Cadillac 2202 Escalade EXT User Manual

i

The 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner’s Manual

1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems

This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the air bag system.

2-1 Features and Controls

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.

3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.

4-1 Your Driving and the Road

Here you’ll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

5-1 Problems on the Road

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.

6-1 Service and Appearance Care

Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

7-1 Maintenance Schedule

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.

8-1 Customer Assistance Information

This section tells you how to contact Cadillac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on “Reporting Safety Defects” on page 8

-10.

ii

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem,
CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest & Wreath
and the name ESCALADE are registered
trademarks and the name EXT is a trademark of
General Motors Corporation.

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

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

We support voluntary
technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a
French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en français chez
votre concessionaire ou au:

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

Litho in U.S.A.

E

Copyright General Motors Corporation 10/15/01

Part Number S2218 A First Edition All Rights Reserved

iii

How to Use this Manual

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

Safety Warnings and Symbols

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

iv

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.

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

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

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

Vehicle Symbols

Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,
used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.

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

D

“Engine Compartment Overview”

D

“Instrument Panel”

D

“Comfort Controls”

D

“Audio Systems”

Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

v

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

1-

1-1

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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

1

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

-10 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

1

-14 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

Safety Belts

-- and the Answers

1

-15 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1

-16 Driver Position

1

-23 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

1

-24 Right Front Passenger Position

1

-24 Air Bag Systems

1

-33 Rear Seat Passengers

1

-35 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults

1-38 Center Passenger Position
1

-39 Children

1

-43 Restraint Systems for Children

1

-56 Older Children

1

-59 Safety Belt Extender

1

-59 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1

-60 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

1-2

Seats and Seat Controls

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

Power Seats

Horizontal Control: Raise or lower the front of the seat

cushion by raising or lowering the forward edge of the
control. Move the seat forward or rearward by moving
the whole control toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by raising or
lowering the rear edge of the control.

Moving the whole control up or down raises or lowers
the entire seat cushion.

To learn how to adjust the vertical control for the
seatback angle, see “Reclining Front Seatbacks”
later in this section

Power Lumbar Control

Your vehicle’s power
lumbar controls are
located near the power
seat controls.

You can increase or decrease lumbar support in an area
of the lower seatback with the lumber controls.

You can also reshape the side wing area of the lower
seatback for more lateral support.

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

1-3

Memory Seat and Memory Mirrors

The memory function controls are located on the
driver’s door trim panel.

For this function to work, it must be enabled/configured
in the Secondary Information Center (SIC).
See “Secondary Information Center” in the Index
for more information.

These buttons are used to program and recall the
memory settings for the driver’s seat and both
the driver’s and the passenger’s outside mirrors.
The seat and mirror positions can be personalized
for both driver 1 and driver 2. Driver 1 or driver 2
corresponds to the memory buttons labeled 1 and 2
on the control.

The memory function does not store the lumbar or
back support positions.

To set your memory seat and mirrors do the following:

1. Adjust the driver’s seat and both outside mirrors to
the desired position.

2. Press and hold the 1 or 2 (driver 1 or 2) button of the
memory control for three seconds. When you hear a
chime ring two times, the memory position is stored.

To do the same thing for a second driver, follow the
preceding steps, but press the other number of the
memory control. The memory feature only works when
the transmission is in PARK (P).

1-4

To recall memory seat and mirror positions, make sure
your vehicle is in PARK (P), then press the 1 or 2 button
of the memory control. You will hear a chime ring one
time to let you know the setting has been selected.

The memory seat and mirror positions can also be
programmed to work with the keyless entry system.
See “SIC” in the Index for more information.

Memory Driver Seat Exit

For this function to work, it must be enabled in the SIC.
See “Secondary Information Center” in the Index for
more information.

When this feature is active, it will automatically
(if programmed in the SIC) or manually (when the EXIT
button is pressed) move the driver’s seat to a stored exit
position, making it it easier to leave the vehicle.

To store the seat exit position for driver 1 or driver 2,
do the following:

1. Select the desired driver number by pressing
the 1 or 2 button.

2. Move the seat to the desired position.

3. Press and hold the EXIT button of the memory
control for three seconds. When you hear a chime
ring two times, the exit position is stored for the
identified driver (driver 1 or 2).

