Cadillac DeVille 2000 Owner's Manual

2000 Cadillac Deville

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 25695353 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 1999

All Rights Reserved

i

Section

Section

Table of Contents

Seats and Restraint Systems

1

Seats and Seat Controls
Safety Belts

Features and Controls

2

Keys and Door Locks
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Trunk Release
Automatic Transmission
Parking Brake
Windows
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
Windshield Wipers
Cruise Control
Interior and Exterior Lamps
Mirrors

Air Bag Systems
Child Restraints

Storage Compartments
Convenience Net
Accessory Power Outlets
OnStar® System (Option)
Sunroof (Option)
HomeLink® Transmitter (Option)
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages
Head-Up Display
Driver Information Center
Memory and Personalization/Personal Choice Feature
Oil Life Indicator

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

Your Driving and the Road

4

Braking/Anti-lock Brakes
Traction Control System
Steering

Problems on the Road

5

Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle

Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature
Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)

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
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped)
Bulb Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Maintenance Schedule

Scheduled Maintenance
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 DEVILLE 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 in the
product 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:

DGN Marketing Services Ltd.
1577 Meyerside Dr.
Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9

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.

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:

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

SPEAKER

FUEL

ix

Service Station Guide

For

a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6

Hood Release

See Section 6

Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

Battery

See Section 6

Engine Oil Dipstick

Cooling System

See Section 5

See Section 6

Oil Viscosity

Engine Oil

See Section 6

Tire Pressure

See Section 6

Remote Fuel

Door Release

See Section 6

Spare Tire Pressure

See Section 5

Alternate

Fuel Door Release

See Section 6

Premium Fuel Recommended

Use unleaded gas only,

91 Octane or higher.

See Section 6

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

-8 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-13 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-14 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-14 Driver Position

1

-22 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-23 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-23 Air Bag Systems

-33 Safety Belt Pretensioners

1
1

-33 Center Front Passenger Position

-- and the Answers

-34 Rear Seat Passengers

1
1

-39 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children

and Small Adults

1-41 Children

-44 Child Restraints

1
1

-55 Larger Children

1

-58 Safety Belt Extender

-58 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1
1

-58 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

a Crash

1-

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

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

Power Seats

The power seat controls, located on the sides of the front
seats, move and adjust the angle of the front seats.

D

Moving the seat cushion control (A) forward or
rearward moves the entire seat.

D

Moving the seat cushion control (A) up or down
adjusts the seat height.

D

Lifting up or pressing down on the front part of the
seat control (A) adjusts the front angle of the
seat cushion.

D

Lifting up or pressing down on the rear part of the
seat control (A) adjusts the rear angle of the
seat cushion.

D

Lifting up or pressing down on the rear part of the
recline control (B) will also adjust the position of the
safety belt height adjuster.

1-2

Four-Way Power Lumbar Control (If Equipped)

If your vehicle has this
feature, the driver’s and
passenger’s seatback lumbar
support can be adjusted four
ways by moving the single
switch located on the side of
the seat.

T o increase the lumbar support, push the switch forward.
T o decrease the support, push the switch backward. To
adjust the location of the lumbar support, push the
switch upward or downward.

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

If you have the optional personalization package, the
power lumbar control can be programmed for memory
recall. For more information, see “Memory and
Personalization Features” in the Index.

Massaging Lumbar (If Equipped)

Push the top of the lumbar control where it is marked
AUTO briefly to activate the massage feature.
The massage cycle will run continuously for up to
10 minutes and can be interrupted by pushing the
lumbar control down briefly. The lumbar support can be
adjusted during the massage cycle by moving the switch
forward to increase support and rearward to decrease
support. The massage cycle will continue to run even if
the ignition is turned to OFF, unless interrupted.

Four-Way Rear Power Lumbar (If Equipped)

Four-way lumbar, without the massage feature, is also
available for the outboard rear seating positions. T o
activate the rear lumbar feature, push forward on the
switch located on the rear door trim to increase support
or rearward to decrease support. The lumbar switch can
also be moved up and down to adjust the location of
the support.

