CHEVROLET AVALANCHE User Manual

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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Luggage/Load Locations . . . . . . . 4-2
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-6
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-47
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-56
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-34
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-46
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-30
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-39
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-54
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-60
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-68
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-74
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-93
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
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2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual M
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-98
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-6
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 11-9
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-16
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

The names, logos, emblems, slogans, vehicle model names, and vehicle body designs appearing in this manual including, but not limited to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, AVALANCHE, and Z71 are trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
This manual describes features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle either because they are options that you did not purchase or due to changes subsequent to the printing of this owner manual.
Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25965914 A First Printing
Please refer to the purchase documentation relating to your specific vehicle to confirm each of the features found on your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name General Motors of Canada Limitedfor Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
©
2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123 Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française www.helminc.com
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
iv Introduction

Using this Manual

To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found.

Danger, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result in injury or death.
WARNING
{
These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could result in property or vehicle damage. This would not be covered by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means
Do Not,” “Do not do this,orDo not let this happen.

Symbols

The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gauge, or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information.
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Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the Index.
0 : Adjustable Pedals 9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High
/Low-Beam Changer
j : LATCH System Child
Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure
g : Outside Power
Foldaway Mirrors
} : Power / : Remote Vehicle Start > : Safety Belt Reminders 7 : Tire Pressure Monitor _ : Tow/Haul Mode
F : Traction Control M : Windshield Washer Fluid
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vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Midgate
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Head Restraint
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Sensing System for
Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Throttle and Brake Pedal
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-15
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-22
Bluetooth
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-22
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-25
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Universal Remote System . . . 1-25
Performance and Maintenance
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-26
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-26
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-27
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
®
OnStar
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
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1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

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In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 810.
B. Turn and LaneChange Lever.
See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 65.
Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 55.
C. Instrument Cluster on
page 511.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 65 (Out of View).
E. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 939.
F. Tow/Haul Mode on page 943
(If Equipped).
G. Driver Information Center (DIC)
Buttons. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 528.
H. AM-FM Radio on page 78.
I. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 61.
J. Dome Lamp Override. See
Dome Lamps on page 66.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 66.
Fog Lamps on page 65
(If Equipped).
K. Automatic Transfer Case
Control (If Equipped). See
Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 944 or Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 950.
L. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 520.
M. Cruise Control on page 958.
N. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 52.
O. Horn on page 55.
P. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 53.
Q. Climate Control Systems on
page 81 (If Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 84
(If Equipped).
R. Power Outlets on page 59.
Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). See Cigarette Lighter on page 59.
S. StabiliTrak
®
System on
page 954.
Pedal Adjust Button (If Equipped). See Adjustable
Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 930.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 960 (If Equipped).
Power Assist Steps on page 216 (If Equipped).
T. Glove Box on page 41.
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1-4 In Brief

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief overview about some of the important features that may or may not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the features which can be found later in this owner manual.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
Press K to unlock the driver door.
K again within three seconds
Press to unlock all remaining doors.
Q to lock all doors.
Press
Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized.
L and release to locate
Press the vehicle.
L and hold for more
Press than two seconds to sound the panic alarm.
L again to cancel the
Press panic alarm.
See Keys on page 22 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 23.

Remote Vehicle Start

With this feature the engine can be started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press
3. Immediately after completing
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The doors will be locked and the climate control system may come on.
Q.
Step 2, press and hold the turn signal lamps flash.
/ until
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In Brief 1-5
The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and hold
until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.
Turn the ignition on and then back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 25.
/

Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle.
From outside, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the key in the driver door. From inside, use the power door locks or the manual door locks.
To lock or unlock the door with the manual locks, push down or pull up on the manual lock knob.
Power Door Locks
If available, these switches are on the front doors.
K : Press to unlock the doors. Q : Press to lock the doors.
See Door Locks on page 28.
Midgate
This vehicle is equipped with a Midgate and a removable rear glass panel. The Midgate allows you to extend the length of the vehicle's cargo area.
For more information see Midgate on page 210.
®
®

Tailgate

Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or power door lock switch to lock and unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling the tailgate toward you.
To close the tailgate, push it firmly upward until it latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is latched securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate is not to be removed. This may cause damage to the electrical connector resulting in a loss of lock/unlock and rear vision camera function.
See Tailgate on page 216.
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1-6 In Brief

Windows

The power window switches are located on the driver door. In addition, each passenger door has a switch for its own window.
Press the switch to lower the window. Pull the switch up to raise it.
For more information, see:
.
Windows on page 224.
.
Power Windows on page 224.

Seat Adjustment

Manual Seats
To adjust the seat:
1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure the seat is locked in place.
See Seat Adjustment on page 33 for more information.
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.
.
If available, raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the control up or down.
.
If available, raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire control up or down.
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See Power Seat Adjustment on page 34 for more information.
Lumbar Adjustment
Manual Lumbar
If equipped, increase or decrease manual lumbar support by turning the knob forward or rearward.
See Lumbar Adjustment on page 36 for more information.
Power Lumbar
To adjust the power lumbar support, if equipped:
.
On vehicles with two-way lumbar, press and hold the top or bottom of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support.
In Brief 1-7
.
On vehicles with four-way lumbar, press and hold the front or rear of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support. To raise or lower the height of the support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control.
See Lumbar Adjustment on page 36 for more information.
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1-8 In Brief
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 37 for more information.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a power seatback, if equipped:
.
Tilt the top of the control rearward to recline.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward to raise.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 37 for more information.
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In Brief 1-9

Memory Features

On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on the driver door are used to program and recall memory settings for the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the adjustable throttle and brake pedals, if the vehicle has this feature.
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat and seatback recliner, both outside mirrors, and the throttle and brake pedals, if available.
See Power Mirrors on page 220 and Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 930 for more information.
Not all mirrors and adjustable throttles and brake pedals will have the ability to save and recall their positions.
2. Press and hold 1until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver position using 2.
To recall, press and release 1or 2.The vehicle must be in P (Park). A single beep will sound. The seat, outside mirrors, and adjustable throttle and brake pedals, if available, will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver.
See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedalsunder Power Seat
Adjustment on page 34 and Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more information.
Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature can move the seat rearward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.
B : Press to recall the easy exit
seat position. The vehicle must be in P (Park).
See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedalsunder Power Seat
Adjustment on page 34 and Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more information.
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1-10 In Brief

Second Row Seats

The rear seatbacks can be folded to provide more cargo space and access to the midgate.
For detailed instructions see Rear Seats on page 310.

Heated Seats

If available, the controls are on the driver and passenger doors.
{ (If Equipped): Press to cool
the seat.
+ : Press to heat the
seatback only.
z : Press to heat the seat
and seatback.
Repeatedly press and release the desired control to cycle through the temperature settings.
See Heated Front Seats on
page 39 and Heated and Ventilated Front Seats on page 310.

