GMC Savana 2000 User Manual

2000 GMC Savana

Owner's Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number X2014 A First Edition

© Copyright General Motors Corporation 1999

All Rights Reserved

i

Section

Section

Table of Contents

Seats and Restraint Systems

1

Seats and Seat Controls
Safety Belts

Features and Controls

2

Keys and Door Locks
Keyless Entry System
Automatic Transmission
Parking Brake
Windows
Tilt Wheel (Option)
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

Air Bag System
Child Restraints

Windshield Wipers
Cruise Control (Option)
Interior and Exterior Lamps
Mirrors
Storage Compartments
Accessory Power Outlets
Instrument Panel, Warning Lights and Gages

ii

Section

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Comfort Controls and Audio Systems

3

Heating and Air Conditioning
Setting the Radio Clock

Your Driving and the Road

4

Braking/Anti-lock Brakes
Steering
Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions

Problems on the Road

5

Hazard Warning Flashers
Jump Starting
Towing Your Vehicle

Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player
Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature (If Equipped)

Recreational Vehicle Towing
Loading Your Vehicle
Towing a Trailer

Engine Overheating
Changing a Flat Tire
If You're Stuck

iii

Section

Section

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Service and Appearance Care

6

Fuel
Checking Fluids and Lubricants
Bulb Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires and Wheels

Maintenance Schedule

7

Scheduled Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance Inspections

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

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Maintenance Records

iv

v

Table of Contents (cont'd)

Customer Assistance Information

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

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

Section

8

Customer Satisfaction Procedures
Customer Assistance Offices

Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation

Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual)
Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10
Service Publications

Index

Section

9

Please refer to the last page of this manual for your

Service Station Guide

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, GMC,
the GMC Emblem and the name SAVANA are
registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation.

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

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

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We support voluntary
technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

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

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

vi

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How to Use this Manual

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

Safety Warnings and Symbols

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

CAUTION:

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

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

vii

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

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.

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

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

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

viii

Vehicle Symbols

These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.

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

CAUTION

POSSIBLE

INJURY

PROTECT

EYES BY

SHIELDING

CAUSTIC
BATTERY

ACID COULD

CAUSE

BURNS

AVOID

SPARKS OR

FLAMES

SPARK OR

FLAME

COULD

EXPLODE

BATTERY

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

DOOR LOCK

UNLOCK

FASTEN

SEAT

BELTS

POWER

WINDOW

AIR BAG

These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:

MASTER

LIGHTING

SWITCH

TURN

SIGNALS

PARKING

LAMPS

HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER

DAYTIME

RUNNING

LAMPS

FOG LAMPS

These symbols
are on some of
your controls:

WINDSHIELD

WIPER

WINDSHIELD

WASHER

WINDSHIELD

DEFROSTER

REAR

WINDOW

DEFOGGER

VENTILATING

FAN

These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:

ENGINE

COOLANT

TEMP

BATTERY

CHARGING

SYSTEM

BRAKE

COOLANT

ENGINE OIL

PRESSURE

ANTI-LOCK

BRAKES

Here are some
other symbols
you may see:

FUSE

LIGHTER

HORN

SPEAKER

FUEL

ix

Model Reference

This manual covers these models:

Passenger Van

Cargo Van

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Cab and Chassis

x

Service Station Guide

Windshield Washer

Fluid

See Section 6

For

a More

Detailed Look at

What's Under the Hood

See Section 6*

Hood Release

See Section 6

Battery

See Section 6

*For vehicles equipped with diesel engine, see the Diesel Engine Supplement

Cooling System

See Section 5*

Engine Oil Dipstick

See Section 6*

Oil Viscosity

Engine Oil

See Section 6*

Tire Pressure

See Section 6

Remote Fuel

Release Door

See Section 6

Spare Tire Pressure

See Section 5

Alternate

Fuel Door Release

See Section 6

Fuel

Use unleaded gas only,

87 Octane or higher.

See Section 6*

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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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