1-3

Adaptive Seat Control (Option)

The adaptive seat control is located on the outboard side
of each front seat. With the ignition in ON, first use the
power seat control to get the proper position.

Then press the top of the control where it is marked
AUTO. The system will inflate the cushion and take a
reading, then automatically deflate the cushion to a
suggested level of comfort, by distributing the
pressure evenly.

You may still wish to further adjust the overall firmness
or softness of the seat cushion. T o get to your desired
level of comfort, hold the control up to increase the
firmness, or down for less firmness. When you let go of
the control, the seat will then automatically readjust to
your desired level of comfort.

You will also need to adjust the lumbar support. To
increase the lumbar support, push forward on the control
and to decrease support, push rearward on the control.
(The lumbar will then automatically adjust to your
body’s positioning for the duration of the trip in
two

-minute cycles.)

If you exit the vehicle after the system has been
activated and the seat is left unoccupied for more than
two minutes, the system will deflate. You will then need
to readjust the lumbar support upon returning to
your vehicle.

T o turn off the adaptive seat feature while still in your
vehicle, press the control down briefly. The seat will
also deflate when the ignition is turned to OFF.

1-4

Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel (Option)

The controls for these
features are located on the
driver’s door panel, and are
used to program and recall
previous settings.

Adjust the driver’s seat (including the lumbar
adjustments), both the outside mirrors and steering
wheel to a comfortable position and then press the SET
button. Within five seconds, press button 1.

A second mirror, seating and steering wheel position can
be programmed by repeating the above steps and
pressing button 2. Each time a memory button is
pressed, a single beep will sound. Each time button 1 or
2 is pressed, the memory positions will be recalled. T wo
personalized exit positions can be set by first recalling

the driving position (1 or 2), positioning the wheel and
seat in the desired exit positions and then pressing the
SET button and, within five seconds, pressing the EXIT
button. the exit position for either previously set driver
can be recalled by pressing the EXIT button.

If you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to enter
your vehicle, automatic seat and mirror movement will
occur. The numbers on the back of the transmitters,
1 and 2, correspond directly to the numbers on the
buttons on the door panel and each seat and mirror can
be programmed to suit driver 1 or 2.

When the key is placed in the ignition in the OFF
position or when the unlock button is pressed on the
transmitter, the seats and mirrors will automatically
adjust to the programmed position.

Programming for automatic mirror and/or seat
movement is done through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). You can choose to either select or not
select automatic seat and/or mirror movement using the
transmitter or by placing your key in the ignition. For
programming information, see “Memory and
Personalization Features” in the Index.

1-5

Heated Seats (Option)

Your vehicle may be equipped with heated front and rear
seats. The control buttons are located on the armrests.
The HEAT/OFF button controls the temperature settings
HI, MED and LO. The other button is to choose BACK
ONLY heating. The LO setting warms the seatback and
cushion until the seat approximates body temperature.
The MED and HI settings heat the seatback and seat
cushion to a slightly higher temperature, and the BACK
ONLY heats only the seatback. The temperature can be
adjusted by pushing the button from HI to LO or, until
the desired setting is reached. You will be able to feel

heat in approximately two minutes. T o heat just the
seatback, push the BACK ONLY button once, after first
activating the heated seat feature. T o turn off the heat in
the seatback, push the button again. The feature will
shut off when the ignition is turned to OFF.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

Press the recliner control (B), located on the side of the
seat, forward or rearward to adjust the seatback.

Push the recliner control (B) up or down to adjust the
safety belt tower.

1-6

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

1-8

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.)

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!

1-9

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.

Put someone on it.

1-10

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider
doesn’t stop.

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

1-11

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.

1-12

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

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
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 and

1-13

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 (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)
so you can sit up straight.

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

The lap
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 belt may lock if you pull the belt

1-14

4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Be sure to use the correct buckle when buckling your

-shoulder belt. If you find that the latch plate will

lap
not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the
buckle for the center passenger position.