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating position, change the seatback recline angle as little as necessary while keeping the seat and the head restraint height in the proper position.
For more information see Head
Restraints on page 32 and Seat Adjustment on page 33.

Safety Belts

Refer to the following sections for important information on how to use safety belts properly.
.
Safety Belts on page 312.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 316.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 321.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 354.
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In Brief 1-11

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

The passenger sensing system, if equipped, will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags, seatmounted side impact airbags and roofrail airbags are not affected by this.
If the vehicle has one of the indicators pictured in the following illustrations, then the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator, if equipped, will be visible on the overhead console when the vehicle is started.
United States
Canada and Mexico
See Passenger Sensing System on page 338 for important information.
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1-12 In Brief

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors
Vehicles with outside power mirrors and foldaway mirrors have controls on the driver door.
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control pad to adjust the mirror.
3. Press either (A) or (B) again to deselect the mirror.
See Power Mirrors on page 220.
Power Foldaway Mirrors
To fold the mirrors:
1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out to the driving position.
2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to the folded position.
Manual Foldaway Mirrors
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to return to its original position.
See Folding Mirrors on page 221.
Interior Mirror
Vehicles with a manual rearview mirror can be adjusted to see clearly behind the vehicle. Hold the mirror in the center to move it up or down and side to side. To reduce headlamp glare during nighttime use, push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
Vehicles with the automatic dimming feature will automatically reduce the glare of lights from behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is started.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 223 for more information.
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In Brief 1-13

Steering Wheel Adjustment

The tilt lever is located on the lower left side of the steering column.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Hold the steering wheel and pull the lever.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Release the lever to lock the wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment

On vehicles with this feature, you can change the position of the throttle and brake pedals.
The control used to adjust the pedals is located on the instrument panel below the climate control system.
Press the bottom of the control to move the pedals closer to your body. Press the top of the control to move the pedals away.
See Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 930.

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps
The dome lamps are located in the overhead console.
They come on when any door is opened and turn off after all the doors are closed.
Turn the instrument panel brightness knob located below the dome lamp override button, clockwise to the farthest position to manually turn on the dome lamps. The dome lamps remain on until the knob is turned counterclockwise.
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1-14 In Brief
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the exterior lamps control.
k : Press the button in and the
dome lamps remain off when a door is opened. Press the button again to return it to the extended position so that the dome lamps come on when a door is opened.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps in the overhead console, press the button located next to the lamp to turn it on or off.
The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other locations. The lamps cannot be adjusted.
For more information about interior lamps, see:
.
Dome Lamps on page 66.
.
Reading Lamps on page 67.
.
Instrument Panel Illumination Control on page 66.

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamps control is located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
P : Turns off the automatic
headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Turn the headlamp control to the off position again to turn the automatic headlamps or DRL back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada, the off position will only work when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
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In Brief 1-15
AUTO : Automatically turns on
the headlamps, parking lamps, instrument panel lights, license plate lamps, and taillamps.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
instrument panel lights, license plate lamps, and taillamps.
2 : Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, instrument panel lights, license plate lamps, and taillamps.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on page 61.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 63.
.
Fog Lamps on page 65.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

8 : Single wipe, turn to 8, then
release. Several wipes, hold the band on
8 longer.
9 : Turns the windshield
wipers off.
6 : Turn the band up for more
frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.
6 : Slow wipes. ? : Fast wipes. L : Push the paddle at the top of
the lever to spray washer fluid on the windshield.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 55.
Page 22
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
1-16 In Brief

Climate Controls

The heating, cooling, defrost, defog and ventilation of the vehicle can be controlled with these systems.
A. Fan Control
B. Outside Air
C. Air Recirculation
D. Air Delivery Mode Control
E. Air Conditioning
F. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
G. Rear Window Defogger
Page 23
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-17
See Climate Control Systems on page 81 and Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 84.
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. Fan Control
C. AUTO
D. Defrost
E. Air Recirculation
F. Outside Air
G. Air Delivery Mode Control
H. Display
I. Power Button
J. Rear Window Defogger
K. Air Conditioning
L. PASS
Page 24
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
1-18 In Brief

Transmission

Range Selection Mode
If available, the Range Selection Mode switch is located on the shift lever. To use the Range Selection feature:
1. Move the column shift lever to the M (Manual) position. The current range will appear next to the M. This is the highest attainable range with all lower gears accessible. As an example, when 5 (Fifth) gear is selected, 1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears are available.
2. Press the plus/minus buttons, located on the steering column shift lever, to select the desired range of gears for current driving conditions. See Manual Mode on page 942.
While using Range Selection Mode, cruise control and the Tow/Haul mode can be used.
Grade Braking is not available when Range Selection Mode is active. See Tow/Haul Mode on page 943.

Four-Wheel Drive

If the vehicle has Four-Wheel Drive, you can send the engine's driving power to all four wheels for extra traction.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two Speed Transfer Case
Single Speed Transfer Case
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-19
The transfer case knob is located to the left of the instrument panel cluster. Use this knob to shift into and out of the different Four-Wheel Drive modes.
m : This setting is used for driving
2
in most street and highway situations.
AUTO: This setting is ideal for use when road surface traction conditions are variable.
m : Use the Four-Wheel-Drive
4
High position when extra traction is needed, such as on snowy or icy roads or in most off-road situations.
n : Vehicles with a two speed
4
transfer case have a Four-Wheel-Drive Low position. This setting sends maximum power to all four wheels. You might choose Four-Wheel-Drive Low if you are driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills.
N (Neutral): Vehicles with a two speed transfer case have a N (Neutral) position. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral) only when towing the vehicle. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on page 1093 or Towing the Vehicle on page 1093.
See Four-Wheel Drive (Two Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 944 or Four-Wheel Drive (Single Speed Automatic Transfer Case) on page 950.
Page 26
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
1-20 In Brief

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

Radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port
O : Press to turn the system on
and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to choose between FM, AM, or XM, if equipped.
CD, MP3, or WMA song. If information is available during XM, CD, MP3, or WMA playback, the song title information displays on the top line of the display and artist information displays on the bottom line. When information is not available, NO INFOdisplays.
For more information about these and other radio features, see Operation on page 73.
For vehicles with a Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) and Rear Seat Audio System (RSA), see
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System on page 734 and Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System on page 744 for more information.
f : Select radio stations.
© ¨ : Seek or scan stations.
4 : Press to display additional text
information related to the current FM-RDS or XM station; or
Page 27
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-21
Storing Radio Stations
A maximum of 36 stations can be stored as favorites using the six softkeys located below the radio station frequency tabs and by using the radio FAV button. Press FAV to go through up to six pages of favorites, each having six favorite stations available per page. Each page of favorites can contain any combination of AM, FM, or XM stations.
For more information, see Storing Radio Stationsin AM-FM Radio on page 78.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date for the radio with CD, DVD, and USB Port:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, then
O, to turn the radio on.
press
2. Press
3. Press the softkey located under
4. To increase or decrease the time
For detailed instructions on setting the clock for the vehicle's specific audio system, see Clock on page 58.
H to display HR,
MIN, MM, DD, and YYYY (hour, minute, month, day, and year).
any one of the labels to be changed.
or date, turn counterclockwise.
f clockwise or