1

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

-10 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

-15 Here Are Questions Many People Ask About

1

Safety Belts

-15 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1
1

-16 Driver Position

1

-24 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

-25 Right Front Passenger Position

1
1

-25 Air Bag System

-34 Rear Seat Passengers

1

-- and the Answers

-38 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children

1

and Small Adults

1-40 Center Passenger Position
1

-42 Children

-46 Child Restraints

1
1

-60 Larger Children

1

-63 Safety Belt Extender

-63 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1
1

-63 Replacing Restraint System Parts After

a Crash

1-

1-1

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Seats and Seat Controls

This part tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them,
take them out and put them back in. It also tells you
about reclining front seatbacks.

Manual Front Seats

The bucket seats can be adjusted forward or rearward
with the lever at the front of the seat.

T o adjust the seat, pull the lever up to release the seat
bottom and slide the seat to where you want it. Then
release the lever and try to move the seat with your
body , to make sure the seat is locked into place.

CAUTION:

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

1-2

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Power Seat (Option)

If your vehicle has a power seat on the driver’s or
passenger’s side, you can adjust it with these switches at
the front center cushion of the seat.

To raise the seat, move the center knob up. To lower the
seat, move the center knob down. To move the seat
forward, move the center knob toward the right. To move
the seat rearward, move the center knob toward the left.

Y ou can raise and lower the front and rear of the seat. T o raise
the front of the seat, move the right lever up. To lower it,
move the right lever down. To raise the rear of the seat, move
the left lever up. To lower it, move the left lever down.

Reclining Seatbacks

T o adjust the seatback, lift the front of this lever, which
is located at the inner edge of the seat cushion.

Move the seatback with your body and release the lever
to lock the seatback where you want it. Lean forward
and pull up on the front of the lever and the seatback
will go to an upright position.

1-3

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

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CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

1-4

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Rear Seats

Getting Into the Rear Seats

T o make it easier for passengers to get into the rear
seats, use the fastener strips on the headliner and safety
belt latch. These will keep the safety belts out of the way
while people get into the rear seats.

Removing the Rear Seat

1. Disconnect the quick release latch plates for the lap
shoulder belts on the bench seat to be removed. T o
do this, press the tip of a key into the release hole
of the safety belt buckle while pulling up on the
safety belt.

1-5

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2. Lift the carpet/mat flap at the inboard side of the seat
base in the rear.

1-6

3. Locate the red handle on the inboard side of the seat
base and rotate it up.

4. Once the red handle is rotated up, pull the handle to
remove the locking pin.

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5. Stow the locking pin on the rear of the seat base in
the hole that is provided.

6. Repeat this procedure for the pin on the other
seat base.

7. Pull the seat rearward about 2 inches (5 cm) and then
lift the seat from the floor rails.

8. Remove the seat from the vehicle.

9. Install the trim covers to the floor rails. These are
supplied in a cardboard box at delivery.

10. For the first rear seat, stow the safety belt latch by
attaching the fastener strip on the safety belt latch
to the trim just inside the side door. There is also a
fastener strip provided for stowing the safety belt
latch for a four-passenger bench seat, if equipped.

1-7

For the remaining rear seats, stow the safety belt
latch plate on the clip at the window trim.

Replacing the Rear Seats

CAUTION:

A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can
move around in a collision or sudden stop. People
in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock
the seat into place properly when installing it.

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CAUTION:

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

1. Remove the trim covers from the floor rails and store
for future use.

2. Position the seat into the open slots in both rails.
Push the seat forward in the rail, hooking both seat
bases onto the pins inside of the rails.

3. T o install the locking pin at the rear of the seat base,
pull the carpet/mat flap back on the inboard side to
locate the hole in the rail for the pin.

1-8

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4. Remove the pin from its stowed position on the seat
base while holding the carpet/mat flap back.

