Buick Park Avenue 2004 User Manual

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2004 Buick Park Avenue Owner Manual M

Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Air Bag Systems

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

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

....................................... 1-27

...................................... 1-49

Restraint System Check

Features and Controls

Keys Doors and Locks Windows

........................................................ 2-3

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

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

Theft-Deterrent Systems

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

............................ 1-58

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

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

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStar HomeLink Storage Areas Sunroof Vehicle Personalization

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls

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

System

Transmitter

...................................... 2-41

............................. 2-43

......................................... 2-47

.................................................. 2-50

............................. 2-51

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

.......................... 3-2

...................................... 3-24

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

....................................... 3-57

........... 2-23

......... 3-32

.................. 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

................................................... 4-31

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

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

......................................................... 5-4

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

..................................... 5-49

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

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

...................................................... 5-62

..................................... 5-90

................................. 5-98

...................................... 5-98

................... 5-108

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Maintenance Schedule

Customer Assistance Information

Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects

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

Index

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

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

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

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

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

..... 4-2

......... 5-61

...... 5-109

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Canadian Owners

You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from:

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

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name PARK AVENUE are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles ﬁrst sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual.

Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25755777 A First Edition

How to Use This Manual

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

Index

A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual, and the page number where you will ﬁnd it.

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Safety Warnings and Symbols

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

{CAUTION:

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

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

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

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Vehicle Damage Warnings

Vehicle Symbols

Also, in this book you will ﬁnd these notices:

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

A notice will tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage.

When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words.

You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Your vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, 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 vehicle symbols you may ﬁnd on your vehicle:

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✍ NOTES

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats ......................................................1-2

Power Seats ..................................................1-2

Power Lumbar ...............................................1-3

Heated Seats .................................................1-3

Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-4

Head Restraints .............................................1-5

Safety Belts .....................................................1-6

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-6

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts .........1-10

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-12

Driver Position ..............................................1-12

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-18

Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-19

Center Passenger Position .............................1-19

Rear Seat Passengers ..................................1-21

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults ..........................1-24

Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-26

Child Restraints .............................................1-27

Older Children ..............................................1-27

Infants and Young Children ............................1-30

Child Restraint Systems .................................1-33

Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-36

Top Strap ....................................................1-38

Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-39

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-40

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for

the LATCH System ....................................1-42

Securing a Child Restraint in a

Rear Outside Seat Position .........................1-42

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center

Rear Seat Position ....................................1-44

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right

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

Air Bag Systems ............................................1-49

Where Are the Air Bags? ...............................1-51

When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? ....................1-54

What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? .....................1-55

How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .....................1-55

What Will You See After an

Air Bag Inﬂates? .......................................1-56

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle .........1-58

Restraint System Check ..................................1-58

Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-58

Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ............................................1-59

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Front Seats

Power Seats

The power seat controls are located on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

To adjust the power seats, do the following: Horizontal Control: Raise or lower the front of the seat

cushion by pressing the forward edge of the control up or down.

Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by pressing the rear edge of the control up or down.

Move the seat forward or rearward by pressing the control toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

Move the seat higher or lower by holding the whole control up or down.

Vertical Control: Adjust the angle of the seatback by pressing the top of the control forward or rearward.

Move the seatback forward by pressing the top of the control forward.

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Power Lumbar

Heated Seats

If your vehicle has this feature, the power lumbar control is located on the outboard side of each front seat. Use the power seat control ﬁrst to get the proper position. Then continue with the lumbar adjustment.

To reshape the lower seatback, press the lumbar control forward to increase support and rearward to decrease support. Press the control up or down to raise or lower the support mechanism.

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.

If you have the independent front cushion moved down as far as it will go, you may feel the lumbar support higher in your back. Readjust the location of the cushion until you are comfortable. You may also want to adjust the seatback for maximum comfort.

If your vehicle has this option, press this button to turn on the heating element in the seat.

The heated seat controls are located next to the climate controls on the instrument panel.

When the heated seat control is ﬁrst pressed, the HI setting is activated. Press the button again for the LO setting. The third press of the button turns the feature off.

The LO setting warms the seatback and cushion until the seat nears body temperature. The HI setting heats the seat to a slightly higher temperature.