Satellite Radio

XM is a satellite radio service that is based in the 48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian provinces. XM satellite radio has a wide variety of programming and commercial-free music, coast to coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the XM service.
For more information, refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)
.
www.xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
See XM Satellite Radio Service under Satellite Radio on page 79.
Page 28
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
1-22 In Brief

Portable Audio Devices

A. USB Port.
This vehicle has an auxiliary input, located on the audio faceplate, and a USB port located in the center console. External devices such as iPod MP3 players, CD changers, USB storage device, etc. can be connected to the auxiliary port using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack or the USB port depending on the audio system.
®
, laptop computers,
See Auxiliary Devices on page 730 for further information.
Bluetooth
For vehicles with a Bluetooth system, it allows users with a Bluetoothenabled cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls using the vehicles audio system and controls.
The Bluetoothenabled cell phone must be paired with the Bluetooth system before it can be used in the vehicle. Not all phones will support all functions. For more information, visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, see Bluetooth on page 746.
®

Steering Wheel Controls

If available, some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel.
w / c x : Press to change
favorite radio stations, select tracks on a CD/DVD, or to navigate tracks or folders on an iPod or USB device.
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In Brief 1-23
b g : Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn the sound on. Press and hold longer than two seconds to interact with
®
OnStar if equipped.
+
decrease volume.
or Bluetooth systems,
e e : Press to increase or
c x : Press to reject an
incoming call, or to end a call.
SRCE: Press to switch between the radio and CD, and for equipped vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.
¨ : Press to seek the next radio
station, the next track or chapter while sourced to the CD or DVD slot, or to select tracks and folders on an iPod or USB device.
For more information, see Steering Wheel Controls on page 53.

Cruise Control

The cruise control buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel.
T : Press to turn the system on
or off. The indicator light is on when cruise control is on and turns off when cruise control is off.
+ RES : Press briefly to make the vehicle resume to a previously set speed, or press and hold to accelerate.
SET : Press to set the speed and activate cruise control or make the vehicle decelerate.
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 958.

Navigation System

The vehicle's navigation system (if equipped) provides detailed maps of most major freeways and roads. After a destination has been set, the system provides turn-by-turn instructions for reaching the destination. In addition, the system can help locate a variety of points of interest (POI), such as banks, airports, restaurants, and more.
See the Navigation System manual for more information.
Page 30
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1-24 In Brief

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC display is located at the bottom of the instrument panel cluster. It shows the status of many vehicle systems and enables access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on the instrument panel, next to the steering wheel.
Some vehicles do not have the buttons shown, however some of the menus can be viewed by using the trip odometer reset stem.
3 : Press to display the
odometer, trip odometer, fuel range, average economy, fuel used, timer, instantaneous economy and Active Fuel Management indicator, and transmission temperature. The compass and outside air temperature will also be shown in the display. The temperature will be shown in °C or °F depending on the units selected.
T : Press to display the oil life,
units, tire pressure readings for vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), trailer brake gain and output information for vehicles with the Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system, engine hours, compass zone setting, and compass recalibration.
U : Press to customize the feature
settings on your vehicle. See
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more
information.
V : Press to set or reset certain
functions and to turn off or acknowledge messages on the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on page 528.
Vehicle Customization
Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the DIC buttons next to the steering wheel. These features include:
.
Language
.
Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.
RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback
.
Lighting
.
Chime Volume
.
Memory Features
See Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547.
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In Brief 1-25

Rear Vision Camera (RVC)

If available, the rear vision camera displays a view of the area behind the vehicle when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse). This is displayed on the inside rearview mirror or the navigation screen, if equipped.
To clean the camera lens, located in the bezel for the tailgate handle, rinse it with water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
For more information, see Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on page 962.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) uses sensors on the rear bumper to detect objects while parking the vehicle. URPA comes on automatically when the shift lever is moved into R (Reverse) and operates at speeds less than
8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audio beeps to provide distance and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's rear bumper clean to ensure proper operation.
The system can be disabled by pressing the rear park aid disable button located next to the radio.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 960 for more information.

Power Outlets

Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle may have two accessory power outlets located on the instrument panel and one inside the center floor console.
The vehicle may also have an outlet on the rear of the center floor console above the cupholder door.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
See Power Outlets on page 59.

Universal Remote System

This system provides a way to replace up to three remote control transmitters used to activate devices such as garage door openers, security systems, and home automation devices.
Read the instructions completely before attempting to program the transmitter. Because of the steps involved, it may be helpful to have another person assist with programming the transmitter.
See Universal Remote System on page 556.
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1-26 In Brief

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System

The vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel spin and the StabiliTrak system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. Both systems turn on automatically every time the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off traction control, press and release panel.
appropriate DIC message displays. See Ride Control System Messages on page 542.
.
To turn off both traction control and StabiliTrak, press and hold
5 until F illuminates and the
appropriate DIC message displays. See Ride Control System Messages on page 542.
.
Press and release 5 again to turn on both systems.
5 on the instrument
F illuminates and the
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®
System on page 954.

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you to a significant loss in pressure of one of the vehicle's tires. If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 924. The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire pressure warning light may appear when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. It is the drivers responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 1059.

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and, on most vehicles, displays a DIC message when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter. The oil life system should be reset to 100% only following an oil change.
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In Brief 1-27
Resetting the Oil Life System
To reset the Engine Oil Life System on most vehicles:
1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, the vehicle must be in P (Park) to access this display.
2. Press and hold the SET/RESET button on the DIC, or the trip odometer reset stem if the vehicle does not have DIC buttons, for more than five seconds. The oil life will change to 100%.
On all vehicles, the Engine Oil Life System can be reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within five seconds.
3. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. If the display shows 100%, the system is reset.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 1011.

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge and a yellow fuel cap can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 970. For all other vehicles, use only the unleaded gasoline described under Recommended Fuel on page 968.
Page 34
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1-28 In Brief

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate, use cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPC Spec number molded into the tire's sidewall near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.

