Cadillac 2012 Cadillac CTS-V, 2012 CTS Owner's Manual

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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
2012 Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 1-24
Keys, Doors, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Vehicle Security... . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-48
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-56
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
2012 Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual M
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-28
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-40
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-46
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-63
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-115
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . 10-118
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-4
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-13
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-17
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-2
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-19
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-20
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Introduction iii
The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle model names, and vehicle body designs appearing in this manual including, but not limited to, GM, the GM logo, CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest and Wreath, CTS, and CTS-V are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name General
Motors of Canada Limitedfor
Cadillac Motor Car Division
wherever it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated Attention: Customer Service 47911 Halyard Drive Plymouth, MI 48170
Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 20882358 B Second Printing
©
2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
iv Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result in injury or death.
{
WARNING
These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could result in property or vehicle damage. This would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means
Do Not,” “Do not do this,orDo not let this happen.
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gauge, or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) % : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
( : Heated Steering Wheel
j : LATCH System Child
Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak
®
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Heated and Ventilated
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Head Restraint
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-14
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18
Bluetooth
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Mobile Apps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-19
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-22
Storage Compartments . . . . . . 1-22
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Universal Remote System . . . 1-23
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
StabiliTrak
®
System . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-24
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-25
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Roadside Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
OnStar
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-2 In Brief
Instrument Panel
CTS Shown, CTSV Similar
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 86.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 528.
C. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 66.
D. Turn and Lane-Change Signals
on page 65.
E. Instrument Cluster on
page 512.
F. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 54. Rear Window Wiper/Washer on
page 56 (If Equipped).
G. Navigation Button (If Equipped).
See Navigation System Manual.
H. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 940. Magnetic Ride Control on
page 942 (CTSV Model Only).
I. Clock on page 59.
J. Passenger Sensing System on
page 328.
K. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 65.
L. Navigation Display Brightness
Control (If Equipped). See Navigation System Manual.
M. Infotainment on page 71.
Navigation/Radio System (If Equipped). See Navigation System Manual.
N. Parking Brake Release Lever.
See Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 937 or Parking Brake (Manual) on page 936.
O. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 105.
P. Cruise Control on page 943.
Heated Steering Wheel on page 54 (If Equipped).
Traction Control System (TCS) Disable Button (CTS-V Model Only). See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 940.
Q. Tap Shift Controls (If Equipped).
Located on the rear of the steering wheel. See Manual Mode on page 930.
R. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 520.
S. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 52.
T. Horn on page 54.
U. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 53.
V. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 310.
W. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 81.
X. Parking Brake Button.
See Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 937 or Parking Brake (Manual) on page 936.
Y. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 928 or Manual Transmission on page 932.
Z. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 41.
Power Outlets on page 510.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-4 In Brief
Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview about some of the important features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the features which can be found later in this owner manual.
Starting the Engine
When first starting the vehicle, the engine idle speed will be elevated to allow the catalytic converter, an emissions control device, to quickly reach operating temperature. After approximately 20 seconds, the engine will begin to transition to its normal, quieter idle speed, which can vary depending on the temperature. This is normal operation.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
On some models, the RKE transmitter is used to lock and unlock the doors from up to 20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle. On other models, it can be used up to 60 m (195 ft) away.
Key Access
Keyless Access
Press
K to unlock the driver door.
Press again within five seconds to unlock all remaining doors.
Press
Q to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized. See Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-5
Press and hold V / 8 to open the trunk/liftgate.
Press
L and release to locate the
vehicle.
Press and hold
L for more than
two seconds to sound the panic alarm.
Press
L again to cancel the panic
alarm.
For keyless access vehicles, press the button (A) to remove the key. The key can be used for all locks.
See Keys on page 22 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25.
Remote Vehicle Start
For vehicles with this feature, the engine can be started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
/ for at
least four seconds or until the vehicle's turn signal lamps flash.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The doors will be locked and the climate control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 213.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-6 In Brief
Door Locks
To lock or unlock a door manually:
Sedan and Wagon Base Model
From the inside, use the door lock knob on the top of doors.
Sedan and Wagon Uplevel Model
From the inside, for a front door pull the door handle. Pulling the door handle again unlatches the door. For a rear door use the door lock knob on the top of the door.
Coupe Model
To open a door from the inside, press the door latch button, or pull the manual door release handle on the driver side floor. See Door Locks
(Coupe) on page 216 or Door Locks (Sedan and Wagon) on page 215.
Sedan and Wagon Model
From the outside, turn the key toward the front or rear of the
vehicle, or press
Q or K on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25.
Coupe Model
From the outside, use the key to unlock the trunk then pull the manual door release handle,
or press
Q or K on the
RKE transmitter. See Door Locks (Coupe) on page 216 or Door Locks (Sedan and Wagon) on page 215 and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25.
Power Door Locks
Sedan/Wagon Shown,
Coupe Similar
Q : Press to lock the doors.
K : Press to unlock the doors.
See Power Door Locks on page 218.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-7
Liftgate
Power Liftgate
Vehicles with an automatic transmission must be in P (Park) and a manual transmission must be in Neutral to operate the power liftgate.
To open the liftgate from inside, select the mode then press the center of the button. See Liftgate on page 222 for more information on programming the height opening settings.
To open the liftgate with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
press and hold
8 on the
RKE transmitter.
To open the liftgate from outside the vehicle, press the touch pad on the outside liftgate handle.
Manual Operation of the Power Liftgate
With the vehicle in P (Park), turn the liftgate mode switch to OFF and unlock the doors. Press the touch pad under the liftgate handle and pull up on the handle. To close the liftgate, pull down on the pull cup. See Liftgate on page 222.
Trunk Release
The remote trunk release button is on the driver door, inside the storage compartment under the armrest.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral). Vehicles with a manual transmission, the shift lever must be in Neutral, and the parking brake set .
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-8 In Brief
The trunk may be opened by pressing the remote trunk release
button on the driver door, or
V on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, or the trunk release button located on the rear of the trunk above the license plate.
Vehicles with the Keyless Access System, if the vehicle is locked, the keyless access transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the trunk for it to be recognized, then the trunk can be opened by the trunk release button located above the license plate. See Trunk (Sedan, Coupe) on page 220 for more information.
Windows
Sedan Driver Side Shown, Wagon and Coupe Similar
The driver power window switches controls all the windows. The passenger switch only controls that window.
Press the switch down to lower the window. Pull the switch up to raise it.
For more information, see Power Windows on page 232.
Seat Adjustment
Power Seats
Seat Position
To adjust the seat:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the horizontal control forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the horizontal control up or down.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-9
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire horizontal control up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment on page 34.
Use the vertical control to adjust the seatback. See Reclining Seatbacks on page 36.
Power Lumbar
A. Side Bolster Control
B. Lumbar Support Control
C. Seatback Bolster Control
To adjust the lumbar support, if equipped:
.
Press and hold the top of the control (B) to increase support to the top of the seatback and decrease support to the bottom of the seatback.
.
Press and hold the bottom of the control (B) to decrease support to the top of the seatback and increase support to the bottom of the seatback.
.
Press and hold the front or rear of the control (B) to increase or decrease support to the entire seatback.
See Lumbar Adjustment on page 35.
Side Bolster
To adjust the side bolster support, if equipped:
.
Press the top or bottom of the control (A) to increase or decrease support in the seat cushion bolsters.
.
Press the top or bottom of the control (C) to increase or decrease support in the seatback bolsters.
See Lumbar Adjustment on page 35.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-10 In Brief
Memory Features
On vehicles with the memory package, memory buttons 1 and 2 on the driver door are used to save and recall memory settings for the driver seat cushion and seatback, outside mirrors, and the steering column position, if the vehicle is equipped with the power tilt and telescopic steering column.
1: Saves and recalls for driver 1.
2: Saves and recalls for driver 2.
B : Moves the driver seat and/or
power steering column to the exit position. See Exit Recalllater in this section.
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the power steering column, if equipped, to the desired driving positions.
2. Press and hold 1until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver using 2.
To recall memory positions, press and release 1or 2.The vehicle must be in P (Park) for an automatic transmission, or the parking brake must be applied for a manual transmission. A single beep will sound when the button is pressed. The seat, outside mirrors, and/or power steering column will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver.
