Oldsmobile SILHOUETTE 2002 Owner Manual

2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette

Owner’s Manual

Litho in U.S.A.
Part Number 10315372 A First Edition All Rights Reserved

E

Copyright General Motors Corporation 06/22/01

i

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
OLDSMOBILE, the OLDSMOBILE Rocket Emblem
and the name SILHOUETTE 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 Oldsmobile Division whenever
it appears in this manual.

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

We support voluntary
technician certification.

For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:

Aux propriétaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous

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

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

ii

How to Use this Manual

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

Safety Warnings and Symbols

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.

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

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

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

Vehicle Symbols

Your vehicle may be equipped with 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 in the Index:

D

“Engine Compartment Overview”

D

“Instrument Panel”

D

“Comfort Controls”

D

“Audio Systems”

Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.

iv

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

v

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

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

1

-2 Seats and Seat Controls

1

-7 Rear Seats

-21 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

1
1

-26 Here Are Questions Many People Ask

About Safety Belts

1

-27 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

1

-27 Driver Position

-35 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

1
1

-36 Right Front Passenger Position

-36 Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)

1
1

-45 Safety Belt Pretensioners

1

-45 Rear Seat Passengers

1-

-- and the Answers

1

-48 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults

1-51 Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)
1

-52 Children

-56 Restraint Systems for Children

1
1

-73 Older Children

1

-76 Safety Belt Extender

-76 Checking Your Restraint Systems

1
1

-76 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

1-1

Seats and Seat Controls

This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust
them, take them out, put them back in, fold and
unfold them.

Manual Front Passenger Seat

T o move the seat, pull up
the lever located on the
front of the seat to unlock it.

Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever.
T o make sure the seat is locked into place, try to move
the seat back and forth with your body.

Six-Way Power Seat

The six-way power seat
control is located on the
outboard side of the driver’s
front seat.

D

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

D

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

D

Lift up or push down on the whole control to move
the entire seat up or down.

D

T o move the whole seat forward or rearward, slide
the control toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

1-2

Eight-Way Power Seats (If Equipped)

The eight-way power seat
controls are located on the
outboard sides of both the
driver’s and the front
passenger’s seats.

D

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

D

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

D

Lift up or push down on the whole control to move
the entire seat up or down.

D

T o move the whole seat forward or rearward, slide
the control toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

D

T o raise and recline the seatback, push or pull the
top of the control forward or rearward.

1-3

Memory Seat (Option)

If your vehicle has this
feature, the controls are
located to the left of the
steering column and are
used to program and recall
the driver’s seat settings.

Adjust the driver’s seat to the position you would like
for driving. Then press and hold memory button 1 for
more than three seconds. A double beep will sound
when the memory is set.

T o set the seat for a second driver, follow the previous
steps, but press button 2 instead.

T o recall your memory positions, your vehicle must
be in PARK (P). Press and release the memory button
(1 or 2) corresponding to the desired driving position.
The seat will move to the position previously stored for
the identified driver. You will hear one beep.

You can also store an exit position for each driver. The
exit position is programmed by moving the seat to the
desired exit position and then holding the EXIT button
for more than three seconds. The exit position set will be
for the most recently selected driving position (1 or 2).
A double beep will sound when the memory is set. T o
use EXIT, your vehicle must be in PARK (P). Press and
release the EXIT button and the seat will move to the
exit position stored for the most recently selected driver.
You will hear one beep.

T o stop recall movement of the seat at any time,
press one of the three memory buttons or one of the
power seat controls located on the outboard side of the
driver’s seat.

1-4

Heated Front Seats (Option)

If your vehicle has this
option, the heated seat
switches are located in the
instrument panel switchbank.

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

The left switch is for the driver’s seat and the right
switch is for the front passenger’s seat. Press the bottom
of the switch to turn the heater on. The indicator light on
the switch will glow. Press the top of the switch to turn
the heater off. The heated seat switch will turn off when
the ignition is turned to OFF and resume operation when
the ignition is turned to RUN, unless the switch is
manually turned off.