To use the exit feature, do one of the following:

D

Press the EXIT button on the memory control.

D

Or, if you have this feature enabled (active) in the
secondary information center, then removing the
key from the ignition will cause the seat to move to
the preset exit position without having to press the
EXIT button.

See “Secondary Information Center” in the Index for
more information.

1-5

Memory Seat and Outside Rearview Mirror Recall

You can program your keyless entry transmitter to recall
seat and mirror settings for up to two drivers. Once a
transmitter is programmed, press the UNLOCK button
to recall the seat and mirror settings.

To program a transmitter do the following:

1. Press and hold the desired button 1 or 2 on the
memory controls.

2. Press UNLOCK on the keyless entry transmitter that
corresponds with the specific memory button 1 or 2
pressed in Step 1.

That transmitter will now correspond with the memory
button 1 or 2 and the memory settings that are set for
that number.

Your vehicle comes with two keyless entry transmitters.
The other transmitter may be programmed by following
these steps using the other memory button.

Heated Front Seats

The button for the
driver’s side heated seat
is located on the driver’s
side door panel.

The button for the passenger’s side heated seat is located
on the passenger’s side door panel. The ignition must be
in RUN for this feature to operate.

To activate the heated seats, press the button once for
the HI (high) heat setting. Press the button again for the
LO (low) heat setting. To turn off the heated seats, press
the button a third time. An indicator light near the button
will illuminate for each heat setting any time the heated
seats are operating.

The heated front seats will be canceled after the ignition
is turned to OFF. If you still want to use the heated front
seat feature after you restart your vehicle, you will need
to press the heated seat button again.

1-6

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Your vehicle’s front seatbacks have a recline feature.
Vertical Control: You can use the vertical control to

adjust the angle of the seatback. Move the reclining
front seatback forward or rearward by moving the
control toward the front or toward the rear of the vehicle.

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

1-7

Head Restraints

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

Pull straight up on the head restraint to raise it and push
it down to lower it.

The front head restraints can also be tilted forward in
addition to being slid up or down. To tilt either of the
front head restraints do the following:

Pull the head restraint toward you until you hear a click.
Then let go. The head restraint will stay in this position
unless you pull it forward more until another click is
heard. There are four positions available: initial position,
first click, second click, and third click. After the third
position (three clicks) is reached, pulling the head
restraint farther will release it back to the normal
upright position.

The rear head restraints can be slid up or down just as
the front head restraints, but they do not tilt.

1-8

Rear Seats

The rear seat is a 60/40 split rear seat that can be folded
to give you more cargo space and access to the folding
midgate. See “Midgate” in the Index for more
information on operation of the folding midgate.

To fold either side of the seat do the following:

1. Push the rear head restraints all the way down.

Driver’s Side

2. Place the seat belt
buckles through the
loops/pockets on the
seatbacks. This way ,
the seat belts will be
easy to access when
the seats are returned
to the upright position.

Passenger’s Side

3. Pull the seat loop
located where the
seatback and seat
cushion meet. The seat
will release and allow
you to tilt it toward the
front of the vehicle.

1-9

4. Grasp the seatback and pull it toward the front of the
vehicle. Push it down until it is flat. You may have to
move the front seats forward slightly to do this.

5. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

To return the seats to the normal position, pull the
seatback up and fold the seat cushion down.

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

1-10

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts
properly. It also tells you some things you should not do
with safety belts.

And it explains the air bag system.

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

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

1-11

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

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

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

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

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

1-12

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

doesn’t stop.

1-13

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

or the instrument panel ...

1-14

or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.

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

Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

-- and the Answers

Q:

W on’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an
accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

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

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

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

to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will

be in most of them in the future. But they are
supplemental systems only; so they work with
safety belts

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

system ever offered for sale has required the use of
safety belts. Even if you’re in a vehicle that has air
bags, you still have to buckle up to get the most
protection. That’s true not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and other collisions.

1-15

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

an accident

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

and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about

safety belts and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and babies. If a child
will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this
manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for
everyone’ s protection.

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

We’ll start with the driver position.

1-16

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

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

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

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

If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.