Roadside Assistance Program

U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet, you are automatically enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This program provides technically trained advisors who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to give minor repair information or make towing arrangements.
For more information see Roadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada) on page 138 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 1310.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar (U.S. and Canada)
If you have a current OnStar subscription, press the
Q button
and the current GPS location will be sent to an OnStar advisor who will assess your problem, contact Roadside Assistance, and relay your exact location to get the help you need.
Online Owner Center (U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a complimentary service that includes online service reminders, vehicle maintenance tips, online owner manual, special privileges, and more.
Sign up today at:
www.chevyownercenter.com (U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).
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In Brief 1-29
OnStar
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and live advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security, navigation, diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built in sensors can automatically alert an OnStar advisor who is immediately connected to the vehicle to see if you need help.
®
How OnStar Service Works
Q : This blue button connects you
to a specially trained OnStar advisor to verify your account information and to answer questions.
] : Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from specially trained OnStar emergency advisors.
X : Push this button for handsfree,
voiceactivated calling and to give voice commands for turnbyturn navigation.
Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, TurnbyTurn Navigation and HandsFree Calling are available on most vehicles. Not all OnStar services are available on all vehicles. For more information see the OnStar Owner's Guide or visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada), contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (18884667827) or TTY 18772482080, or
press
Q to speak with an
OnStar advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For a full description of OnStar services and system limitations, see the OnStar Owner's Guide in the glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the OnStar terms and conditions included in the OnStar Subscriber Information.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless service provider for service in that area. OnStar service also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that area has coverage, network capacity and reception when the service is needed, and technology that is compatible with the OnStar service. Not all services are available everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or at all times.
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1-30 In Brief
The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle information. This information is automatically sent to
an OnStar call center when pressed,
airbags or ACR system deploy. This information usually includes the vehicle's GPS location and, in the event of a crash, additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle was hit). When the virtual advisor feature of OnStar hands-free calling is used, the vehicle also sends OnStar the vehicle's GPS location so they can provide services where it is located.
Location information about the vehicle is only available if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and available.
] is pressed, or if the
Q is
The vehicle must have a working electrical system, including adequate battery power, for the OnStar equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or wireless phone network congestion.
See Radio Frequency Statement on page 1319 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be used to interact with OnStar hands-free calling. See Steering Wheel Controls on page 53 for more information.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone extensions. See the OnStar Owner's Guide for more information.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red, the system may not be functioning properly.
Press
Q and request a vehicle
diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and all services have been deactivated.
Press
Q to confirm that the
OnStar equipment is active.
Page 37
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Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Doors
Midgate®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-17
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-18
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-22
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Page 38
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2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. Children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the keys in the ignition and children could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
The key can be used for the ignition, door locks, tailgate, and side storage boxes.
See your dealer if a replacement key or additional key is needed.
Notice: If the keys get locked in the vehicle, it may have to be damaged to get them out. Always carry a spare key.
If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
(U.S. and Canada) on page 138 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 1310 for more
information.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement on page 1319 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range:
.
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far from the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery. See Battery Replacementlater in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions work up to 60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 22.
With Remote Start (Without
Remote Start Similar)
/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start on page 25 for additional information.
/
Q (Lock): Press to lock all the
doors, including the tailgate.
If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the turn signal lamps flash once to indicate locking has occurred. If enabled through the DIC, the horn chirps
when
Q is pressed again within
three seconds of the previous press of the lock button. See Vehicle
Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for additional
information.
Pressing theftdeterrent system. See Anti-Theft Alarm System on page 217.
Q arms the content
K (Unlock): Press once to unlock
only the driver door. If again within three seconds, all remaining doors, including the tailgate, unlock. The interior lamps may come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the turn signal lamps flash twice to indicate unlocking has occurred.
K is pressed
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2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows
See Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547.
If enabled through the DIC, the exterior lights may turn on. See APPROACH LIGHTINGunder
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547.
Pressing disarms the content theftdeterrent system. See Anti-Theft Alarm System on page 217.
K on the RKE transmitter
L (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to locate the vehicle. The turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds three times.
Press and hold two seconds to activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps flash and the horn sounds repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm turns off when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
L for more than
L is pressed again.
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for the panic alarm to work.
The vehicle comes with two transmitters. Each transmitter will have a number on it, 1or 2. These numbers correspond to the driver of the vehicle. For example, the memory seat position for driver 1 will be recalled when using the transmitter labeled 1, if enabled through the DIC. See Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedalsunder
Power Seat Adjustment on page 34 and Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for
more information.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to this vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. When the replacement transmitter is programmed to this vehicle, all remaining transmitters must also be reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen transmitters will no longer work once the new transmitter is programmed. Each vehicle can have up to eight transmitters programmed to it. See your dealer to program transmitters to the vehicle.
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Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message displays in the DIC. See REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEYunder Key and Lock Messages on page 541 for additional information.
Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object, such as a flat head screwdriver.
.
Carefully insert the tool into the notch located along the parting line of the transmitter. Do not insert the tool too far. Stop as soon as resistance is felt.
.
Twist the tool until the transmitter is separated.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.

Remote Vehicle Start

If available, this feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle's heating or air conditioning systems and rear window defogger. Normal operation of the system will return after the key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
If the vehicle has an automatic climate control system, the climate control system will default to a heating or cooling mode depending on the outside temperatures. If the vehicle does not have an automatic climate control system, the system will turn on at the setting the vehicle was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
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2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
During a remote start, if the vehicle has an automatic climate control system and heated seats, the heated seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN. If the vehicle does not have an automatic climate control system, during remote start, manually turn the heated seats on and off. See Heated Front Seats on page 39 for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using the remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if the vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle may run out of fuel.
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE transmitter functions will have an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 22 for additional information.
/ (Remote Start): This button will
be on the RKE transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release vehicle's doors will lock.
Immediately press and hold until the turn signal lamps flash.
Q. The
/
If you cannot see the vehicle's lamps, press and hold two to four seconds. Pressing
again after the vehicle has started will turn the engine off.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
If the vehicle is left running, it will automatically shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done.
3. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
/ for
/
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To cancel a remote start:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.
Turn the ignition on and then back off.
The vehicle can be remote started two separate times between driving sequences. The engine will run for 10 minutes after each remote start.
Or, you can extend the engine run time by another 10 minutes within the first 10 minute remote start time frame, and before the engine stops.
For example, if
Q and then / are
pressed again after the vehicle has been running for 5 minutes, 10 minutes are added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional 10 minutes are considered a second remote vehicle start.
Once two remote starts, or a single remote start with one time extension has been done, the vehicle must be started with the key. After the key is removed from the ignition, the vehicle can be remote started again.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if the key is in the ignition, the hood is not closed, or if there is an emission control system malfunction and the check engine light is on.
Also, the engine will turn off during a remote vehicle start if the coolant temperature gets too high or if the oil pressure gets low.
Remote Start Ready
If the vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This feature allows your dealer to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature.
See your dealer to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature to the vehicle.
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Door Locks

WARNING
{
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle will not open it. The chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are not locked. So, all passengers should wear safety belts properly and the doors should be locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.
Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock the vehicle whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.
There are several ways to lock and unlock the vehicle.
From outside, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the key in the driver door.
From inside, use the power door locks or manual door locks. To lock or unlock the door with the manual locks, push down or pull up on the manual lock knob.

