Cadillac CATERA 2001 User Manual

Every

2001 Catera

under warranty is

backed with the

following

services:

1-800-882-1112

1-800-882-1112

that provides in an emergency:

Courtesy

Transportation

Free
Free
Free
Free

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

Emergency

towing

2001 Cadillac Catera

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 22619944 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 2000

All Rights Reserved

i

Section

Section

Table of Contents

Seats and Restraint Systems

1

Seats and Seat Controls
Safety Belts

Features and Controls

2

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

Air Bag Systems
Restraint Systems for Children

Exterior and Interior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Convenience Net
Accessory Power Outlets
OnStar® System (If Equipped)
Sunroof (Option)
HomeLink® Transmitter (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages

ii

Section

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

3

Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio Clock
Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player (If Equipped)

Your Driving and the Road

4

Defensive Driving
Drunken Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking

Problems on the Road

5

Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle

Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Steering Wheel Controls

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

Engine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck

iii

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

6

Fuel
Checking Fluids and Lubricants
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Brakes
Bulb Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Maintenance Schedule

Scheduled Maintenance
Owner Checks and Services
Periodic Maintenance Inspections

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

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Maintenance Records

iv

See separate

Maintenance Schedule Booklet

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Customer Assistance Information

Section

Section

7

Customer Satisfaction Procedures
Customer Assistance Offices

Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual)
Reporting Safety Defects on page 7-10
Service Publications

Index

8

In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual.

You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your

Service Station Guide

v

GENERAL MOTORS, GM and the GM Emblem,
CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest & Wreath and
the name CATERA are registered trademarks of
General Motors Corporation.

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

vi

How to Use this Manual

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

Safety Warnings and Symbols

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

vii

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.

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

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

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

viii

Vehicle Symbols

These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:

CAUTION

POSSIBLE

INJURY

PROTECT

EYES BY

SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

BATTERY

ACID COULD

CAUSE

BURNS

AVOID

SPARKS OR

FLAMES

SPARK OR

FLAME

COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY

These symbols
are important for
you and your
passengers
whenever your
vehicle is driven:

CHILD
RESTRAINT
TOP STRAP

ANCHOR

DOOR LOCK

UNLOCK

FASTEN

SEAT

BELTS

POWER

WINDOW

AIR BAG

These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:

MASTER

LIGHTING

SWITCH

TURN

SIGNALS

PARKING

LAMPS

HAZARD

WARNING

FLASHER

DAYTIME

RUNNING

LAMPS

FOG LAMPS

These symbols
are on some of
your controls:

WINDSHIELD

WIPER

WINDSHIELD

WASHER

WINDSHIELD

DEFROSTER

REAR

WINDOW

DEFOGGER

VENTILATING

FAN

These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:

ENGINE

COOLANT

TEMP

BATTERY

CHARGING

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL

PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK

BRAKES

Here are some
other symbols
you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

FUEL

ix

Service Station Guide

For

a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

Battery

See Section 6

Hood Release

See Section 6

Engine Oil Dipstick

Oil Viscosity

See Section 6

Cooling System

See Section 5

See Section 6

Engine Oil

Remote Fuel

Door Release

See Section 6

Tire Pressure

See Section 6

Fuel

Use unleaded only.

See Section 6

for octane ratings.

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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

1

- 2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

- 13 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

- 17 Here are Questions Many People Ask

1

About Safety Belts

- 18 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

- 18 Driver Position

1

- 25 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

- 26 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

- 26 Air Bag Systems

-- and the Answers

- 34 Safety Belt Pretensioners

1
1

- 34 Rear Seat Passengers

- 38 Children

1
1

- 42 Restraint Systems for Children

- 52 Older Children

1
1

- 55 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1

- 55 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust
them, and also about reclining front seatbacks, lumbar
adjustments, heated seats and head restraints.

Manual Front Seat

CAUTION:

You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving. The sudden movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you
don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

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

T o tilt the front portion of the seat cushion up or down,
lift the seat lever located on the outboard side of the seat
cushion. Release the lever to lock the seat into place.