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

1-17

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

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

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

1-18

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way .

CAUTION:

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

1-19

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

CAUTION:

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

1-20

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

CAUTION:

You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over
an armrest like this. The belt would be much too
high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt.
The belt force would then be applied at the
abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could
cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt
goes under the armrests.

1-21

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

CAUTION:

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

1-22

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body .

CAUTION:

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

1-23

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

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

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

1-24

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

Right Front Passenger Position

T o learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt
properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt

-- except for one thing.

If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out
all the way , you will engage the child restraint locking
feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the
way and start again.

Air Bag Systems

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

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

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

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

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash
if you aren’t wearing your safety belt

-- even if

you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt
during a crash helps reduce your chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected
from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety
belts but don’t replace them.

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-25

CAUTION: (Continued)

Frontal air bags for the driver and right front
passenger are designed to work only in moderate
to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle
hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate
at all in rollover, rear or low

-speed frontal

crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some
unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may
provide less protection in frontal crashes than
more forceful air bags have provided in the past.
The side impact air bags for the driver and right
front passenger are designed to inflate only in
moderate to severe crashes where something hits
the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to
inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes.
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety
belt properly

-- whether or not there’s an air bag

for that person.

CAUTION:

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

1-26

CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap

-shoulder belts offer

the best protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’ s safety
belt system nor its air bag system is designed
for them. Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children pr operly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children.”

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

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

1-27

How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

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

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

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

1-28

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

CAUTION:

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

1-29

When should an air bag inflate?

The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags
are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or
near

-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate

only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.”

If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t
move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 16 mph
(14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however,
with specific vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat
above or below this range.

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

The side impact air bags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag
will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s
designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not
designed to inflate in frontal or near

-frontal impacts,

rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only
deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

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

-frontal impacts. For side impact air

bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity
of the impact.

The air bag system is designed to work properly under
a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough terrain.
As always, wear your safety belt. See “Off

-Road

Driving” in the Index for more tips on off

-road driving.

What makes an air bag inflate?

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

1-30

How does an air bag restrain?

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

-frontal

collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal air bags, and only in moderate to severe side
collisions for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
side impact air bags.

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the air bag
inflated. Some components of the air bag module

-- the

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

CAUTION:

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

1-31

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

D

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

D

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

D

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

NOTICE:

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

1-32

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

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

CAUTION:

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

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Q: If I add a push bumper or bicycle rack to the

front of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags
from working properly?

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

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

Q: Is there anything I might add to the front or

sides of the vehicle that could keep the air bags
from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s

frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet
metal or height, they may keep the air bag system
from working properly . Also, the air bag system
may not work properly if you relocate any of the
air bag sensors. If you have any questions about
this, you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. See “Customer
Satisfaction Procedure” in the Index.

1-33

Rear Seat Passengers

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

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

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

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

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way ,

it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way
and start again.

1-34

If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.

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

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

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

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash.

1-35

CAUTION:

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

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

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
for Children and Small Adults

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

There is one guide for each outside passenger in the
rear seat. To provide added safety belt comfort for
children who have outgrown child restraints and for
smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed
on the shoulder belts.

1-36

Here’ s how to install a comfort guide and use the
safety belt:

1. Remove the guide from the storage clip on the side
of the rear seatback.

2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges
of the belt into the slots of the guide.

1-37

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

4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as
described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions”
earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder
belt crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out of the
guides. Slide the guide onto the storage clip. Be sure to
remove the comfort guide from the belt before folding
the seat.

1-38

Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

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

1-39

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

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap
part of a lap

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

see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned

so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly
if you ever had to.

Children

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

Infants and Young Children

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

1-40

CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms
while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh
much

-- until a crash. During a crash a baby

will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h),
a 12

-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a

240

-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby

should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

1-41

CAUTION:

Children who are up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap

-shoulder belts offer

outstanding protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children and infants.
Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air
bag system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide.

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased

by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic
types. Selection of a particular restraint should
take into consideration not only the child’s weight,
height and age but also whether or not the restraint
will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which
it will be used.

For most basic types of child restraints, there are
many different models available. When purchasing
a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used
in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a
label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle
safety standards.