Power Door Locks

With power door locks, the switches on the front doors can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle.
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
doors.
Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors.

Delayed Locking

When locking the doors with the power lock switch and a door is open, the doors will lock five seconds after the last door is closed. You will hear three chimes to signal that the delayed locking feature is in use.
Pressing the power lock switch will override the delayed locking feature and immediately lock all the doors.
This feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition.
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You can also program this feature using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Delay Door Lockunder Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547.

Automatic Door Locks

The vehicle may have an automatic lock/unlock feature. This feature can be programmed using the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more
information on DIC programming.

Lockout Protection

If the driver side power door lock switch is pressed when the driver door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the driver door will unlock.
If the passenger side power door lock switch is pressed when the front passenger door is open and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will lock and then the front passenger door will unlock.

Safety Locks

The vehicle has rear door security locks to prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside.
Open the rear doors to access the security locks on the inside edge of each door.
To set the locks, insert a key into the slot and turn it to the horizontal position. The door can only be opened from the outside with the door unlocked. To return the door to normal operation, turn the slot to the vertical position.
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Doors

Midgate
It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo area covered and the tailgate and the Midgate because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can not see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the cargo covers on and the tailgate and Midgate open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the Midgate:
.
.
®
WARNING
{
®
open
Make sure all windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed on the setting
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
that brings in outside air. This will force outside air into your vehicle. See Dual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 84.
.
If you have air outlets on or under the instrument panel, open them all the way. See Engine Exhaust on page 938.
Midgate Operation
This vehicle is equipped with a Midgate and a removable rear glass panel. The Midgate allows you to extend the length of the vehicle's cargo area.
The following are the main components of the Midgate system:
A. Latch Levers
B. Grab Handles
C. Glass-Catch Release Button
D. Glass Lock Knobs
E. Window Retaining Tabs
F. Midgate Release Handle
G. Window Alignment Arrows
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Rear Glass Removal and Storage
WARNING
{
If the removable rear glass is not stored properly, it could be thrown about the vehicle in a crash or sudden maneuver. People in the vehicle could be injured. Whenever you store the rear glass in the vehicle, always be sure that it is stored securely in the Midgate
Do not remove the rear glass when the rear defroster is on. If you do, you may see a discharge spark coming from the latch area.
To remove the rear glass do the following:
1. Fold the rear seats. See Rear Seats on page 310. The front seats may have to be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to fold completely.
®
storage pocket.
Although the rear glass can be removed without folding the rear seats, you will not be able to access the rear glass storage pocket. Be sure to fold the seats before removing the rear glass.
3. While holding the rear glass in place, press the glass-catch release button (C) and pull the top of the rear glass toward you using the grab handle(s) (B) located at the top of the rear glass.
2. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located near the upper corners of the rear glass, to unlatch. Once unlatched, the glass-catch release button (C) will catch the rear glass and prevent it from falling forward.
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4. With the rear glass tilted toward you, lift it out from the lower window frame channel. Use the grab handles to assist you in removing the rear glass.
5. Load the rear glass into the storage pocket in the Midgate, guiding the lower edge of the rear glass behind the three rear glass retaining tabs (E).
Hold the rear glass flat against the storage pocket, with grab handles facing you, until the next step.
6. Turn both glass lock knobs (D), located at both top corners of the storage pocket, to the locked position. Push in on the corner of the rear glass to allow the lock knob to engage more easily.
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Once both glass lock knobs are in the locked position, the rear glass is securely stored.
7. Push both latch levers up to the locked position. You should hear a click when each latch lever locks correctly.
The rear seats can be returned to the normal position when the rear glass is out and stored properly in the storage pocket.
Reinstalling the Rear Glass
To reinstall the rear glass, do the following:
1. Squeeze and pull down the latch levers (A), located near the upper corners of the rear glass, to unlatch.
2. Hold the rear glass in place with one hand and turn the glass lock knobs, located at both top corners of the glass storage pocket, to the unlocked position.
3. Pull the rear glass out from the storage pocket using the grab handles.
4. With the rear glass tilted at an angle, place the bottom edge in the lower channel of the window frame.
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To lower the Midgate:
1. Fold the rear seats. The front seats might have to be moved forward slightly to allow the rear seats to fold. See Rear Seats on page 310.
Be sure to align the rear glass side-to-side using the alignment arrows (G).
5. Apply a firm downward pressure and then push the rear glass flat against the window frame. Use the grab handles (B) at the top of the rear glass to assist you.
6. Push the rear glass flat against the window frame and push each latch lever up until it locks. You should hear a click when each latch lever locks correctly.
Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass in Place
The Midgate can be lowered to allow the cargo area of your vehicle to extend into the cab. The rear glass can be either installed in its normal position, or it can be removed and stored in the rear glass storage pocket.
Rear Glass in Normal Position
2. Standing outside of the vehicle, hold the Midgate securely so it does not fall forward. Turn the Midgate handle clockwise and pull the Midgate toward you.
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Lowering the Midgate with the Rear Glass in the Storage Pocket
3. Lower the Midgate until it is flat.
Rear Glass Stored in Glass
Storage Pocket
Midgate Lowered with Crossbar
Attached
This procedure works the same as the procedure described previously, but when you lower the Midgate with the rear glass in the stored position, you will notice that the entire crossbar will lower with the Midgate. This is completely normal; however, since the crossbar lowers with the Midgate, it will be heavier. As you lower the Midgate be ready for the extra weight and do not let the Midgate fall as you lower it.
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Raising the Midgate
To return the Midgate to its normal position, raise the Midgate up with a firm swinging motion until it latches into place securely. This will help to ensure that the Midgate closes with enough force to engage the latches.
If the rear glass is removed and you would like to put it back, do so using the instructions given previously.

Tailgate

WARNING
{
It is extremely dangerous to ride on the tailgate, even when the vehicle is operated at low speeds. People riding on the tailgate can easily lose their balance and fall in response to vehicle maneuvers. Falling from a moving vehicle may result in serious injuries or death. Do not allow people to ride on the tailgate.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.
Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or power door lock switch to lock and unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling the tailgate toward you.
To close the tailgate, push it firmly upward until it latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure it is latched securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate is not to be removed. This may cause damage to electrical connector resulting in loss of lock/unlock and rear vision camera function.