5. Insert the red-handled locking pin into the seat base,

lifting the seat slightly to line up the pin with
the base.

1-9

6. Rotate the red handle down until it is in the
retaining clip.

7. Replace the carpet/mat flap to its original position.

8. Repeat this procedure for the other seat base.

9. Connect the quick
lap

-shoulder belts by inserting the latch plates into

the buckles attached at the outboard positions of the
bench seat. Do not twist the belt.

10. Check that both locking pins are locked into place
before operating the vehicle.

-release latch plates for the

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Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

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

And it explains the air bag system.

CAUTION:

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

1-10

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-11

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

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Put someone on it.

1-12

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

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

1-13

or the instrument panel ... or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why
safety belts make such good sense.

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1-14

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Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

Q:

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

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

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

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

wear safety belts?

A: Air bags are in many vehicles today and will be in

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

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

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

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

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

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

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

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

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

We’ll start with the driver position.

1-15

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

2. Adjust the seat (to see how, see “Seats” in the Index)

so you can sit up straight.

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

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

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

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

1-16

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

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

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

1-17

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Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

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

T o move it down, push in at the top of the arrows and
move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can
move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder
belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you
want it, try to move it down without pushing in to make
sure it has locked into position.

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

1-18

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

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CAUTION:

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

1-19

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

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CAUTION:

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

1-20

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

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CAUTION:

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

1-21

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

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CAUTION:

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

1-22

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

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CAUTION:

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

1-23

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

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

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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 don’t wear safety belts.

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

1-24

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

Right Front Passenger Position

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

The right front passenger’s safety belt works the same
way as the driver’s safety belt
If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all
the way, you will engage the child restraint locking
feature. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the
way and start again.

-- except for one thing.

Air Bag System

This part explains the air bag system.

1-25

If it says AIR BAG on the middle part of the steering
wheel and AIR BAG on the instrument panel in front of
the right front passenger’s seat, your vehicle has two air
bags

-- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for

the right front passenger.

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If it says AIR BAG on the middle part of the steering
wheel but it doesn’t say AIR BAG on the instrument
panel in front of the right front passenger’s seat, your
vehicle has an air bag for the driver only.

If it says AIR BAG on the middle part of the steering
wheel, but there is no right front passenger seat, your
vehicle has an air bag for the driver only.

If it doesn’t say AIR BAG on the middle part of the
steering wheel, your vehicle doesn’t have air bags.

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

1-26

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

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CAUTION:

CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if
you aren’t wearing your safety belt
have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things
inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air
bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety
belts. All air bags are designed to work with
safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are
designed to work only in moderate to severe
crashes where the front of your vehicle hits
something. They aren’t designed to inflate at all
in rollover, rear, side or low
crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, air
bags may provide less protection in frontal
crashes than more forceful air bags have
provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle
should wear a safety belt properly
not there’s an air bag for that person.

-speed frontal

-- even if you

-- whether or

Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the
blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating
air bag, as you would be if you were leaning
forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety
belts help keep you in position before and during
a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with
air bags. The driver should sit as far back as
possible while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

1-27

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If your vehicle has an air bag for the right front
passenger, please read this:

CAUTION:

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap
the best protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety
belt system nor its air bag system is designed for
them. Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children.”

-shoulder belts offer

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

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

1-28

How the Air Bag System Works

Where are the air bags?

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

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

1-29

CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air
bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person. The path
of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t
put anything between an occupant and an air
bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other air
bag covering.

When should an air bag inflate?

An air bag is designed to inflate in a moderate to severe
frontal or near
if the impact speed is above the system’s designed
“threshold level.” If your vehicle goes straight into a wall
that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about
11 to 16 mph (18 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can
vary, however, with specific vehicle design, so that it can
be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle
strikes something that will move or deform, such as a
parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag
is not designed to inflate in rollovers, side impacts or rear
impacts, because inflation would not help the occupant.