The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that
come with the restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular child restraint.
In addition, there are many kinds of restraints
available for children with special needs.

1-42

CAUTION:

Newborn infants need complete support,
including support for the head and neck.
This is necessary because a newborn infant’s
neck is weak and its head weighs so much
compared with the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear

-facing seat settles into the

restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed
across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the
back and shoulders. Infants always should be
secured in appropriate infant r estraints.

CAUTION:

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

1-43

Restraint Systems for Children

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

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

1-44

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

-shaped or shelf-like shields.

A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner,
and some high

-back booster seats have a five-point

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

1-45

Q: How do child restraints work?

A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position
children. A built

-in child restraint system is a

permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add

-on

child restraint system is a portable one, which is
purchased by the vehicle’s owner.

For many years, add

-on child restraints have used

the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce
the chance of injury , the child also has to be
secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt
system secures the add

-on child restraint in the

vehicle, and the add

-on child restraint’s harness

system holds the child in place within the restraint.
One system, the three

-point harness, has straps

that come down over each of the infant’s shoulders
and buckle together at the crotch. The five

-point

harness system has two shoulder straps, two hip
straps and a crotch strap. A shield may take the
place of hip straps.

A T

-shaped shield has shoulder straps that are

attached to a flat pad which rests low against the
child’ s body. A shelf

- or armrest-type shield has

straps that are attached to a wide, shelf

-like shield

that swings up or to the side.

When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child
restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is,
it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards.

Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury .
When securing an add

-on child restraint, refer to the

instructions that come with the restraint which may be
on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this
manual. The child restraint instructions are important,
so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy
from the manufacturer.

1-46

Where to Put the Restraint

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

-facing infant seat, a child riding in a

forward

-facing child seat and an older child riding in a

booster seat. Never put a rear

-facing child restraint in

the right front passenger seat. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the
back of the rear

-facing child restraint would be

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

-facing child restraint in a rear seat.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

You may secure a forward-facing child restraint
in the right front seat, but before you do, always
move the front passenger seat as far back as it
will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.

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

Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move
around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people
in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child
restraint in your vehicle

-- even when no child is in it.

1-47

Top Strap

Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.”
It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision.
For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to
the vehicle. Some top strap

-equipped child restraints

are designed for use with or without the top strap being
anchored. Others require the top strap always to be
anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top
strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is
anchored properly .

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

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child
restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be
anchored. In the United States, some child restraints
also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top
strap, it should be anchored.

1-48

Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor
points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the
same side of the vehicle as the seating position where
the child restraint will be placed. Raise the head restraint
and route the top strap under it.

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

An anchor loop bracket for a top strap is located on the
back of the rear seat frame above the floor for each rear

seating position. In order to get to the brackets, you’ll
have to fold the rear seatback(s).

See “Rear Seats” in the Index for more information.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position

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

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

1-49

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

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

1-50

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

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

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

1-51

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap belt.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the

child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say .

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

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

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

1-52

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

5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you
push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward

-facing child restraint, you may find it

helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger
child passenger.

1-53

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position

Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. Never
put a rear

-facing child restraint in this seat. Here’s why:

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the
back of the rear

-facing child restraint would be

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

-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

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

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

You’ll be using the lap

-shoulder belt. See the earlier

part about the top strap if the child restraint has one.
Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the
child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint
when and as the instructions say .

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air
bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go
before securing a forward

-facing child restraint.

See “Seats” in the Index.

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

1-54

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

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

1-55

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

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

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

1-56

Older Children

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

If you have the choice, a child should sit next to a
window so the child can wear a lap

-shoulder belt and

get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts?

A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap

-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a

shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should
not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the
thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen,
which could cause severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat.

In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike
other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown
out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety
belts properly .

1-57

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-58

CAUTION:

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

lap

-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind

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

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

1-59

Safety Belt Extender

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

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

Checking Your Restraint Systems

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

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

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

1-60

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash

CAUTION:

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

If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary .

But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

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

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

2-

2-1

Section 2 Features and Controls

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

2-2 Windows
2

-4 Keys

2

-6 Door Locks

2

-8 Keyless Entry System

2

-11 Midgate

t

2

-22 T ailgate

2

-23 Theft

2

-24 Content Theft-Deterrent

2

-26 Passlock

R

2-26 New Vehicle “Break-In”
2

-27 Ignition Positions

2

-28 Starting Your Engine

2

-29 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2

-31 Automatic Transmission Operation

2

-35 Parking Brake

2

-36 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2

-38 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2

-39 Parking Over Things That Burn

2

-39 Engine Exhaust

2

-40 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2

-41 Road Sensing Suspension

2

-41 Locking Rear Axle

2

-41 All-Wheel Drive

2

-41 Horn

2

-42 Tilt Wheel

2

-42 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

2

-49 Exterior Lamps

2

-53 Interior Lamps

2

-55 Mirrors

2

-62 Storage Compartments

2

-64 Cargo Cover Panels

2

-81 Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter

2

-82 Accessory Power Outlets

2

-83 Analog Clock

2

-84 OnStar

R

System (If Equipped)

2

-87 Sunroof (If Equipped)

2

-88 Homelink

R

Transmitter

2

-92 The Instrument Panel - Your

Information System

2-94 Instrument Panel Cluster
2

-96 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

2

-109 Message Center

2

-117 Secondary Information Center (SIC)

2

-124 Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)

2-2

Windows

CAUTION:

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

2-3

Power Windows

The switches to operate all of the power windows are
located on the driver’s door armrest. The front
passenger’s door and the rear side doors also each have
an individual power window switch.

Your power windows will work when the ignition has
been turned to ACCESSORY or RUN or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained
Accessory Power” in the Index.

Press the rear or front of the switch with the power
window symbol on it to lower or raise the window .

Driver’s Express-Down Window

The driver’s window has an express down feature that
allows the window to be lowered without holding the
switch. Press and hold the rear of the power window
switch marked AUTO for one second to activate the
express down mode. The express down mode can be
canceled at any time by pressing the opposite side of
the switch. To open the window partway, lightly tap
the power window switch until the window is at the
desired position.

Window Lockout Switch

The driver’s door power window switch has a lockout
feature. This feature prevents the passenger’s windows
from operating except from the driver’s position when
the driver’s door button labeled WINDOW LOCK
is engaged.

2-4

Keys

CAUTION:

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

They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-5

Your vehicle has one
double

-sided key for the

ignition, door locks and side
storage boxes.

Your vehicle also has a key
that locks and unlocks only
the center floor console.

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

In an emergency contact Cadillac Roadside Service. See
“Roadside Service” in the Index for more information.

If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may be
able to have your doors unlocked automatically with
the OnStar

R

system if you have an active OnStar
subscription. For more information see “OnStar” in
the Index.

2-6

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

D

Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked,
the handle won’t open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

D

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

D

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
To unlock the door from the outside, use the keyless

entry system or the key .

To unlock the door from the
inside, slide the manual
lever forward. To lock the
door, slide the manual lever
rearward.

2-7

Power Door Locks

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

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

The power door locks will operate at any time without
the ignition being on.

Programmable Locks

The power door locks can be programmed to
automatically lock and unlock depending on the settings
you have chosen in the Secondary Information Center
(SIC). See “Secondary Information Center” in the Index
for more information.

Operating the power locks may interact with the
theft

-deterrent system. See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in

the Index.

Lockout Prevention

This feature protects you from locking your key
in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a
door is open.

If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open
and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock
and then the driver’s door will unlock.

2-8

Child Security Locks

With this feature, you can lock the rear doors so they
can’t be opened from the inside by passengers.

You will find a security lock lever on the inside edge of
each rear door. Your vehicle may be equipped with one
of the two labels shown.

To use the security locks do the following:

1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. Move the lever up to engage the security lock.
Move the lever down to disengage the security lock.

3. Close the door.

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

The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open the rear door when the security lock is on, unlock
the door and open the door from the outside.

Keyless Entry System

You can lock and unlock your doors from about 3 feet
(1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless
entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.

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

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

This device complies with RSS

-210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.