1-2

T o raise or lower the seat cushion, press one of the
rocker switch buttons located on the side of the seat
cushion closest to the door. The top button raises
the seat cushion and the bottom button lowers the
seat cushion.

Vehicles with sport seats also include an adjustable seat
cushion which extends outward to provide additional
leg support.

T o extend the bottom of the seat cushion, grasp the front
portion of the cushion and pull it towards the front of
the vehicle.

When additional support is no longer needed, return the
cushion to its original position by pushing it towards the
rear of the vehicle.

Manual Lumbar Support

The manual lumbar control
is located on the outboard
side of each front seatback.
The control provides
additional support to your
lower back and works
independently of other
seat controls.

Use the seat controls first to get the proper seating
position. Then proceed with the lumbar adjustment.

The upper and lower seatback can be adjusted using the
small hand
increase support and rearward to decrease support.

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

-wheel control. Turn the control forward to

1-3

Power Seats (If Equipped)

The power seat controls are located on the outboard side
of each front seat cushion.

D

Move the front of the control up or down to adjust
the front portion of the cushion up or down.

D

Move the rear of the control up or down to adjust
the rear portion of the cushion up or down.

D

T o adjust the seat height, lift up or push down on
the center of the control.

D

T o move the seat forward or rearward, slide the
control in the desired direction.

If a failure in the power supply system occurs, the power
seats can be manually adjusted by inserting the crank
handle into the slot located below the seat cushion
(as shown in the above illustration).

The crank handle is provided in the tool kit located in
the trunk (with the jack).

Turn the crank handle clockwise until you’ve reached
your desired seating position (manually moving the seat
requires turning the crank handle many times).

1-4

Memory Seat and Mirrors (If Equipped)

After adjusting the driver’s seat to a comfortable position,
also adjust the interior and exterior mirrors. To program
the memory seat and mirrors, press memory button “M”
and memory button “1” at the same time and hold for
five seconds.

These buttons are located on the outboard side of
the driver’s seat. Seat and mirror positions may be
programmed for two additional drivers by repeating
the above steps and pressing memory button “2”
or “3” instead of memory button “1.”

If your vehicle is in PARK (P), you can recall mirror and
seating positions by pressing and holding one of the
three memory buttons. This will adjust the seat and
mirrors to where you have previously programmed
them. Seat and mirror movement is immediately stopped
if the memory button is released or if a seat or mirror
control is moved.

If you try to adjust the driver’s memory seat and it
doesn’t move, try opening the driver’s door. This
will reactivate power to the driver’s seat. (Power to
the driver’s seat “times out” after 30 seconds.
Power to the passenger’s seat is always present.)

1-5

Heated Front Seats (Option)

The controls for the heated
front seats are located next
to the climate controls on
either side of the center
console. Turning the
driver or passenger side
thumbwheel control
counterclockwise from
the off position activates
the heated seat.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

The manual recliner
control is located
on the side of the
seatback closet to
the door, below the
lumbar control.

The control can be adjusted to one of five heat settings,
numbered “1 through 5”, with 1 being the lowest setting
and 5 being the highest setting.

An indicator light in the control reminds you that the
heating system is in use. The heated seats can only be
used when the ignition is turned on.

T o turn the heated seat off, turn the thumbwheel control
clockwise to the off position.

1-6

To move the seatback forward, turn the hand
forward. Turn the control rearward to recline the seatback.

If you have a power
recliner, the power control
is located on the outboard
side of each front seatback.
Press the control forward
or rearward to adjust
the seatback.

-wheel control

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

CAUTION:

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

The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it
won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be
in front of you. In a crash you could go into it,
receiving neck or other injuries.

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

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

1-7

Head Restraints

Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the
restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position
reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

The head restraints tilt forward and rearward also.
The rear seat head restraints in your vehicle are

adjustable. They work the same as the front seat head
restraints, except they do not tilt forward or rearward.

Removable Head Restraints

CAUTION:

If a head restraint is not installed on the seatback
or stored in the vehicle properly, it could be
thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden
maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured.
Remove the head restraints only when you need
to fold the seat, and be sure that the head
restraints are stored securely in the trunk. When
the seat is returned to the passenger position, be
sure the head restraints are installed properly.

