Buick LaCrosse 2005 User Manual

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Page 1

2005 Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual M

Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Airbag System

............................................... 1-3

............................................... 1-8

............................................. 1-10

....................................... 1-31

......................................... 1-51

Restraint System Check

Features and Controls

Keys Doors and Locks Windows

........................................................ 2-2

...................................... 2-10

................................................. 2-15

Theft-Deterrent Systems

........................... 1-1

............................ 1-65

..................................... 2-1

............................ 2-17

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStar HomeLink Storage Areas Sunroof

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls

.................................................... 2-32

System

Transmitter

...................................... 2-34

............................. 2-36

......................................... 2-40

.................................................. 2-42

............................................. 3-1

.......................... 3-4

...................................... 3-21

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s)

....................................... 3-79

........... 2-21

........ 3-30

.................. 3-47

Driving Your Vehicle

....................................... 4-1

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing

Service and Appearance Care

Service Fuel Checking Things Under the Hood Headlamp Aiming Bulb Replacement

................................................... 4-34

.......................... 5-1

..................................................... 5-3

......................................................... 5-5

............... 5-10

..................................... 5-43

.................................... 5-45

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care Vehicle Identiﬁcation Electrical System Capacities and Speciﬁcations

Maintenance Schedule

...................................................... 5-52

..................................... 5-78

................................. 5-86

...................................... 5-87

..................... 5-92

..................................... 6-1

................................ 6-2

Customer Assistance and Information

Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects

................................................................ 1

Index

........................... 7-10

..... 4-2

......... 5-51

.............. 7-1

........... 7-2

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Canadian Owners

A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from:

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

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, and the BUICK Emblem are registered trademarks, and the name LACROSSE is a trademark 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 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.

Keep this manual in the vehicle, so it will be there if it is needed while you are on the road. If the vehicle is sold, leave this manual in the vehicle.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 05LACROSSE A First Edition

How to Use This Manual

Many people read the owner manual from beginning to end when they ﬁrst receive their new vehicle. If this is done, it can help you learn about the features and controls for the vehicle. Pictures and words work together in the owner manual to explain things.

Index

A good place to quickly locate information about the vehicle is the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.

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Safety Warnings and Symbols

There are a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell 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 do not, you or others could be hurt.

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

iii

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Vehicle Damage Warnings

Vehicle Symbols

Also, in this manual you will ﬁnd these notices:

Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.

A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell 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.

There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a speciﬁc component, control, message, gage, or indicator.

If you need help ﬁguring out a speciﬁc name of a component, gage, or indicator, reference the following topics:

• Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1

• Features and Controls in Section 2

• Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3

• Climate Controls in Section 3

• Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3

• Audio System(s) in Section 3

• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

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These are some examples of symbols that may be found on the vehicle:

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✍ NOTES

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats ......................................................1-3

Manual Seats ................................................1-3

Six-Way Power Seats .....................................1-4

Power Lumbar ...............................................1-4

Heated Seats .................................................1-5

Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-5

Head Restraints .............................................1-7

Center Seat ...................................................1-7

Rear Seats .......................................................1-8

Split Folding Rear Seat ...................................1-8

Safety Belts ...................................................1-10

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................1-10

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-14

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-15

Driver Position ..............................................1-15

Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment .....................1-22

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-23

Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-23

Center Front Passenger Position .....................1-24

Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-25

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ....................1-27

Safety Belt Pretensioners ...............................1-30

Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-30

Child Restraints .............................................1-31

Older Children ..............................................1-31

Infants and Young Children ............................1-33

Child Restraint Systems .................................1-37

Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-40

Top Strap ....................................................1-41

Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-43

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-43

Securing a Child Restraint Designed

for the LATCH System ...............................1-45

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear

Seat Position ............................................1-46

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center

Front Seat Position ....................................1-48

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right

Front Seat Position ....................................1-48

Airbag System ...............................................1-51

Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-53

When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .....................1-56

What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? .......................1-57

How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-57

What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .....1-58

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Passenger Sensing System ............................1-60

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-64

Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle ....................................................1-64

1-2

Restraint System Check ..................................1-65

Checking the Restraint Systems ......................1-65

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a

Crash ......................................................1-65

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Front Seats

Manual 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 do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

Lift the bar located under the front seat cushion to unlock the seat.

Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar. Try to move the seat back and forth to make sure it is locked in place.

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Six-Way Power Seats

Power Lumbar

If your vehicle has power seats, the controls are located on the outboard sides of the seat cushions.

• To move the entire seat forward or rearward, move

the control forward or rearward.

• To raise or lower the entire seat, move the control

up or down.

• To raise or lower the front of the seat, move the

front of the control up or down.

• To raise or lower the rear of the seat, move the

rear of the control up or down.