Reclining Front Seatbacks

All front seats recline.

T o adjust the manual seatback, pull up on the lever
located on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and the
front passenger’s seat. It is easier to recline the seat if
you lean forward, taking your weight off the seatback.

If your vehicle has the eight–way power seats, there is a
power recliner. See “Eight–Way Power Seats” earlier in
this section.

1-5

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

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

1-6

Head Restraints

Adjust your head restraint 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.

The front seat head restraints are fixed on some models
and adjustable on others. Slide the head restrint up or
down to adjust it.

The rear seat head restraints in your vehicle may be
adjustable. They work the same as the front seat
head restraints.

Rear Seats

Seat Controls

The rear seats in your vehicle have levers and straps
used to adjust, remove and reinstall the seats. By using
the levers and straps, in the correct order, you can easily
remove the seats from your vehicle.

When you put the seats back in the vehicle, be
sure to follow the label on the back of the seat for
proper location.

1-7

Flip and Fold Feature

The seats in your vehicle can be folded forward.

1. If the seats have the adjustable head restraints, push
them fully down.

2. Fold the seatback flat on the seat by either pulling on
the nylon strap on the rear of the seat or lifting up on
the lever located on the front of the seatback. If the
seat adjusts forward, slide it all the way back.

3. Release the rear set of hooks from the floor pins by
pulling the nylon strap located at the base of the seat;
hang on to the straps as the seat folds forward.

T o return the seat(s) to the normal position, do
the following:

1. Push the seat back and firmly push the rear hooks
onto the rear floor pins by pushing down on the rear
of the seat.

2. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down.

3. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap
on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it
locks upright.

4. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it
is locked.

1-8

Split Bench Seat (If Equipped)

If you have the third row split bench seat, the seatbacks
can be folded forward or reclined individually and the
seats can be removed individually.

Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks

CAUTION:

T o fold the seatback
forward, pull this nylon
strap located on the rear of
the seat. The seatback will
lock into place.

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.

The seatbacks on each section of the split bench seat
can be either folded forward or reclined. The following
explains how to use the nylon strap to fold or recline
the seatbacks.

T o raise a seatback, pull the nylon strap while raising the
seatback until it locks upright. Push and pull on the
seatback to check that it is locked into place.

T o recline the seatback, pull the nylon strap. Press back
on the seatback until you reach the desired position then
let go of the nylon strap.

T o return the seatback to an upright position, pull on
the nylon strap without putting any pressure on the
seatback. Push and pull on the seatback to be sure it
is locked into place.

The following explains how to use the recliner lever to
fold or recline the seatbacks.

1-9

T o fold the seatback
forward, lift up on the
recliner lever located
on the front of the
seatback. The seatback
will lock into place.

T o raise a seatback, lift the recliner lever while raising
the seatback until it locks upright. Push and pull on the
seatback to check that it is locked into place.

T o recline the seatback, lift the recliner lever. Press back
on the seatback until you reach the desired position then
let go of the recliner lever.

T o return the seatback to an upright position, lift
the recliner lever without putting any pressure on the
seatback. Push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is
locked into place.

Removing the Split Bench Seat

Make sure the seatback is in the upright position.

1. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap
on the back of the seat to fold the seatback forward.

2. From behind the bench seat, pull the nylon strap at
the center of the base of the seat to release the rear
latches from the floor pins.

Do not let go of the strap until the seat is folded all
the way forward.

1-10

Replacing the Split Bench Sections

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.

3. T o unlatch the front latches, squeeze the angled bar
toward the straight crossbar.

4. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly forward, then
toward the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out.

Repeat these steps for the other section of the split
bench seat.

CAUTION:

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

1-11

CAUTION:

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

Make sure the seatback is in the upright position and the
safety belts are on the correct section of the seat.

Don’t put the sections of the bench seat in so they face
rearward because they won’t latch that way.

The split bench seats have seat position labels, located
on the back of each seat, showing where the seat must
go. Follow that diagram.