-frontal crash. The air bag will inflate only

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

-frontal impacts.

What makes an air bag inflate?

In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing
system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. The sensing
system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which
inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related
hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel in front of the
right front passenger.

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How does an air bag restrain?

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

-frontal collisions.

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the air bag inflated.
Some components of the air bag module
wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, or the instrument panel
for the right front passenger’s bag -- will be hot for a short
time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be
some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated
air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the driver from
seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.

-frontal collisions,

-- the steering

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CAUTION:

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

D

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

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D

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

D

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

NOTICE:

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

If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as
water up to the carpeting or higher
your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller
can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then
you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air
bags inflate, even if there’s no crash. You would have to
replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related
parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood, or if it’s exposed
to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless
repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately and
disconnecting the battery cables. Don’t let anyone start
the vehicle under any circumstances. See your dealer
for service.

-- or if water enters

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Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system in several places
around your vehicle. You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information about
servicing your vehicle and the air bag system. T o
purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.

CAUTION:

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

The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.

Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Vehicle

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

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

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

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

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

vehicle that could keep the air bags from
working properly?

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

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

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Rear Seat Passengers

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

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

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

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Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

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

-shoulder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

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

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

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

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

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

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

T o remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the
belt edges together so that you can take them out from
the guides. Slide the guide onto the storage clip.

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Center Passenger Position

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Lap Belt

If your vehicle has rear bench seats, someone can sit in
the center positions.

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

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

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

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

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

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Children

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

Smaller Children and Babies (Except Cargo Vans with Passenger Air Bags)

CAUTION:

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

-shoulder belts offer

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CAUTION:

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

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Infants need complete support, including support for the
head and neck. This is necessary because an infant’s
neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared
with the rest of its body. In a frontal crash, an infant
in a rear
crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part
of the infant’s body, the back and shoulders. A baby
should be secured in an appropriate infant restraint.
This is so important that many hospitals today won’t
release a newborn infant to its parents unless there is an
infant restraint available for the baby’s first trip in a
motor vehicle.

-facing restraint settles into the restraint, so the

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CAUTION:

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

-- until a

CAUTION: (Continued)

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

Secure the baby in an infant restraint.

-lb. (110 kg) force on

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CAUTION: (Continued)

Smaller Children and Babies (Cargo Vans with Passenger Air Bags)

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CAUTION:

CAUTION:

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

-shoulder belts offer

A very young child’s hip bones are so small that a
regular belt might not stay low on the hips, as it
should. Instead, the belt will likely be over the
child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply
force right on the child’s abdomen, which could
cause serious or fatal injuries. Smaller children
and babies should always be restrained in a child
restraint. However, infants, who should be
restrained in a rear
ride safely in this vehicle. The instructions for the
restraint will say whether it is the right type and
size for your child. If a forward
restraint is suitable for your child, be sure the
child is always properly restrained while riding in
this vehicle.

-facing child restraint, cannot

-facing child

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CAUTION:

Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a
vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much
crash. During a crash a baby will become so
heavy you can’t hold it. For example, in a crash
at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12
will suddenly become a 240
your arms. The baby would be almost impossible
to hold.

-lb. (110 kg) force on

-- until a

-lb. (5.5 kg) baby

Child Restraints

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

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

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

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

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

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

-- the base stays secured in the vehicle

-facing infant

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

-facing restraints are designed to

-facing infant

-facing child seat.

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

-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a

child to see out the window.

-only

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

Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may
find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in
your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within
the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
The instructions that come with the infant or child
restraint will show you how to do that. Both the owner’s
manual and the child restraint instructions are important,
so if either one of these is not available, obtain a
replacement copy from the manufacturer.

Where to Put the Restraint (Except Cargo Vans and Cab and Chassis Models)

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

-facing child restraint

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

-facing child restraint would be

-facing child restraint in a rear seat.

-- even when no child is in it.