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Your vehicle may have power lumbar. The control is located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat cushion.

Press the front of the control to increase lumbar support. Press the rear of the control to decrease lumbar support.

Keep in mind that as your seating position changes, as it may during long trips, so should the position of your lumbar support. Adjust the seat as needed.

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Heated Seats

If your vehicle has this feature, the buttons are located on the climate control panel.

Press the button once to activate a high heat setting. Both indicator lights above the button will come on. Press the button again to select a lower temperature setting. Only one indicator light will come on. Press the button a third time to turn the heat off.

This feature only works when the ignition is on.

Reclining Seatbacks

Lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat to release the seatback, then move the seatback to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seatback in place.

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But do not 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 not do their job when you are reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can not do its job because it will not 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 not do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly.

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Head Restraints

Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of the occupant’s head in each front seat. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. Push the release button, located under the head restraint, to lower the head restraint.

Center Seat

Your vehicle may have a front center seat. This seat can be converted to a storage area by lowering the armrest. See Center Console Storage Area on page 2-41.

For information on safety belts for this position, see Center Front Passenger Position on page 1-24.

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Rear Seats

Split Folding Rear Seat

If your vehicle has this feature, both sides of the rear seatback can be folded down in the vehicle. Make sure the front seat is not reclined. If it is, the rear seatback may not fold down all the way.

To lower the rear seatback, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the rear center lap-shoulder belt latch, if equipped, by using a pointed object to press the release button.

2. Pull forward on the seatback tab located on the outboard side of the rear seat cushion to fold the seatback down.

This gives direct access to the trunk.

{CAUTION:

If the seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked.

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{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.

2. Reconnect the center safety belt latch plate to the buckle.

To raise the rear seatback, follow these steps:

1. Raise the seatback up and make sure it latches. Push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked in position.

Make sure the safety belt label is pointing to the release button, and that both are facing the front of the vehicle. Make sure the belt is not twisted. Push and pull on the latch plate to be sure it is secure.

When the seat is not in use, the seatback should be kept in the upright, locked position.

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Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are 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.

{CAUTION:

Do not let anyone ride where he or she can not wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you are 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.

{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 on page 3-32.

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In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here is why: They work.

You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not 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 would not 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!

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

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Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider

1-12

does not stop.

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

or the instrument panel...

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Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident

if I am wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety

belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are 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 airbags, why should I have to

wear safety belts?

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 is why safety belts make such good sense.

1-14

A: Airbags are in many vehicles today and will be in

most of them in the future. But they are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Every airbag system ever offered for sale has required the use of safety belts. Even if you are in a vehicle that has airbags, you still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.

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Q: If I am 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 are in an

accident — even one that is not your fault — you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver does not 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.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

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 Older Children on page 1-31 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-33. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.

First, you will want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has.

We will start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

1-15

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Lap-Shoulder Belt

The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear it properly.

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index.

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 is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30.

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. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not 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.

1-16

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

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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 would 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 is a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not 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.

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Q: What is 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.

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Q: What is 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 are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen.

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Q: What is 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 would not 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.

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To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way.

Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment

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

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.

To move it down, push down on the release lever (A) 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.

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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Right Front Passenger Position

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not 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.

The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-15.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same way as the driver’s safety belt — except for one thing. If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all the way, you will engage the child restraint locking feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again.

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Center Front Passenger Position

Lap Belt

If your vehicle has a front bench seat, someone can sit in the center position.

When you sit in the center front 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.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug.

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30.

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.

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Rear Seat Passengers

It is 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 are not 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.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All rear seat positions have lap-shoulder belts. Here is how to wear one properly.

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not 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.

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30. 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.

1-25

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

1-26

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 would 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.

Page 33

The safety belt locks if there is 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.

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

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides

Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head.

There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

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

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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.

1-28

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.

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{CAUTION:

A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. 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.

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-25. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.

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

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Safety Belt Pretensioners

Safety Belt Extender

Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners. They are on the buckle end of the safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. They help the safety belts reduce a person’s forward movement in a moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crash.

Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a crash, you will need to get new ones, and probably other new parts for your safety belt system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash on page 1-65.

1-30

If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. It is free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to ﬁt. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.

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Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

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.

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{CAUTION:

Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt.

The belt can not 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: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,

move the child toward the center of the vehicle. Also see Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides on page 1-27. If the child is sitting in the center rear seat passenger position, move the child toward the safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.

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{CAUTION:

Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a

lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

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

Infants and Young Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate restraints. Young children should not use the vehicle’s adult safety belts alone, unless there is no other choice. Instead, they need to use a child restraint.

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{CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby does not weigh much — until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

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{CAUTION:

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

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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.

{CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.