A light on the control reminds you that the heating system is in use. When the ignition is turned off, the heating element is also turned off.

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Reclining Seatbacks

The vertical control described previously in this section reclines the front seatbacks.

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

{CAUTION:

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this.

The shoulder belt can’t do its job. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.

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

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

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Head Restraints

Adjust your head restraint so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

On some models, the head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

Adjust the head restraint by grasping the top of the restraint and moving it forward or rearward until it is in the desired position.

Some rear seats have adjustable head restraints. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

On some models, the rear seat head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.

There are three different positions for the rear seat head restraints. Adjust a rear head restraint by grasping the top of the restraint and moving it forward the way you want it to go until you hear a click. It will then be locked into position until you need to move it again. Pulling it forward past the last position will allow the head restraint to return to its full rear 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:

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

{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 3-36.

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

You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one.

A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed.

After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

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

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doesn’t 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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or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.

You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

A: You could be – whether you’re wearing a safety

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

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

wear safety belts?

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will

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

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

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

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

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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 1-27 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-30. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection.

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

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

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

3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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

If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-26.

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

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

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or crash, or if you pull the safety belt very quickly out of the retractor.

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

{CAUTION:

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

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

{CAUTION:

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

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

{CAUTION:

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

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Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

{CAUTION:

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

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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.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

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

Right Front Passenger Position

To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see Driver Position on page 1-12.

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 lap 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.

If your vehicle has a center passenger position, be sure to use the correct buckle when buckling your lap-shoulder belt. If you ﬁnd that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the buckle for the center passenger position.

Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

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

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

1-20

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

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-26.

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’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.

Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted.

The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.

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

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

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt

Extender on page 1-26. 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.

1-22

3. 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 safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.

{CAUTION:

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

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

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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

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

There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown child restraints and booster seats and for smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the safety belt:

1. Remove the guide from its storage pocket on the side of the seatback.

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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.

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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4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in Rear Seat Passengers on page 1-21. 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. Slide the guide into its storage pocket on the side of the seatback.

Safety Belt Extender

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

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

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Child Restraints

Older Children

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

If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a window so the child can wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

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’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.

Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,

but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck?

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

but be sure that the shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that in a crash the child’s upper body would have the restraint that belts provide.

If the child is sitting in a rear seat outside position, see Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults on page 1-24.

If the child is so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in the center seat position, the one that has only a lap belt.

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{CAUTION:

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

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

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

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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.

{CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION: (Continued)

{CAUTION:

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.

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

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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’s 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 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 air bag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating air bag.

CAUTION: (Continued)

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CAUTION: (Continued)

{CAUTION:

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

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

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger’s air bag 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 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.

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Top Strap

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

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

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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 one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

If you have an adjustable head restraint, route the top strap under it.

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

Top Strap Anchor Location

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

Do not use a child restraint with a top strap in the right front passenger’s position because there is no place to anchor the top strap.

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

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Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You will ﬁnd anchors (A) for 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 vehicle anchors (A, B) and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether strap (C).

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

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 isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t 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. See “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System” or “Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle.

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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the top strap to the top strap anchor. See Top Strap on page 1-38. Tighten the top strap according to the child restraint instructions.

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

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

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

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

Children (LATCH System) on page 1-40. See Top Strap on page 1-38 if the child restraint has one.

If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you’ll 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 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.

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Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

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

5. 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.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center 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 1-40. See Top Strap on page 1-38 if the child restraint has one.

If your child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you’ll be using the lap belt to secure the child restraint in this position.

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Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

{CAUTION:

1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push 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. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

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

Children (LATCH System) on page 1-40. See Top Strap on page 1-38 if the child restraint has one.

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

{CAUTION:

A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child resraint. If you need to secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat 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. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See Power Seats on page 1-2.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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.

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

1-48

6. To tighten the belt, feed the lap belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

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Air Bag Systems

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

Your vehicle has four air bags – a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger.

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

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

{CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

Frontal air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They aren’t designed to inﬂate at all in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past.

The side impact air bags for the driver and right front passenger are designed to inﬂate only in moderate to severe crashes where something hits the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to inﬂate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes.

Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly – whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

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{CAUTION:

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

1-50

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

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

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-36 for more information.

Where Are the Air Bags?

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

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

1-52

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

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

{CAUTION:

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

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When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate?

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

If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 15 mph (14 to 24 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with speciﬁc vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range.

If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are not designed to inﬂate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inﬂation would not help the occupant.

The side impact air bags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not designed to inﬂate in frontal or near-frontal impacts, rollovers or rear impacts, because inﬂation would not help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

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

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What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate?

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

How Does an Air Bag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually.

But the frontal air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward the air bag. Side impact air bags would not help you in many types of collisions, including frontal or near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts, primarily because an occupant’s motion is not toward those air bags. Air bags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s side impact air bag.

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What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates?

{CAUTION:

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

1-56

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

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

• Air bags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an

air bag inﬂates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air bag system won’t be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.

• Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and

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

• Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on your air bag

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

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

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Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.

{CAUTION:

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

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

Restraint System Check

Checking Your Restraint Systems

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

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

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

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Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

{CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

If an air bag inﬂates, you’ll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section.

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✍ NOTES

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Section 2 Features and Controls

Keys ...............................................................2-3

Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-5

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-6

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

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

Central Door Unlocking System ......................2-11

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

Door Ajar Reminder ......................................2-11

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

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

Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-14

Lockout Protection ........................................2-14

Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................2-14

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

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

Power Windows ............................................2-18

Sun Visors ...................................................2-19

Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-19

Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-19

PASS-Key

PASS-Key®III Operation ...............................2-22

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

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-23

New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-23

Ignition Positions ..........................................2-24

Starting Your Engine .....................................2-25

Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-26

Automatic Transaxle Operation .......................2-27

Parking Brake ..............................................2-29

Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-30

Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-33

Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-33

Engine Exhaust ............................................2-34

Running Your Engine While You Are

Parked .....................................................2-35

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

Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-36

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror ................2-36

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror with Compass ..................................2-37

Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-39

Outside Curb View Assist Mirror .....................2-40

Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-40

Outside Automatic Dimming Heated Mirror ........2-41

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Section 2 Features and Controls

OnStar®System .............................................2-41

HomeLink

Programming the HomeLink®Transmitter .........2-43

Storage Areas ................................................2-47

Glove Box ...................................................2-47

Garage Door Opener Compartment .................2-47

Center Console Storage Area .........................2-48

Assist Handles .............................................2-49

2-2

Transmitter ...................................2-43

Rear Storage Area ........................................2-49

Rear Seat Armrest ........................................2-49

Rear Seat Pass Through ...............................2-49

Convenience Net ..........................................2-49

Sunroof .........................................................2-50

Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-51

Memory Seat and Mirrors ..............................2-51

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Keys

{CAUTION:

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

They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move.

Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

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Your vehicle has a two-key system. One key is the master and the other is a valet key.

The master key is used for the ignition, as well as the driver’s door lock, trunk and glove box.

The VALET key is used for the ignition and the driver’s door only. It will not open the trunk or glove box. This is a theft-deterrent feature. The VALET key should always be used when valet parking your vehicle.

Your vehicle has the PASS-Key

III vehicle theft system. Both the master and VALET key have a transponder in the key head that matches a decoder in the vehicle’s steering column. If a replacement key or any additional key is needed, you must purchase this key from your dealer. The key will have PK3 stamped on it. Keep the bar code tag that came with the original keys. Give this tag to your dealer if you need a new key made.

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

III key must be programmed

III Operation on page 2-22 for more information on

programming your new key. If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar

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

may be able to send a command

System

System on

page 2-41 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.

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Remote Keyless Entry System

If equipped, the remote keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

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

1. This device may not cause interference, and

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

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

1. This device may not cause interference, and

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

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

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

• Check the distance. You may be 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 or

resynchronization is necessary. See “Battery Replacement” and “Resynchronization” under “Remote Keyless Entry System Operation” following this section.

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

qualiﬁed technician for service.

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Remote Keyless Entry System Operation

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

If your vehicle has the Driver Information Center (DIC), the numbers on the back of the transmitters correspond to the DIC’s Driver #1 and Driver #2. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47 for more information.