1-8

For more cargo space or to fold down the front
passenger’s seat, you may need to remove the head
restraint. Press both release buttons at the top of the
seatback and slide the head restraint out of the height
adjust tubes.

The head restraint should be stored securely on the
driver’s side of the trunk as shown.

Replace the head restraint when you have finished
carrying cargo or when the passenger’s seat is returned
to its normal upright position.

1-9

Rear Seats

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.

Folding the Rear Seat

With the rear folding seatbacks, you can carry long
cargo by folding down part or all of the rear seat.
Before you can fold the rear seat, you need to unlatch
the center buckle.

Insert a key or a similar
object into the slot as
shown to unlatch the
buckle. Move the belt
to the side so it is not
in your way.

1-10

T o unlock the rear seatback, press the pushbutton at the
top of the seat and fold the seatback forward. T o return
the seat to the upright position, lift up on the seatback
and push it rearward until it latches. After returning the
seat to the upright position, pull forward on the seatback
to make sure it is locked into place.

Return the safety belts to
their original positions so
they will be available for
rear seat passengers to use.
T o do so, slide the buckle
into the latch as shown.

1-11

Heated Rear Seat (Option)

The heated rear seat
controls are located on the
rear center console under
the air outlets. Press the
button once to turn on the
heating system. Press the
button again to turn the
system off.

The panel behind the rear seat armrest also folds down.
Turn the knob counterclockwise and pull the panel
forward to gain access to the trunk. When finished using
the panel, return it to its original position and turn the
knob clockwise to secure.

1-12

A telltale light in the button indicates the system is in
use. The heated seats can only be used when the ignition
is turned on. The heating system shuts off automatically
when the ignition is turned off.

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.

1-13

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.

1-14

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

doesn’t stop.

1-15

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

1-16

or the instrument panel ...

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

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

Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

Q:

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

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

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

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

to wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will

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

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

1-17

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

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

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

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

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

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

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

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

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

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

1-18

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

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

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

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

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

1-19

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

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

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

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

T o move it down, press down on the arrow symbol and
move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can
move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the bottom
of the height adjuster. After you move the adjuster to
where you want it, try to move it down without pushing
in to make sure it has locked into position.

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

1-20

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.

1-21

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.

1-22

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.

1-23

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.

1-24

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

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

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

1-25

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

Right Front Passenger Position

To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety
belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt -- except for 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 air bags
the driver and another frontal air bag for the right
front passenger.

-- a frontal air bag for

Your vehicle may also have side impact air bags
side impact air bag for the driver and another side
impact air bag for the right front passenger.

If your vehicle has side impact air bags, it will say
AIRBAG on the air bag covering on the side of the
driver’s and right front passenger’s seatback closest
to the door.

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.

-- a

1-26

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

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- even if you

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, side or low
crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, frontal
air bags may provide less protection in frontal
crashes than more forceful air bags have
provided in the past. The side impact air
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
for that person.

-- whether or not there’s an air bag

-speed frontal

1-27

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.

CAUTION:

CAUTION: (Continued)

Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its air
bag system is designed for them. Young children
and infants need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide. Always secure
children properly in your vehicle. To read how,
see the part of this manual called “Children.”

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

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap
the best protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants.

-shoulder belts offer

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-28

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.

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 .

1-29

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. The path
of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t
put anything between an occupant and an air
bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other air
bag covering and don’t let seat covers block the
inflation path of a side impact air bag.

1-30

When should an air bag inflate?

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

-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate

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

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

If your vehicle strikes something that will move or
deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will
be higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s
frontal air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers,
side impacts, or rear 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
bags, inflation is determined by the location and severity
of the impact.

What makes an air bag inflate?

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

-frontal impacts. For side impact air

1-31

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 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
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.

-frontal collisions for

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
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
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.

-- will be hot for a short

-- the

1-32

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

1-33

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

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

CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an air bag can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are close to
an air bag when it inflates. Avoid wires wrapped
with yellow felt, wires wrapped with yellow tape
or 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.