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{CAUTION:

The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. Young children always should be secured in appropriate child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

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

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A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

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

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

Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner.

For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint.

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

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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 or the LATCH system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer.

Where to Put the Restraint

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We, therefore, recommend that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat.

Here is why:

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag.

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

If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

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{CAUTION:

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

If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly.

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

Top Strap

Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, do not use the restraint unless it is anchored properly.

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

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{CAUTION:

Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor only one child restraint. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single bracket could cause the anchor to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured if this happens. To help prevent injury to people and damage to your vehicle, attach only one child restraint per bracket.

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.

Anchor the top strap to an anchor point speciﬁed in Top Strap Anchor Location on page 1-43. 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.

1-42

Once you have the top strap anchored, you will be ready to secure the child restraint itself. Tighten the top strap when and as the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions say.

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Top Strap Anchor Location

The vehicle has top strap anchors installed for the rear seating positions.

They are located under trim covers on the rear seatback ﬁller panel.

Do not secure a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position if a national or local law requires that the top strap be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. There is no place to anchor the top strap in this position.

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43.

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

The vehicle has the LATCH system. You will ﬁnd anchors in all three rear seating positions.

This system, designed to make installation of child restraints easier, does not use the vehicle’s safety belts. Instead it uses vehicles anchors and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap.

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A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage C. Top Tether

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A. Lower Anchorage B. Lower Anchorage

In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint designed for that system.

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To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system has a label on the seatback at each lower anchor position.

The labels are located near the base of all three rear seating positions.

{CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchorage points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual.

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

1. Find the LATCH anchorages for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion. See Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Attach and tighten the LATCH attachments on the child restraint to the LATCH anchorages in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchorage. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Also see Top Strap on page 1-41.

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

To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top tether from the top tether anchorage and then disconnect the LATCH attachments from the LATCH anchorages.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43. See Top Strap on page 1-41 if the child restraint has one.

If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Put the child restraint on the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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

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4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock.

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

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

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Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position

{CAUTION:

Do not secure a child restraint in the center front seat position.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger airbag. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 1-40.

In addition, your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag when an infant in a rear-facing infant seat or a small child in a forward-facing child restraint or booster seat is detected. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-60 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34 for more information on this including important safety information.

A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

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{CAUTION:

If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat position, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. See Manual Seats on page 1-3 or Six-Way Power Seats on page 1-4.

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 1-43.

You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. See Top Strap on page 1-41 if your 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. Your vehicle has a right front passenger’s frontal airbag. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-60. General Motors recommends that rear-facing child restraints be secured in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If your child restraint is forward-facing, move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the child restraint in this seat. See Manual Seats on page 1-3 or Six-Way Power Seats on page 1-4.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you turn the ignition to RUN or START. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

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3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

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.

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

7. If the airbag is off, the off indicator on the instrument panel will be lit and stay lit when the key is turned to RUN or START.

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If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint.

If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint.

If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer.

Airbag System

Your vehicle has a frontal airbag for the driver and another frontal airbag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have roof mounted side impact airbags. Roof mounted side impact airbags are available for the driver and the passenger seated directly behind the driver and for the right front passenger and the passenger seated directly behind that passenger.

If your vehicle has side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the airbag covering on the ceiling near the side windows.

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

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Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:

CAUTION: (Continued)

{CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All airbags are designed to work with safety belts but do not replace them.

Frontal airbags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They are not designed to inﬂate in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal airbags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful airbags have provided in the past. The roof-mounted side impact airbags

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-52

are designed to inﬂate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They are not designed to inﬂate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

{CAUTION:

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

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{CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-31 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-33.

There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33 for more information.

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel.

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The right front passenger’s airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side.

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If your vehicle has a side impact airbag for the driver and the person seated directly behind the driver, it is located in the ceiling above the side windows.

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If your vehicle has a side impact airbag for the right front passenger and the person directly behind that passenger, it is located in the ceiling above the side windows.

{CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the bag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. And, if your vehicle has roof-mounted side impact airbags, never secure anything to the roof of your vehicle by routing the rope or tiedown through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inﬂating side impact airbag will be blocked. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear.

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When Should an Airbag Inﬂate?

The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inﬂate only if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds take into account a variety of desired deployment and non-deployment events and are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact and how quickly your vehicle slows down.

In addition, your vehicle has “dual-stage” frontal airbags, which adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle is equipped with electronic frontal sensors which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, these airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall that does not move or deform, the threshold level for the reduced deployment is about 12 to 16 mph (19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold level for a full deployment is about 18 to 24 mph (29 to 38.5 km/h).

The threshold level can vary, however, with speciﬁc vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.

Airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example:

• If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbag

could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the object were moving.

