GMC Sonoma 2003 User Manual

2003 GMC Sonoma Owner Manual M

Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Air Bag System Restraint System Check

Features and Controls

Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors Storage Areas Sunroof Vehicle Personalization

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators Audio System(s)

............................................... 1-3

............................................... 1-9

............................................. 1-11

....................................... 1-31

....................................... 1-55

........................................................ 2-2

....................................... 2-7

................................................. 2-13

.................................................... 2-37

......................................... 2-40

.................................................. 2-50

............................................. 3-1

...................................... 3-19

....................................... 3-40

........................... 1-1

............................ 1-66

..................................... 2-1

............................ 2-16

............................. 2-52

.......................... 3-2

........... 2-18

......... 3-23

Driving Your Vehicle

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle Towing

Service and Appearance Care

Service Fuel Checking Things Under the Hood Rear Axle Four-Wheel Drive Front Axle Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care Vehicle Identiﬁcation Electrical System Capacities and Speciﬁcations Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

Maintenance Schedule

Customer Assistance Information

Customer Assistance Information Reporting Safety Defects

Index

................................................... 4-45

..................................................... 5-3

......................................................... 5-4

...................................................... 5-62

.................................................................1

....................................... 4-1

.......................... 5-1

............... 5-10

............................................... 5-52

..................................... 5-52

............................................... 5-53

.................................... 5-54

..................................... 5-84

................................. 5-92

...................................... 5-93

..................... 5-99

..................................... 6-1

................................ 6-2

.................... 7-1

.................. 7-2

........................... 7-10

..... 4-2

......... 5-60

.... 5-101

Canadian Owners

You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from:

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

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

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

Litho in U.S.A. Part No. X2308 A First Edition

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 will ﬁnd that pictures and words work together to explain things.

Index

A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual, and the page number where you will ﬁnd it.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

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

{CAUTION:

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

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

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

iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Vehicle Symbols

Also, in this book you will ﬁnd these notices:

Notice:

damage your vehicle.

A notice will 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.

These mean there is something that could

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

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

• Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1

• Features and Controls in Section 2

• Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3

• Climate Controls in Section 3

• Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators in Section 3

• Audio System(s) in Section 3

• Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5

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

Model Reference

This manual covers these models:

Regular Cab Pickup

Extended Cab Pickup

Crew Cab

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats ......................................................1-3

Manual Seats ................................................1-3

Power Seats ..................................................1-4

Manual Lumbar ..............................................1-4

Power Lumbar ...............................................1-5

Heated Seats .................................................1-5

Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-6

Head Restraints .............................................1-7

Seatback Latches ...........................................1-8

Rear Seats .......................................................1-9

Rear Seat Operation .......................................1-9

Jump Seat ...................................................1-10

Safety Belts ...................................................1-11

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................1-11

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......1-15

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-16

Driver Position ..............................................1-17

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-23

Right Front Passenger Position .......................1-24

Center Passenger Position .............................1-24

Rear Seat Passengers (Extended Cab

Jump Seat) ..............................................1-26

Rear Seat Passengers (Crew Cab

Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-30

Child Restraints .............................................1-31

Older Children ..............................................1-31

Infants and Young Children ............................1-33

Child Restraint Systems .................................1-37

Where to Put the Restraint (Regular Cab

and Extended Cab Pickup) .........................1-40

Where to Put the Restraint (Crew

Cab

Top Strap ....................................................1-42

Top Strap Anchor Location .............................1-43

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Securing a Child Restraint Designed for Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Securing a Child Restraint in the Right

Pickup) ............................................1-41

Children (LATCH System) ...........................1-44

the LATCH System ....................................1-46

Outside Seat Position ................................1-46

Seat Position ............................................1-49

Front Seat Position ....................................1-49

) ................1-27

1-1

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Air Bag System ..............................................1-55

Where Are the Air Bags? ...............................1-57

When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate? ....................1-59

What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate? .....................1-59

How Does an Air Bag Restrain? .....................1-59

What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates? ...1-60

Air Bag Off Switch ........................................1-61

1-2

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle .........1-64

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped

Vehicle ....................................................1-65

Restraint System Check ..................................1-66

Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................1-66

Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ............................................1-66

Front Seats

Manual Seats

This section tells you about the seats – how to adjust them, and fold them up and down.

{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.