Safety Belt Pretensioners

Your vehicle has safety belt pretensioners. You’ll find
them on the buckle end of the safety belts for the driver
and right front passenger. They help the safety belts
reduce a person’s forward movement in a moderate
to severe crash in which the front of the vehicle
hits something.

Pretensioners work only once. If they activate in a crash,
you’ll need to get new ones, and probably other new
parts for your safety belt system. See “Replacing
Restraint System Parts After a Crash” in the Index.

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.

1-34

Rear Seat Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All three rear seating positions have lap
Here’s how to wear one properly.

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

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

-shoulder belts.

1-35

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

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

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.

1-36

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

Each position next to the windows has a shoulder belt
height adjuster. Move the shoulder belt adjuster to the
height that is right for you.

T o move it down, press the arrow symbol and move the
height adjuster to the desired position. You can move
the height adjuster up just by pushing up on the bottom
of the height adjuster. After you move the adjuster to
where you want it, try to move it down without pushing
in to make sure it has locked into position.

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

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.

1-37

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

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.

1-38

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.

1-39

CAUTION:

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

-shoulder belts offer

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the

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

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

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

1-40

CAUTION:

CAUTION:

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

-facing seat settles into the restraint,

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

1-41

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.

1-42

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

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

-back booster seats have a five-point

1-43

Q: How do child restraints work?

A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

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

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

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

-like shield that swings up or to the side.

-in child restraint system is a

-on

-on child restraints have

-on child restraint in the

-on child restraint’s harness

-point harness, has straps

-point

-shaped shield has shoulder

- or armrest-type

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

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

1-44

Where to Put the Restraint

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
General Motors, therefore, recommends that child
restraints be secured in the rear seat including an infant
riding in a rear
forward
booster seat. Never put a rear
the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

-facing infant seat, a child riding in a

-facing child seat and an older child riding in a

-facing child restraint in

CAUTION:

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

-facing child restraint in a rear seat.

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

-facing child restraint would be

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

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

-- even when no child

Top Strap

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

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

1-45

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

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

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

1-46

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

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear 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.

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.

1-47

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

1-48

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
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.

T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.

-facing child restraint, you

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

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

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

CAUTION:

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

-facing child restraint in the rear seat.

-facing child restraint would be

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

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

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

-shoulder belt. See the earlier

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

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

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

-facing child restraint.

1-49

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.

1-50

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

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

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

T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt and let it go back all the way. The safety belt
will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult
or larger child passenger.

1-51

Older Children

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

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

A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap

-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a

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

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

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

1-52

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,

move the child toward the center of the vehicle.
If the child is sitting in the center rear seat
passenger position, move the child toward the
safety belt buckle. In either case, be sure that the
shoulder belt still is on the child’s shoulder, so that
in a crash the child’s upper body would have the
restraint that belts provide.

1-53

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.

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.

1-54

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.)

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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

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

If you ever see a yellow label on the driver’s or the
right front passenger’s safety belt buckle, that means to
replace the buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the
new buckle assembly will be there to help protect you in
a collision.

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

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

1-55

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

-5 Keys

-7 Door Locks

2
2

-10 Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)

-14 Trunk

2
2

-16 Theft

2

-17 Theft-Deterrent System (Option)

-19 Immobilizer

2
2

-20 New Vehicle“Break-In”

-20 Ignition Positions

2
2

-22 Starting Your Engine

2

-23 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

-25 Automatic Transmission Operation

2
2

-30 Parking Brake

-31 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2
2

-33 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2-

2

-35 Parking Over Things that Burn

2

-35 Engine Exhaust

-36 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2
2

-36 Horn

-37 Tilt Wheel

2
2

-37 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

2

-45 Exterior Lamps

-50 Interior Lamps

2
2

-52 Mirrors

-54 Storage Compartments

2
2

-57 OnStar

2

-60 Sunroof (Option)

-64 HomeLink

2
2

-68 The Instrument Panel -- Your

2-72 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

R

System (If Equipped)

R

Transmitter (If Equipped)

Information System

2-1

Windows

CAUTION:

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

2-2

Power Windows

The controls are located on the door armrests. T ap the
controls downward or upward to lower or raise the
windows in small amounts. T o express-open the
window , press the forward edge of the control down
for about one second and then release. If you want to
stop the window as it is lowering, pull up the front of
the control.