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt
Extender” at the end of this section.

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

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.

1-15

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 power seat recline
control and move the height adjuster to the desired
position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing
up on the power seat recline control. After you move the
adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down
without pushing the power seat recline control 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.

Shoulder Belt Tightness Adjustment

Your vehicle may have a shoulder belt tightness
adjustment feature. You can tell if your vehicle has this
feature by following the steps below. If you can add a
small amount of slack, your vehicle has this feature. If
the shoulder belt seems too tight, adjust it before you
begin to drive.

1. Sit well back in the seat.

2. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor.

3. Let the belt go back all the way.

1-16

4. Now you can add a small amount of slack. Lean
forward slightly, then sit back. If you’ve added more
than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack, pull the shoulder belt
out as you did before and start again.

If you move around in the vehicle enough, or if you pull
out the shoulder belt, the belt will become tight again. If
this happens, you can reset it.

CAUTION:

For many people, it takes two hands to adjust the
shoulder belt for tightness because a lot of
webbing must be pulled out. If you ever tried to
do this while driving, you could lose control of the
vehicle. Adjust your shoulder belt for tightness
only when your vehicle isn’t moving.

1-17

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. Don’t
allow more than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack.

1-18

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.

1-19

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.

1-20

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.

1-21

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.

1-22

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

-- except for one thing. If

Air Bag Systems

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

Your vehicle has air bags -- a frontal air bag for the
driver and another frontal air bag for the right front
passenger . Your vehicle also has a side impact air bag
for the driver and another side impact air bag for the
right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side
impact air bag for each of the two rear seat outboard
passenger positions.

If your vehicle has side impact air bags for each of the
two rear seat outboard passenger positions, it will say
AIR BAG on each side of the rear 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.

1-23

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. Side impact air bags 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

1-24

CAUTION:

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. Occupants should not lean on or sleep
against the door.

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. 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.”

-shoulder belts offer

1-25

United States Canada

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

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

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.

1-26

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 .

1-27

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

1-28

The side impact air bags for the rear seat outboard
passenger positions are in the sides of the rear seatback
closest to the doors.

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.

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. The frontal air bags 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
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.

-frontal impacts. For side impact air

-frontal impacts,

1-29

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 and behind the rear seatbacks closest to
the door.

How does an air bag restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or
the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection
provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,
stopping the occupant more gradually. But the frontal air
bags would not help you in many types of collisions,
including rollovers, rear impacts, and 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
side impact air bags.

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

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

-frontal collisions for

-- the

1-30

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.

Your vehicle has a feature that will automatically unlock
the doors and turn the interior lamps on when the air
bags inflate (if battery power is available). You can lock
the doors again and turn the interior lamps off by using
the door lock and interior lamp controls.

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

D

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

D

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information about
the frontal air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system, when
the system commands air bag inflation and driver’s
safety belt usage at deployment or in a
near

-deployment crash. Some modules also record

speed, engine rpm, brake and throttle data.

D

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

1-31

NOTICE:

If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the
right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag
covering on the driver’s, right front passenger’ s
or rear 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 side impact air bag. Do not
open or break the air bag coverings.

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 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.

1-32

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.

Center Front Passenger Position

Lap Belt

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

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

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

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap
part of a lap
see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.

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

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

Rear Seat Passengers

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

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

Rear Seat Passenger Positions

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

-shoulder belts.

1-34

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

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

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

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

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

Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the
release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if
you ever had to.

1-35

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.

1-36

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

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

The rear outboard seating positions may have a shoulder
belt tightness adjustment feature. You can tell if your
vehicle has this feature by following the steps below. If
you can add a small amount of slack, your vehicle has
this feature.

If the shoulder belt seems too tight:

1. Sit well back in the seat.

2. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor.

3. Let belt go back all the way.

4. Now you can add a small amount of slack. Lean
forward slightly, then sit back. If you’ve added more
than 1 inch (25 mm) of slack, pull the shoulder belt
out as you did before and start again.