Move the lever located under the front of a manual seat up to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to make sure the seat is locked into place.

1-3

Power Seats

If your vehicle has this feature, there will be a control on the outboard side of the front seat(s).

Vertical Control: Move the reclining front seatback forward or rearward by moving the control toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

Manual Lumbar

If your vehicle has this feature, there will be a knob located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat.

Horizontal Control: Raise or lower the front of the seat by raising or lowering the forward edge of the control.

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

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

1-4

Turn the knob counterclockwise to increase lumbar support and clockwise to decrease lumbar support.

Power Lumbar

Heated Seats

If your vehicle has this feature, there will be a control located on the outboard side of the front seat(s).

Press and hold the front of the control until you have the desired lumbar support. To decrease lumbar support, press and hold the rear of the control.

If your vehicle has this feature, the controls are located on the outboard side of the front seats.

This feature will quickly heat the lower cushion and lower back of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats for added comfort.

Press the lower part of the switch to turn the heater on low. Press the upper part of the switch to turn the heater on high. Put the switch in the center position to turn the heater off.

The passenger’s safety belt must be engaged for the heated seat feature to work on the passenger’s seat.

1-5

Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust a manual seatback, lift the lever on the outboard side of the seat.

Release the lever to lock the seatback where you want it. To return the seat to an upright position, pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback.

If your vehicle is equipped with the vertical power seat control described in pressing it rearward allows the seatback to recline.

Power Seats on page 1-4

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

1-6

{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.

Head Restraints

Head restraints are ﬁxed on some models and adjustable on others. Slide an adjustable head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash.

1-7

Seatback Latches

The front seatback folds forward to let people get into the rear seat or to access the storage area behind the seat.

To fold the front seatback forward, push the lever on the side of the seat rearward and pull the seatback forward.

To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback all the way back until the latch catches. If the seatback was reclined before being folded forward, it will return to the reclined position.

{CAUTION:

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

1-8

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation

The rear seatback can be tilted forward to let you reach the area behind it.

To tilt the seatback forward, lift up on the lever located at the base of the seatback on the driver’s or passenger’s side and then push the seatback forward.

To return the seatback to the upright position, push the seatback rearward until it latches. After returning the seatback to its upright position, try to pull the seatback forward to make sure it is locked.

{CAUTION:

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

{CAUTION:

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

1-9

Jump Seat

If your vehicle has an extended cab pickup, there is a jump seat in the rear area.

To fold the jump seat down, pull down on the pull tab on the bottom of the seat until the seat is in place, then move the seatback to a vertical position. To store the seat, fold the seatback down on the cushion, then push the entire seat up until it is ﬂush with the trim panel.

Don’t let the safety belts be damaged by the hinges or the latches. Safety belts should be folded and stored between the seat cushion and seatback.

1-10

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are 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.

{CAUTION:

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

{CAUTION:

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

1-11

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See

Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-26

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

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!

1-12

They work

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

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

doesn’t stop.

1-13

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

1-14

or the instrument panel...

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

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.

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,

can

so you you are belted.

unbuckle and get out, is

much

greater if

1-15

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

with

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

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

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

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 or

Infants and Young Children on page 1-33

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.

Older Children on page 1-31

. Follow

1-16

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

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

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

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

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

If the belt isn’t long enough, see

Extender on page 1-30

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.

Safety Belt

1-17

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

1-18

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

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

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

as much protection this way.

{CAUTION:

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

1-19

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.

{CAUTION:

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

1-20

Q: What’s wrong with this?

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

be worn over the shoulder at all times.

{CAUTION:

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

1-21

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across the body.

{CAUTION:

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

1-22

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

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

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

1-23

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

Right Front Passenger Position

To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see

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

Driver Position on page 1-17

Center Passenger Position

Lap Belt

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

Cab

model, someone can sit in the center rear position.

1-24

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.

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

Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see

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.

Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30

1-25

Rear Seat Passengers (Extended Cab Jump Seat)

Lap Belt

This is a reserve seating position equipped with a lap belt.

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.

The jump seat has a lap belt with no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt.

1-26

To make it shorter, pull the belt, as shown until it is snug. Buckle and position it the same way as the lap part of the driver’s safety belt. See

on page 1-17

buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.

Don’t use a child restraint on this seat. It won’t work properly.