If entry/exit recall is programmed on in the vehicle personalization menu, automatic entry recall occurs when the ignition is turned on.
See Memory Seats on page 38 and Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
Exit Recall
B : Press to move the driver seat
back a preset distance and/or the power steering column, if equipped, up and forward. A single beep sounds when the exit feature activates. The vehicle must be in P (Park) for an automatic transmission, or the parking brake must be applied for a manual transmission.
If entry/exit recall is programmed on in the vehicle personalization menu, automatic seat and/or steering column movement occurs under certain conditions. See Memory Seats on page 38.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-11
Heated and Ventilated Seats
Heated and Ventilated Seat
Buttons Shown, Heated Seat
Buttons Similar
If available, the buttons are on the climate control panel. To operate, the ignition must be on.
M : Press to heat the seat. { : If available, press to ventilate
the seat.
Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press of the button, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The lights on the climate control display indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest.
See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats on page 310.
Head Restraint Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating position, change the seatback recline angle as little as necessary while keeping the seat and the head restraint height in the proper position.
See Head Restraints on page 32 and Seat Adjustment on page 33.
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for important information on how to use safety belts properly:
.
Safety Belts on page 312.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 314.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 315.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 343.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-12 In Brief
Passenger Sensing System
United States
Canada and Mexico
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbag, seatmounted side impact airbags and the roofrail airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 519 for more information.
The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior
Controls for the outside power mirrors are on the driver door.
To adjust each mirrors:
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press the arrows on the control pad to move the mirror up, down, right, or left.
3. Adjust each mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can be seen.
4. Press (A) or (B) again to deselect the mirror.
See Power Mirrors on page 230.
Interior
The vehicle has an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror. Automatic dimming reduces the glare of headlamps from behind you.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 231.
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Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-13
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Power Tilt Wheel
For vehicles with the power tilt wheel, the control is on the left side of the steering column.
.
Push the control up or down to tilt the steering wheel up or down.
.
Push the control forward or rearward to move the steering wheel toward the front or rear of the vehicle.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Interior Lighting
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console. These lamps come on automatically when any door is opened.
For manual operation, press the button next to each lamp to turn it on or off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
For more information, see:
.
Reading Lamps on page 67.
.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 66.
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1-14 In Brief
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp control is located toward the end of the turn signal/lane change lever.
O : Turn the band with this
symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has four positions:
O : Turns off all lamps, except the
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).
AUTO: Turns the headlamps on and off automatically, depending upon how much light is available outside of the vehicle.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
together with the sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, and instrument panel lights.
5 : Turns on the headlamps,
together with the parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, and instrument panel lights.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on page 61.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 63.
.
Fog Lamps on page 66.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper lever is on the right side of the steering column.
Sedan and Coupe Model shown
Wagon Model shown
Move the windshield wiper lever to select the wiper speed.
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In Brief 1-15
8 : Use for a single wipe. Briefly
move the lever down and release. For several wipes, hold the lever down.
( : Use to turn the wipers off. 3 : For a delayed wiping cycle.
Turn the band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.
1: Use for slow wipes.
2: Use for fast wipes.
Windshield Washer
{
WARNING
In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.
Sedan and Coupe Model
K : Press the button with this
symbol, on the end of the windshield washer lever, to wash the windshield. The washer fluid sprays onto the windshield and the wipers run for a few cycles to clear
the windshield. Press and hold
K
for more wash cycles.
Wagon Model
Pull the lever toward you to spray washer fluid on the windshield. The spray continues until the lever is released. The wipers will run a few times.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 54 and Rear Window Wiper/Washer on page 56
(if equipped).
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1-16 In Brief
Climate Controls
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
A. Display
B. Fan
C. Power
D. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
E. PASS (Passenger Climate
Control)
F. Defrost
G. Air Delivery Mode
H. Temperature and
Heated/Ventilated Seat
I. Air Conditioning
J. Recirculation
K. Outside Air
L. Rear Window Defogger
See Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 81.
Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Driver Shift Control (DSC) or Tap Shift
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows shifting an automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission. DSC can be enabled through the shift lever or the Tap Shift controls, located on the back of the steering wheel (if equipped). See Manual Mode on page 930.
Manual Transmission
Skip Shift (CTSV)
Under light acceleration, the transmission will only allow shifting from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth). This helps improve fuel mileage. Under harder acceleration, Skip Shift is disabled, and all gears are available. See Manual Transmission on page 932.
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In Brief 1-17
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
VOL/ O : Press to turn the system
on and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume.
FM/AM: Press to select between FM or AM.
m : Press to select XM,
if equipped.
TUNE/TONE: Turn to select radio stations.
¨ SEEK or © SEEK: Press to seek
the next or previous station.
INFO: Press to display additional information that may be available for the current song. When information is not available, No Information displays.
For more information about these and other radio features, see Operation on page 73.
Storing a Favorite Station
A maximum of 36 stations can be programmed as favorites using the six softkeys below the radio station frequency tabs on the display and by using the radio favorites page button (FAV button). Press the FAV button to go through up to six pages of favorites, each having six favorite stations available per page. Each page of favorites can contain any combination of AM, FM, or XM stations.
For more information, see AM-FM Radio on page 78.
Setting the Clock
The analog clock is located on the instrument panel above the radio. The clock is not connected with any other vehicle system and runs by itself. To adjust the clock:
1. Locate the adjustment buttons directly below the clock face.
2. Push and hold the right adjustment button to move the clock hands forward, or the left adjustment button to make the clock hands go backward. Holding either button down will cause the clock to advance faster. Release the button before the desired time is reached.
3. Push and release either button to adjust the time by one minute increments until the desired time is reached.
For more information on setting the clock, see Clock on page 59.
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1-18 In Brief
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with an XMsatellite radio tuner and a valid XM satellite radio subscription can receive XM programming.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service based in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. XM satellite radio has a wide variety of programming and commercial-free music, coast to coast, and in digital-quality sound. A fee is required to receive the XM service.
Refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).
.
www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
See Satellite Radio on page 711.
Portable Audio Devices
Some vehicles have a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB port located in the center console. External devices such as iPods
®
laptop computers, MP3 players, CD changers, and USB drives may be connected, depending on the audio system.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 736.
Bluetooth
®
The Bluetooth system allows users with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls using the vehicle audio system and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions.
See Bluetooth on page 738.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are available for download through iTunes
®
to then
access the iPhone
®
App Store and GoogleMarketplace for Android. Search for the apps to download. The apps are free of charge; however, the myCadillac app requires the user to link their own vehicle and OnStar MyLink requires an active OnStar subscription.
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In Brief 1-19
Steering Wheel Controls
Some audio steering wheel controls could differ depending on the vehicle's options.
Controls that can be adjusted at the steering wheel may include:
SRCE: Press to switch between AM, FM, or XM (if equipped) radio, CD, HDD (if equipped), auxiliary input jack, DVD (if equipped), and USB (if equipped).
y or c / z : Press to go to the
previous or next radio station stored as a favorite, or the previous or next track of a CD.
Press to interact with the Bluetooth
®
system. See Bluetooth on page 738 for more information.
+
e : Press to increase or to
decrease the volume.
b / g : Press and release to
silence the vehicle speakers only. The audio of the wireless and wired headphones, if the vehicle has
these features, does not mute. Press and release
b / g again,
to turn the sound on.
.
For vehicles with a navigation system, press and hold
b / g for
two seconds to initiate speech recognition.
.
For vehicles without a navigation system, press and hold
b / g for
two seconds to interact with OnStar
®
or Bluetooth.
.
For vehicles with a navigation system, OnStar, or Bluetooth,
press and hold
b / g for
two seconds and say hands freeto interact with OnStar or Bluetooth.
For more information, see Steering Wheel Controls on page 53.
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1-20 In Brief
Cruise Control
CTS Shown, CTSV Similar
The cruise control buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel.
I : Press to turn the system on or
off. The indicator light on the button turns on when cruise control is on.
+RES: Press to make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously set speed.
SET: Press to set the speed or make the vehicle decelerate.