Power Assist Steps

The vehicle may have power assist steps.
The switch used to disable the power assist steps is located on the center console below the climate control system.
The power assist steps automatically extend from beneath the vehicle on the side in which the door has been opened. Once the door is closed, the assist steps automatically move back under the vehicle after a brief delay. The vehicle must not be moving for the assist steps to extend or retract.
The assist steps cannot be disabled in the extended position.
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Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent features; however, they do not make it impossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm System

Your vehicle has a content theft-deterrent alarm system.
This is the security light.
To arm the theft-deterrent system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the power door lock switch. The security light will come on to inform the driver the system is arming. If a door is open when the doors are locked, the security light will flash.
If the delayed locking feature is turned on, the theftdeterrent system will not start the arming process until the last door is closed and the delay timer has expired. See Delayed Locking on page 28.
3. Close all doors. The security light should go off after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the security light goes off.
The content theft deterrent system does not sense if the midgate or tailgate are open or ajar, therefore, vehicle contents may not be protected if the midgate is left open or ajar.
If a locked driver door is opened without using the RKE transmitter, a ten second pre-alarm will occur. The horn will chirp and the lights will flash. If the key is not placed in the ignition and turned to START or the door is not unlocked by pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter during the ten second
pre-alarm, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle's headlamps will flash and the horn will sound for about 30 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery power.
The theft-deterrent system will not activate if the doors are locked with the vehicle's key or the manual door lock. It activates only if you use the power door lock switch with the door open or the RKE transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent system, the vehicle should be locked with the door key after the doors are closed.
.
Always unlock the doors with the RKE transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm if it is armed.
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If you set off the alarm by accident, press unlock on the RKE transmitter or place the key in the ignition and turn it to START to turn off the alarm. The alarm will not stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver window and open the driver door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door lock switch while the door is open, or with the RKE transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the manual door lock and open the door. This should set off the alarm.
While the alarm is set, the power door unlock switch will not work.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the headlamps flash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see Instrument Panel Fuse
Block on page 1046 and Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 1041.
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do not flash, the vehicle should be serviced by your dealer.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement on page 1319 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY, or START from the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key III+ system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from starting.
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Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light on the instrument panel cluster comes on when trying to start the vehicle, there may be a problem with the theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you may also want to check the fuse. See Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 1041. If the engine still does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs service. If the vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your dealer who can service the PASS-Key III+ to have a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III+ decoder to learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming 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-Key III+ to have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key III+ to get a new key blank cut exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key in the ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
1
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to the ON/RUN position within five seconds of turning the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position in Step 3.
The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
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Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors

WARNING
{
A convex mirror can make things, like other vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex mirror's surface is curved so more can be seen from the driver seat.

Power Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power mirrors have controls located on the driver door.
To adjust each mirror:
1. Press (A) or (B) to select the driver or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control pad to adjust the mirror.
3. Adjust the outside mirror so that the side of the vehicle and the area behind are seen.
4. Press either (A) or (B) again to deselect the mirror.
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Folding Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power foldaway mirrors have controls on the driver door.
Power Foldaway
1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out to the driving position.
2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to the folded position.
Resetting the Power Foldaway Mirrors
Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:
.
The mirrors are accidentally obstructed while folding.
.
They are accidentally manually folded/unfolded.
.
The mirrors will not stay in the unfolded position.
.
The mirrors vibrate at normal driving speeds.
Fold and unfold the mirrors one time using the mirror controls to reset them to their normal position. A popping noise may be heard during the resetting of the power foldaway mirrors. This sound is normal after a manual folding operation.
Manual Foldaway
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to return to its original position.
Automatic Dimming
If equipped with an automatic dimming mirror, the driver outside mirror adjusts for the glare of the headlamps behind you. See
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 223.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on the mirror. An arrow on the mirror flashes in the direction of the turn or lane change.
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Heated Mirrors

For vehicles with heated mirrors:
< (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to heat the mirrors.
See Rear Window Defoggerunder
Dual Automatic Climate Control System on page 84 or Climate Control Systems on page 81 for
more information.

Park Tilt Mirrors

If the vehicle has the memory package, the passenger and/or driver mirror tilts to a preselected position when the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This feature lets the driver view the curb when parallel parking. The mirror(s) return to the original position when the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned off or to OFF/LOCK.
Turn this feature on or off through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more information.

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Hold the mirror in the center to move it for a clearer view of behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the headlamps behind you. Push the tab at the bottom of the mirror forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
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Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind you. The dimming feature comes on and the indicator light illuminates each time the ignition is turned to start.
O (On/Off): Press to turn the
dimming feature on or off.
The vehicle may also have a Rear Vision Camera (RVC). See Rear
Vision Camera (RVC) on page 962
for more information.
If the vehicle has RVC, the for turning the dimming feature on or off will not be available.
O button
Vehicles with OnStar have three additional control buttons for the OnStar system. See your dealer for more information about OnStar and how to subscribe to it. See the OnStar Owner Guide for more information about the services OnStar provides.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.
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Windows

WARNING
{
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. They can be overcome by the extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to improve fuel economy performance. This may result in a pulsing sound when either rear window is down and the front windows are up. To reduce the sound, open either a front window or the sunroof (if equipped).

Power Windows

WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with the keys is dangerous for many reasons. Children or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. The windows will function and they could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave keys in a vehicle with children.
When there are children in the rear seat use the window lockout button to prevent unintentional operation of the windows.
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The power window controls are located on each of the side doors.
The driver door also has switches that control the passenger and rear windows. The power windows work when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 934
Press the switch to lower the window. Pull up the front of the switch to raise the window.
Express Down Windows
Windows that have the expressdown feature allow the windows to be lowered without holding the switch. Press the window switch fully and release it to activate the expressdown feature. The express mode can be canceled at any time by briefly pressing, or pulling the switch.
Window Lockout
o (Window Lockout): The
window lockout switch is on the driver door. This feature prevents the rear passenger windows from operating, except from the driver position. Press the switch to turn the lockout feature on or off. An indicator light shows the feature is on.

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block glare. Detach the sun visor from the center mount to pivot to the side window, or to extend along the rod if available.
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Roof

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, there are two sunroof switches on the overhead console above the rearview mirror.
The sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power (RAP). See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 934.
To open or close the sunroof, press the open or close sunroof switch (A) to the first detent position.
To express open or close the sunroof, press the open or close sunroof switch (A) to the second detent position and release. To stop the movement, press the switch again.
The sunroof has a comfort stop feature which stops the sunroof from opening to the full-open position. From the comfort stop position, press the open or close sunroof switch (A) a second time to open the sunroof to the full-open position.
To automatically vent or close the sunroof, press the vent open or close sunroof switch (B).
When the sunroof is opened, an air deflector will automatically raise. The air deflector will retract when the sunroof is closed.
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The sunroof also has a sunshade which can be pulled forward to block sun rays. The sunshade must be opened and closed manually.
If an object is in the path of the sunroof while it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the sunroof.
Periodically open the sunroof and remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not remove grease from the sunroof.
Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof seal or in the track. This could cause an issue with sunroof operation, noise, or plugging the water drainage system.
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2 NOTES
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Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-27
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-31
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-44
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-45
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-45
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Infants and Young
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-48
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-51
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-53 Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-61
Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat Position) . . . . . . . . 3-62
Securing Child Restraints
(Center Front Seat
Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-64
Securing Child Restraints
(Right Front Seat
Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-64
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3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The front seats have adjustable head restraints in the outboard seating positions.
WARNING
{
With head restraints that are not installed and adjusted properly, there is a greater chance that occupants will suffer a neck/ spinal injury in a crash. Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants are installed and adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant's head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.
Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the button, located on the top of the seatback, and push the restraint down.
Push down on the head restraint after the button is released to make sure that it is locked in place.
The head restraints are not designed to be removed.
The rear seat has headrests that can be adjusted up and down.
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Seats and Restraints 3-3