2-9

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

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

D

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

D

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

D

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

D

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

Operation

UNLOCK: Pressing this button once will unlock the

driver’s door. The parking lamps will flash and the
interior lights will come on. Pressing UNLOCK again
within three seconds will cause the remaining doors to
unlock. The parking lamps will flash and the interior
lights will come on.

LOCK: Pressing this button once will lock all of the
doors. Press LOCK again within three seconds and the
horn will chirp.

Operating the keyless entry transmitter may interact
with the theft

-deterrent system. See “Content-Theft

Deterrent” in the Index.

Remote Panic Alarm

When the button with the horn symbol on the keyless
entry transmitter is pressed, the horn will sound and the
headlamps and taillamps will flash for up to 30 seconds.
This can be turned off by pressing the horn button again,
waiting for 30 seconds, or starting the vehicle.

2-10

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

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

Battery Replacement

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

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

NOTICE:

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

2-11

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

1. Insert a thin object, such as a coin, in the slot between
the covers of the transmitter housing near the key ring
hole. Remove the bottom by twisting the coin.

2. Remove and replace the battery with a three

-volt

CR2032 or equivalent battery , positive (+) side up.

3. Align the covers and snap them together.

4. Check the operation of the transmitter.

Midgate

t

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo area
covered and the tailgate and midgate open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.

If you must drive with the cargo covers on and
the tailgate and midgate open or if electrical
wiring or other cable connections must pass
through the seal between the body and the
midgate:

D

Make sure all other windows are shut.

D

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

D

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

2-12

Midgate Operation

Your vehicle is equipped with a Midgate and a
removable rear glass panel. The Midgate allows you to
extend the length of your vehicle’s cargo area.

The following are the main components of the
Midgate system:

A. Latch Levers
B. Grab Handles
C. Glass

-Catch

Release Button

D. Glass Lock Knobs

E. Window

Retaining T abs

F. Midgate

Release Handle

G. Window

Alignment Arrows

2-13

Rear Glass Removal and Storage

CAUTION:

If the removable rear glass is not stored properly,
it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or
sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be
injured. Whenever you store the rear glass in the
vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely in
the rear glass storage pocket.

Do not remove the rear glass when the rear defroster is
on. If you remove the rear glass with the rear defroster
on, you may see a discharge spark coming from the
latch area.

To remove the rear glass do the following:

1. Fold the rear seats. See “Rear Seats” in the Index for
more information. The front seats may have to be
moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to fold
completely.

Although the rear glass can be removed without
folding the rear seats, you will not be able to access
the rear glass storage pocket. Be sure to fold the
seats before removing the rear glass.

2. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located
near the upper corners of the rear glass, so they
unlatch. After both latch levers are unlatched, the
glass

-catch release button (C) will catch the rear

glass and prevent it from falling forward. Follow the
next step to release the button and remove the
rear glass.

2-14

3. While holding the rear glass in place, press the
glass

-catch release button and pull the top of the

rear glass toward you using the grab handle(s) (B)
located at the top of the rear glass.

4. With the rear glass tilted toward you, lift it out from
the lower window frame channel. Use the grab
handles to assist you in removing the rear glass.

2-15

5. Load the rear glass in its storage pocket in the
midgate using the lower edge of the rear glass to
guide it behind the three rear glass retaining tabs (E).

Hold the rear glass flat against the storage pocket
(with grab handles facing you) until the next step.

6. Turn both glass lock knobs (D), located at both top
corners of the storage pocket, to the locked position.
You may need to push the corner of the rear glass to
allow the lock knob to engage more easily .

2-16

Once both glass lock knobs are in the locked
position, the rear glass is securely stored.

7. Push both latch levers (A) up to the locked position.
You should hear a click when each latch lever locks
correctly.

Rear seats can be returned to the normal position
when the rear glass is out and stored properly in the
storage pocket.

2-17

Reinstalling the Rear Glass

To reinstall the rear glass, do the following:

1. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A),
located near the upper corners of the rear glass,
so they unlatch.

2. Hold the rear glass in place with one hand and turn
the glass lock knobs, located at both top corners of
the glass storage pocket, to the unlocked position.

3. Pull the rear glass out from the storage pocket using
the grab handles.

4. With the rear glass tilted at an angle, place
the bottom edge in the lower channel of the
window frame.

2-18

Be sure to align the
rear glass side

-to-side

using the alignment
arrows (G) as shown
in the picture.