T o raise the window, pull up the front of the control.
Pulling the control up for about one second and then
releasing it will express

-close the window.

When you stop your vehicle and turn the ignition key to
LOCK, you can still use the power windows. The
electrical power to operate the windows will not shut off
until a door is opened
feature. As soon as a door is opened, power window
movement will stop immediately.

Programming the Power Windows

If the battery on your vehicle has been recharged,
disconnected or is not working, you will need to
reprogram each power window for the express
close features to work. Before reprogramming, you will
need to replace or recharge your vehicle’s battery.

T o program each window, follow these steps:

1. Close all doors.

2. Press and hold the power window control until the
window has fully opened.

3. Pull the power window control up until the window
is fully closed.

4. Continue holding the control up for approximately
five seconds after the window is completely up.

The window is now programmed. Repeat the process for
each window.

-- there is no time limit to this

-open and

2-3

Anti-Pinch Feature

If a hand, an arm or another object is above the middle
of the window and is in the way of the power window
express

-closing, the window will stop at the obstruction

and express

-open to a preset factory position.

CAUTION:

Pressing and holding the power window control
button will turn off the anti
If this happens, a power window won’t stop if
something gets in the way. You or others could be
injured, and your window could be damaged. Be
careful not to press and hold the power window
control button.

-pinch feature.

Rear Window Lockout

Moving this switch to the
left will disable the rear
passenger window controls.
A red indicator light in the
control will illuminate as
a reminder that the rear
passenger window controls
have been disabled.

Moving the switch back to the right to enable the rear
passenger window controls again. A green indicator
light in the control will illuminate to indicate that the
rear passenger window controls are once again active.

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

One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks. (There is no
lock cylinder for the trunk
or the passenger’s door .)

Your vehicle comes with a spare key. This key does not
have an immobilizer pellet in it; however, it will still
unlock your vehicle’s doors. Because of the key’s flat
shape, it can be stored in your wallet.

If you’ve lost your keys or need to have a new one
made, you will have to contact your dealer for the
correct key code.

In an emergency , contact the Cadillac Roadside
Assistance Center . See “Roadside Assistance”
in the Index.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever
lock your keys inside and you may have to
damage your vehicle to get in. Be sure you
have extra keys.

2-6

Door Locks

CAUTION:

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

entry transmitter. This will avoid setting off the optional
theft

-deterrent alarm.

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.

From inside your vehicle,
slide the manual lock lever
down to lock the door. To
unlock the door, slide the
manual lock lever up.

Central Door Unlocking System

When unlocking the driver’s door from the outside,
you can also unlock the other doors by holding the
key in a turned position for several seconds (turn the
key counterclockwise).

Pressing the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter twice in a row will also open the other doors.

2-7

Power Door Locks

Push the side of the power
door lock switch with the
lock symbol to lock all the
doors. Push the side of the
switch with the unlock
symbol to unlock all
the doors.

Automatic Door Locks

Close the doors and turn on the ignition. Every time you
move the shift lever out of PARK (P), all of the doors
will lock. The doors will also unlock every time you
stop the vehicle and move the shift lever into PARK (P).
If someone needs to get out while your vehicle is not in
PARK (P), have that person use the manual or power
door lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock
automatically. Use the manual or power lock to lock the
door again.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

Each remote keyless entry transmitter supplied
with your vehicle can be programmed to suit each
driver’s door lock preference. The two remote keyless
entry transmitters are identified on the back with
either a “1” or a “2”. Each transmitter must be
programmed separately.

The automatic door locks can be programmed (using the
remote keyless entry transmitter) for various lock and
unlock options.

With the ignition on, the transmission in PARK (P)
and the brake pedal pressed down, you are now ready
to begin programming.

To program:

All doors do not unlock when shifting into
PARK (P)

keyless entry transmitter four times. Each press should
be held for about one second with less than five seconds
in between each press.