W (Unlock): Press this

button to unlock the driver’s door. Press this button again within ﬁve seconds to unlock all of the doors.

Q (Lock): Press this button to lock all of the doors. V (Trunk): Press this button to unlock the trunk

when the ignition is in LOCK or OFF. The trunk button will also work when the ignition is on, but only while the transaxle is in PARK (P).

L (Remote Alarm): Your transmitter comes equipped

with a remote alarm. Press this button to make the horn sound and the exterior lamps ﬂash for up to 30 seconds. The remote alarm can be turned off by pressing this button again or by turning the ignition on.

With the content theft-deterrent feature, you may also turn off the remote alarm by unlocking the vehicle with a key.

Pressing any button will also illuminate the interior lamps. See “Entry Lighting” under Interior Lamps on page 3-15.

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Personalization Features

Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be programmed to the driver’s preference for automatic door locks, security feedback, delayed locking, memory seat, perimeter lighting, outside curb view assist mirror and window lockout. Each of these personalization features will be explained in this manual.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can also program any of these features through the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47.

You can also personalize your climate control temperature, air delivery mode and fan speed. See Climate Controls Personalization on page 3-31.

Security Feedback

This feature provides feedback when the vehicle receives a command from the remote keyless entry transmitter. The following modes may be selected:

Mode 0: No feedback when locking or unlocking vehicle.

Mode 1: No feedback when locking; exterior lamps ﬂash when unlocking vehicle.

Mode 2: Exterior lamps ﬂash when locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle.

Mode 3: Exterior lamps ﬂash when locking and when unlocking vehicle.

Mode 4: Exterior lamps ﬂash and horn chirps when locking; no feedback when unlocking vehicle.

Mode 5: Exterior lamps ﬂash and horn chirps when locking; exterior lamps ﬂash when unlocking vehicle.

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Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be programmed to a different mode according to the user’s preference. To change to another mode do the following:

1. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch on the driver’s door throughout the procedure.

2. Press the trunk button on the transmitter. The horn will chirp and the transmitter will remain in its current mode.

3. Press the trunk button again. Each time the trunk button is pressed, the horn will chirp and the transmitter will advance to the next mode.

4. Release the power door lock switch.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can also program these features through the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47.

Theft-Deterrent System

The remote keyless entry transmitter will arm the theft-deterrent system whenever the doors are closed and you push the lock button when the ignition is off. It will disarm the system when you push the unlock button.

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.

See your dealer to match additional transmitters to your vehicle.

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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 won’t work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it’s probably time to change the battery.

Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery, do the following:

1. Insert a thin coin, or similar object, into the notch near the key ring. Turn it counterclockwise to separate the two halves of the transmitter.

2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil eraser to remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

3. Remove and replace the battery as the instructions under the cover indicate. Use a Duracell type DL-2032, or a similar type.

4. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure no moisture can enter.

5. Test the operation of the transmitter with your vehicle. If the transmitter does not work, resynchronize the transmitter.

battery,

Resynchronization

After replacing the battery in your transmitter, or if only the remote alarm works, the transmitter needs to be resynchronized to the receiver. Do this by pressing and holding both the lock and unlock buttons at the same time for about eight seconds. You must be within range of the vehicle.

Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the horn will chirp and the exterior lamps will ﬂash once. The system should now operate properly.

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Doors and Locks

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.

• 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 your vehicle. To lock or unlock the driver’s door from the outside,

use your door key or remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped).

To lock or unlock the doors from the inside, move the manual lock on the door handle forward or rearward.

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Central Door Unlocking System

Door Ajar Reminder

If your vehicle has a theft-deterrent system, all doors will unlock if the key is held in the outside key cylinder unlock position for more than two seconds. The doors will also unlock if the key is turned to the unlock position twice in three seconds.

Power Door Locks

With power door locks, you can lock or unlock all doors on your vehicle using either the driver’s or the front passenger’s power door lock switch.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), and a door is not fully closed, the DIC will display a DOOR AJAR message. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47.