[ : Press to cancel cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 943.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation system, there is a separate navigation system manual that includes information on the radio, audio players, and navigation system.
The navigation system provides detailed maps of most major freeways and roads. After a destination has been set, the system provides turn-by-turn instructions for reaching the destination. In addition, the system can help locate a variety of points of interest (POIs), such as banks, airports, restaurants, and more.
See the navigation system manual for more information.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located at the bottom of the instrument panel cluster. It shows the status of many vehicle systems and enables access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
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In Brief 1-21
3 : Press to scroll through the
trip and fuel displays.
T : Press to scroll through the
vehicle information displays.
U : Press to customize the
feature settings on your vehicle. See Vehicle Personalization on page 548 for more information.
V : Press to reset certain DIC
features and to acknowledge DIC warning messages and clear them from the DIC display.
y or z : Press to scroll up and
down the menu items.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on page 528.
Vehicle Customization
Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the DIC buttons on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. These features include:
.
Language
.
Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.
Lighting
.
Chime Volume
.
Memory Settings
See Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
The rear vision camera displays a view of the area behind the vehicle on either the navigation screen or the inside rearview mirror when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse). Once shifted out of R (Reverse), the navigation screen will go back to the last screen that had been displayed, after a delay or the video image automatically disappears from the inside rearview mirror.
To clean the camera lens, located above the license plate, rinse it with water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on page 950 for more information.
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Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system uses sensors on the rear bumper to assist with parking and avoiding objects while in R (Reverse). It operates at speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audible beeps to provide distance and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's rear bumper clean to ensure proper operation.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 946.
Storage Compartments
Press the bottom of the load floor handle assembly to lift the top on the handle. Pull up on the handle to open the cargo management system.
See Cargo Management System (Wagon Only) on page 43 for more information.
Power Outlets
Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are three accessory power outlets. The power outlets located below the climate control system, inside the center console storage bin, and on the rear of the center console are powered while the vehicle is in ON/RUN, START or ACC/ACCESSORY mode, or until the driver door is opened within 10 minutes of turning off the vehicle.
On the CTS Wagon there is an additional accessory power outlet located near the rear cargo net that is powered at all times.
Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use.
See Power Outlets on page 510.
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In Brief 1-23
Universal Remote System
The Universal Home Remote System allows for garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices to be programmed to work with these buttons in the vehicle.
See Universal Remote System on page 556.
Sunroof
If the vehicle has a power sunroof it will only operate when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Ignition
Positions (Key Access) on page 917 or Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 919 and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 923.
The driver side switch (A) operates the sunshade.
Open/Close: Press and hold the front or rear of the switch (A) to open or close the sunshade.
Express Open/Express Close:
Press and release the rear or front of the switch (A) to express open or express close the sunshade. To stop the sunshade partway, press the switch (A) a second time.
The passenger side switch (B) operates the sunroof.
Vent: Coupe only, press and hold the front of the switch (B) to vent the sunroof. The sunshade will automatically open approximately fifteen inches. Press and hold the rear of the switch (B) to close the sunroof vent.
Express Open/Express Close:
Press and release the rear or front of the switch (B) to express open or express close the sunroof. To stop the sunroof partway, press the switch (B) a second time.
Comfort Stop: The sunroof has a comfort stop feature that stops the sunroof from opening to the full-open position. Press the rear of the sunroof switch (B) to the first detent to open the sunroof to the comfort open position. Press the rear of the switch (B) again to fully open the sunroof.
For more information see Sunroof on page 234.
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1-24 In Brief
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS)
The traction control system limits wheel spin. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off traction control, press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button
Y located on the
instrument panel (CTS) or the steering wheel (CTS-V). The appropriate DIC message is displayed. See Ride Control System Messages on page 542.
.
Press the TCS/StabiliTrak button
Y again to turn traction
control back on.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on page 940.
StabiliTrak®System
StabiliTrak assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off both traction control and electronic stability control, press and hold the
TCS/StabiliTrak button
Y
located on the instrument panel (CTS) or steering wheel (CTS-V)
until
g illuminates and the
appropriate DIC messages are displayed. See Ride Control System Messages on page 542.
.
Press the TCS/StabiliTrak button
Y again to turn on both
systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®
System on page 941.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you to a significant loss in pressure of one of the vehicle's tires. If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 912. The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire pressure warning light may appear when the vehicle is first started and then turn off. This may be an early
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In Brief 1-25
indicator that the tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. It is the drivers responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 1076.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a spare tire and tire changing equipment or a tire sealant and compressor kit. The kit can be used to temporarily seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 1091 for complete operating information.
If the vehicle came with a spare tire and tire changing equipment, see If a Tire Goes Flat on page 1089.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and displays the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message when it is time to change the engine oil and filter. The oil life system should be reset to 100% only following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC MENU button, display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on page 528 and Engine Oil Messages on page 537.
2. Press the Set/Reset button and hold for two seconds to clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display accidentally at any time other than after the oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately until the next oil change.
The oil life system can also be reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message is not on, the system is reset.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 1013.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
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1-26 In Brief
.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate, use cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPC Spec number molded into the tire's sidewall near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Roadside Service
U.S.: 1-800-224-1400
Canada: 1-800-882-1112
TTY Users (U.S. only):
1-888-889-2438
Mexico: 01-800-466-0805
As the owner of a new Cadillac, you are automatically enrolled in the Roadside Service program.
See Roadside Service (U.S. and
Canada) on page 137 or Roadside Service (Mexico) on page 1310.
Roadside Service and OnStar (U.S. and Canada)
If you have an active OnStar subscription, press the
Q button
and the current GPS location will be sent to an OnStar advisor who will assess your problem, contact Roadside Service, and relay your exact location to get the help you need.
Online Owner Center (U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service that includes online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual, special privileges, and more.
Sign up today at:
U.S.: cadillac.com
Click on Owners,then Manage My Cadillac/Owners Login.
Canada: cadillacowner.ca
OnStar
®
If equipped, this vehicle has a comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can connect to a live Advisor for Emergency, Security, Navigation, Connection, and Diagnostic Services. See OnStar Overview on page 141.
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
(Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
(Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . 2-13
Door Locks
(Sedan and Wagon) . . . . . . . . 2-15
Door Locks (Coupe) . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Central Door Unlocking
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 2-18
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Safety Locks
(Sedan and Wagon) . . . . . . . . 2-19
Doors
Trunk (Sedan, Coupe) . . . . . . . 2-20
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-26
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Immobilizer Operation
(Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
Interior Mirrors
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
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2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
{
WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. Children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and children could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
{
WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is dangerous for many reasons; children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the RKE transmitter in the vehicle and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the RKE transmitter in a vehicle with children.
One of the following keys comes with the vehicle.
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
Key Access
This key is used for the driver door, ignition, and glove box.
Keyless Access
This key, located inside the transmitter, is used for the driver door, glove box, and rear seat pass-through door. See Rear Seat Pass-Throughunder Trunk (Sedan, Coupe) on page 220 for more information.
Keyless Access
If the vehicle has the Keyless Access System, the transmitter has a thin button (A) near the bottom of the transmitter used to remove the key. Press (A) and pull the key out. Do not pull the key out without pressing the button.
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2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Key Access
If the vehicle has the Key Access System, there is no key in the transmitter.
Notice: If the transmitter does not have a button near the base, do not pull on the chrome base of the transmitter. Pulling on the base of this transmitter could damage it.
This vehicle may have the Key Access System or a Keyless Access System. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25 for more information. See Ignition Positions (Key Access) on page 917 or Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 919 for information on
starting the vehicle.
See your dealer if a new key is needed.
Notice: If the keys get locked in the vehicle, it may have to be damaged to get them out. Always carry a spare key.
Contact Roadside Service if locked out of the vehicle. See Roadside
Service (U.S. and Canada) on page 137 or Roadside Service (Mexico) on page 1310.
With an active OnStar subscription, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview on page 141.
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on page 1322 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range:
.
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far from the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery. See Battery Replacementlater in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access)
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter works up to 20 m (65 ft) away.
Other conditions can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 25.
Wagon Similar
Do not pull on the chrome base of the transmitter.