• If the object deforms, the airbag could inﬂate at

a different crash speed than if the object does not deform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole) the

airbag could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle the

airbag could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.

Frontal airbags (driver and right front passenger) are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.

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Your vehicle may or may not have side impact airbags. See Airbag System on page 1-51. Side impact airbags are intended to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact airbag will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Side impact airbags are not intended to inﬂate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts. A side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal or near-frontal impacts. For side impact airbags, inﬂation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.

What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate?

In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact airbags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inﬂator, which inﬂates the airbag. The inﬂator, airbag, and related

hardware are all part of the airbag modules inside the steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the right front passenger. For vehicles with side impact airbags, the airbag modules are located in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

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

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What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates?

{CAUTION:

After an airbag inﬂates, it quickly deﬂates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inﬂated. Some components of the airbag module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s airbag, or the ceiling of your vehicle near the side windows — will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

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When an airbag 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 cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.

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Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and ﬂash the hazard warning ﬂashers when the airbag inﬂates, if battery power is available. You can lock the doors and turn the interior lamps and hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features.

In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate an airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag.

• Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an

airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for your airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers other parts that need to be replaced.

• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders on page 7-9.

• Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on your airbag

system. Improper service can mean that your airbag system will not work properly. See your GM dealer for service.

Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the side impact airbag covering on the ceiling near the side windows, the airbag may not work properly. You may have to replace the airbag module in the steering wheel, both the airbag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s airbag, or side impact airbag module and ceiling covering for roof-mounted side impact airbags. Do not open or break the airbag coverings.

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Passenger Sensing System

Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The passenger airbag status indicator on the instrument panel will be visible when you turn your ignition key to RUN or START. The words ON and OFF will be visible during the system check. If you use remote start to start your vehicle from a distance, if equipped, you may not see the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF, will be visible. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver’s airbag and the side airbags are not part of the passenger sensing system.

The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the passenger’s frontal airbag should be enabled (may inﬂate) or not.

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat, and an older child riding in a booster seat.

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Your vehicle has a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint. A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{CAUTION:

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if:

• the right front passenger seat is unoccupied

• the system determines that an infant is present in a

rear-facing infant seat

• the system determines that a small child is present

in a forward-facing child restraint

• the system determines that a small child is present

in a booster seat

• a right front passenger takes his/her weight off of

the seat for a period of time

• the right front passenger seat is occupied by a

smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints

• or if there is a critical problem with the airbag

system or the passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, the off indicator on the instrument panel will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off.

If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-48.

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If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer.

The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inﬂate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat. When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active.

For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag, depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person.

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s airbag.

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{CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33 for more on this, including important safety information.

A thick layer of additional material such as a blanket, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers, can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. Remove any additional material from the seat cushion before reinstalling or securing the child restraint or small occupant. You may want to consider not using seat covers or other aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. See Adding

Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-64 for more information about modiﬁcations that

can affect how the system operates.

The passenger sensing system may suppress the airbag deployment when liquid is soaked into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator and the airbag readiness light on the instrument panel will be lit. The system should resume normal operation after the seat is allowed to dry. If the system operates incorrectly after the seat has dried, have your dealer check the system.

{CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around your vehicle. You do not want the system to inﬂate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.

{CAUTION:

For up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inﬂate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inﬂates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualiﬁed to do so.

The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.

Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my

vehicle modiﬁed. How can I ﬁnd out whether this will affect my airbag system?

A: Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,

safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (located under the right front passenger’s seat), or the instrument panel can affect the operation of the airbag system. If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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

Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)

{CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure your restraint systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts?

After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

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If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt or LATCH system was not being used at the time of the collision.

If an airbag inﬂates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier in this section.

If the frontal airbags inﬂate, you will also need to replace the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety belt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new buckle assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.

After a crash you may need to replace the driver and front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies, even if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver and front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-33.

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Section 2 Features and Controls

Keys ...............................................................2-2

Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-3

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-4

Doors and Locks ............................................2-10

Door Locks ..................................................2-10

Power Door Locks ........................................2-11

Delayed Locking ...........................................2-11

Automatic Door Locks ...................................2-12

Lockout Protection ........................................2-12

Trunk ..........................................................2-13

Windows ........................................................2-15

Power Windows ............................................2-16

Sun Visors ...................................................2-17

Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-17

Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-17

PASS-Key

III ..............................................2-19

PASS-Key®III Operation ...............................2-19

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-21

New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-21

Ignition Positions ..........................................2-21

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................2-22

Starting the Engine .......................................2-22

Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-23

Automatic Transaxle Operation .......................2-24

Parking Brake ..............................................2-27

Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-28

Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-29

Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-30

Engine Exhaust ............................................2-30

Running the Engine While Parked ...................2-31

Mirrors ...........................................................2-32

Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-32

Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar

..............2-32

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror ................2-32

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

with OnStar

............................................2-33

Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-33

Outside Power Heated Mirrors ........................2-34

Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-34

OnStar HomeLink

System .............................................2-34

HomeLink®..................................................2-36

Programming the HomeLink

Transmitter ...................................2-36

..........................2-36

Storage Areas ................................................2-40

Glove Box ...................................................2-40

Cupholder(s) ................................................2-40

Center Console Storage Area .........................2-41

Convenience Net ..........................................2-41

Sunroof .........................................................2-42

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Keys

{CAUTION:

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

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One key is used for the ignition and all locks.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the key has a bar-coded key tag. This tag may be removed by your dealer before it is delivered.

The vehicle has the PASS-Key

III vehicle theft system. The key has a transponder in the key head that matches a decoder in the vehicle’s instrument panel. The key will have PK3 stamped on it. If a replacement key or an additional key is needed, it must be purchased from your dealer or certiﬁed locksmith.

Any new PASS-Key before it will start the vehicle. See PASS-Key

III key must be programmed

III on

page 2-19 for more information on programming a

new key.

In an emergency, contact Buick Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may have to damage the vehicle to get in. Be sure you have spare keys.

If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar an active subscription and you lock your keys inside the vehicle, OnStar unlock your vehicle. See OnStar

may be able to send a command to

System on page 2-34

system with

for more information.

Remote Keyless Entry System

Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

• Check the distance. You may be too far from your

vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may

be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

• Check to determine if battery replacement is

necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4.

• If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a

qualiﬁed technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation

The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked, and the trunk can be unlatched from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 60 feet (18 m) away with the remote keyless entry transmitter.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature you can also start your vehicle with the remote keyless entry transmitter. Your remote keyless entry transmitter, with the remote start button, provides an increased range of operation. You can start your vehicle from an average range of 492 feet (150 m) away. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running and you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off than you were to turn it on.

There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry System on page 2-3.

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Remote Keyless Entry

with Remote Start

The following functions may be available if your vehicle has the remote keyless entry system:

Remote Keyless Entry

without Remote Start

/ (Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has this

feature, it may be started from outside the vehicle using the remote keyless entry transmitter. See “Remote Vehicle Start” at the end of this section for more detailed information.

Q (Lock): Press the lock button to lock all the doors.

If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking lamps may ﬂash once to indicate locking has occurred, or the horn may chirp when the lock button is pressed again within 5 seconds from the previous press of the lock button. See “FOB LOCK FEEDBACK” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71 for additional information. Pressing the lock button may also arm the content theft-deterrent system, if equipped. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.

K (Unlock): Press the unlock button to unlock the

driver’s door. If the button is pressed again within ﬁve seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior lamps will come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps can be programmed to come on for a set amount of time when the vehicle is unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter. See “EXT LIGHT DELAY” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71. Pressing the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter may disarm the content theft-deterrent system, if equipped. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.

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V (Remote Trunk Release): Press this button to

release the trunk lid. The transaxle must be in PARK (P) for this feature to operate.

L (Remote Alarm): Press this button to activate an

alarm. The ignition must be in off or accessory for the alarm to work. When the alarm button is pressed, the headlamps will ﬂash and the horn will sound repeatedly for two minutes. The alarm will turn off when the ignition is moved to RUN or the alarm button is pressed again.

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 GM dealer. Remember to bring any additional transmitters so they can also be re-coded to match the new transmitter. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. The vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement

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

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it is probably time to change the battery.

The KEY FOB BATT LOW message in the vehicle’s DIC will display if the remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low.

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.

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

1. Insert a ﬂat object, with a thin edge, into the notch located below the remote alarm button, and separate the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.

2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object to do this.

3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with the positive side of the battery facing up. Use a type CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.

4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter together. Make sure the cover is on tight, so water will not get in.

5. Test the operation of the transmitter with the vehicle.

Remote Vehicle Start

Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning systems and rear window defogger. When the remote start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic climate control system, it will automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation of the system will return after the key is turned to RUN.

Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.

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Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

Your vehicle’s remote keyless entry transmitter, with the remote start button, provides an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running and as a result, you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.

There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless Entry System on page 2-3 for additional information.

The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset after your vehicle’s engine is started two times using the transmitter’s remote start button. The remote start system is reset by Inserting the vehicle’s key into the ignition lock cylinder and turning it to RUN and then to OFF. See Ignition Positions on page 2-21 for information regarding the ignition positions on your vehicle.

/ (Remote Start): If your vehicle has the remote start

feature, the keyless entry transmitter will have a button with this symbol on it.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do the following:

1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.