. Make sure the release button on the

Driver Position

Rear Seat Passengers (Crew Cab®)

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

1-27

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

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

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

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

Extender on page 1-30

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.

Safety Belt

1-28

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

The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash. The safety belt also locks if you pull the belt very

quickly out of the retractor.

{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.

1-29

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

Safety Belt Extender

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

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

1-30

Child Restraints

Older Children

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

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

Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: If possible, an older child should wear a

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

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

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

1-31

{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 so small that the shoulder belt is still very close to the child’s face or neck, you might want to place the child in a seat that has a lap belt, if your vehicle has one.

1-32

{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.

Infants and Young Children

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

1-33

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

{CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

1-34

{CAUTION:

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

Q: What are the different types of add-on child

restraints?

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

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

1-35

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

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

{CAUTION:

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

{CAUTION:

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

1-36

Child Restraint Systems

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

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

1-37

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

1-38

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

Q: How do child restraints work? A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

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

For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint. The vehicle’s belt system secures the add-on child restraint in the vehicle, and the add-on child restraint’s harness system holds the child in place within the restraint.

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

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

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

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Where to Put the Restraint (Regular Cab and Extended Cab Pickup)

{CAUTION:

The child restraint must be secured properly in the right front passenger seat. If you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat, turn off the passenger’s air bag. See

Off Switch on page 1-61 in the Right Front Seat Position on page 1-49

more on this, including important safety information.

1-40

and

Securing a Child Restraint

Air Bag

for

Even though the AIR BAG OFF switch is designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal air bag, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an air bag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. General Motors therefore recommends that rear-facing child restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, whenever possible.

Where to Put the Restraint (Crew

Cab

Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat outside position, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat.

Pickup)

Never

put a

Here’s why:

{CAUTION:

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.

There is a limited space in the rear seating area of a crew cab pickup model. If you want to secure a child restraint in a rear outside seating position of a crew cab model, be sure to study the instructions that came with your child restraint to see if there is enough room to secure your seat properly. Don’t secure a child restraint in the center rear seating position, because the restraints won’t work properly.

1-41

If a forward-facing child seat must be secured in the vehicle’s right front seat, the seat should be moved back as far as possible. However, it is better to secure the restraint in a rear seat.

Wherever you install it, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle – even when no child is in it.

Top Strap

Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether”. It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint. If yours requires that the top strap be anchored, don’t use the restraint unless it is anchored properly.

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

1-42

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.

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

When using a top strap-equipped child restraint in a rear outboard seating position of a crew cab model, route the top strap over the top of the seatback. Then, attach it to the anchor point for that seating position.

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

Top Strap Anchor Location

Anchor points for the top strap in a regular or extended cab are located behind the front seat.

1-43

To assist you in locating the anchors for this child restraint system, place your hand in a palm-up position and reach up between the seat cushion and the seatback.

In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B), as shown here.

The anchor points for the rear seat child restraint positions in the Crew Cab

are located on the back wall

behind the rear seat.

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

If your vehicle is equipped with the LATCH System, it is available in the second row outboard seating positions (Crew Cab (Crew Cab

1-44

only) and in the front passenger position

and extended cab).

With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.

{CAUTION:

If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System”, “Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position” or “Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle.

1-45

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

1. Find the anchors for the seating position you want to use, where the bottom of the seatback meets the back of the seat cushion.

2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

3. Attach the anchor points on the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. If the child restraint is forward-facing, attach the top strap to the top strap anchor. See

page 1-42

the child restraint instructions.

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

To remove the child restraint, simply unhook the top strap from the top tether anchor and then disconnect the anchor points.

. Tighten the top strap according to

Top Strap on

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

Crew Cab

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see

Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See

page 1-42

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.

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Top Strap on

if the child restraint has one. Be sure to

1-46

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.

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

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

1-47

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

Extended Cab (Jump Seat)

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

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

1-48

Don’t use child restraints in these positions. The restraints won’t work properly.

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Don’t use child restraints in these positions. The restraints won’t work properly.

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see

Children (LATCH System) on page 1-44

Your vehicle has a passenger air bag. If your vehicle is a regular cab pickup or an extended cab pickup, there’s a switch on the instrument panel that you can use to turn off the right front passenger’s air bag when you want to secure a rear-facing child restraint at the right front passenger’s position. See

Switch on page 1-61

important safety information.