Q (Lock): Press to lock all of the
doors.
If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking lamps may flash once to indicate locking has occurred.
The horn may chirp when
Q is
pressed again within five seconds. See Vehicle Personalization on page 548 for additional information.
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
driver door. If
K is pressed again
within five seconds, all remaining doors unlock. The interior lamps come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps flash twice to indicate unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
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2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
V / 8 (Remote Trunk/Liftgate
Release): Press and hold for about one second to unlock the trunk/ liftgate. The automatic transmission must be in P (Park) or the manual transmission must be in Neutral with the parking brake set.
L (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to locate the vehicle. The turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
L for more than
two seconds to activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds for 30 seconds. The alarm turns off when the ignition is moved to
START or
L is pressed again.
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work.
The vehicle comes with two transmitters. Each transmitter will have a number on top of it, 1or 2.These numbers correspond to the driver of the vehicle. For example, the memory seat position for driver 1 will be recalled when using the transmitter labeled 1,if enabled through the DIC. See Memory
Seats on page 38 and Vehicle Personalization on page 548 for
more information.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. When the replacement transmitter is programmed to the vehicle, all remaining transmitters must also
be programmed. Any lost or stolen transmitters no longer work once the new transmitter is programmed. Each vehicle can have up to eight transmitters programmed to it.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC. See Replace Battery In Remote Keyunder Key and Lock Messages on page 538 for additional information.
Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object inserted into the notch, located above the metal base.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access)
The Keyless Access System transmitter will work up to 60 m (195 ft) away.
The Keyless Access System locks and unlocks the doors and trunk without pressing the buttons on the keyless access transmitter. The keyless access transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the door or trunk being opened.
Keyless Unlocking
With the keyless access transmitter within 1 m (3 ft), approach the front door and pull the handle to unlock and open the door. On some models there is a touch sensor on the door handle. If the transmitter is recognized, the door will unlock and open.
To access the rear doors first, pull the rear door handle once to unlock all doors and a second time to open the door.
Entering any door other than the driver door will cause all of the doors to unlock. This is not customizable.
To customize which doors unlock when the driver door is opened, see Keyless Unlockunder Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
Keyless Locking
The doors lock after several seconds if all doors are closed and at least one keyless access transmitter has been removed from the interior of the vehicle. To customize if the doors automatically lock upon exiting the vehicle, see Keyless Locking under Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
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Keyless Trunk/Liftgate Opening
Press the trunk/liftgate release button located above the license plate to open the trunk/liftgate if the keyless access transmitter is within range. See Trunk (Sedan, Coupe) on page 220 for additional information.
There are other conditions that affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 25.
With Remote Start Shown,
without and Wagon Similar
Q (Lock): Press once to lock the
doors. The turn signal indicators flash. When
Q is pressed twice,
the turn signal indicators flash twice, and the horn sounds once to confirm locking.
To program the vehicle so the turn signal indicators do not flash and the horn does not sound when
pressing
Q on the keyless access
transmitter, see Remote Door Lock Feedbackunder Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
K (Unlock): Press once to unlock
only the driver door. The turn signal indicators flash twice.
Press
K twice within five seconds
to unlock all the doors. The interior lamps may come on.
To program the vehicle so the turn signal indicators do not flash and the fog lamps and back-up lamps remain on steady for about 20 seconds when the keyless access transmitter is used to unlock the vehicle, see Remote Door Unlock Feedbackunder Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
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For vehicles with the memory feature, press
K on the keyless
access transmitter to program and recall the memory settings. See Memory Seats on page 38 for more information.
/ (Remote Start): Press to
operate the remote start feature. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 213 for additional information.
V / 8 (Remote Trunk/Liftgate
Release): Press and hold for about one second to unlock the trunk/ liftgate. The automatic transmission must be in P (Park) or the manual transmission must be in Neutral with the parking brake set.
L (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to locate the vehicle. The horn sounds three times and the turn signal lamps flash three times.
Press and hold
L for
three seconds to sound the panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signal lamps flash for
30 seconds. Press and release
L
again to stop the alarm.
The vehicle comes with two transmitters. Each transmitter will have a number on top of it, 1or 2.These numbers correspond to the driver of the vehicle. For example, the memory seat position for driver 1 will be recalled when using the transmitter labeled 1,if enabled through the DIC. See Memory
Seats on page 38 and Vehicle Personalization on page 548 for
more information.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only keyless access transmitters programmed to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen transmitters no longer work. Each vehicle can have up to four transmitters matched to it.
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Programming with a Recognized Transmitter
A new transmitter can be programmed to the vehicle when there is one recognized transmitter. For vehicles sold in Canada, two recognized transmitters are required to program a new transmitter.
1. Make sure the vehicle is off.
2. Place the recognized transmitter(s) in the cupholder. Have the new transmitter available with you.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder located on the outside of the driver door.
4. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within five seconds.
5. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #2, 3 or 4.
6. Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket with the buttons facing the front of the vehicle. The transmitter pocket is inside the center console storage area located between the driver and front passenger seats.
7. A beep sounds once the transmitter is programmed. The DIC displays READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY #3 or 4, or MAXIMUM # ELECTRONIC KEYS LEARNED.
8. Press the ignition control knob to exit programming mode.
9. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
K
on the keyless access transmitter two times.
10. To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 6 through 9.
Programming without a Recognized Transmitter
United States owners are permitted to program a new transmitter to their vehicle when a recognized transmitter is not available. The Canadian immobilizer standard requires that Canadian owners see their dealer for programming new transmitters when two recognized transmitters are not available.
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The procedure requires three 10-minute cycles to complete the matching process.
1. Make sure the vehicle is off.
2. Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket with the buttons facing the front of the vehicle. The transmitter pocket is inside the center console storage area located between the driver and front passenger seats.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key lock cylinder located on the driver door.
4. Turn the key to the unlock position five times within five seconds.
5. The DIC displays PRESS START CONTROL TO LEARN KEYS.
6. Press the ignition switch in.
7. The DIC reads LEARN DELAY ACTIVE WAIT XX MIN and counts down to zero.
8. The DIC displays PRESS START CONTROL TO LEARN KEYS again.
9. Press the ignition switch in again.
10. Repeat Steps 7, 8, and 9.
11. The DIC reads LEARN DELAY
ACTIVE WAIT XX MIN and counts down to zero.
12. A beep sounds and the DIC
reads READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY # X. All previously known transmitter programming has been erased.
13. A beep sounds once programming is complete. The DIC displays READY TO LEARN ELECTRONIC KEY # 2.
To program additional transmitters, insert each transmitter in the pocket until a beep is heard and the DIC advances to the next electronic key number. Up to four transmitters can be programmed. The DIC displays MAXIMUM # ELECTRONIC KEYS LEARNED and exits the programming mode.
14. Press the ignition control knob if programming is complete.
15. Press
K on each newly
programmed transmitter to complete the process.
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Starting the Vehicle with a Low Transmitter Battery
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC. See Replace Battery In Remote Keyunder Key and Lock Messages on page 538 for additional information.
If the transmitter battery is weak, the DIC may display ELECTRONIC KEY NOT DETECTED when you try to start the vehicle. To start the vehicle, place the transmitter in the center console storage area transmitter pocket with the buttons facing to the front of the vehicle. Then, with the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and the ignition control knob. See Starting the Engine on page 921, for additional information about the vehicle's electronic keyless ignition. Replace the transmitter battery as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.
1. Remove the key from the transmitter by pressing the thin button near the bottom of the transmitter and pulling the key out. Do not pull the key out without pressing the button.
2. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object inserted into the slot on the side of the transmitter.
Do not try to separate the transmitter by inserting a flat, thin object into the key slot. This will permanently damage the transmitter.
3. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the transmitter back together.
6. Reinstall the key into the transmitter.
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Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote starting feature that allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
/ (Remote Vehicle Start):
This button will be on the RKE transmitter if you have remote start.
The automatic climate control will begin to heat or cool your vehicle during remote start depending on the temperature inside and outside of the vehicle. The windshield defroster and/or rear window defogger turn on if it is cold outside. If the vehicle has heated seats, they may also be turned on during remote start to warm up the seats in cold weather. Normal operation of the climate control system returns after the ignition is turned to ON/RUN. See Dual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 81.
Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the remote start feature. The vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE transmitter functions will have an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance of the transmitter; see Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 25 for additional information.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle and press and release
Q on the
transmitter.
2. Press and hold
/ for at least
four seconds or until the vehicle's turn signal lamps flash. The parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The vehicle's doors will be locked.
3. After entering the vehicle during a remote start, press the brake pedal and turn the ignition to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine will automatically shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done or the ignition has been turned to ON/RUN.
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Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by 10 minutes, repeat Steps 1 and 2 while the engine is still running. The engine run time can only be extended if it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been driven. Remote start can be extended one time.
If the remote start procedure is used again before the first 10-minute time frame has ended, the first 10 minutes will immediately expire and the second 10-minute time frame will start.
For example, if
Q and then / are
pressed again after the vehicle has been running for five minutes, 10 minutes are added, allowing the engine to run for a total of 15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or remote start attempts are allowed between ignition cycles.
After the vehicle's engine has been started two times using the remote start button, the ignition must be turned on and then back off before the remote start procedure can be used again.
Shutting the Engine Off After a Remote Start
To manually shut off the engine after a remote start, do any of the following:
.
Press / until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any of the following occur:
.
The ignition is in any position other than LOCK/OFF.
.
A keyless access transmitter is inside the vehicle.
.
The vehicle's hood is not closed.
.
The hazard warning flashers are on.
.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
.
The oil pressure is low.
.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been used. The maximum number of remote starts or remote start attempts between ignition cycles with the key is two.
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Door Locks (Sedan and Wagon)
{
WARNING
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. The chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are not locked. So, all passengers should wear safety belts properly and the doors should be locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.
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 the vehicle whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors can help prevent this from happening.
Sedan and Wagon Base Model
From the inside, use the door lock knob on the top of doors.
Sedan and Wagon Uplevel Model
From the inside, for a front door pull the door handle. Pulling the door handle again unlatches the door. For a rear door use the door lock knob on the top of the door.
Sedan and Wagon Model
From the outside, turn the key toward the front or rear of the
vehicle, or press
Q or K on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25.
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Door Locks (Coupe)
{
WARNING
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 it will not open. 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.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.
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.
From the outside, press
Q or K
on the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter (RKE).
A. Door Handle Sensor
B. Door Latch Button
C. Power Door Lock Switch
With the RKE transmitter within range, grip the door handle sensor (A). See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25. When the passenger door
is opened first, the driver door will also unlock.
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From the inside, use the power door lock switch (C). See Power Door Locks on page 218.
To open a door from the inside, press the door latch button (B). A tone will sound when the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has lost battery power, the driver door can be opened manually.
.
From inside the vehicle, pull the manual door release handle.
.
From outside the vehicle, use the key to unlock the trunk. Then, pull the door release tab, located under the package shelf at the top of the trunk, to unlock and unlatch the driver door.
Central Door Unlocking System
The vehicle has a central door unlocking feature. When unlocking the driver door, the other doors can be unlocked by holding the key in the turned position for a few seconds or by quickly turning the key twice in the lock cylinder.
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Power Door Locks
The switches are located on the front doors.
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
doors.
Q (Lock): Remove the key from
the ignition and press to lock the doors.
Delayed Locking
With this feature, you can delay the actual locking of the doors.
When the power door lock switch is pressed when the key is not in the ignition and the driver door is opened, a chime will sound three times indicating that delayed locking is active.
When all the doors are closed, the doors will lock automatically after five seconds. If a door is reopened before five seconds have elapsed, the five second timer will reset itself once all the doors are closed again.
You can press the door lock switch again or the lock button on the RKE transmitter to override this feature and lock the doors immediately.
Automatic Door Locks
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the doors will lock automatically when all doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the shift lever is moved out of P (Park). The doors will automatically unlock when the vehicle is stopped and the shift lever is moved into P (Park).
For vehicles with a manual transmission, the doors will lock automatically after the vehicle speed reaches 8 km (5 mph). The doors will automatically unlock when the key is turned off and removed from the ignition.
Use the manual or power door locks to unlock the doors if someone needs to exit, and to lock the doors again.
The power door locks can be programmed through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
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Lockout Protection
If the power door lock switch is pressed when the key is in the ignition and a door is open, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock. If the doors are closed, they can be locked by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition when locking the vehicle.
This feature can be overridden by pressing the lock button on the RKE transmitter or by pressing the power lock switch a second time.
Safety Locks (Sedan and Wagon)
The vehicle has rear door security locks. These prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside.
Lock Label shown
The rear door security locks are located on the inside edge of each rear door. The rear doors must be open to access them. The label showing lock and unlock positions is located near the lock.
To set the locks:
1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the horizontal position.
2. Close the door.
When you want to open a rear door when the security lock is on:
1. Unlock the door using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or Keyless Access System transmitter, if the vehicle has one, the power door lock switch, or the rear door manual lock.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it so the slot is in the vertical position.
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Doors
Trunk (Sedan, Coupe)
{
WARNING
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.
Close all of the windows.
.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
.
Adjust the climate control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control Systemsin the Index.
.
If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 927.
Trunk Lock Release
The remote trunk release button is on the driver door, inside the storage compartment under the armrest.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
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Vehicles with a manual transmission, the shift lever must be in Neutral, and the parking brake set .
The trunk may be opened by pressing the remote trunk release
button on the driver door, or
V on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, or the trunk release button located on the rear of the trunk above the license plate.
Vehicles with the Keyless Access System, if the vehicle is locked, the keyless access transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the trunk for it to be recognized, then the trunk can be opened by the trunk release button located above the license plate.
If the vehicle is ever without power, the trunk area can still be accessed.
On vehicles with a rear seat pass-through door:
1. Fold the rear armrest down and open the pass-through door. See Rear-Seat Pass Through following for more information.
2. Reach upward through the opening to locate the emergency trunk release handle. See Emergency Trunk Release Handlefollowing for more information.
3. Pull forward on the trunk release handle to open the trunk lid.
On vehicles with a split folding rear seat:
1. Fold down the rear seatback. See Rear Seats on page 311 for more information.
2. Reach upward through the opening to locate the trunk release handle.
3. Pull forward on the trunk release handle to open the trunk lid.
Close the trunk by pulling on the handle. Do not use the handle as a tie-down.
Rear-Seat Pass Through
If the vehicle has the rear-seat pass through door, the trunk can be accessed through the rear seat. This is useful when transporting long items.
To open the door, pull down the rear seat armrest. Then pull the lever all the way down to release the door.
To close the door, push it up and back into place. Then try to open the door without pulling up on the lever to make sure it is locked into place.
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Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Notice: Do not use the emergency trunk release handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing items in the trunk as it could damage the handle. The emergency trunk release handle is only intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk, enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.
There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle located on the back wall of the trunk. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle toward the front of the vehicle to open the trunk from the inside.
Liftgate
Power Liftgate Operation
{
WARNING
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If the vehicle must be driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open:
.
Close all of the windows.
.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
.
Adjust the climate control system to a setting that brings in only outside air and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control Systemsin the Index.
.
If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 927.
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{
WARNING
You or others could be injured if caught in the path of the power liftgate. Make sure there is no one in the way of the liftgate as it is opening and closing.
Notice: If you open the liftgate without checking for overhead obstructions such as a garage door, you could damage the liftgate or the liftgate glass. Always check to make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission must be in P (Park) and a manual transmission must be in Neutral to operate the power liftgate. The taillamps flash when the power liftgate moves.
Turn the selector switch to choose one of three modes:
MAX: The liftgate power opens to the full open height.
3/4: The liftgate power opens to a reduced open height that can be set in a range of approximately ¾ open to full open. Use this setting to prevent the liftgate from opening into overhead obstructions such as a garage door or roof mounted cargo during power operation. The liftgate can still be opened fully manually.
OFF: The liftgate only operates manually in this position.
Manual operation of a liftgate that also has power operation requires more effort than a standard manual liftgate.