The seat must be placed in the proper location for the
legs to attach correctly.

1. Squeeze the angled bar toward the solid crossbar
while placing the front hooks of the bench seat onto
the front two floor pins.

1-12

2. Make sure the
bench seat is
angled so that the
front hooks clear
the floor pins.

If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear
legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

If the front latches are not attaching correctly, check
that the seat is in the full rear position.

3. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins
by pushing down on the rear of the seat.

4. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down.

5. Lift the seatback recliner lever or pull the nylon strap
on the back of the seat and raise the seatback until it
locks upright.

6. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked.

Repeat these steps for the other section of the split
bench seat.

1-13

Captain’s Chairs

The seatbacks on the captain’s chairs can be folded
forward or reclined and the seats can be removed.

Folding or Reclining the Seatbacks

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.

T o recline the seatback, lift up on the recliner lever,
located on the outboard side of the seat. Use the recliner
lever to move the seatback to the desired position.

It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean
forward, taking the weight off the seatback.

The seatbacks on the second row captain’s chairs also
fold forward to put items behind the left and right seats.

Lift up on the recliner lever and fold the seatback
forward. The seatback will lock into place when you
push it back to the upright position.

The armrests can be lowered or raised for entering or
exiting the vehicle.

1-14

Adjusting the Captain’s Chairs (Second Row)

The second row captain’s chairs can be adjusted forward
or rearward.

There are two adjustment levers on each seat. One is
located below the center, in front of the seat. The other
is located across the rear of the seat.

Lift up either lever to slide the seat forward or rearward.
Release the lever . Push and pull on the seat to make sure
it is locked into place.

Removing the Captain’s Chairs

1. Pull the nylon strap behind the chair to release the
rear hooks from the floor pins.

1-15

Replacing the Captain’s Chairs

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.

2. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins
and removed from the vehicle.

1-16

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION:

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

Don’t put the seats in so they face rearward because they
won’t latch that way. For the second row , if you want
more storage room behind the seat, adjust the seat by
sliding it forward.

The captain’s chairs have seat position labels, located on
the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go.
Follow that diagram. The seat must be placed in the
proper location for the legs to attach correctly.

Make sure the seatbacks are in the upright position, the
seat belts are on the correct side of the chairs and the
second row captain’ s chairs are in the full rear position
before beginning this procedure.

1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins.

1-17

2. Push the rear of the seat down to lock the rear latches
onto the rear set of floor pins.

3. Push and pull on the seat to be sure it is
properly attached.

Stowable Seat (Option)

The optional stowable seat is a full bench seat and
comes with the convenience center. See “Convenience
Center” in the Index for more information. The stowable
seat can be removed and replaced, or with the seatback
folded, it can lie flush with the convenience center.

Folding the Seatback

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.

T o fold down the seatback,
pull up on the lever located
on the back of the seat and
push the seatback down
until it is locked into place.

Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is
locked into place.

1-18

T o raise the seatback, do one of the following:

D

From the rear of the vehicle, pull up on the lever to
release the seatback, then pull the strap, located on
the right side of the seat, to pull the seatback up. The
seatback has a Velcro
rear of the seat when not in use, or

D

from the passenger’s side sliding door, pull up on the
lever to release the seatback, then push up on the
seatback to raise the seat.

Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is
locked into the upright position.

Removing the Stowable Seat

1. Remove the convenience center, if it is in the
vehicle. See “Convenience Center” in the Index
for more information.

2. Make sure all items are off of the stowable seat.

3. If the seatback is down, put the seatback in its
upright position before removing the seat. See
“Folding the Seatback” previously.

R

patch to stow the strap on the

4. From behind the bench seat, push up the release
handles at the base of the seat to release the latches
from the floor pins.

5. While holding onto the crossbar at the bottom of the
seat, remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward
the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. This
should be done in one motion.

1-19

NOTICE:

CAUTION:

Do not use the release handles to pull the seat out.
The handles could break during removal. This
will not be covered by your warranty. Use the
crossbar at the bottom of the seat when pulling
the seat out.