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Air Bag Off

for more on this, including

1-49

Unless your vehicle has the air bag off switch and the passenger’s air bag has been turned off, never put a rear facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat. Here’s why:

{CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating air bag. If your vehicle is a crew cab, do not use a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s position. If your vehicle is a regular cab pickup or an extended cab pickup, be sure to turn off the air bag before using a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat position.

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-50

CAUTION: (Continued)

{CAUTION:

If a forward-facing child 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 of a crew cab.

If the air bag readiness light ever comes on when you have turned off the air bag, it means that something may be wrong with the air bag system. The right front passenger’s air bag could inﬂate even though the switch is off. If this ever happens, don’t let anyone whom the national government has identiﬁed as a member of a passenger air bag risk group sit in the right front passenger’s position (for example, don’t secure a rear-facing child restraint in your vehicle) until you have your vehicle serviced. See ″Air Bag Off Switch″ in the Index.

1-51

You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See

page 1-42

follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.

1. Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag. If

if the child restraint has one. Be sure to

your vehicle is a regular cab pickup or extended cab pickup and you are using a rear-facing child restraint in this seat, make sure the air bag is turned off. See On all models, if your child restraint is forward-facing, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing it in this seat. See

Air Bag Off Switch on page 1-61

Top Strap on

Manual Seats on page 1-3orPower Seats on page 1-4

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.

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

1-52

5. Pull the rest of the lap 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. If you are using a forward-facing child restraint, you may ﬁnd it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

1-53

If you were using a rear-facing child restraint in a regular cab model or a extended cab model, turn on the right front passenger’s air bag when you remove the rear-facing child restraint from the vehicle unless the person who will be sitting there is a member of a passenger air bag risk group. See

page 1-61

Air Bag Off Switch on

{CAUTION:

If the right front passenger’s air bag is turned off for a person who isn’t in a risk group identiﬁed by the national government, that person won’t have the extra protection of an air bag. In a crash, the air bag wouldn’t be able to inﬂate and help protect the person sitting there. Don’t turn off the passenger’s air bag unless the person sitting there is in a risk group. See ″Air Bag Off Switch″ in the Index for more on this, including important safety information.

1-54

Air Bag System

This part explains the air bag system. Your vehicle has air bags – one air bag for the driver

and another air bag for the right front passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of

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

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

{CAUTION:

You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt — even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are designed to work with safety belts, but don’t replace them. Air bags are designed to deploy only in moderate to severe frontal and near frontal crashes. They aren’t designed to inﬂate at all in rollover, rear or low-speed frontal crashes, or in many side crashes. And, for some unrestrained occupants, 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 — whether or not there’s an air bag for that person.

1-55

{CAUTION:

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.

1-56

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

Older Children on page 1-31 and Infants

and Young Children on page 1-33.

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

The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See

Air Bag Readiness Light on page 3-27

Where Are the Air Bags?

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

1-57

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

{CAUTION:

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

1-58

When Should an Air Bag Inﬂate?

What Makes an Air Bag Inﬂate?

An air bag is designed to inﬂate in a moderate to severe frontal, or near-frontal crash. The air bag will inﬂate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed 'threshold level'. If your vehicle goes straight into a wall that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level is about 9 to 16 mph (14 to 26 km/h). The threshold level can vary, however, with speciﬁc vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or below this range. If your vehicle strikes something that will move or deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be higher. The air bag is not designed to inﬂate in rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts because inﬂation would not help the occupant.

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.

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

Driving with Your Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle on page 4-14

for more tips on off-road driving.

Off-Road

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.

How Does an Air Bag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. 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 many 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.

1-59

What Will You See After an Air Bag Inﬂates?

{CAUTION:

After an air bag inﬂates, it quickly deﬂates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inﬂated. Some components of the air bag module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, 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 the vents in the deﬂated air bags. Air bag inﬂation doesn’t prevent the driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle.

1-60

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

• 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.

• Your vehicle is equipped with a 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.

• Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on your air bag

system. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service.

Notice:

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 you damage the covering for the driver’s

Air Bag Off Switch

Regular Cab and Extended Cab Models

If your vehicle is a regular cab model or an extended cab model, it has a switch on the instrument panel that you can use to turn off the right front passenger’s air bag.