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In either the MAX or the ¾ mode, the liftgate can be power opened and closed by:
.
Pressing and holding the power liftgate button 8 on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter until the liftgate starts moving. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25.
.
Pressing the power liftgate button in the center of the mode selector switch on the driver door, with the driver door unlocked.
.
Pressing the touch pad on the liftgate outside handle, with all doors unlocked, to open the liftgate.
.
Pressing and releasing the power liftgate button on the liftgate adjacent to the latch to close the liftgate.
Pressing any button that operates the power liftgate, or the touch pad while the liftgate is moving, stops it. Pressing the button or RKE again reverses the direction. There is a minimum that the power liftgate must already be open for the system to hold it open. If movement is stopped below that minimum, the liftgate closes.
Do not force the liftgate open or closed during a power cycle.
The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled under extreme temperatures or low battery conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.
If the transmission is shifted out of P (Park) while the power function is in progress, the liftgate power function will continue to completion. If the transmission is shifted out of P (Park) and accelerate before the power liftgate latch is closed, the liftgate may reverse to the open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Close and latch the power liftgate before driving.
If the liftgate is powered open and the liftgate support struts have lost pressure, the turn signals will flash and a chime will sound. The liftgate will stay open, and then slowly close. See your dealer for service before using the liftgate.
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Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full closed or open position. After removing the obstacle, the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power cycle, the power function will deactivate. After removing the obstacles, the liftgate will resume normal power operation.
The vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the liftgate and the body and presses against this sensor, the liftgate will reverse direction and open fully. The liftgate will remain open until it is activated again or closed manually.
Setting the Power Liftgate Intermediate Mode
To change the liftgate stop position:
1. Turn the liftgate switch to either the MAX, or the ¾ mode position and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any button that operates the power liftgate, or the touch pad. Manually adjust the liftgate position if required.
3. Press and hold the button on the liftgate adjacent to the latch until the turn signals flash and a beep sounds to indicate that the new setting is recorded.
When power opened with the ¾ mode selected, the liftgate stops at the new set position.
If an audible and visual response is not received when setting the intermediate stop position, the liftgate height is below the ¾ open height minimum, approximately
1.52 m (5 ft) at the edge of the liftgate.
Manual Operation of Power Liftgate
To change the liftgate to manual operation, turn the mode selector switch to OFF.
With the power liftgate disabled and all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate can be manually opened and closed. Manual operation of a vehicle with a power liftgate requires more effort than a standard non-power liftgate.
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To open the liftgate, press the touch pad on the handle on the outside of the liftgate and lift. To close the liftgate, use the pull cup. With the power liftgate disabled, the liftgate electric latch will still power latch once contact is made with the striker. Always close the liftgate before driving.
If the RKE button is pressed while power operation is disabled, the turn signals will flash and the liftgate will not move.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the battery is disconnected or has low voltage, the liftgate will not open. The liftgate will resume operation when the battery is reconnected and charged.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features; however, they do not make it impossible to steal.
Anti-theft Alarm System
This vehicle may have an anti-theft alarm system.
The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on when the system is arming.
Arming the System
To arm the system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the transmitter. The security light should come on and stay on.
3. Close all doors. The security light should go off after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the security light goes off.
If a locked door or trunk is opened without using the key in the driver door key cylinder or the transmitter, a 10-second pre-alarm will occur. The horn will chirp and the lights will flash. If the key is not placed in the ignition and turned to START or the door is not unlocked by pressing the unlock button on the transmitter during the 10-second pre-alarm, the alarm will go off. The headlamps will flash and the horn will sound for about 30 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery power.
The theft-deterrent system will not activate if the doors are locked with the key or the manual door lock. It activates only if the power door lock switch is used while the door is open, or with the transmitter.
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To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.
Lock the vehicle with the door key after the doors are closed.
.
Always unlock a door with the transmitter or by using the key in the driver door cylinder. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm.
Turn off the alarm by pressing the unlock button on the transmitter.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If K is pressed and the horn sounds, an attempted break-in has occurred while the system was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, the THEFT ATTEMPTED message will appear on the DIC. See Anti-theft
Alarm System Messages on page 545 for additional information.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on page 1322 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation (Key Access)
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the key is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the vehicle is started with the correct key. The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control
unit in the vehicle and automatically disarms the system. The vehicle may not start if the key is damaged.
The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security light stays on, there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start and the key appears to be undamaged or the light continues to stay on, try another key.
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If the engine still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the first key may be damaged. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new key made.
It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to 10 keys can be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming additional keys only.
To program a new key:
1. Verify that the new key has
1
stamped on it.
2. Insert the current 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 LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON/RUN within five seconds of the ignition being turned to LOCK/OFF in Step 3.
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.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access)
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the ignition control knob is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition control knob is pushed in and a valid transmitter is found in the vehicle.
The security light, located in the instrument panel cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
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One or more keyless access transmitters can be matched to the vehicle's immobilizer control unit. Only a correctly matched keyless access transmitter will start the vehicle. If the keyless access transmitter is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the security light stays on, there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition control knob off and try again.
If the ignition control knob does not rotate, and the keyless access transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another keyless access transmitter. Or, you may try placing the transmitter in the transmitter pocket located in the center console. See Electronic Key Not Detectedunder Key and Lock Messages on page 538.
If the ignition control knob still does not rotate with the other transmitter, the vehicle needs service. If the ignition control knob does rotate, the first transmitter may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new keyless access transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to learn new or replacement keyless access transmitters. Up to four keyless access transmitters can be programmed for the vehicle. To program additional transmitters, see Programming Transmitters to the Vehiclefor keyless access under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Keyless Access) on page 27 or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access) on page 25.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{
CAUTION
A convex mirror can make things, like other vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex mirror's surface is curved so more can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside power mirrors are on the driver door.
To adjust each mirror:
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press the arrows on the control pad to move the mirror up, down, right, or left.
3. Adjust each mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can be seen.
4. Press (A) or (B) again to deselect the mirror.
Folding Mirrors
Manual
Vehicles with manual fold mirrors are folded inward toward the vehicle to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. Push the mirror outward, to return it to the original position.
Heated Mirrors
=
(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to heat the mirrors.
See Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 81.
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-31
Interior Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle has an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror. Automatic dimming reduces the glare of headlamps from behind you.
If the vehicle has a rear vision camera (RVC), see Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on page 950 for more information.
Vehicles with OnStar have three control buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your dealer for more information about OnStar and how to subscribe to it. See OnStar Overview on page 141.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.
Windows
{
WARNING
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to improve fuel economy performance. This may result in a pulsing sound when a window is partially open. To reduce the sound, open another window or the sunroof (if equipped).
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Power Windows
{
WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with the keys is dangerous for many reasons. Children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children.
When there are children in the rear seat use the window lockout button to prevent unintentional operation of the windows.
Sedan Driver Side Shown, Wagon and Coupe Similar
The driver power window switches controls all the windows. The passenger switch only controls that window.
Press the switch down to lower the window. Pull the switch up to raise it.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) allows the use of the power windows after the ignition has been turned off. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 923.
Express-Down/Up Windows
Windows with the express feature allow the windows to be raised and lowered all the way without holding the switch.
Press or pull the switch fully and release it to activate the express feature.
The express mode can be canceled by briefly pressing or pulling the switch.
Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature
If any object is in the path of the window when the express-up is active, the window will stop at the obstruction and auto-reverse to a preset factory position. Weather conditions such as severe icing may also cause the window to auto-reverse. The window will return to normal operation after the obstruction or condition is removed.
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Express Window Anti-Pinch Override
{
WARNING
If express override is activated, the window will not reverse automatically. You or others could be injured and the window could be damaged. Before you use express override, make sure that all people and obstructions are clear of the window path.
The anti-pinch feature can be overridden. Hold the window switch all the way up to the second position. The window will rise for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch is released, the express mode is re-activated.
In this mode, the window can close on an object in its path. Use care when using the override mode.
Programming the Power Windows
If the vehicle battery has been recharged, disconnected or not working, the front power windows will need to be reprogrammed for the express-up feature to work. Before reprogramming, replace or recharge the vehicle's battery.