All doors unlock when shifting into PARK (P)
the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter four times. Each press should be held for
about one second with less than five seconds in between
each press.

The unlock button will toggle between the above
two settings.

- Press the unlock button on the remote

- Press

2-8

All doors do not lock when shifting out
of PARK (P)

keyless entry transmitter four times. Each press should
be held for about one second with less than five seconds
in between each press.

All doors lock when shifting out of PARK (P)
the lock button on the remote keyless entry four times.
Each press should be held for about one second with less
than five seconds in between each press.

The lock button will toggle between the above
two settings.

- Press the lock button on the remote

- Press

Rear Door Security Lock

Your vehicle is equipped
with rear door security
locks that help prevent
passengers from opening
the rear door of your vehicle
from the inside. The lock is
located on the rear edge of
each rear door.

T o use this lock do the following:

1. Move the lever on the door all the way down into the
ENGAGED position.

2. Close the door.

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

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

When you want to open a rear door when the security
lock is on:

1. Unlock the door from the inside.

2. Then open the door from the outside.

T o cancel the rear door lock do the following:

1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the door
from the outside.

2. Move the lever all the way up.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.

The rear door locks will now work normally.

2-9

Anti-Lockout Feature

Leaving your key in the ignition with a door open will
prevent locking of the doors with either the power door
lock switches or the remote keyless entry transmitter.
It is always recommended that you remove the ignition
key when locking your vehicle.

The anti
the power door lock switch for three seconds or longer.

-lockout feature can be overridden by holding

Leaving Your Vehicle

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

Remote Keyless Entry System (RKE)

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

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

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

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

-210 of Industry Canada.

2-10

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

The average range of this system is about 30 feet (9 m).
At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry transmitter. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

D

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

D

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

D

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

D

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

Operation

When you press
this symbol to unlock
the driver’s door, the
parking lamps on your
vehicle will blink
twice. The parking
lamps and headlamps
will remain on for
about 20 seconds.

Pressing this button again within five seconds will
unlock the other doors. Pressing this button will also
disarm the optional theft-deterrent system and turn on
the interior lamps (for approximately 20 seconds).

When you press this symbol to lock the doors

(including the fuel door), the parking lamps will blink
once. This also arms the optional theft

Press this symbol to open the trunk.

Press this button to unlock the fuel door.

-deterrent system.

2-11

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

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

Battery Replacement

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

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

NOTICE:

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

2-12

1. Use a thin coin to pry open the transmitter. 2. Remove the battery and replace it with a CR2032
battery . Using the wrong size battery can damage the
transmitter. Make sure the battery is positioned with
the “plus” (+) facing down.

3. Align the internal pieces of the transmitter, including
the cover. Snap together to reinstall.

2-13

Resynchronization

Pressing the transmitter buttons numerous times
(approximately 250 times) out of the vehicle’s operating
range may cause the transmitter not to work. Replacing
the battery and pressing the transmitter buttons 10 or
more times out of range will also cause the transmitter
not to work.

T o resynchronize the transmitter, you must be within the
vehicle’s operating range. Press and hold the lock and
unlock buttons for approximately 5 to 10 seconds.
See your dealer for service if your transmitter still
doesn’t work properly.

Trunk

CAUTION:

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

If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:

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 AUTO and the temperature between
65_F (18_C) and 85_F (29_C). 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.

2-14

Trunk Release

T o use this feature, your
transmission must be in
PARK (P). Press the trunk
release button located on the
center console next to the
radio to open the trunk.

You can also press the trunk button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter to access the trunk
compartment. Your vehicle doesn’t have a trunk
key lock cylinder.

If your vehicle loses power
temporarily , you can
manually open the trunk
using the trunk release
handle. The handle is
located on the underside of
the trunk lid on the driver’s
side and can be accessed
through the fold
rear seats.

Fold down the driver’s side rear seat and reach through
to the trunk compartment to find the release handle.
Pulling the handle opens the trunk. For more
information on how to fold the rear seats, see
“Folding the Rear Seat” in the Index.