If you move around in the vehicle enough or if you pull
out the shoulder belt, the belt will become tight again. If
this happens, you can reset it.

1-37

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.

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

1-38

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added
safety belt comfort for children who have outgrown
child restraints and for small adults. When installed on a
shoulder belt, the comfort guide pulls the belt away
from the neck and head.

There is one guide for each outside passenger position in
the rear seat. T o provide added safety belt comfort for
children who have outgrown child restraints and for
smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed on
the shoulder belts. Here’s how to install a comfort guide
and use the safety belt:

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

1-39

2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic
cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide
over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into
the slots of the guide.

1-40

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

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

T o remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out from
the guides. Slide the guide into its storage pocket on the
top of the seatback.

Children

Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! That includes
infants and all children smaller than adult size. 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.

Smaller Children and Babies

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

-shoulder belts offer

1-41

CAUTION:

Smaller children and babies should always be
restrained in a child or infant restraint. The
instructions for the restraint will say whether it is
the right type and size for your child. A very
young child’s hip bones are so small that a
regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it
should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the
child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply
force right on the child’s abdomen, which could
cause serious or fatal injuries. So, be sure that
any child small enough for one is always properly
restrained in a child or infant restraint.

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

-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash

forces can be distributed across the strongest part of the
infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby should be
secured in an appropriate infant restraint. This is so
important that many hospitals today won’t release a
newborn infant to its parents unless there is an infant
restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a
motor vehicle.

1-42

CAUTION:

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a
vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much
crash. During a crash a baby will become so
heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- until a

CAUTION: (Continued)

at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby
will suddenly become a 240
your arms. The baby would be almost impossible
to hold.

Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

-lb. (110 kg) force on

1-43

Child Restraints

Every time infants and young children ride in
vehicles, they should have protection provided by
appropriate restraints.

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints are available in four basic

types. When selecting a child restraint, take into
consideration not only the child’s weight and size,
but also whether or not the restraint will be
compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will
be used.

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

1-44

A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant
to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear
restraints are designed for infants of up to about
20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type
of restraint faces the rear so that the infant’s head,
neck and body can have the support they need in a
frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two
parts

-- the base stays secured in the vehicle and

the seat part is removable.

-facing infant

1-45

1-46

A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a
child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These
forward
protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs.
(9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches
(66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years
of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is
designed to be used either as a rear
seat or a forward

-facing restraints are designed to help

-facing infant

-facing child seat.

A booster seat (F) is designed for children who are
about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs.
(18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four
to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
Booster seats with shields use lap
however, booster seats without shields use
lap

-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a

child to see out the window.

-only belts;

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.
The instructions that come with the infant or child
restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s
manual and the child restraint instructions are important,
so if either one of these is not available, obtain a
replacement copy from the manufacturer.

1-47

Where to Put the Restraint

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. We at
General Motors therefore recommend that you put your
child restraint in the rear seat. Never put a rear
child restraint in the front passenger seat. Here’s why:

-facing

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

CAUTION:

A child in a child restraint in the center front seat
can be badly injured or killed by the right front
passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a
child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always
better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat.
You may secure a forward
in the right front passenger seat, but before you
do, always move the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.

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

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

-facing child restraint

-- even when no child is in it.

1-48

Top Strap

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

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.

Anchor the top strap to this bracket. Once you have the
top strap anchored, you’ll be ready to secure the child
restraint itself.

1-49

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position

CAUTION:

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

-facing child restraint

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.

1-50

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.
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.

1-51

4. T o tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt while
you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using
a forward
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

-facing child restraint, you may find it

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.

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:

1-52

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.

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

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

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

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

-facing child restraint would be

-shoulder belt. See the earlier part

-facing child restraint. (See

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

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

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.

1-53

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

1-54

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

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

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.

Larger Children

Children who have outgrown child restraints should
wear the vehicle’s safety belts.