To program:
1. With the ignition in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active, close all doors.
2. Press and hold the power window switch until the window is fully open.
3. Pull the power window switch up until the window is fully closed.
4. Continue holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is completely closed.
The window is now reprogrammed. Repeat the process for the other windows.
Window Lockout
v (Window Lockout): This feature prevents the rear passenger windows from operating, except from the driver position.
Press
v to activate the rear window
lockout switch. The LED light comes on when activated.
Press
v gain to deactivate the
lockout switch.
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Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block glare. Detach the sun visor from the center mount to pivot to the side window, or to extend along the rod, if available.
Roof
Sunroof
If the vehicle has a power sunroof it will only operate when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Ignition Positions
(Key Access) on page 917 or Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 919 and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 923.
The driver side switch (A) operates the sunshade.
Open/Close: Press and hold the front or rear of the switch (A) to open or close the sunshade.
Express Open/Express Close:
Press and release the rear or front of the switch (A) to express open or express close the sunshade. To stop the sunshade partway, press the switch (A) a second time.
The passenger side switch (B) operates the sunroof.
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Vent: Coupe only, press and hold
the front of the switch (B) to vent the sunroof. The sunshade will automatically open approximately fifteen inches. Press and hold the rear of the switch (B) to close the sunroof vent.
Express Open/Express Close:
Press and release the rear or front of the switch (B) to express open or express close the sunroof. To stop the sunroof partway, press the switch (B) a second time.
Comfort Stop: The sunroof has a comfort stop feature that stops the sunroof from opening to the full-open position. Press the rear of the sunroof switch (B) to the first detent to open the sunroof to the comfort open position. Press the rear of the switch (B) again to fully open the sunroof.
Anti-Pinch Feature
If an object is in the path of the sunroof/sunshade when it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the sunroof/sunshade from closing at the point of the obstruction. The sunroof/sunshade will then return to the full-open position. To close the sunroof/sunshade, see Express-Closeearlier in this section.
Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof seal or in the track. This could cause an issue with sunroof operation or noise.
It could also plug the water drainage system. Periodically open the sunroof and remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not remove grease from the sunroof.
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2 NOTES
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Seats and Restraints 3-1
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Active Head Restraints . . . . . . . . 3-3
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Easy Entry Seat (Coupe
Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Thigh Support Adjustment . . . . 3-6
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-19
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-23
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-33
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-34
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Infants and Young
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-40
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-42 Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Securing Child Restraints
(Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-52
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3-2 Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Front Seats
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions.
{
WARNING
With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant's head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
The height of the head restraint can be adjusted. Pull the head restraint up to raise it. Try to move the head restraint to make sure that it is locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press the button, located on the top of the seatback, and push the head restraint down. Try to move the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place.
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Seats and Restraints 3-3
The front seat outboard head restraints are not designed to be removed.
Rear Seats
The vehicle's rear seats have head restraints in the outboard seating positions, but they are not adjustable.
Rear outboard head restraints are not designed to be removed.
Active Head Restraints
The vehicle has an active head restraint system in the front seating positions. These automatically tilt forward to reduce the risk of neck injury if the vehicle is hit from behind.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
{
WARNING
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure the seat is locked in place.
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3-4 Seats and Restraints
Easy Entry Seat (Coupe Models Only)
A. Folding Seatback Handle B. Seat Adjustment Switch
On coupe models, the front seats can be moved out of the way to make it easier to get in and out of the rear seat.
To fold the seatback, pull the handle (A) on the upper seatback. The seatback will fold forward.
To move the seat forward, press and hold the top of the switch (B) on the upper seatback. To move the
seat rearward, press and hold the bottom of the switch (B). Release the switch when the seat reaches the desired position.
After entering or exiting the rear seat, return the seatback to the upright position. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
{
WARNING
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
A driver seat entry/exit position can be recalled automatically using the vehicle personalization menu. See Memory Seats on page 38 and Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
Power Seat Adjustment
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the horizontal control forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the horizontal control up or down.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire horizontal control up or down.
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Seats and Restraints 3-5
To adjust the seatback, see Power Reclining Seatbacks under Reclining Seatbacks on page 36.
Lumbar Adjustment
If available, hold the control on the outboard side of the seat forward or rearward to increase or decrease the lumbar support on the driver or front passenger seat.
A. Side Bolster Adjustment
B. Lumbar Support Adjustment
C. Seatback Bolster Adjustment
Power Lumbar
To adjust the lumbar support, if equipped:
.
Press and hold the top of the control (B) to increase support to the top of the seatback and decrease support to the bottom of the seatback.
.
Press and hold the bottom of the control (B) to decrease support to the top of the seatback and increase support to the bottom of the seatback.
.
Press and hold the front or rear of the control (B) to increase or decrease support to the entire seatback.
Side Bolster
To adjust the side bolster support, if equipped:
.
Press the top or bottom of the control (A) to increase or decrease support in the seat cushion bolsters.
.
Press the top or bottom of the control (C) to increase or decrease support in the seatback bolsters.
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3-6 Seats and Restraints
Thigh Support Adjustment
If available, adjust the manual leg extension by reaching under it, in the pocketed area. Press the button and pull or push to lengthen or shorten it. Release the button to lock it in place.
Reclining Seatbacks
{
WARNING
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job.
The shoulder belt will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
The lap belt 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 the safety belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if the vehicle is moving.
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
{
WARNING
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
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Seats and Restraints 3-7
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback, if equipped:
.
Tilt the top of the vertical control rearward to recline.
.
Tilt the top of the vertical control forward to raise.
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3-8 Seats and Restraints
Memory Seats
On vehicles with the memory feature, memory buttons 1 and 2 on the driver door are used to save and recall memory settings for the driver seat cushion and seatback, outside mirrors, and the steering column position, if the vehicle is equipped with the power tilt and telescopic steering column.
1: Saves and recalls for driver 1.
2: Saves and recalls for driver 2.
B (Exit Button): Moves the driver
seat and/or power steering column to the exit position. See Exit Recall later in this section.
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the power steering column, if equipped, to the desired driving positions.
2. Press and hold 1until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver using 2.
The vehicle comes with two Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters. Each transmitter has a number 1or 2on it. These numbers correspond to 1and 2on the driver door. The current driver is
identified when
K on the RKE
transmitter is pressed, or when 1or 2on the driver door is pressed.
To recall memory positions, press and release 1or 2.The vehicle must be in P (Park) for an automatic transmission, or the parking brake
must be applied for a manual transmission. A single beep will sound when the button is pressed. The seat, outside mirrors, and/or power steering column will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver.
Automatic Entry Recall
If entry/exit recall is programmed on in the vehicle personalization menu, automatic entry recall occurs when the ignition is turned on. See Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
To stop recall movement, press one of the power seat, memory, or outside mirror buttons, or the power steering column switch, if equipped.
If something has blocked the driver seat or the steering column while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press the
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Seats and Restraints 3-9
appropriate control for the area that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the memory position again by pressing the appropriate memory button. If the memory position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
Exit Recall
B (Exit Button): Press to move
the driver seat back a preset distance and/or the power steering column, if equipped, up and forward. A single beep sounds when the exit feature activates. The vehicle must be in P (Park) for an automatic transmission, or the parking brake must be applied for a manual transmission.
If entry/exit recall is programmed on in the vehicle personalization menu, automatic seat and/or steering column movement occurs upon
leaving the vehicle, if the following conditions are met. See Vehicle Personalization on page 548.
.
For vehicles with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), automatic exit recall movements occur when the ignition key is removed.
.
For vehicles with Remote Keyless Access, automatic exit recall movements occur when the following steps are completed:
2.1. The ignition is turned on for vehicles with an automatic transmission, or the engine is started on vehicles with a manual transmission.
2.2. The automatic transmission is shifted out of P (Park), or the parking brake is released on vehicles with a manual transmission.
2.3. The automatic transmission is shifted back into P (Park), or the parking brake is re-engaged on vehicles with a manual transmission.
2.4. The ignition is turned off.
2.5. The driver door is opened.
Steps 2 and 3 are intended to reflect that the vehicle has been moved. If the vehicle is not moved or the steps above are not performed, automatic exit recall movement will
not occur. In this case, press
B to
activate exit recall movements.