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Where to Put the Restraint (Cargo Vans
and Cab and Chassis Models)

The child restraint must be secured properly in the
passenger seat. If your vehicle has a passenger air bag,
never put a rear-facing child restraint in this vehicle.
Here’s why:

CAUTION:

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

-facing child restraint would be very close to

the inflating air bag. Do not use a rear
child restraint in this vehicle.

If a forward-facing child restraint is suitable for
your child, always move the passenger seat as far
back as it will go.

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

-- even when no child is in it.

-facing

Top Strap

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

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If your vehicle is a cargo van, the anchor for a top strap
is located at the rear of the seat cushion on the right
front passenger’s seat.

Don’t use a child restraint with a top strap in the right
front passenger’s position, or in any four
rear bench seat.

-passenger

Cargo Van Models

If your vehicle is a passenger van with rear seats, an
anchor bracket for a top strap is located at the rear of the
seat cushion for each three

-passenger rear bench seat.

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Passenger Van 3–Passenger Rear Seats

Anchor the top strap to this bracket. For the left
outboard seating position, use anchor point (A). For the
right outboard seating position, use anchor point (B).
For a center seating position, use either anchor point (A)
or (B). Once you have the top strap anchored, you’ll be
ready to secure the child restraint itself.

CAUTION:

Each top tether bracket is designed to anchor
only one child restraint. Attaching more than one
child restraint to a single bracket could cause the
anchor to come loose or even break in a crash.
A child or others could be injured if this happens.
To help prevent injury to people and damage to
your vehicle, attach only one child restraint
per bracket.

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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

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

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

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

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

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5. T o tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into
the retractor while you push down on the child
restraint. If you’re using a forward
restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee
to push down on the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.

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

-facing child

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

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position

You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the
instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the
child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

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

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

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

5. T o tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push
down on the child restraint. If you’re using a
forward
helpful to use your knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

-facing child restraint, you may find it

T o remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s
safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger
child passenger.

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CAUTION:

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, never put a

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

rear

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

-facing child restraint would be very close to

the inflating air bag. If your vehicle is a
passenger van, always secure a rear
restraint in a rear seat.

If your vehicle is a cargo van with a right front
passenger air bag, do not use a rear
restraint in this vehicle. If a forward
restraint is suitable for your child, always move
the passenger seat as far back as it will go.

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

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

-facing child

-facing child

-facing child

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

1. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag,
always move the seat as far back as it will go before
securing a forward
(See “Seats” in the Index.)

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

-facing child restraint.

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

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

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

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

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

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Larger Children

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

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

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

D

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

D

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

-shoulder belt and

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CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CAUTION:

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

lap

-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind

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

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

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Safety Belt Extender

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

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

Checking Your Restraint Systems

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

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

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

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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

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

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

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

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✍

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NOTES

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Section 2 Features and Controls

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

-- and what to do if you have a problem.

2

-2 Keys

2

-3 Door Locks

-6 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)

2
2

-14 Rear Doors

-15 Theft

2
2

-16 Passlock

2-17 New Vehicle “Break-In”

-17 Ignition Positions

2
2

-18 Starting Your Gasoline Engine

-20 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

2
2

-21 Automatic Transmission Operation

2

-24 Parking Brake

-25 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2
2

-28 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

-28 Parking Over Things That Burn

2
2

-29 Engine Exhaust

R

2-

2

-29 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

2

-30 Locking Rear Axle

-30 Windows

2
2

-33 Horn

-33 Tilt Wheel (Option)

2
2

-33 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

2

-39 Exterior Lamps

-41 Interior Lamps

2
2

-43 Mirrors

-46 Storage Compartments

2
2

-46 Cigarette Lighter/Ashtray

2

-47 Sun Visors

-48 The Instrument Panel - Your

2

Information System

2-49 Instrument Panel Cluster
2

-51 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

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Keys

CAUTION:

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

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

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Your vehicle has one
double

-sided key for the

ignition and all door locks.