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

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear seat. But they need to use the
safety belts properly.

D

Children who aren’t buckled up can be thrown out in
a crash.

D

Children who aren’t buckled up can strike other
people who are.

-shoulder belt and

1-55

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. If the child is sitting in a rear seat
outside position, see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides” in the Index.

1-56

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.

1-57

Safety Belt Extender

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

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

Checking Your Restraint Systems

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

T orn 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 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.

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

1-58

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 Keys

2
2

-4 Door Locks

-7 Remote Keyless Entry System

2
2

-12 Trunk

-15 Theft

2
2

-16 Theft-Deterrent System

2

-18 PASS-Key

-20 New Vehicle “Break-In”

2
2

-20 Ignition Positions

-22 Starting Your Engine

2
2

-24 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2

-25 Automatic Transaxle Operation

-30 Parking Brake

2
2

-32 Shifting Into PARK (P)

-35 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2
2

-36 Parking Over Things That Burn

-37 Engine Exhaust

2
2

-37 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2

-38 Windows

2-

R

III

2

-39 Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Column

2

-40 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

-46 Exterior Lamps

2
2

-51 Interior Lamps

-53 Mirrors

2
2

-57 Storage Compartments

2

-60 Rear Power Sunshade (If Equipped)

-61 Cellular T elephone (Option)

2
2

-62 Sunroof (Option)

-63 HomeLink

2
2

-68 The Instrument Panel -- Your

Information System

2-73 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2

-87 Driver Information Center (DIC)

-102 Night V ision System (Option)

2
2

-106 Navigation (Option)

-107 Ultrasonic Rear Parking

2

Assist (URPA) (Option)

R

Transmitter

2-1

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. If they
turned the ignition to ON and moved the shift
lever out of PARK (P), that would release the
parking brake. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.

2-2

Master Key Valet Key

There is a master key that works all of the lock cylinders
(driver’s door, trunk, ignition and glove box).

There is also a VALET key which only operates the
driver’s door and the ignition.

Both the master and VALET key have a transponder
embedded into the key for security and vehicle theft
deterrence. The keys also come with a bar code tag.
Keep the bar code tag in a safe place. If you lose your
key, you will be able to have a new one made using the
bar code tag. The replacement key must have a vehicle
theft deterrent system transponder embedded in it.

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. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have
extra keys.

2-3

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers -- especially children -- can easily

open the doors and fall out. When a door is
locked, the inside handle won’t open it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.

This may not be so obvious: You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better off whenever you drive your vehicle.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use either of the keys or the remote
keyless entry transmitter.

With the theft
doors with the key or remote keyless entry transmitter to
avoid setting off the alarm.

-deterrent system, you must unlock the

Push down on the manual
lock button to lock the door
from the inside. T o unlock
the door, pull up on
the button.

2-4

Central Door Unlocking System

Your vehicle has a central door unlocking mode and a
theft

-deterrent system. When unlocking the driver’s

door, you can unlock the other doors by holding the key
in the turned position for a few seconds or by quickly
turning the door key twice in the lock cylinder.

Power Door Locks

Press the power door lock
button to lock or unlock all
the doors at once. The
power door lock buttons
located on the rear doors
can lock all the doors at
once, but cannot unlock
the doors.

Automatic Door Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with a default mode, so that
every time your doors are closed, the ignition is on and
you move the shift lever out of PARK (P), all the doors
will lock. The doors will unlock every time you stop the
vehicle and move the shift lever back 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
lock. When the door is closed again, it will not lock
automatically. Use the manual or power lock to lock the
door again. If you need to lock the doors before shifting
out of PARK (P), use the manual or power lock button
to lock the doors.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

With the ignition in ON, the door locks can be
programmed through prompts displayed by the Driver
Information Center (DIC). These prompts allow the
driver to choose various lock settings. For programming
information, see “Memory and Personalization
Features” in the Index.