Delayed Locking

This feature lets the driver delay the actual locking of the doors. When the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter lock button is pressed with the key removed from the ignition and the driver’s door open, a chime will sound three times to signal that the lock delay mode is active. When all doors have been closed, the doors will lock automatically after ﬁve seconds. If any door is opened before this, the ﬁve-second timer will reset itself once all the doors have been closed again.

Pressing the door lock switch or the remote keyless entry lock button a second time will override this feature.

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The delayed locking feature can be turned on or off for each remote keyless entry transmitter.

To turn the feature on do the following:

1. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch on the driver’s door throughout this procedure. All the doors will lock.

2. Press the unlock button on the transmitter to enter the programming mode. The lock delay is still off and all doors will remain locked.

3. Press the unlock button on the transmitter again. Lock delay is now active and all doors will unlock.

4. Release the power door lock switch.

To turn this feature off, repeat the above procedure. If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information

Center (DIC), you can also program this feature through the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

Close the doors and turn on the ignition. If all the doors are closed, every time you move the shift lever out of PARK (P) all of the doors will lock. And, every time you stop and move the shift lever into PARK (P), the doors will unlock. If someone needs to get out while you’re not in PARK (P), have that person use the manual or power lock switch. When the door is closed again, it will not lock automatically. Just use the manual or power lock switch to lock the door again. If you need to lock the doors before shifting out of PARK (P), just use the manual or power lock switch.

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Customizing Your Automatic Door Locks Feature

You can program the automatic door locks feature to one of the following modes:

Mode 0: No automatic door lock or unlock. Mode 1: All doors automatically lock when shifted out

of PARK (P). No automatic door unlock. Mode 2: All doors automatically lock when shifted out

of PARK (P). Only the driver’s door automatically unlocks when shifted into PARK (P).

Mode 3: All doors automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). All doors automatically unlock when shifted into PARK (P).

Use the following procedure to change modes:

1. Close all the doors and turn the ignition on. Keep all doors closed throughout this procedure.

2. Press and hold LOCK on the power door lock switch on the driver’s door through Step 4.

3. Press the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter to enter the programming mode. The automatic door lock mode will remain in the current mode.

4. Press the lock button on the transmitter again. Each time the lock button is pressed, the mode will advance by one, going from Mode 3 to Mode 0 to Mode 1, etc.

For each press of the lock button, the door locks will activate in the same manner they would activate in the corresponding automatic door lock mode. For example, pressing the lock button on the transmitter to advance to Mode 2 would result in all doors locking and then, only the driver’s door would unlock. For Mode 0, no locking or unlocking will occur.

5. Release the power door lock switch and turn the ignition off. The automatic door locks will remain in the most recent mode selected.

This procedure only changes the mode for the transmitter used to change this setting.

If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can also program the automatic door locks feature through the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47.

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Rear Door Security Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside.

If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or older children who ride in the rear seat won’t be able to open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and older children know how these security locks work, and how to cancel the locks.

To cancel the rear door lock, do the following:

1. Unlock and open the door from the outside.

2. Move the lever all the way to the unlock symbol.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.

The rear door locks will now work normally.

To use one of these locks, do the following:

1. Open the rear door you want to lock.

2. Move the lever located on the inside door edge, all the way to the lock symbol.

3. Close the door.

4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.

The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from the inside when this feature is in use.

To open a rear door when the security lock is on, do the following:

1. Unlock the door.

2. Then open the door from the outside.

2-14

Lockout Protection

The power door locks will not work if the key is left in the ignition and the driver’s door is open. You can override this feature by holding the power door lock switch on the driver’s door for more than three seconds.

Leaving Your Vehicle

If you are leaving the vehicle, take the keys, open the door and set the locks from the inside, then get out and close the door.

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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 can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid:

• 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” in the Index.

Trunk Lock Release

To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the master key and turn it.

Remote Trunk Release

Press the TRUNK button located to the left of the steering column to release the trunk lid.

The trunk will open if the transaxle is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the trunk release lockout is in the unlocked position.

The remote keyless entry system will also unlock your trunk if the ignition is off, or if the ignition is on and the transaxle is in PARK (P).

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Remote Trunk Release Lockout

The remote trunk release lockout button allows you to secure items in the trunk.