2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button, then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s remote start button until the turn signal lamps ﬂash or for four seconds, if the vehicle’s lights are not visible. The vehicle’s doors will lock.

3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the engine is running.

The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes, unless a time extension has been done or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder and turned to RUN.

4. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the following:

• Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the

vehicle and press the remote start button until the parking lamps turn off.

• Turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers.

• Turn the ignition switch to RUN and then to OFF.

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If you enter the vehicle after a remote start, and the engine is still running, insert the key into the ignition lock cylinder and turn it to the RUN position to drive the vehicle.

Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times using the transmitter’s remote start feature.

If only one remote start procedure has been done, since last driving the vehicle or resetting the remote start system, the engine may be started again remotely following the remote start procedure a second time.

If the remote start procedure is used again before the ﬁrst ten minute time frame has ended, 10 minutes will be added to the remaining minutes. The added 10 minutes are considered a second remote start.

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:

• The remote start system is disabled.

• The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.

• A door is open or the vehicle’s hood is not closed.

• The hazard warning ﬂashers are on.

• There is an emission control system malfunction.

• The engine coolant temperature is too high.

• The oil pressure is low.

• Two remote vehicle starts have already been

provided. The maximum number of remote starts or remote start attempts between ignition cycles with the key is two.

If a remote start is attempted and is unsuccessful, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE START DISABLED.

Vehicles equipped with the remote vehicle start feature are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle start system enabled. The system may be disabled through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71 for additional information.

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Doors and Locks

CAUTION: (Continued)

Door Locks

{CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

• Passengers — especially children — can

easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.

CAUTION: (Continued)

2-10

•

Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever you leave it.

• Outsiders can easily enter through an

unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle. From the outside, turn the door/ignition key in the

driver’s door lock cylinder brieﬂy counterclockwise to unlock the driver’s door. Turn and hold it to unlock all the doors. You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter. From the inside use the manual or power door locks.

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Power Door Locks

Delayed Locking

To lock or unlock all doors from inside the vehicle, use the power door lock switch located on either front door armrest.

Press the bottom of the switch to lock all doors. Press the top of the switch to unlock all doors.

The driver’s and front passenger’s power door lock switch also releases the trunk lid. Press the top of the switch for approximately one and a half seconds to open the trunk.

If the vehicle has the content theft-deterrent system, the vehicle is programmed from the factory to arm the system with the power door lock switch. If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC) this feature can be turned off. See “Content Theft” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71.

This feature delays the locking of the vehicle’s doors for ﬁve seconds after the last door is closed. Two chimes will sound when the power door lock switch or the LOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed when a door is open. The chimes indicate that the delayed locking feature is on. If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC), a warning will be displayed.

The doors can be locked immediately by pressing the power door lock switch or the LOCK button on the transmitter a second time.

The delayed locking feature will not activate when the ignition is in RUN or ACCESSORY.

You can program this feature on or off through the Driver Information Center (DIC), if equipped. See “Delayed Locking” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71.

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Automatic Door Locks

Lockout Protection

The vehicle’s doors are programmed from the factory to lock when the shift lever is moved into a forward gear, and to unlock when the shift lever is moved into PARK (P).

If someone needs to get in or out of the vehicle after the doors have been locked, place the shift lever into PARK (P). You may also unlock all doors using the power door lock switch or unlock one door using the inside manual door lock.

If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC), there are different programming options for locking and unlocking the doors automatically. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71.

2-12

The lockout protection feature makes it more difficult to lock the key in the vehicle. If the driver’s door is open while the key is in the ignition, the door cannot be locked with the power door lock switch.

This feature cannot guarantee that you will never be locked out of the vehicle. If the key is not left in the ignition, or, if the manual door lock pin is used, the key could still be locked inside the vehicle. Always remember to take the key with you.

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Trunk

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:

• Make sure all other windows are shut.

• Turn the fan on your heating or cooling

system to its highest speed and select the control setting that will force outside air into your vehicle. See Climate Control System in the Index.

• If you have air outlets on or under the

instrument panel, open them all the way.

See Engine Exhaust on page 2-30.

Trunk Lock

To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the remote keyless entry transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4 for more information.

The ignition must be off, or the transaxle must be in PARK (P), to unlock the trunk.

Remote Trunk Release

This feature is used to unlock the trunk from inside the vehicle using the power door lock switch.

Press and hold the top of the driver’s or front passenger’s power door lock switch for one and one-half seconds to unlock the trunk.

The vehicle must be in PARK (P) to unlock the trunk.

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Emergency Trunk Release Handle

Notice: Using the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk may damage it. Use the emergency trunk release handle only to help you open the trunk lid.