Front Seats

Seat Adjustment

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

Center Seat

If equipped, the center front seatback doubles as an armrest and cupholder/storage area for the driver and passenger when the center front seat is not used. Do not use it as a seating position when the seatback is folded down.
To adjust the seat:
1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure the seat is locked in place.
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3-4 Seats and Restraints

Power Seat Adjustment

To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or rearward by sliding the control forward or rearward.
.
If available, raise or lower the front or rear part of the seat cushion by moving the front or rear of the control up or down.
.
If available, raise or lower the entire seat by moving the entire control up or down.
To adjust the seatback, see Power Reclining Seatbacksunder Reclining Seatbacks on page 37.
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals
On vehicles with the memory feature, the controls on the driver door are used to program and recall memory settings for the driver seat, outside mirrors, and the adjustable throttle and brake pedals, if equipped.
Storing Memory Positions
To save into memory:
1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback recliner, both outside mirrors, and the throttle and brake pedals, if available.
See Power Mirrors on page 220 and Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 930 for more information.
Not all mirrors and adjustable throttles and brake pedals will have the ability to save and recall their positions.
2. Press and hold 1until two beeps sound.
3. Repeat for a second driver position using 2.
To recall, press and release 1or 2.The vehicle must be in P (Park). A single beep will sound. The seat, outside mirrors, and adjustable throttle and brake pedals will move to the position previously stored for the identified driver.
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Memory Remote Recall
The memory feature can recall the driver seat, outside mirrors, and pedals, if available, to stored positions when entering the vehicle.
To activate, unlock the driver door with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. The driver seat, outside mirrors, and adjustable pedals, if available, will move to the memory position associated with the transmitter used to unlock the vehicle.
This feature can be turned on or off using the vehicle personalization menu. See Memory Seat Recall under Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more information.
To stop recall movement, press one of the power seat controls, memory buttons, or power mirror buttons, or the adjustable pedal switch.
If something has blocked the driver seat and/or the adjustable pedals while recalling a memory position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the appropriate manual control for the memory item that is not recalling for two seconds. Try recalling the memory position again by pressing the appropriate memory button. If the memory position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
Easy Exit Driver Seat
This feature can move the seat rearward to allow extra room to exit the vehicle.
B (Easy Exit Driver Seat): Press
to recall the easy exit seat position. The vehicle must be in P (Park).
If the easy exit seat feature is programmed on in the vehicle personalization menu, automatic seat movement occurs when the ignition key is removed.
A single beep sounds. The driver seat moves back approximately 8 cm (3 in). To move the seat back farther, press the easy exit seat button again until the seat is all the way back.
If something has blocked the driver seat while recalling the exit position, the recall may stop. Remove the obstruction; then press and hold the power seat control rearward for two seconds. Try recalling the exit position again. If the exit position is still not recalling, see your dealer for service.
See Easy Exit Recalland
Easy Exit Setupunder Vehicle Personalization (With DIC Buttons) on page 547 for more information.
Page 70
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3-6 Seats and Restraints

Lumbar Adjustment

Manual Lumbar
If equipped, increase or decrease manual lumbar support by turning the knob forward or rearward.
Power Lumbar
To adjust the power lumbar support, if equipped:
.
On vehicles with two-way lumbar, press and hold the top or bottom of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support.
.
On vehicles with four-way lumbar, press and hold the front or rear of the control to increase or decrease lumbar support. To raise or lower the height of the support, press and hold the top or bottom of the control.
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Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING
{
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this.
The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
The lap belt cannot 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 the safety belt properly.
Do not have a seatback reclined if the vehicle is moving.
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3-8 Seats and Restraints
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
WARNING
{
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
To return the seatback to the upright position:
1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback, and the seatback will return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
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Power Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a power seatback, if equipped:
.
Tilt the top of the control rearward to recline.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward to raise.

Heated Front Seats

WARNING
{
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at low temperatures. To reduce the risk of burns, people with such a condition should use care when using the seat heater, especially for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, cover or similar item. This may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat heater may cause a burn or may damage the seat.
If available, the controls are on the driver and passenger doors.
I (Heated Seatback): Press to
heat the seatback only.
J (Heated Seat and Seatback):
Press to heat the seat and seatback.
Press the control once for the highest setting. With each press of the control, the heated seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting. The lights indicate three for the highest setting and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take longer to heat up.
The heated seats will be canceled 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off.
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the heated seats may turn on automatically during a remote vehicle start. The heated seats will be canceled when the ignition is turned on. Press the desired control to use the heated seats after the vehicle is started.
The lights on the heated seat controls do not turn on during a remote start.
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3-10 Seats and Restraints
The temperature performance of an unoccupied seat may be reduced. This is normal.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 25 for more information.

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

WARNING
{
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at low temperatures. See the Warning under Heated Front Seats on page 39.
If available, the controls are on the front doors, near the door handle.
{ (Cooled Seat): Press to cool
the seat.
+ (Heated Seatback): Press to
heat the seatback only.
z (Heated Seat and Seatback):
Press to heat the seat and seatback.
One of these symbols appears on the climate control display when this feature is on.
Press the desired control once for the highest setting. With each press of the control, the seat will change to the next lower setting, and then to the off setting.
Indicator bars next to the symbol on the climate control display show the selected setting: three for high, two for medium, and one for low.
The heated and cooled seats turn off automatically when the ignition is turned off. To use this feature after restarting the vehicle, press the desired control again.

