B).

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Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B):

D

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

D

When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.

D

When going down a steep hill.

D

When driving in no
(i.e. city streets, etc.)

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.

-highway scenarios

NOTICE: (Continued)
Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going

slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine.

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power

(but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift
into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

NOTICE:

Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (B) or
THIRD (3) as much as possible.

NOTICE: (Continued)

If your front wheels can’t rotate, don’t try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a
solid object. You could damage your transaxle.

Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could overheat and damage the
transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P)
to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

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Parking Brake

T o set the parking brake,
hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot.
Push down the parking
brake pedal with your
left foot.

T o release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. When you lift your
left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the
released position.

A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the shift lever is not in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N).

NOTICE:

Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.

If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see
“T owing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows
what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.

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