There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the trunk latch of the trunk lid. This handle will glow following exposure to light. If ever needed, pull the emergency trunk release handle to open the trunk from the inside.

Tie-Down Feature

Your vehicle has a tie-down feature inside the trunk lid that can be used to secure the trunk lid when large items are stored in the trunk.

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Windows

{CAUTION:

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

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Power Windows

The switches on the driver’s door armrest are used to control each of the windows. The power window switches work while the ignition is on, in ACCESSORY, or while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-22. Each passenger door has its own window switch.

To lower the window, press and hold the front of the switch to the ﬁrst position until the window is at the desired level. To raise the window, pull up and hold the front of the switch.

Express-Down Window

The driver’s window switch has an express-down feature labeled AUTO. This allows you to lower the window completely without holding the switch. Press the front of the switch all the way down and release.

To stop the window while it is lowering, brieﬂy pull up on the switch.

Window Lockout

(Window Lockout): The driver’s window switches also include a lockout switch. Press the right side of the switch to prevent the rear passengers from using their window switches. The driver can still control all the windows and the front passenger can control their own window with the lockout on. Press the left side of the switch to return to normal window operation. A red bar on the right side of the switch will indicate that the lockout is off.

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Sun Visors

Content Theft-Deterrent

To block out glare, you can swing down the visors and slide them along the rod to cover different areas of the front window. You can also move them to cover the side windows.

Visor Vanity Mirror

Swing down the sun visors and lift the cover to expose the vanity mirror. If your vehicle has lighted vanity mirrors, the light will come on when you lift the cover.

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal.

Your vehicle may have a content theft-deterrent alarm system.

A red light located on top of the instrument panel, toward the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, will ﬂash slowly when the system is armed.

The theft-deterrent alarm system needs to be activated through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “CONTENT THEFT” under “Customization Menu Items” in DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71. While armed, the doors will not unlock with the power door lock switch. The remote alarm will sound if someone tampers with the trunk, enters the vehicle without using the remote keyless entry transmitter or key to unlock the doors, or turns the ignition on without the proper key. The horn will sound and the headlamps will ﬂash for up to two minutes. The system will also cut off the fuel supply, preventing the vehicle from being driven.

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Arming with the Power Lock Switch

The vehicle’s content theft-deterrent alarm system can be activated when the key is removed from the ignition and the power door lock switch of either the driver’s or front passenger’s door is used to lock the vehicle. The door needs to be in the open position when pressing the power door lock switch. The alarm system will not activate if the door is closed when the power door lock switch is pressed. This system can be activated through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See “CONTENT THEFT” under “Customization Menu Items” in DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71.

When the doors are locked using the power door lock switch of either front door, the red light on top of the instrument panel will start ﬂashing at a fast rate, indicating that the system is arming. After all the doors are locked there will be a time delay and then the red light will begin to ﬂash at a very slow rate, indicating the system is armed.

Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter

The alarm system will arm when the remote keyless entry transmitter is used to lock the doors after the key is removed from the ignition. The red light will come

on to indicate that the system is arming. After all doors are closed and locked, and after a time delay, the red light will begin ﬂashing at a very slow rate to show the system is armed.

Arming Conﬁrmation

A red light located on top of the instrument panel, towards the center of the vehicle and near the windshield, will ﬂash slowly to conﬁrm when the system is armed.

Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter

The alarm system will disarm when the remote keyless entry transmitter is used to unlock the doors. The red light will go out to show that the system is disarmed.

Disarming with Your Key

The alarm system will disarm when the key is used to unlock the doors. The red light will stop ﬂashing when the system is disarmed. If you would like the key to disarm the alarm system, see “CONTENT THEFT” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-71 for more information.

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PASS-Key®III

PASS-Key®III Operation

Your PASS-Key®III 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.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modiﬁcations to this system by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

PASS-Key

III uses a radio frequency transponder in

the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key

III is a passive theft-deterrent system. This means nothing special needs to be done to arm or disarm the system. It works when the key is inserted or removed from the ignition.

PASS-Key III

uses a transponder in the ignition key

that matches a decoder in the vehicle. When the PASS-Key

III system senses that the wrong key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will stop ﬂowing to the engine. If someone tries to start the vehicle again with the wrong key, the vehicle will not start. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged to do so because of the high number of electrical key codes.

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When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not start and the STARTING DISABLED warning message on the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.

If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-88. If the engine still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the ﬁrst key may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the PASS-Key

III to have a new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information.

It is possible for the PASS-Key

III decoder to accept the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming additional keys only. If all the programmed keys are lost or do not operate, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key

III to have keys made and programmed

to the system.

To program the new key do the following:

1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.

2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer for service.

3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF, and remove the key.