1-61

This switch should only be turned to AIR BAG OFF if the person in the right front passenger’s position is a member of a passenger risk group identiﬁed by the national government as follows:

Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because:

my vehicle has no rear seat;

•

• my vehicle has a rear seat too small to

accommodate a rear-facing infant seat; or

• the infant has a medical condition which, according

to the infant’s physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Medical Condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician:

causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk

•

for the passenger; and

• makes the potential harm from the passenger air

bag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the air bag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.

{CAUTION:

Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because:

my vehicle has no rear seat;

•

• although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear

seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of my vehicle; or

• the child has a medical condition which, according

to the child’s physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

1-62

To turn off the right front passenger’s air bag, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to AIR BAG OFF.

The AIR BAG OFF light will come on to let you know that the right front passenger’s air bag is off. The right front passenger’s air bag will remain off until you turn it back on again, and the AIR BAG OFF light will stay on to remind you that the air bag is off.

{CAUTION:

1-63

To turn the right front passenger’s air bag on again, insert your ignition key into the switch, push in, and move the switch to the on position.

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. To purchase a service manual, see

Ordering Information on page 7-11

Service Publications

1-64

{CAUTION:

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

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.

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

Procedure on page 7-2

Customer Satisfaction

1-65

Restraint System Check

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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

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

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

1-66

{CAUTION:

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

If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH system parts?

After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

If the LATCH system was being used during a more severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.

If you ever see a label on the driver’s or the right front passenger’s safety belt that says to replace the belt, be sure to do so. Then the new belt will be there to help protect you in a collision. You would see this label on the belt near the door opening.

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

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

1-67

✍ NOTES

1-68

Section 2 Features and Controls

Keys ...............................................................2-2

Remote Keyless Entry System .........................2-4

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation ...........2-5

Doors and Locks .............................................2-7

Door Locks ....................................................2-7

Power Door Locks ..........................................2-8

Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................2-8

Rear Door Security Locks ..............................2-10

Lockout Protection ........................................2-10

Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................2-11

Third Door ...................................................2-11

Tailgate .......................................................2-12

Windows ........................................................2-13

Manual Windows ..........................................2-13

Power Windows ............................................2-14

Swing-Out Windows ......................................2-15

Sliding Rear Window .....................................2-15

Sun Visors ...................................................2-15

Theft-Deterrent Systems ..................................2-16

Content Theft-Deterrent .................................2-16

Passlock

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ................2-18

New Vehicle Break-In ....................................2-18

Ignition Positions ..........................................2-18

Starting Your Engine .....................................2-20

Engine Coolant Heater ..................................2-22

Automatic Transmission Operation ...................2-24

....................................................2-17

Manual Transmission Operation ......................2-27

Four-Wheel Drive ..........................................2-28

Parking Brake ..............................................2-31

Shifting Into Park (P) .....................................2-32

Shifting Out of Park (P) .................................2-34

Parking Your Vehicle .....................................2-34

Parking Over Things That Burn .......................2-35

Engine Exhaust ............................................2-35

Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....2-36

Mirrors ...........................................................2-37

Manual Rearview Mirror .................................2-37

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror ................2-37

Outside Manual Mirror ...................................2-38

Outside Power Mirrors ...................................2-38

Outside Convex Mirror ...................................2-39

Outside Heated Mirrors ..................................2-39

Storage Areas ................................................2-40

Glove Box ...................................................2-40

Overhead Console ........................................2-40

Front Storage Area .......................................2-46

Assist Handles .............................................2-47

Garment Hooks ............................................2-47

Luggage Carrier ...........................................2-48

Bed Rails ....................................................2-49

Sunroof .........................................................2-50

Vehicle Personalization ...................................2-52

Memory Seat ...............................................2-52

2-1

Keys

{CAUTION:

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

They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move.

Do not leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-2

This vehicle has one double-sided key for the ignition and door locks. It will ﬁt with either side up.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer provides the owner with a pair of identical keys and a key code number.

The key code number tells your dealer or a qualiﬁed locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep this number in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able to have new ones made easily using this number. Your dealer should also have this number.

Notice:

can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your keys inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have spare keys.

If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle call the GM Roadside Assistance Center. See

Your vehicle has a number of features that

Roadside Assistance

Program on page 7-6

2-3

Remote Keyless Entry System

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

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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:

• Check the distance. You may be too far from your

vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy or snowy weather.

• Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may

be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

• Check to determine if battery replacement is

necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5

• If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a

qualiﬁed technician for service.

2-4

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation

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.

UNLOCK: Press UNLOCK to unlock the driver’s door. The parking lamps will ﬂash and the interior lights will go on.

If you press UNLOCK again within three seconds, the remaining doors will unlock.

LOCK: Press LOCK to lock all the doors. Press LOCK again within three seconds and the horn will chirp.

L(Panic Alarm): Press this button to make the horn

sound and the headlamps and taillamps ﬂash for up to 30 seconds. This can be turned off by pressing the panic button again, waiting for 30 seconds, or starting the vehicle.

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

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

2-5

Battery Replacement

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

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

Notice:

touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter.

When replacing the battery, use care not to

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

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

2. Remove and replace the battery with a three volt CR2032 or equivalent battery, positive (+) side up.

3. Align the covers and snap them together.

4. Resynchronize the transmitter. See

Automatic Door Locks on page 2-8

5. Check the operation of the transmitter.

Programmable

for instructions.

2-6

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{CAUTION:

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. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive.

• Young children who get into unlocked

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

• Outsiders can easily enter through an

unlocked door when you slow down or stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can help prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle:

• You can use the keyless entry system, if your

vehicle has this feature.

• You can use your key to unlock your door from the

outside.

• You can use the power lock switch (if equipped) to

lock or unlock the doors.

To manually lock a door from the inside, slide the manual lever on your door down. To manually unlock a door from the inside, slide the lever on the door up.

• You will see a colored area on the lever when the

door is unlocked.

2-7

Power Door Locks

If your vehicle has power door locks, the switch is located on the armrest. Remove the ignition key and press LOCK to lock all the doors at once.

To unlock the doors, press the raised area next to the key symbol.

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

If your vehicle has power door locks, they are programmable.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission it will be programmed to have all the doors lock automatically when the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P). All the doors will unlock when the shift lever is moved back into PARK (P).

On a vehicle with a manual transmission, all doors will lock when the vehicle speed is greater than 15 mph (24 km/h). The doors will unlock when the key is removed from the ignition.

The following is a list of the available programming options and how to set them after entering the program mode:

All doors lock/Only the driver’s door unlocks: Press the lock side of the power door lock switch once and then the unlock side once. If your vehicle is not equipped with remote keyless entry, you may not be able to utilize this option.

2-8

All doors lock/All doors unlock: Press the lock side of the power door lock switch once, and then the unlock side twice.

All doors lock/None of the doors unlock: Press the lock side of the power door lock switch once, and then the unlock side three times.

No doors lock/None of the doors unlock: Press the lock side of the power door lock switch twice. This turns off the automatic lock feature. This is the factory setting.

For more information, see your dealer. The following instructions detail how to program your

door locks. Choose one of the programming options before entering the programming mode.

To enter the program mode, do the following:

1. Begin with the ignition in OFF. Then pull the turn signal/multifunction lever all the way toward you and hold it while you perform the next step.

2. Turn your key to RUN and OFF twice. Then, with the key in OFF, release the turn signal/multifunction lever. Once you do this, you will hear the lock switch lock and unlock.

3. You are now ready to program the automatic door locks. Select one of the previous four programming options and follow the instructions. You will have 30 seconds to begin programming. If you exceed the 30 second limit, the locks will automatically lock and unlock to indicate you have left the program mode. If this occurs, repeat the procedure beginning with Step 1. You can exit the program mode any time by turning the ignition to RUN. The locks will automatically lock and unlock to indicate you are leaving the program mode. If the lock/unlock switches are not pressed while in the programming mode, the auto lock/unlock setting will not be modiﬁed.

2-9

Rear Door Security Locks

If you have the Crew Cab®model, your vehicle may be equipped with rear door security locks. With this feature, you can lock the rear doors so they can’t be opened from the inside by passengers.

The security lock lever is located on the inside edge of each rear door.

To use the security locks, do the following:

1. Open one of the rear doors.

2. Slide the lever up to the lock symbol to engage the lock.

3. Close the door.

4. Repeat these steps on the opposite rear door.

If you want to open the rear door when the security lock is on, unlock the door and open the door from the outside. To return the rear doors to normal use, disengage the locks by sliding the lever to the unlock symbol.