Rear Seats

The rear seatbacks can be folded to provide more cargo space and access to the midgate. See
Midgate
information on operation of the midgate.
To fold the seatback:
1. Push the rear seat headrests all
2. Pull the loop in the crease where
®
on page 210 for more
the way down.
the seatback and seat cushion meet to release the seat
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Seats and Restraints 3-11
cushion. Tilt the seat cushion forward toward the front of the vehicle.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.
3. Fold the seatback forward until it is flat. If necessary, move the front seats forward slightly to allow the seatback to fold completely.
4. Repeat the procedure for the other seatback, if desired.
To return the seats to the normal position, lift the seatback up and fold the seat cushion down.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted.
WARNING
{
If the seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always be sure to press the rear of the seat cushion down. This action locks the seatback in place.
Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked. Raise the headrest.
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3-12 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belts

This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
{
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, the injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected from the vehicle. You and your passenger(s) 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 passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
WARNING
{
People riding on the tailgate (if equipped) can easily lose their balance and fall even when the vehicle is operated at low speeds. Falling from a moving vehicle may result in serious injuries or death.
WARNING
{
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.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 516 for additional information.
In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts. Here is why:
You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not know if it will be a serious one.
A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person would not survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without safety belts they could have been badly hurt or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!
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Why Safety Belts Work
When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.
Seats and Restraints 3-13
Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels.
Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the
vehicle. The rider does not stop.
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The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield...
or the instrument panel... 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 is why safety belts make such good sense.
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Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?
A: You could be whether you are
wearing a safety belt or not. But your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why
should I have to wear safety belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only; so they work with safety belts not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions.
Q: If I am 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 are in a crash even one that is not your fault you and your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver does not protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 40 km (25 miles) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 65 km/h (40 mph).
Safety belts are for everyone.
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3-16 Seats and Restraints

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section 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 infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on
page 346 or Infants and Young Children on page 348. Follow those
rules for everyone's protection.
It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts.
Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know.
Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the floor in front of you. 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 would be less likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. 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 shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is too loose.
It will not give as much protection this way.
WARNING
{
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 snugly against your body.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The lap belt is too loose. It will
not give nearly as much protection this way.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs.
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3-18 Seats and Restraints
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is buckled in the
wrong buckle.
WARNING
{
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 on the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is over an armrest.
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WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied on the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The shoulder belt is worn under
the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
WARNING
{
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 are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
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Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is behind the body.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Your body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. You might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
Q: What is wrong with this?
A: The belt is twisted across
the body.
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WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not 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.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt except for the center front passenger position (if equipped), which has a lap belt. See Lap Belt on page 326 for more information.
The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see Seatsin the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, let the belt go back all the way and start again.
Engaging the child restraint locking feature may affect the passenger sensing system, if equipped. See Passenger
Sensing System on page 338
for more information.
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling the safety belt until it can be buckled.
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3-22 Seats and Restraints
4. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster in this section for instructions on use and important safety information.
3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If you find that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the correct buckle.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 327.
Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants.
To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position.
Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the belt and the vehicle.
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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. See How
to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 316.
Squeeze the buttons (A) on the sides of the height adjuster and move the height adjuster to the desired position.
The adjuster can be moved up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide.
After the adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without squeezing the buttons to make sure it has locked into position.
Safety Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal, near frontal, or rear crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side crash or a rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle's safety belt system. See
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash on page 328.
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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
This vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. If not, they are available through your dealer. The guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed and properly adjusted, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head.
There is one guide, if equipped, for each outside passenger position in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt:
1. Remove the guide from its storage pocket on the side of the seat.
2. Place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
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3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
WARNING
{
A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
Seats and Restraints 3-25
4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck.
To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so that the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Slide the guide into its storage clip on the interior body or storage pocket on the side of the seat.
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Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts.
A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.

Lap Belt

This part is only for the lap belt. To learn how to wear a lap-shoulder belt, see Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 321.
The vehicle may have a center seating 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.
Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt.
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To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug.
If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 327.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if necessary.
If you find that the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, see if you are using the correct buckle. Be sure that the latch plate clicks when inserted into the buckle.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender.

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light, safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 516 for more information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Safety Belt Care on page 327.

Safety Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.
WARNING
{
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
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Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash

WARNING
{
A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle. A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the safety belt systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of safety belts may not be necessary. But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your dealer to have the safety belt assemblies inspected or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the crash.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the vehicle has been in a crash, or if the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 518.

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following airbags:
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A frontal airbag for the driver.
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A frontal airbag for the right front passenger.
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A seatmounted side impact airbag for the driver.
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A seatmounted side impact airbag for the right front passenger.
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A roof-rail airbag for the driver and passenger directly behind the driver.
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A roof-rail airbag for the right front passenger and passenger seated directly behind the right front passenger.
All of the airbags in the vehicle will have the word AIRBAG embossed in the trim or on an attached label near the deployment opening.
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For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger.
With seatmounted side impact airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the side of the seatback closest to the door.
With roof-rail airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear along the headliner or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today's airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system:
WARNING
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You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt even if you have airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are your only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 333.
Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are supplemental restraintsto the safety belts. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly whether or not there is an airbag for that person.
WARNING
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Airbags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to the airbag, as you would be if you were sitting on the edge of the seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear a safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
Occupants should not lean on or sleep against the door or side windows in seating positions with seat-mounted side impact airbags and/or roof-rail airbags.
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WARNING
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Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is
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WARNING (Continued)
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 Older
Children on page 346 or Infants and Young Children on page 348.
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 518 for more information.
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Where Are the Airbags?

Seats and Restraints 3-31
The driver frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
The right front passenger frontal airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger side.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
The seatmounted side impact airbags for the driver and right front passenger are in the side of the seatbacks closest to the door.
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Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
The roof-rail airbags for the driver, right front passenger, and second row outboard passengers are in the ceiling above the side windows.
WARNING
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If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering.
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WARNING (Continued)
Do not use seat accessories that block the inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags by routing a rope or tie down through any door or window opening. If you do, the path of an inflating roof-rail airbag will be blocked.
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When Should an Airbag Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver's or right front passenger's head and chest. However, they are only designed to inflate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at different crash speeds. For example:
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If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object.
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If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object does not deform.
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If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
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If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inflate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has a seat position sensor. Vehicles with dual stage airbags also have seat position sensors which enable the sensing system to monitor the position of the driver seat and the right front passenger seat.
The seat position sensor provides information that is used to determine if the airbags should deploy at a reduced level or at full deployment.
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The vehicle has seatmounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 328. Seatmounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate in moderate to severe side crashes. In addition, these roof-rail airbags are intended to inflate during a rollover or in a severe frontal impact. Seatmounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the crash severity is above the system's designed threshold level. The threshold level can vary with specific vehicle design.
Roof-rail airbags are not intended to inflate in rear impacts. A seatmounted side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. Both roof-rail airbags will deploy when either side of the vehicle is struck or if the sensing system predicts that the vehicle is about to roll over, or in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seatmounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact. In a rollover event, roof-rail airbag deployment is determined by the direction of the roll.
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What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seatmounted side impact airbags, there are airbags modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seatmounted side impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's upper body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help contain the head and chest of occupants in the outboard seating positions in the first and second rows. The rollover capable roof-rail airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover events, although no system can prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? on page 333 for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.
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What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?

After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate, they quickly deflate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inflated for some time after they deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 335.
The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deflated airbags. Airbag inflation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
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When an airbag inflates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention.
The vehicle may have a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn on the interior lamps and hazard warning flashers, and shut off the fuel system after the airbags inflate. You can lock the doors, turn off the interior lamps and hazard warning flashers by using the controls for those features.
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