4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN within ﬁve seconds of removing the original key.

5. The STARTING DISABLED warning message on the DIC will turn off, once the key has been programmed. It may not be apparent that the STARTING DISABLED warning message went on due to how quickly the key is programmed.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to be programmed.

If the STARTING DISABLED warning message appears and stays on the DIC while the vehicle is being driven, the engine will be able to be restarted if it is turned off. Your PASS-Key

III system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. The vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key

If the PASS-Key®III key is lost or stolen, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key

III system at this time.

III to

have a new key made.

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Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Notice: Your vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

• Do not drive at any one speed, fast or slow, for

the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts.

• Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles

(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

• Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing

a Trailer on page 4-35 for more information.

Ignition Positions

With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be turned to four different positions:

A (OFF): This is the only position in which the ignition key can be inserted or removed. This position locks the ignition and transaxle. It is a theft-deterrent feature.

B (ACCESSORY): This position lets the radio and windshield wipers operate while the engine is off. To use ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.

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C (RUN): This position is where the key returns to after the vehicle is started. This position displays some of the warning and indicator lights.

D (START): This position starts the engine. A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information

Center will display a warning message when the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53 for more information.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP), certain features will continue to operate for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF unless a door is opened.

Starting the Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). The engine will not start in any other position — that is a safety feature. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.

Notice: Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine gets warm.

Notice: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter.

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2. If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, hold your key in START for about 10 seconds at a time until the engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.

When your engine has run for about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not race your engine when it is cold.

If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.

3. If your engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts brieﬂy but then stops again, do the same thing. This time keep the pedal down for ﬁve or six seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.

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 do not, your engine might not perform properly.

Engine Coolant Heater

Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature. In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the cord. This will prevent operation of the engine coolant heater when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C) as noted on the cord.

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 diagonal brace, which is located above the engine air cleaner/ﬁlter assembly.

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3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

{CAUTION:

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

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged.

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 will be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that particular area.

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your vehicle’s automatic transaxle may have a shift lever on the steering column or on the console between the seats.

Console Shift Lever

There is also a display located on the instrument panel cluster that will indicate the gear the vehicle is in.

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{CAUTION:

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

Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) on

page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-35.

The positions for the shift lever are: PARK (P): This position locks the vehicle’s front

wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because the vehicle cannot move easily.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply the regular brakes before shifting 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. Release the shift lever button. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P). See Shifting

Out of Park (P) on page 2-29

Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped.

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

To rock the vehicle back and forth in order to get it out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-28.

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NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is being towed.

{CAUTION:

Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting your vehicle.

Notice: Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase speed may damage the transaxle. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for

normal driving. If more power is needed for passing, and the vehicle is:

• Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the

accelerator pedal about halfway down.

• Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the

accelerator pedal all the way down.

By doing this the vehicle will automatically shift down to the next gear and have more power.

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).

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

• When driving on hilly, winding roads.

• When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting

between gears.

• When going down a steep hill.

• When driving in no-highway scenarios such as

city streets.

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Notice: Driving in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2).

SECOND (2): This position gives the vehicle more

power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control the speed going down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes off and on.

FIRST (1): This position gives the vehicle 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 will not shift into ﬁrst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.

Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

Parking Brake

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

To 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 vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving.

If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-35. That section shows what to do ﬁrst to keep the trailer from moving.

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Shifting Into Park (P)

{CAUTION:

It can be 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. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-35.

Steering Column Shift Lever

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) like this:

• Pull the lever toward you.

• Move the lever up as far as it will go.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

Console Shift Lever

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by holding in the button on the shift lever and pushing it all the way toward the front of the vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

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Buick LaCrosse 2005 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats

Manual Seats

Six-Way Power Seats

Power Lumbar

Heated Seats

Reclining Seatbacks

Head Restraints

Center Seat

Rear Seats

Split Folding Rear Seat

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Driver Position

Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Right Front Passenger Position

Center Front Passenger Position

Rear Seat Passengers

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides

Safety Belt Pretensioners

Safety Belt Extender

Child Restraints

Older Children

Infants and Young Children

Child Restraint Systems

Where to Put the Restraint

Top Strap

Top Strap Anchor Location

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Front Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Airbag System

Where Are the Airbags?

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

Passenger Sensing System

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Section 2 Features and Controls

Keys

Remote Keyless Entry System

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

Power Door Locks

Delayed Locking

Automatic Door Locks

Lockout Protection

Trunk

Windows

Power Windows

Sun Visors

Content Theft-Deterrent

Theft-Deterrent Systems

PASS-Key®III

PASS-Key®III Operation

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Ignition Positions

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Starting the Engine

Engine Coolant Heater

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Parking Brake

Shifting Into Park (P)