If you ever lose your key, your dealer will be able to
assist you with obtaining a new one.

NOTICE:

Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your key inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an
extra key.

Door Locks

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with remote keyless entry,

see “Keyless Entry System” later in the Index for
more information.

From the outside, use your key.

T o lock the door from the
inside, slide the lever on
your door down.

T o unlock the door, slide the
lever up.

Power Door Locks (Option)

Press the bottom side of the
power door lock switch to
lock the doors at once.

When a door is locked, the inside door handle will
not work.

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Rear Door Security Lock

Security locks are located on the passenger side rear
door, the side sliding door or the front portion of the
60/40 side swing

Rear Cargo Door

Move the button down to engage the security feature.
Move the button up to return the door locks to
normal operation.

-out door.

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

Move the button to
the left to engage the
security feature.
Move the button to
the right to return
the door locks to
normal operation.

60/40

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Side Sliding Door

Move the button up to
engage the security
feature. Move the
button down to return
the door locks to
normal operation.

Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)

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

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

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

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

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

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

D

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

-210 of Industry Canada.

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D

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

D

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

D

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

Operation

T o unlock the driver’s door, press the UNLOCK button.
If you press this button again within five seconds, all the
doors will unlock. Press the REAR 2X button twice to
unlock the rear door only. When the UNLOCK or
REAR 2X button is pressed, the interior dome lamps are
turned on for 40 seconds or until the ignition switch is
activated. Press LOCK to lock all doors.

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Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle

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

Battery Replacement

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

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

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NOTICE:

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

Use one PanasonicR type CR2032 battery:

1. Insert a dime in the slot between the covers of the
transmitter housing near the key ring hole. Remove
the bottom by twisting the dime.

2. Remove and replace the battery, positive (+)
side down.

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3. Align the covers and snap them together.

4. Check the operation of the transmitter. If the
transmitter does not work after battery replacement,
it may need to be resynchronized to your vehicle.
See “resynchronization” following.

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Resynchronization

Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security
method used by this system. The transmitter does not
send the same signal twice to the receiver. The receiver
will not respond to a signal it has been sent previously.
This prevents anyone from recording and playing back
the signal from the transmitter.

T o resynchronize your transmitter, stand close to your
vehicle and simultaneously press and hold the LOCK
and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for at least five
seconds. The door locks should cycle to confirm
resynchronization. If the locks do not cycle, see your
dealer for service.

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Sliding Side Door (Option)

T o open the sliding side door from outside, pull the
handle toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide the
door open.

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T o close the sliding side door from outside, use the
outside door handle to slide the door toward the front of
the vehicle.

When the door slides closed completely, it will be flush
with the side of the body.

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T o open the sliding door from inside, rotate the handle
upward and toward the rear of the vehicle. Then, slide
the door toward the rear of the vehicle to open.

T o close the sliding door from inside, grasp the inside
handle and slide the door toward the front of the vehicle
to a closed position.

Make sure the door is completely closed before driving
your vehicle.

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60/40 Swing-Out Side Door

T o open the front portion of a 60/40 door from the
outside, pull up on the handle and pull the handle
toward you.

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T o open the front portion of a 60/40 door from the
inside, pull the handle towards you and push open
the door.

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T o open the rear portion of a 60/40 door from the
outside, pull the handle on the side of the rear door and
pull it towards you.

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T o close the side doors, close the rear door first. Then
close the front door. Check to make sure both doors are
completely closed.

The front side swing
assembly in the door frame to keep the door from
opening beyond 90 degrees.

T o open the door beyond 90 degrees, close the door
partially , pull the check strap outward at the spring hole
and then open the door. When you close the door, the
check strap will automatically re

-out door has a check strap

-engage.

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Rear Doors

CAUTION:

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

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

D

Make sure all other windows are shut.