Lockout Protection

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

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

2-10

Leaving Your Vehicle

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

Third Door

Your vehicle may be equipped with a third door for convenience in loading and unloading cargo.

To open the third door, ﬁrst open the driver’s front door. Then, use the handle located on the front edge of the door panel to open it.

You must close the third door before you can close the driver’s door.

2-11

Tailgate

You can open the tailgate by pulling up on the handle while pulling the tailgate down.

When you put the tailgate back up, be sure it latches securely.

Follow these steps if you want to remove the tailgate:

1. Raise the tailgate slightly.

2. Remove both retaining cables. To remove each cable, turn it so the end faces the front. Then, push forward so the larger part of the hole is over the bolt. Pull the end over the bolt.

3. With the tailgate halfway down, pull the tailgate toward you at the left side and then move the tailgate to the left to release the right side.

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

2-12

Windows

{CAUTION:

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

Manual Windows

Turn the hand crank on each door to raise or lower your manual side door windows.

2-13

Power Windows

If you have power windows, the controls are located on the armrests on each of the side doors. The switches operate the windows when the ignition is in RUN, ACCESSORY or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory Power (RAP)” under The driver’s door has a switch for the passengers windows as well.

Press the side of the switch with the down arrow to lower a window. Press the side of the switch with the up arrow to raise the window.

Ignition Positions on page 2-18

Express Down Window

The driver’s window has an express-down feature that allows you to lower it without holding the window switch. Press the down arrow on the switch marked AUTO located on the driver’s door brieﬂy to activate the express-down feature. Lightly tap the switch to open the window slightly. The express-down feature can be interrupted at any time by pressing the up arrow on the switch.

Window Lockout

Four-door vehicles have a lockout feature to prevent passengers from operating the power windows. It is located on the driver’s door armrest. Press LOCK to activate this feature. Press NORM and the windows will return to normal operation.

The driver will still be able to activate all the windows when LOCK is active.

2-14

Swing-Out Windows

To open a rear swing–out window, pull the latch toward the front of the vehicle and then push the latch out and rearward.

Sliding Rear Window

When you close the window, be sure the latch engages.

If your vehicle has this feature, squeeze the latch in the center of the window and slide the glass to open it.

When you close the window, be sure the latch is engaged.

Sun Visors

To block out glare, you can pull the visor down. You can also swing the visor from side-to-side.

2-15

Theft-Deterrent Systems

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

Content Theft-Deterrent

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

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

This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the door.

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

3. Close all doors. The SECURITY light should go off after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed until the SECURITY light goes off.

If a door is opened without the key or the remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s headlamps will ﬂash and the horn will sound for 110 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery power.

Remember, the theft-deterrent system won’t activate if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry transmitter. You should also remember that you can start your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has been set off.

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

• If you don’t want to activate the theft-deterrent

system, the vehicle should be locked with the door key

after

the doors are closed.

• Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote

keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any other way will set off the alarm.

If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm won’t stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.

2-16

Testing the Alarm

The alarm can be tested by following these steps:

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

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

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

If the alarm does not sound when it should but the vehicle’s headlamps ﬂash, check to see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse, see

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

Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-93

Passlock

Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock

Passlock Passlock

theft-deterrent system.

is a passive theft-deterrent system.

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.

During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off approximately ﬁve seconds after the key is turned to RUN.

If the engine stalls and the SECURITY light ﬂashes, wait about 10 minutes 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 does not start after three tries, the vehicle needs service.

If the engine is running and the SECURITY message comes on, you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the engine off. However, your Passlock serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock the fuse. See

system is not working properly and must be

at this time. You may also want to check

Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-93

See your dealer for service. In an emergency, call the GM Roadside Assistance

Center. See

Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6

2-17

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Ignition Positions

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

Notice:

“break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate

• Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for

the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km).

• Don’t drive at any one speed — fast or

slow — for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts.

• Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles

(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

• Don’t tow a trailer during break-in. See “Towing

a Trailer” in the Index for more information.

2-18

Notice:

ACCESSORY position for long periods of time. Prolonged operation of accessories in the ACCESSORY position could drain your battery and prevent you from starting your vehicle.

Don’t operate accessories in the

A (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things like

the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. Push in the key and turn it toward you. Your steering wheel will remain locked, just as it was before you inserted the key.

{CAUTION:

On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while the vehicle is moving.