2-5

Rear Door Security Locks

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

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:

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

2. Turn the passenger’s side rear door knob
counterclockwise all the way back to the
original position.

3. Turn the driver’s side rear door knob clockwise all
the way back to the original position.

The rear door locks will now work normally.

T o use this lock:

1. Turn the knob on the passenger’s side rear
door clockwise all the way down to the
ENGAGED position.

2. Close the door.

3. Turn the knob on the driver’s side rear door
counterclockwise all the way down to the
engaged position.

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

2-6

Anti-Lockout Feature

Leaving your key in any ignition position with any door
open will disable the use of the power door lock buttons
as well as the lock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter. If you close the doors, you can lock them
using the remote keyless entry transmitter. It is always
recommended that you remove the ignition key when
locking your vehicle.

Also, the anti
holding the driver’s power door lock button for three
seconds or longer.

-lockout feature can be overridden by

Leaving Your Vehicle

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

Remote Keyless Entry System

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 remote keyless entry transmitter 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.

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

-210 of Industry Canada.

2-7

The average range of this system is about 10 feet (3 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 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
flash twice. (You can
program your vehicle so the
parking lamps will not
flash. They will also not
flash if the manual park
lamps are on.

For more information, see “Lock/Unlock Confirmation”
in the Index.) Pressing this symbol again within
five seconds will unlock the other doors. Pressing this
symbol will also disarm the theft
turn on the interior lamps at night.

-deterrent system and

2-8

When you press this symbol to lock the doors, the
parking lamps will flash once and the horn will sound.
The park lamps will not flash, however, if the manual
park lamps are left on. (You can also program your
vehicle so the parking lamps will not flash and the horn
will not sound. For more information, see “Lock/Unlock
Confirmation” in the Index.) This also arms the
theft

-deterrent system.

Press this symbol to open the trunk. (The VALET

lockout switch must be off for this feature to work.)
Your transmitter also comes equipped with an instant

panic alarm. T o use the alarm, press this symbol. The
horn will sound and the exterior lights will flash for up
to 30 seconds. T o stop the instant panic alarm, press the
symbol again or turn the ignition to ON.

The remote keyless entry transmitter can also be used to
recall the memory settings for up to two drivers. For
more information, see “Memory Seat and Mirrors” in
the Index.

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. 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.

Since all vehicles come with only two transmitters. You
must check with your dealer for information on how to
obtain additional transmitters.

2-9

Battery Replacement

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

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

NOTICE:

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

1. Use the round end of the door key or a coin to
pry open the transmitter.

2. Once the transmitter is separated, use a pencil
(or similar object) to remove the old battery.
Do not use a metal object.

2-10

3. Replace the battery. Insert the new battery as the
instructions under the cover indicate.

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

5. Resynchronize the transmitter. See
“Resynchronization” following.

Resynchronization

Pressing the remote keyless entry 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 out of range will also cause the
transmitter not to work. If only the instant alarm button
works, the transmitter needs to be resynchronized to the
receiver. Do this by pressing and holding both the lock
and unlock buttons on the transmitter for about eight
seconds. You must be within range of the vehicle.

Once the transmitter has been resynchronized, the locks
will cycle from lock to unlock. See your dealer for
service if your transmitter doesn’t work properly.

2-11

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 or ECON 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.

Trunk Lock Release

To use this feature, your
vehicle must be in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N) and the
VALET lockout switch must
be off.

Press the trunk release button, located on the left side of
the instrument panel, to open the trunk.

You can also press the trunk button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter to access the trunk
compartment. T o disable the use of this feature, see
“Valet Lockout Switch” in the Index.

2-12

Trunk Lid Tie Down

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

If you ever need to drive with your trunk lid
open, then:

D

Make sure all windows, the rear seat
pass

-through and sunroof are closed.

D

Turn the fan on your heating and cooling
system to its highest speed, with the setting
on VENT. This forces fresh outside air into
your vehicle.

D

Open all air ducts on the instrument panel.

Don’t use the trunk lid tie down if you are towing
a trailer because of the danger of CO.