5. Apply a firm downward pressure and then push the
rear glass flat against the window frame. Use the
grab handles at the top of the rear glass to assist you.

6. Use one hand to push the rear glass flat against the
window frame and with your free hand push each
latch lever up until it locks. You should hear a click
when each latch lever locks correctly .

2-19

Lowering the Midgate

The Midgate can be lowered to allow the cargo area of
your vehicle to extend into the cab. The rear glass can be
either installed in its normal position, or it can be
removed and stored in the rear glass storage pocket.

To lower the Midgate, do the following:

1. Fold the rear seats. The front seats might have to
be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to
fold. See “Rear Seats” in the Index for more
information.

At this point you may choose to remove the rear
glass following the instructions given previously or
leave the rear glass in place.

Rear Glass in Normal Position

2. Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand
against the Midgate so it does not fall forward
unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise
and pull the Midgate toward you.

2-20

3. Lower the Midgate until it is flat.

Rear Glass Stored in Glass Storage Pocket

Standing outside of the vehicle, place one hand against
the crossbar so the Midgate does not fall forward
unexpectedly. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise and
pull the Midgate toward you.

2-21

If you lower the Midgate with the rear glass in the stored
position, you will notice that the entire crossbar (the bar
with the release handle) will lower with the Midgate.
This is completely normal; however, since the crossbar
lowers with the Midgate, it will be heavier. As you
lower the Midgate in this configuration be ready for the
extra weight and be careful not to let the Midgate fall
out of your hands as you lower it.

Raising the Midgate

To return the Midgate to its normal position, raise the
Midgate up with a firm swinging motion (this will help
to ensure that the Midgate closes with enough force to
engage the latches) until it latches into place securely .

If the rear glass is removed and you would like to put it
back, do so using the instructions given previously .

2-22

Tailgate

Use the ignition/door key to unlock/lock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while

pulling the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, firmly push it upward until

it latches.
After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards

you to be sure it is latched securely .

Tailgate Removal

The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for
different loading situations. Although the tailgate can be
removed without assistance, you may want someone to
assist you with the removal to avoid possible damage to
the vehicle.

To remove the tailgate, do the following:

1. Raise the tailgate
slightly and release both
retaining cable clips.
To release the retaining
cable clips, lift the cable
so it points straight out
and push the cable clip
forward.

2-23

2. With the tailgate at a slight upward angle, pull back
on the tailgate at the right edge so it releases from
the block hinge (arrow) and then move the tailgate to
the right to release the left edge.

Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.

Theft

Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft

-deterrent

features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.

Key in the Ignition

If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves

-- so

don’t do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,

you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with you. Always do this.
Your ignition and transmission will be locked. Also
remember to lock the doors.

If the key is in the ignition, with any door open, and you
try to lock your doors with the power door locks, the
driver’s door will not stay locked. This will help to keep
you from locking your keys in the vehicle.

2-24

Parking at Night

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

Parking Lots

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

D

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
glove box.

D

Valuables can be locked in the console storage area.

D

Take the remote keyless entry system transmitter
with you.

D

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

Content Theft-Deterrent

Your vehicle is equipped with a Content Theft-Deterrent
alarm system.

With this system, the
SECURITY message will
flash as you open the door
(if your ignition is off).

This message reminds you to activate the theft

-deterrent

system. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY
message should come on and stay on. If you’re using
the remote keyless entry transmitter, the door does
not need to be open.

3. Close all doors. The SECURITY message should go
off after approximately 15 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the SECURITY message goes off.

2-25

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

Remember, the theft

-deterrent system won’t activate if

you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock
switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless
entry transmitter. You should also remember that you
can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the
alarm has been set off.

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

D

If you don’t want to activate the theft

-deterrent

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

D

Always unlock a door with a key , or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way will set off the alarm if the system has
been armed.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door
with the key . You can also turn off the alarm by pressing
UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter or by
placing the key in the ignition and turning it to START .

Testing the Alarm

The alarm can be tested by following these steps:

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

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

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the SECURITY message to go out.