-down

2-15

Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)

NOTICE:

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

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

Theft

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

Key in the Ignition

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

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

-deterrent

-- so

2-16

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 key?

D

If possible, park in a busy, well

D

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

D

Close all windows.

D

Lock the glove box.

D

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

D

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

-lit area.

Theft-Deterrent System (Option)

If the ignition is off
and a door is open, the
SECURITY light will flash
to remind you to activate
the system.

T o arm the system do the following:

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door using the power door lock or the
remote keyless entry transmitter. The SECURITY
light should come on and stay on.

3. Close all the doors. The SECURITY light should go
off within approximately 30 seconds.

The horn will sound and the headlamps will flash for
several minutes when the door or trunk is opened
without the key or remote keyless entry transmitter.
The horn also sounds if the locks are damaged.

2-17

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 or the remote keyless entry transmitter.

T o avoid activating the alarm by accident:

D

The vehicle should be locked with the key after the
doors are closed if you don’t want to activate the
theft

-deterrent system.

D

Always unlock a door with a key or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter . (Pressing the unlock button
on the remote keyless entry transmitter disables the
theft

-deterrent system.) Unlocking a door any other

way will activate the alarm. Cycling the ignition
without disarming the theft-deterrent system will
also activate the alarm.

If you activate the alarm by accident, unlock the driver’s
door with your key. You can also turn of f the alarm by
using the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm
won’t stop if you try to unlock a door in any other way.

Testing the Alarm

1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window, then
get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open.

2. From outside the vehicle, with the door open, lock
the vehicle using the power door lock or the remote
keyless entry transmitter and close the door. Wait
30 seconds until the SECURITY light stops flashing.

3. Reach in and unlock the door using the manual lock
and open the door. The horn will sound and the
headlamps will flash.

If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to
see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown.
T o replace the fuse, see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in
the Index. If the fuse does not need to be replaced, you
may need to have your vehicle serviced.

T o reduce the possibility of theft, always activate
the optional theft
your vehicle.

-deterrent system when leaving

2-18

Immobilizer

Your vehicle is equipped
with a passive
theft-deterrent system.

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

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

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

The system works when you turn the key to ON (II).
The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle. The correct key will start
the vehicle.

-210 of Industry Canada.

2-19

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

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

D

D

D

-in.” But it will perform better in the

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

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

Don’t make full
Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren’t yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
time you get new brake linings.
Don’t tow a trailer during break
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

-throttle starts.

-in guideline every

-in.

Ignition Positions

Keep in mind that you may have to turn the steering
wheel as you turn the key in order to turn the ignition
switch from LOCK to START -- this is normal. Using
extra effort to remove the key from the ignition switch,
as compared to other GM vehicles that you may have
owned, is also normal.

If your key is stuck in the ignition switch and cannot be
turned back to LOCK, your vehicle will need to be
repaired. See your dealer for service.

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

LOCK (S): This is the only
position from which you
can remove the key. This
position locks the ignition,
steering wheel and
transmission. It’s a
theft

-deterrent feature.

2-20

NOTICE:

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

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

still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the steering
wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed).

ON (II): This is the position used for driving
your vehicle.

START (III): This position starts the engine.
T o lock the steering column, remove the key while in

LOCK. Turn the steering wheel until you hear a click.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

The radio and the optional cellular phone are the only
accessories on your vehicle that may be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition is turned to OFF or until a
door is opened.

Power to the door locks is available at all times.
Power to the fuel door and trunk release will be

available for 15 minutes after the ignition is turned
to OFF.

The power window controls and the sunroof (optional)
controls are active until a door is opened
time limit as long as the doors remain closed.

-- there is no

2-21

Starting Your Engine

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

-- that’s a

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

NOTICE:

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

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

2-22

3. 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. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.

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

-up. Usually,

2-23

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord for the engine coolant heater is in

front of the air cleaner filter and under the headlamp
cover, on the passenger’s side of the engine.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

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

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

heavy

-duty three-prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

-prong

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.

2-24

Automatic Transmission Operation

There are several different
positions for the shift lever.

PARK (P): This position locks the transmission drive
shaft. It’s the best position to use when you start the
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.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine.