2-13

This feature is used to secure the trunk lid if it will not
close completely, such as when carrying large packages
in the trunk.

1. Attach the clip end of the tie down to the “D” ring on
the trunk lid (see view A).

2. Attach the hook end of the tie down to the striker
located at the center of the trunk sill (see view B).

3. Tighten the tie down by pulling the free end of the
cord until secure.

4. T o remove the tie down, press the clip end release
and loosen the cord.

2-14

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 chime 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 transaxle. And remember to lock the doors.

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.

-deterrent

-- so

Parking Lots

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

D

If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.

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

Move the trunk release lockout switch to ON.

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.

D

Leave only the valet key.

D

T ake all other keys and the Remote Keyless Entry
transmitter with you.

2-15

Theft-Deterrent System

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

The light will also flash if the battery has been
disconnected and reconnected. To 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 about 30 seconds.

The horn will sound and the lamps will flash for about
30 seconds when the door or trunk is opened without the
key or the remote keyless entry transmitter. The horn
also sounds if the locks are damaged.

Remember, the theft
you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock
button or the remote keyless entry transmitter.

T o avoid activating the alarm by accident:

D

Always unlock a door with a known key or use the
remote keyless entry transmitter. (Using a known
key or pressing the unlock button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter disables the theft
system.) Unlocking a door any other way, such
as using an unknown key, will activate the
alarm system.

D

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

-deterrent system.

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

-deterrent system won’t activate if

-deterrent

2-16

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 of 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 goes off.

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
theft

-deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.

Valet Lockout Switch

The valet lockout switch is
located inside the glovebox.

Pushing the VALET lockout switch to ON will disable
the use of the power trunk, fuel door and garage door
openers. Pushing the switch to OFF again will make
these features reusable. Locking the glove box with the
key will also help to secure your vehicle.

The remote keyless entry transmitter cannot be used to
open the trunk or fuel door if the valet lockout switch is
in the ON position. Also, the valet key will not unlock
the glovebox or trunk.

2-17

PASS-KeyR III

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

-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do

anything different to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.

Your PASS
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

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

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.

-Key III system operates on a radio

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

PASS

-Key III uses a radio frequency transponder in the

key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
When the PASS

using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will
stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone using a
trial

-and-error method to start the vehicle will be

discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.

When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key may
have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and
try again.

If the engine does not start, and the key appears to be
undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit
Breakers” in the Index). If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your
dealer or a locksmith who can service the PASS
to have a new key made.

-Key III system senses that someone is

-Key III

2-18

It is possible for the PASS-Key III decoder to learn the
transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to
ten additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
This procedure is for learning additional keys only. If all
the currently programmed keys are lost or do not
operate, you must see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS
programmed to the system.

See your dealer or a locksmith who can service

-Key III to get a new blank key that is cut exactly

PASS
as a current black
system. Do not use a gray
this procedure.

T o program the new key:

D

Insert the current driver’s key (black in color) in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start see your dealer for service.

D

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

-Key III to have keys made and

-colored driver’s key that operates the

-colored valet key for

D

Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON
within ten seconds of removing the previous key.

D

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

D

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

If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to start your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS
not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS
III system at this time.

If you lose or damage a PASS
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS
have a new key made.

-Key III system, however, is

-Key

-Key III key, see your

-Key III to

2-19

New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break

-in.” But it will perform better in the long

run if you follow these guidelines:

D

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

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

Don’t make full

D

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

D

Don’t tow a trailer during break
See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index for
more information.

-throttle starts.

-in guideline every

Ignition Positions

If you cannot start your vehicle and you are unable to
remove your key from the ignition, see “Shift Lock
Release” in the Index.

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be injured or even killed. They could
operate power windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in
the vehicle with children.

-in.

2-20

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

OFF (A): Before you put the key in, the ignition will be
in OFF. This is the only position in which you can
remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft

-deterrent feature.

NOTICE:

If your key seems stuck in OFF 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.