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

If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
vehicle’ s headlamps flash, check to see if the horn
works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.

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

2-26

Passlock

R

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft

-deterrent system.

Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel to the engine if the ignition lock cylinder
is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used
or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is
disabled.

If the engine stalls and the SECURITY message flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from START
as soon as the engine starts.

If the engine is running and the SECURITY message
comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you
turn the engine off. However, your Passlock system is
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer . Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this
time. You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses
and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). See your dealer
for service.

In an emergency, call the Cadillac Roadside Service
Center . See “Roadside Service” in the Index.

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break

-in.” But it will perform better in

the long run if you follow these guidelines:

D

Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or
less for the first 500 miles (805 km).

D

Don’t drive at any one speed

-- fast or

slow

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

Don’t make full

-throttle starts.

D

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking

-in guideline every

time you get new brake linings.

D

Don’t tow a trailer during break

-in.

See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

2-27

Ignition Positions

You can use your key to turn your ignition switch to
five different positions.

A (ACCESSORY): This position allows you to use
things like the radio, power windows and the windshield
wipers when the engine is off. Push in the key and turn
it toward you.

B (LOCK): This position locks your ignition and
transmission. It’s a theft

-deterrent feature. You will only

be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned
to LOCK.

NOTICE:

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

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

Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is
being pushed).

D (RUN): This is the position for driving.
E (START): This position starts your engine.

2-28

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow certain features
on your vehicle to continue to work for up to 20 minutes
after the ignition key is turned to OFF. The RAP feature
will also work with the key removed from the ignition.

Your radio, power windows and sunroof (if equipped)
will work when the ignition key is in RUN or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from RUN to
OFF, these features will continue to work for up to
20 minutes or until a door is opened.

Starting Your Engine

Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position

-- that’s a

safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only .

NOTICE:

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

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

NOTICE:

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

2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, while you
hold the ignition key in START . When the engine
starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator
pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try .

2-29

When starting your engine in very cold weather
(below 0_F or

-18

_

C), do this:

1. With your foot of f the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START and hold it there up to
15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key .

2. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, do the same
thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or
six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine.

NOTICE:

Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don’t,
your engine might not perform properly.

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

In very cold weather,
0_F (

-18

_

C) or colder,
the engine coolant
heater can help.
You’ll get easier
starting and better
fuel economy during
engine warm-up.

Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32_F (0_C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.

2-30

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine
compartment, near the power steering fluid reservoir.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

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

-prong

110

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

heavy

-duty three-prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

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

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

2-31

Automatic Transmission Operation

Your vehicle has an electronic shift position indicator
within the instrument panel cluster. This display is
powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being
moved out of PARK (P). This means that if your key is
in OFF, rather than LOCK, there will be a small current
drain on your battery which could discharge your battery
over a period of time. If you have to leave your key in
the ignition in OFF for an extended period, it is
recommended that you remove the IGN 0 fuse from the
instrument panel fuse block. See “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index.

There are several different positions for your shift lever.

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

CAUTION:

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

Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).

See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”

in the Index.

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

NOTICE:

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

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see
“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.

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

CAUTION:

Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while
your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the
brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly . You could lose control and hit people or
objects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.

NOTICE:

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

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DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you

need more power for passing, and you’re:

D

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

D

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

accelerator all the way down.
You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying

a heavy load, driving on steep hills or for off

-road

driving. You may want to shift the transmission to
THIRD (3) or, if necessary, a lower gear selection if the
transmission shifts too often.

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

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

If you manually select SECOND (2) the transmission
will drive in second gear. You may use this feature for
reducing the speed of the rear wheels when you are
trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery
road surfaces.

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

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

NOTICE:

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

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

On cold days, approximately 32_F (0_C) or colder,
your transmission is designed to shift differently until
the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
This is intended to improve heater performance.

Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button

Your vehicle is equipped with a tow/haul mode.
The button for this feature is located on the end of the
column shift lever. You can use this feature to assist
when towing or hauling a heavy load. See “Tow/Haul
Mode” in the Index for more information.

The tow/haul mode also interacts with the Road Sensing
Suspension (RSS) feature to enhance the ride when
trailering or with a loaded vehicle. See “RSS” in
the Index.