2-25

Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply the regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into the
gear you wish. See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in
this section.

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
T o rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,

ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see
“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.

NEUTRAL (N): The engine doesn’t connect with
the wheels when driving in NEUTRAL (N). Use
NEUTRAL (N) to restart your vehicle when you’re
already moving or when your vehicle is being towed.

-- push the

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

2-26

DRIVE (D): Use this for normal driving. If you need

more power for passing, and you’re:

D

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

D

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

The transmission will shift down to the next gear.
THIRD (3): This position is not used for normal

driving. It offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D).

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

D

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

D

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

D

When going down a steep hill.

SECOND (2): Driving in this position gives you more
power than driving in THIRD (3). Use it on hills. It can
help control your speed as you go down steep mountain
roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes
off and on.

FIRST (1): This position gives you more power (but
lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it
on very steep hills. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1),
the transmission won’t shift into first gear until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.

NOTICE:

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

When you start your vehicle and the engine temperature
is below 86_F (30_ C), upshifting of the transmission
will be delayed for about one minute. This is normal.
The engine’s catalytic converter is warming up during
this time.

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Upshifting and downshifting of the transmission is
automatically modified to prevent undesired shifting
when your vehicle is towing a trailer or when you
are driving in hilly or mountainous terrain.
This is also normal.

Sport Mode Button

For a firmer shift and
increased performance, you
may choose the sport mode.
This button lets you change
from a normal driving mode
to a sport driving mode.
It is located on the shift
lever handle.

Press the “S” button once to select the sport feature.
Press it again to return to the normal driving mode.

When you start the engine, your vehicle will be in
normal mode. For general driving conditions, use the
normal mode. It will remain in normal unless you select
the sport feature.

This light on the instrument
panel cluster will come
on when the sport mode
is selected.

If this light begins flashing while you are driving,
there may be a fault in the automatic transmission.
Have your vehicle serviced.

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Third-Gear Start

Press this button to provide
more traction when you are
starting on ice or other
slippery surfaces. It only
operates when the shift
lever is in DRIVE (D). The
button is located next to the
shift lever on the console.

The transmission will be in THIRD (3) when the vehicle
begins to move. After starting in THIRD (3), the vehicle
will upshift normally.

This feature is for improved traction only when the road
surface is slippery and is not intended for continuous use
or when the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow or
gravel. Drive as usual for normal road conditions.

This feature automatically turns off when any of the
following conditions occur:

D

When the ignition is turned off.

D

If the shift lever is placed in PARK (P), THIRD (3),
SECOND (2), or FIRST (1).

D

If you press and hold the accelerator pedal past its
resistance point for more than two seconds.

D

When speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h).

D

Once the vehicle reaches 67 mph (108 km/h).

T o turn this feature off, press the button again.
Whenever you start your vehicle, the transmission is in
the normal mode.

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Parking Brake

If you start to drive with the parking brake set, the
BRAKE warning light stays on. See “Brake System
Warning Light” in the Index for more information.

T o release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
with your foot and pull the parking brake lever up until
you can press the end release button. Hold the release
button in as you move the brake lever all the way down.

NOTICE:

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

The parking brake is located on the center console
between the front seats.

T o set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your foot and pull up on the parking brake
lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on.

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

Shifting Into PARK (P)

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even
when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you’re pulling a trailer, see
“Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

Console Shift Lever

1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.

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

D

Pull the button on the shift lever handle up
and then push the shift lever all the way toward
the front of your vehicle into PARK (P).
Release the button.

D

With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.

3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.

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

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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

CAUTION:

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

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

Torque Lock

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

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

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Shifting Out of PARK (P)

Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition is in ON. See “Automatic Transmission” in
the Index.

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever
hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out of
PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the ignition key to OFF. Open and close the
driver’s door to turn off the Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature.

2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 8.

-- push the shift lever all the way into

3. With both hands, squeeze the base of the shift lever
boot (covering) together as shown.

4. Pull the upper part of the base out first and then slide
out the lower part of the base.

5. Lift the shift lever boot (covering) up to move it out
of your way.

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