Replacing the Stowable Seat

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.

1-20

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

CAUTION:

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

Do not put the stowable seat in so it faces rearward
because it will not latch that way . The stowable seat has to
go in before the convenience center. See “Convenience
Center” in the Index for more information.

The stowable seat has seat position labels, located on the
back of the seat, showing where the seat must go.
Follow the floor pin diagram. Use the front floor pins of
the floor cups and the rear floor cups in the third row.

The seat must be placed in the proper location for the
legs to attach correctly.

Make sure the seat is in its upright position before
beginning this procedure.

1. Place the front hooks of the seat onto the front floor
pins in the third row. To do this, the seat will need to
be angled so the front hooks clear the floor pins.

If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear
legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins.

2. Firmly push the rear hooks into the rear floor pins by
pushing down on the rear of the seat.

3. Try to raise the seat to make sure that it is
locked down.

4. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is
locked into place.

Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone

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

And it explains the Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS), or air bag system.

CAUTION:

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

1-21

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-22

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

Put someone on it.

1-23

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

1-24

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

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

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

1-25

Here Are Questions Many People Ask
About Safety Belts

Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an

Q:

accident if I’m wearing a safety belt?

-- and the Answers

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

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

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

to wear safety belts?

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

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

-- not instead of them. Every air bag

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

home, why should I wear safety belts?

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

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

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

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

1-26

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

Adults

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

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

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

We’ll start with the driver position.

Driver Position

This part describes the driver’s restraint system.

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

1. Close and lock the door.

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

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.

1-27

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-28

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

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

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

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

1-29

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.

1-30

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.

1-31

Q: What’s wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

CAUTION:

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

1-32

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.

1-33

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.

1-34

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

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

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

1-35

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

Right Front Passenger Position

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

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

-- except for one thing.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)

This part explains the frontal and side impact
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) or air
bag systems.

Your vehicle has four air bags
driver, another frontal air bag for the right front
passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and
another side impact 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 frontal air bag. But
these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job
and comply with federal regulations.

-- a frontal air bag for the

1-36

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

CAUTION:

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

CAUTION: (Continued)

-- even if you

CAUTION: (Continued)

Frontal air bags for the driver and right front
passenger are designed to work only in moderate
to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle
hits something. They aren’t designed to inflate at
all in rollover, rear or low
or in many side crashes. And, for some
unrestrained occupants, frontal air bags may
provide less protection in frontal crashes than
more forceful air bags have provided in the past.
The side impact air bags for the driver and right
front passenger are designed to inflate only in
moderate to severe crashes where something hits
the side of your vehicle. They aren’t designed to
inflate in frontal, in rollover or in rear crashes.
Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety
belt properly
bag for that person.

-- whether or not there’s an air

-speed frontal crashes,

1-37

CAUTION:

Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with
great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If
you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you
would be if you were leaning forward, it could
seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in
position for air bag inflation before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with
frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back
as possible while still maintaining control of the
vehicle. Front occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door.

CAUTION:

CAUTION: (Continued)

the best protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety
belt system nor its air bag system is designed
for them. Young children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint system can
provide. Always secure children properly in your
vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual
called “Children.”

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

Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any
air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Air bags plus lap

-shoulder belts offer

CAUTION: (Continued)

1-38

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

How the Air Bag Systems Work

Where are the air bags?

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

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

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

1-39

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

CAUTION:

If something is between an occupant and an air
bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person 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. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation
path of a side impact air bag.

1-40

When should an air bag inflate?

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

-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate

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

In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air
bags, which adjust the amount of restraint according to
crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these air
bags inflate at a level less than full deployment. For
more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a wall
that doesn’t move or deform, the threshold level for
the reduced deployment is about 12 to 18 mph
(19 to 29 km/h), and the threshold level for a full
deployment is about 18 to 24 mph (29 to 38.5 km/h).

The threshold level can vary, however, with specific
vehicle design, so that it can be somewhat above or
below this range.