Insert the ignition key into the TRUNK button, located to the left of the steering column. Turn the key one-quarter turn clockwise to LK then remove it from the button.

Emergency Trunk Release Handle

This will disable the trunk release button and prevent the trunk from opening when this button is pressed.

Trunk Security Override

The remote keyless entry transmitter will open the trunk when the ignition is on or off and the vehicle is in PARK (P), even if the trunk release lockout is activated.

2-16

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 near the trunk latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to open the trunk from the inside.

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Windows

{CAUTION:

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

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Power Windows

Use the switches on the driver’s door armrest to control each of the windows while the ignition is on or while Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” under Ignition Positions on page 2-24 for more information. In addition, each passenger door has a window switch.

Express-Down Window

The AUTO switch on the driver’s door armrest has an express-down feature. Pull the switch back all the way; then release it and the window will lower automatically. To stop the window from lowering, pull the switch again. To partially open the window, pull the switch back half way. When the switch is released, the window will stop moving. To raise the window, press and hold the switch forward.

Window Lock Out

Press the WINDOW LOCK button on the driver’s door armrest to disable all passenger window switches, or just the rear passenger switches. The middle of the switch will light to indicate that window lock out is active. Even when the passenger’s windows are disabled, the driver’s window controls will still be operable.

Press the WINDOW LOCK button a second time to allow passengers to use their window controls again. The light in the center of the button will go off to indicate that the feature is disabled.

If you have the DIC, you can choose to lock out only the rear windows. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-51 for programming instructions.

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Sun Visors

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Lighted Visor Vanity Mirror

If your vehicle has this feature, when you open the visor vanity mirrors, the lamps turn on.

To block out glare, swing down the visors. The larger sun visor can be removed from the center mount and moved to the side, while the auxiliary sun visor remains to block glare from the front.

The front side of the driver’s sun visor also contains a pocket for map storage.

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.

Content Theft-Deterrent

United States

Your vehicle is equipped with a content theft-deterrent alarm system. With this system, the SECURITY light will ﬂash as you open the door if your ignition is off.

Canada

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

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped). The SECURITY light should come on and stay on.

3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the SECURITY light goes off.

If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s lamps will ﬂash and the horn will sound for 30 seconds. The lamps and horn will then turn off to save battery power.

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

Here’s how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

• If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent

system, the vehicle should be locked with the door key after the doors are closed.

• Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote

keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with your key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.

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Testing the Alarm

The alarm can be tested by following these steps:

1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the driver’s window and open the driver’s door.

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

3. Get out of the car, close the door and wait for the SECURITY light to go out.

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

If the alarm does not sound when it should, but the vehicle’s lamps ﬂash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-99.

If the alarm does not sound or the vehicle’s lamps do not ﬂash, the vehicle should be serviced by an authorized service center.

PASS-Key®III

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, and

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, and

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

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

PASS-Key the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.

III uses a radio frequency transponder in

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PASS-Key®III Operation

Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key®III (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do anything different to arm or disarm the system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.

When the PASS-Key

III system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high number of electrical key codes.

III is a passive

When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not start and the SECURITY light 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 5-99. If the engine still does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the ﬁrst key may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the PASS-Key

It is possible for the PASS-Key

III to have a new key made.

III decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle. This procedure is for programming additional keys only.

Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys, only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key®III to have new keys made. To program additional keys you will need two current driver’s keys. You must add a step to the following procedure. After Step 2, repeat Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver’s key. Then continue with Step 3.

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To program the new key, do the following:

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

2. Insert the current driver’s 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 10 seconds of removing the previous key.

5. The SECURITY light will turn off once the key has been programmed. It may not be apparent that the SECURITY light went on due to how quickly the key is programmed.

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be programmed.

If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key

If you lose or damage a PASS-Key®III, see your dealer to have a new key made.

III system at this time.

III system,

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 4-38 for more information.

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Ignition Positions

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

A (ACCESSORY): In this position you can operate your electrical accessories. Press in the ignition switch as you turn the top of it toward you.

B (LOCK): This is the only position from which you can remove the key. This position locks your ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature.

Notice: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key hard. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of these works, then your vehicle needs service.