B (LOCK): This position locks your ignition, steering

wheel and transmission. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.

C (OFF): This position lets you turn off the engine but still turn the steering wheel. Use OFF if you must have your vehicle in motion while the engine is off (for example, if your vehicle is being towed).

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

Notice:

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. 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.

If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you

2-19

Key Release Button

The key cannot be removed from the ignition of manual transmission vehicles unless the key release button is pressed.

To remove the key, turn the ignition switch to OFF. Then turn the key to LOCK while pressing the key release button. Pull the key straight out.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

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

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

Starting Your Engine

Automatic Transmission

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

Notice:

vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.

Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your

2-20

Manual Transmission

The gear selector should be in neutral and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ﬂoor and start the engine. Your vehicle won’t start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down–that’s a safety feature.

Starting Your VORTEC™ 2200 L4 Engine

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

Notice:

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, wait about 15 seconds and try

Holding your key in START for longer than

again to start the engine by turning the ignition key to START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.

When your engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Don’t “race” your engine when it’s cold.

If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.

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

Notice:

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 do not, your engine might not perform properly.

Your engine is designed to work with the

2-21

Starting Your VORTEC™ 4300 V6 Engine

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

Notice:

2. If it doesn’t start within 10 seconds, push the

When starting your engine in very cold weather (below 0°F or 18°C), do this:

1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the

Holding your key in START for longer than

accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor, while you hold the ignition key in START. When the engine starts, let go of the key and let up on the accelerator pedal. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.

ignition key to START and hold it there up to 15 seconds. When the engine starts, let go of the key.

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

Notice:

Your engine is designed to work with the

Engine Coolant Heater

Your vehicle may be equipped with this feature. In very cold weather, 0°F (–18°C) or colder, the engine

coolant heater can help. You’ll get easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required.

2-22

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located in the engine compartment behind the underhood fuse block on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110–volt AC outlet.

{CAUTION:

Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

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

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

2-23

Automatic Transmission Operation

Your automatic transmission has a shift lever on the steering column.

There are several different positions for your shift lever. 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 PARK (P). 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 need to leave your key in the ignition in OFF for an extended period, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery cable from the battery to prevent discharging your battery.

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

{CAUTION:

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

Do not 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 will not move, even when you are 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 are pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.

2-24

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever–push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See

on page 2-34

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

Notice:

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

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission,

see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-42

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

Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle

Shifting Out of Park (P)

{CAUTION:

Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is 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. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed.

Notice:

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

Damage to your transmission caused by

2-25

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re:

• Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your

accelerator pedal about halfway down.

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

accelerator all the way down. You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power. DRIVE (D) should not be used when towing a trailer,

carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving. Select THIRD (3) when operating the vehicle under any of these conditions.

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 towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills or winding roads or for off-road driving.

SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). 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. You can also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces.

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

Notice:

This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill.

If your wheels won’t turn, don’t try to drive.

2-26

GMC Sonoma 2003 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats

Manual Seats

Power Seats

Manual Lumbar

Power Lumbar

Heated Seats

Reclining Seatbacks

Head Restraints

Seatback Latches

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation

Jump Seat

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Driver Position

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Right Front Passenger Position

Center Passenger Position

Rear Seat Passengers (Extended Cab Jump Seat)

Rear Seat Passengers (Crew Cab®)

Safety Belt Extender

Child Restraints

Older Children

Infants and Young Children

Child Restraint Systems

Where to Put the Restraint (Regular Cab and Extended Cab Pickup)

Top Strap

Top Strap Anchor Location

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Seat Position

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

Air Bag System

Where Are the Air Bags?

How Does an Air Bag Restrain?

Air Bag Off Switch

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding Equipment to Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

Restraint System Check

Checking Your Restraint Systems

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

Section 2 Features and Controls

Keys

Remote Keyless Entry System

Remote Keyless Entry System Operation

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

Power Door Locks

Programmable Automatic Door Locks

Rear Door Security Locks

Lockout Protection

Leaving Your Vehicle

Third Door

Tailgate

Windows

Manual Windows

Power Windows

Swing-Out Windows

Sliding Rear Window

Sun Visors

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Content Theft-Deterrent

Starting and Operating Your Vehicle

New Vehicle Break-In

Ignition Positions

Starting Your Engine

Engine Coolant Heater

Automatic Transmission Operation