D

Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT , HEAT, BLEND or DEF.
Additionally, on vehicles with heating/air
conditioning systems, NORM A/C or
BI

-LEVEL A/C can be used. That will

force outside air into your vehicle. See
“Comfort Controls” in the Index.

D

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.

See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.

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T o open the rear doors from the outside, pull the handle
towards you to open the passenger’s side rear door first.

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T o open the driver’s side rear door, pull the latch release
at the inside edge of the door.

Both rear doors can be opened past 90 degrees by
opening the doors past the first detent (90 degrees open),
then opening fully.

T o close the rear doors, close the driver side rear door
first. Then, close the passenger side rear door. Check to
make sure both doors are completely closed.

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Theft

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

Key in the Ignition

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

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

-deterrent

-- so

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Parking at Night

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

Parking Lots

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

D

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

D

If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.

D

Lock all the doors except the driver’s.

D

Then take the door key with you.

Passlock

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft

-deterrent system.

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

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

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

In an emergency , call the GM Roadside Assistance
Center. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index.

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New Vehicle “Break-In”

NOTICE:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate
“break

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

run if you follow these guidelines:

D

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

D

Don’t drive at any one speed
slow

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

Don’t make full

D

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

D

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

-throttle starts.

-in guideline every

-- fast or

-in. See

Ignition Positions

Your key lets you turn the ignition switch to five
different positions.

ACCESSORY (A): ACCESSORY lets you use things
like the radio, power windows and the windshield
wipers when the engine is off. To get into
ACCESSOR Y, push in the key and turn it toward you.
Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was
before you inserted the key.

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LOCK (B): This position locks your ignition, steering
wheel and transmission. It’s a theft
You will only be able to remove your key when the
ignition is turned to LOCK.

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

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

-deterrent feature.

NOTICE:

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

Starting Your Gasoline Engine

If you have a diesel engine, see “Starting Your Diesel
Engine” in the Diesel Engine Supplement.

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

-- that’s a

NOTICE:

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

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

NOTICE:

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

2. If it doesn’t start right away, hold your key in
START. If it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, push the
accelerator pedal all the way down for five more
seconds, unless it starts sooner.

3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then
stops), wait 15 seconds and start over.

When the engine starts, let go of the key and the
accelerator pedal.

NOTICE:

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

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

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Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

In very cold weather, 0_F (-18_C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.

-up. Usually,

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

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

the driver’s side of the engine compartment and is
attached to the hose for the power steering reservoir.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110

-volt AC outlet.

CAUTION:

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

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

heavy

-duty three-prong extension cord rated for

at least 15 amps.

-prong

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

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

Automatic Transmission Operation

There are several different positions for your shift lever.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic

transmission, and it features an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument cluster. This display
must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable of
being moved out of the PARK (P) position. This means
that if your key is in OFF, but not locked, there will be a
small current drain on your battery which could
discharge your battery over a period of time. If you have
a need to leave your key in the ignition in OFF for an
extended period for any reason, it is recommended that
you disconnect the battery cable from the battery to
prevent discharging your battery.

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. With the ignition
in RUN, you must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P).

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you continue pressing the brake pedal.
Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. See
“Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in the Index.

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

NOTICE:

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

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

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

CAUTION:

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

NOTICE:

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

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

need more power for passing, and you’re:

D

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

D

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

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal

driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3)
when carrying a heavy load or driving on steep hills.

You should use THIRD (3) (or, as you need to, a lower
gear) when towing a trailer to minimize heat build
and extend the life of your transmission.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills.
It can help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on. If you manually select
SECOND (2), the transmission will drive in
SECOND (2). You may use this feature for reducing
torque to the rear wheels when you are trying to start
your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

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

NOTICE:

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

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

Parking Brake

T o set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake
pedal with your left foot.

If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on.

T o release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the handle, located just above the
parking brake pedal, marked BRAKE RELEASE to
release the parking brake.

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