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

still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering wheel like LOCK and it doesn’t send any power to the accessories. The instrument panel cluster will remain powered in OFF to illuminate the gear shift indicator. The cluster will also activate the parking brake light when the parking brake is set. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is not running.

D (RUN): This is the position that the switch returns to after you start your engine and release the ignition key. This is the position for driving. Even when the engine is not running, you can use RUN to operate your electrical accessories and to display some instrument panel warning lights.

E (START): This position starts your engine. When the engine starts, release the ignition key. The switch will return to RUN for normal driving.

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Key Reminder Warning

If you leave your key in the ignition, with the engine off, you will hear a warning chime when you open the driver’s door.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

After you turn the ignition off and remove the key, you will still have power to such accessories as the radio, sunroof (option) and power windows for up to 10 minutes. Power is stopped if you open a door.

Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your 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 your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm.

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

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

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.

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Engine Coolant Heater

If your vehicle has this feature, in very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required.

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The engine coolant heater cord is located on the

passenger’s side of the vehicle, above the headlamp assembly.

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

{CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-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 don’t, it could be damaged.

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

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Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the steering column.

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

{CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

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 2-30.Ifyou are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on

page 4-38.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-33.

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

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

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see

If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-30.

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

{CAUTION:

Shifting 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.

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (

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

X): This position is for

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

accelerator pedal about halfway down.

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

accelerator all the way down.

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal

driving. However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (

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

X).

X):

• When driving on hilly, winding roads.

• When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting

between gears.

• When going down a steep hill.

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SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.

Notice: 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).

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

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

Notice: 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

This vehicle has a PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake pedal. 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.

Whether the ignition key is in RUN or OFF, the brake system warning light stays on while the parking brake is set.

The parking brake uses the brakes on the rear wheels. To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake

pedal down 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 release position.

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If you try to drive with the parking brake on, after about 20 feet (6.1 m) a chime will sound continuously until you release the parking brake. Also, the brake light will stay on until the parking brake is released.

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 are parking on any hill, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-38. That part shows what to do ﬁrst to keep the trailer from moving.

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 4-38.

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1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake.

2. Move the shift lever into 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).

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

{CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch ﬁre. You or others could be injured. Do not leave your vehicle with the engine running.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is ﬁrmly set before you leave it. After you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without ﬁrst pulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).

Torque Lock

If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may ﬁnd it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To ﬁnd out how, see Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-30.

When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

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Shifting Out of Park (P)

Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system, which locks the shift lever in PARK (P) when the ignition is in the LOCK position. In addition, you have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-27.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then, move the shift lever into the gear you want.

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the key to OFF. Open and close the driver’s door to turn off the RAP feature. (There is no shift interlock in this key position.)

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.

3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).

4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear you want.

5. Have the system ﬁxed as soon as you can.

Parking Over Things That Burn

{CAUTION:

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn.

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Engine Exhaust

{CAUTION:

Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can not see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:

• Your exhaust system sounds strange or

different.

• Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.

• Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.

CAUTION: (Continued)

•

Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris.

• Repairs were not done correctly.

• Your vehicle or exhaust system had been

modiﬁed improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

• Drive it only with all the windows down

to blow out any CO; and

• Have your vehicle ﬁxed immediately.

2-34

Buick Park Avenue 2004 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats

Power Seats

Power Lumbar

Heated Seats

Reclining Seatbacks

Head Restraints

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Driver Position

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Right Front Passenger Position

Center Passenger Position

Rear Seat Passengers

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

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 Outside Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Air Bag Systems

Where Are the Air Bags?

How Does an Air Bag Restrain?

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Restraint System Check

Checking Your 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

Central Door Unlocking System

Door Ajar Reminder

Power Door Locks

Delayed Locking

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

Rear Door Security Locks

Lockout Protection

Leaving Your Vehicle

Trunk

Windows

Power Windows

Sun Visors

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Content Theft-Deterrent

PASS-Key®III

PASS-Key®III Operation

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Ignition Positions

Starting Your Engine

Engine Coolant Heater

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Parking Brake

Shifting Into Park (P)

Shifting Out of Park (P)

Parking Over Things That Burn

Engine Exhaust