ACCESSORY (B): This position allows you to use

things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off the
engine, but still turn the steering wheel. If your vehicle
has a column shifter, you will still be able to move the
shift lever. Use ACCESSORY if you must have your
vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if
your vehicle is being pushed or towed).

ON (C): This position is for driving. If your vehicle has a
floor (console) shifter and you turn off the engine, the
transaxle will lock. If you need to shift the transaxle out of
PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.

START (D): This position starts the engine.

2-21

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned from
ON to OFF:

D

Radio

D

Power Windows

D

Sunroof

Power to these accessories will stop after 10 minutes or
if any door is opened. If you want power for another
10 minutes, turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY, then
back to OFF. Always leave your key in OFF when using
RAP. If you leave your key in any other position than
OFF, your battery will discharge prematurely.

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
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.

2-22

Starting Your Northstar V8 Engine

1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to STAR T. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.

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
STAR T for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing.

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 right away, hold your key in
STAR T for about three seconds at a time until your
engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between each
try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging
your starter.

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.

If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.

2-23

Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

A. Engine Oil Dipstick Location
B. Engine Coolant Heater Cord
C. Transaxle Dipstick/Fluid Fill Location

-18

_

In very cold weather, 0_F (
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

C) or colder, the engine

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side of

the engine, behind the transaxle dipstick/fluid fill
location (C) and next to the engine.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

2-24

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.

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.

-prong

Automatic Transaxle Operation

The automatic transaxle may have either a shift lever
located on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.

There are several different positions for the shift lever.

Console Shifter

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Column Shifter (Digital and Analog Cluster similar)
PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. 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.

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Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever

-- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as

you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into the gear you wish. See “Shifting Out of
PARK (P)” in the Index.

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

Also use this gear to rock your vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your
transaxle. See “Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in
the Index for additional information.

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

CAUTION:

NOTICE:

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

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.

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NOTICE:

NOTICE:

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

DRIVE (D): This position is 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 transaxle will shift down to the next gear and
have more power.

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If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it doesn’t seem to shift gears as you accelerate,
something may be wrong with a transaxle system
sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So if this happens, have
your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you
can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for
higher speeds.

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal

driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D).

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

NOTICE:

Don’t shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going
slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine.

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

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

NOTICE:

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

Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could cause overheating and damage
the transaxle. Use your brakes to hold your
vehicle in position on a hill.

Performance Shifting (DTS Only)

When your vehicle detects a change in driving
conditions, it will automatically initiate the appropriate
performance shift mode. When this occurs the gear
display on the instrument panel cluster will change to
indicate that the transmission has shifted to a different
gear. For example, the gear display on the cluster may
indicate D, 3, 2, or 1 even though the gearshift is still in
DRIVE (D). Once the performance shift mode ends, the
gear display on the cluster will return to normal.

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Parking Brake

Hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right
foot and push the parking
brake pedal down with
your left foot to set the
parking brake.

If the brake doesn’t fully release, you can manually
release the lever. Before attempting to release the
lever however, be sure to carefully read the
following paragraphs.

CAUTION:

Always shift to PARK (P) before pulling the
manual release lever. If your hand or arm is in
the way of the pedal you could be hurt. The pedal
springs back quickly . Keep your hand and arm
away when you use the manual release lever.

If the ignition is on, the BRAKE indicator light
should come on. If it doesn’t, you need to have your
vehicle serviced.

When you move out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
and the engine is running, the parking brake should
release. If the parking brake has not been fully released
and you try to drive off with the parking brake on, the
BRAKE indicator light will come on and stay on.

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Before releasing the manual parking brake, be sure to
put the vehicle in PARK (P) and turn the ignition
to OFF.

Reach under the driver’s side of the instrument panel
and pull on the manual release lever, which is located
above the parking brake pedal. If the parking brake does
not release, you should either drive to the nearest service
station or have your vehicle towed.

NOTICE:

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

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. For
more information, see “Brake Indicator Light” in
the Index.

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