If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling the exit position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the power seat control rearward for two seconds. Try recalling the exit position again. If the exit position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
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3-10 Seats and Restraints
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
{
WARNING
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at low temperatures. To reduce the risk of burns, people with such a condition should use care when using the seat heater, especially for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, cover, or similar item. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat heater may cause a burn or may damage the seat.
Heated and Ventilated Seat
Buttons Shown, Heated Seat
Buttons Similar
If available, the buttons are on the climate control panel. To operate, the ignition must be on.
M (Heated Seat): Press to heat
the seat.
{ (Ventilated Seat): If available,
press to ventilate the seat.
Press the button once for the highest setting. With each press of the button, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The lights on the climate control display indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take longer to heat up.
The heated and/or ventilated seats are canceled after the ignition is turned off.
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Seats and Restraints 3-11
Remote Start Heated Seats
During a remote start, the heated seats may turn on, depending upon the outside temperature. They are canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the button to use the heated seats after the vehicle is started.
The indicator lights on the climate control display do not turn on during a remote start.
The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat may be reduced.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 213.
Rear Seats
Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.
The vehicle may have a split folding rear seat.
Sedan or Coupe
To lower one or both of the rear seatbacks:
1. Pull forward on the tab, on the outboard side of the seatback, to unlock the seatback.
2. Fold the seatback down. This allows access to the trunk.
See Trunk (Sedan, Coupe) on page 220.
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3-12 Seats and Restraints
Wagon
To lower one or both of the rear seatbacks:
1. Pull on the lever, on the top outboard side of the seatback, to unlock the seatback.
2. Fold the seatback down.
To return a seatback to the upright position:
{
WARNING
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
1. Lift the seatback up and push it back into place.
2. Make sure the seatback is locked into place by pushing and pulling on it.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the other seatback.
When the seatback is not in use, it should be kept in the upright, locked position.
Safety Belts
This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.
{
WARNING
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.
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WARNING (Continued)
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 518.
Why Safety Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you. It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts!
When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together. There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could bewhether you are
wearing a safety belt or not. Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you
can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags,
why should I have to wear safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with safety beltsnot instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.
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How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
This section is only for people of adult size.
There are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 335 or Infants and Young Children on page 337. Follow those rules for everyone's protection.
It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.
There are important things to know about wearing a safety belt properly.
.
Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you.
.
Always use the correct buckle for your seating position.
.
Wear the lap part of the belt low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries.
.
Wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.
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WARNING
You can be seriously injured, or even killed, by not wearing your safety belt properly.
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Never allow the lap or shoulder belt to become loose or twisted.
.
Never wear the shoulder belt under both arms or behind your back.
.
Never route the lap or shoulder belt over an armrest.
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Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt.
The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see Seats in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not 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.
If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again.
3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 319.
Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.
4. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See Shoulder Belt Height Adjusterlater in this section for use and important safety information.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.
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To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position.
Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Sedan and Wagon)
The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger seating positions.
Adjust the guide so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See How
to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 314.
Push down on the release button (A) and move the height adjuster to the desired position. The adjuster can be moved up by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide.
After the height adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without pressing the release button to make sure it has locked into position.
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Safety Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side or rear crash.
Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, the pretensioners and possibly other parts of the safety belt system will need to be replaced. See Replacing
Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash on page 320.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer. The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed and properly adjusted, the comfort guide positions the shoulder belt away from the neck and head.
Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt:
1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the
seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip.
2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
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3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
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WARNING
A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder
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WARNING (Continued)
and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck.
To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and slide them in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed.
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 do not wear safety belts.
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A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. See the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.
Safety System Check
Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are all working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job. See your dealer to 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.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 518.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 320.
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Safety Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
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WARNING
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
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WARNING
A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 518.
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Airbag System
The vehicle has the following airbags:
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A frontal airbag for the driver.
.
A frontal airbag for the outboard front passenger.
.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the driver.
.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag for the outboard front passenger.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the driver and the passenger seated directly behind the driver.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the outboard front passenger and the passenger seated directly behind the outboard front passenger.
All of the airbags in the vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the outboard front passenger.
With seat-mounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest to the door.
With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear along the headliner or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:
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WARNING
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt, even with airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to inflate in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are the only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 324.
Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce the chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are supplemental restraintsto the safety belts. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a safety belt properly, whether or not there is an airbag for that person.
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{
WARNING
Because airbags inflate with great force and faster than the blink of an eye, anyone who is up against, or very close to any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you would be if sitting on the edge of the seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear a safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with seat-mounted side impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.
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WARNING
Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in the vehicle. To read how, see
Older Children on page 335 or Infants and Young Children on page 337.
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 518 for more information.
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Where Are the Airbags?
The driver's frontal airbag is in the center of the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag is in the passenger side instrument panel.
Driver Side Shown,
Passenger Side Similar
The driver and front outboard passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door.
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Driver Side Shown,
Passenger Side Similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver, front outboard passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.
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WARNING
If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that block the inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tiedown through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver's or outboard front passenger's head and chest. However, they are only designed to inflate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based primarily on how fast the vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what is hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds depending on whether the vehicle hits an object
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straight on or at an angle, and whether the object is fixed or moving, rigid or deformable, narrow or wide.
Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, that help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 321.
Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. In addition, these roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate during a rollover or in a severe frontal impact. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the crash severity is above the system's designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design.
Roof-rail airbags are not intended to inflate in rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to inflate on the side of the vehicle that is struck. Both roof-rail airbags will inflate when either side of the vehicle is struck or if the sensing system predicts that the vehicle is about to roll over, or in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the vehicle damage or repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions.
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How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seatmounted side impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help contain the head and chest of occupants in the outboard seating positions in the first and second rows.
The rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover events, although no system can prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 324 for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 323.
The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.
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WARNING
When an airbag inflates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble.
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WARNING (Continued)
To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, turn the hazard warning flashers on, and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning flashers off by using the controls for those features.
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WARNING
A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may have also damaged important functions in the vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may be concealed damage that could make it difficult to safely operate the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to restart the engine after a crash has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the front outboard passenger airbag.
.
Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
.
The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data
Recording and Privacy on page 1320 and Event Data Recorders on page 1320.
.
Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer for service.
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Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.
United States
Canada and Mexico
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, will be visible during the system check. If the vehicle has remote start, and it is being used to start the vehicle from a distance, you may not see the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 519.
The passenger sensing system turns off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbag, seatmounted side impact airbags and the roof-rail airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front outboard passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the front outboard passenger frontal airbag should be enabled (may inflate) or not.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child restraint for their weight and size.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says, Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
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WARNING
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not
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WARNING (Continued)
deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag is turned off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. 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.
The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the front outboard passenger airbag if:
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The front outboard passenger seat is unoccupied.
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The system determines an infant is present in a child restraint.
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A front outboard passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time.
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There is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 519.
The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on (may inflate) the front outboard passenger frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the front outboard passenger seat.
When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbag to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is active.
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For some children, including children in child restraints, and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag, depending upon the persons seating posture and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly whether or not there is an airbag for that person.
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If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 518 for more information, including important safety information.
If the On Indicator Is Lit for a Child Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) on page 352 or Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) on page 350.
5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 32.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the airbag for a child in a child restraint depending upon the child's seating posture and body build. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.
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If the Off Indicator is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in the front outboard passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the front outboard passenger frontal airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting System Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See Safety Beltsand Child Restraintsin the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 333 for more information
about modifications that can affect how the system operates.
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A wet seat can affect the performance of the passenger sensing system. Here is how:
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The passenger sensing system may turn off the passenger airbag when liquid is soaked into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator will be lit, and the airbag readiness light on the instrument panel will also be lit.
.
Liquid pooled on the seat that has not soaked in may make it more likely that the passenger sensing system will enable (turn on) the passenger airbag while a child restraint or child occupant is on the seat. If the passenger airbag is turned on, the on indicator will be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately. If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat.
See Airbag Readiness Light on page 518 for important safety information.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired remove the object from the seat.
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WARNING
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 1318.
{
WARNING
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
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