If your vehicle strikes something that will move or
deform, such as a parked car, the threshold level will be
higher. The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal
air bags are not designed to inflate in rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts because inflation
would not help the occupant.

The side impact air bags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes. A side impact air bag
will inflate if the crash severity is above the system’s
designed “threshold level.” The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design. Side impact air bags are not
designed to inflate in frontal or near
rollovers or rear impacts, because inflation would not
help the occupant. A side impact air bag will only
deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

-frontal impacts,

1-41

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

What makes an air bag inflate?

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

-frontal impacts. For side impact air

How does an air bag restrain?

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

-frontal

1-42

What will you see after an air bag inflates?

After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the air bag
inflated. Some components of the air bag module
steering wheel hub for the driver’s air bag, the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the
side of the seatback closest to the door for the driver and
right front passenger’s side impact air bags -- 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.

-- the

CAUTION:

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

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

D

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

D

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic frontal
sensor, which helps the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. Your vehicle is also equipped
with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which
records information about the frontal air bag system.
The module records information about the readiness
of the system, when the system commands air bag
inflation and driver’s safety belt usage at
deployment. The module also records speed, engine
rpm, brake and throttle data.

1-43

D

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

NOTICE:

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

Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle

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

CAUTION:

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

The air bag systems do not need regular maintenance.

1-44

Safety Belt Pretensioners

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

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

Rear Seat Passengers

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

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

Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions

1-45

Lap-Shoulder Belt

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

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

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

-shoulder

2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
In the third row, if the belt stops before it reaches the

buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you
can buckle it.

Third Row Outside Passenger Position

Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.

1-46

When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it
will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and
start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety
Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure
the release button on the buckle is positioned so you
would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if
you ever had to.

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

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

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

1-47

CAUTION:

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

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

Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults

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

If your vehicle has a split bench seat in the third
row, there is one guide for each outside passenger
position. T o provide added safety belt comfort for
children who have outgrown child restraints and for
smaller adults, the comfort guides may be installed
on the shoulder belts.

1-48

Here’s how to install a comfort guide and use the
safety belt:

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

2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges
of the belt into the slots of the guide.

1-49

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

1-50

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

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

Center Passenger Position (Bench Seat)

Lap Belt

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

When you sit in the center position of the bench seat,
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.

1-51

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

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

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

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

Children

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

Infants and Young Children

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

1-52

CAUTION:

People should never hold a baby in their arms
while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh
much

-- until a crash. During a crash a baby will

become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

For example, in a crash at only 25 mph
(40 km/h), a 12
become a 240
arms. A baby should be secured in an
appropriate restraint.

-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly

-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s

1-53

CAUTION:

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

-shoulder belts offer

Q: What are the different types of add-on

child restraints?

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

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

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

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

1-54

CAUTION:

CAUTION:

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

-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.

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.

1-55

Restraint Systems for Children

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

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

1-56

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

-shaped or shelf-like shields.

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

-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A

booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

1-57

Q: How do child restraints work?

A: A child restraint system is any device designed for

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

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

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

-like shield that swings up or to the side.

-in child restraint system is a

-on

-on child restraints have used

-on child restraint in the

-on child restraint’s harness

-point harness, has straps that

-point

-shaped shield has shoulder

- or armrest-type

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

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

1-58

Where to Put the Restraint

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

-facing infant seat, a child riding in a

-facing child seat and an older child riding in

-facing child restraint

CAUTION:

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

-facing child restraint in a rear seat.

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

-facing child restraint would be

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

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

-- even when no child

Top Strap

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

-equipped child restraints are

1-59

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.

Don’t use a child restraint that requires a top strap in the
right front passenger’s position because there’ s no place
to anchor the top strap.

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.

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.

1-60

Second Row Third Row (50/50)

An anchor bar for a top strap is located at the rear of the
seat cushion for each second and third row outboard
seating position.

1-61

Third Row (Stowable Seat)

The anchor bar for the stowable bench seat is located on
the passenger’s side of the crossbar. Use the center
seating position to use the anchor bar properly. If the
convenience center is in the vehicle, you must lift the
tray sill to use the anchor. See “Convenience Center”
in the Index for more information.

Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)

Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You’ll find
anchors (A) in both second row captain’s chairs.

T o assist you in locating the lower anchors for this
child restraint system, each seating position with the
LATCH system will have latches between the seatback
and cushion.

1-62

In order to use the system, you need either a
forward
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.

-facing child restraint that has attaching

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

1-63

CAUTION:

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

-type child restraint is

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
strap to the top strap anchor. See “Top Strap” in the
Index. Tighten the top strap according to the child
restraint instructions.

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

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

-facing, attach the top

1-64

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position

If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH
system, see “Lower Anchorages and T op Tethers for
Children (LATCH)” in the Index.

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

1. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

-shoulder belt. See the earlier

1-65

Third Row Outside Passenger Position

In the third row, tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt
if needed.

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

1-66

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.

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
find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the
child restraint as you tighten the belt.

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

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

-facing child restraint, you may

1-67

Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Seat Position (Third Row Bench Seat)

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

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

1-68

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

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

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

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

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

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

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

-facing child restraint, you may find it

1-69

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position

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

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

CAUTION:

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the 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. Always secure a rear
child restraint in a rear seat.

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

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

1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air

2. Put the restraint on the seat.

-facing child restraint in the right front seat.

-shoulder belt. See the earlier part

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

-facing child restraint.

-facing

1-70

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

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

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

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

1-71

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

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

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

1-72

Older Children

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

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

-shoulder belt and

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

A: If possible, an older child should wear a

lap

-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a

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

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

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

1-73

CAUTION:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-74

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.

1-75

Safety Belt Extender

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

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

Checking Your Restraint Systems

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

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

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

Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash

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

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

1-76

Section 2 Features and Controls

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

-2 Windows

2
2

-5 Keys

-7 Door Locks

2
2

-10 Remote Keyless Entry System (Option)

-16 Multifunction Alarm Locks and

2

Lighting Choices

2

-26 Dual Sliding Doors

-28 Power Sliding Door (Option)

2
2

-35 Liftgate

-36 Theft

2
2

-37 Content Theft-Deterrent (Option)

2

-40 PASS-Key

-42 New Vehicle “Break-In”

2
2

-42 Ignition Positions

-44 Starting Your Engine

2
2

-45 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)

-47 Automatic Transaxle Operation

2
2

-51 Parking Brake

2

-52 Shifting Into PARK (P)

2-

R

III

2

-55 Shifting Out of PARK (P)

2

-55 Parking Over Things That Burn

-56 Engine Exhaust

2
2

-56 Running Your Engine While You’re Parked

-58 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

2
2

-65 Exterior Lamps

2

-67 Interior Lamps

-73 Storage Compartments

2
2

-84 Accessory Inflator System (Option)

-86 Accessory Power Outlets

2
2

-87 OnStar

2

-91 HomeLink

-94 The Instrument Panel -- Your

2
2-99 Warning Lights, Gages, Messages and
2-108 Message Center

2

-116 Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option)

2

-119 Rear Parking Assist (Option)

R

System (If Equipped)

R

Transmitter (Option)
Information System
Indicators

2-1

Windows

CAUTION:

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

2-2

Power Windows

The switches on the driver’s door armrest control
the front windows when the ignition is in RUN,
ACCESSOR Y or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See “Retained Accessory Power” in
the Index. The left switch controls the driver’s window.
The right switch controls the passenger’s window.

The driver’s power window switch has two down
positions. The first position lowers the window
normally. The second position activates the
express

-down feature. Push the switch to the

first position to lower the window normally. To raise
the window, pull up the front of the switch.

Express

T o activate the express
switch all the way down, to the second position, then
release it. The window will lower completely. To stop
the window from lowering all the way, pull up the front
of the switch.

-Down Window

-down feature, push the AUTO

2-3

Side Window Latches

The rear of each side window swings open.

T o open, push the latch
forward to release it, then
swing the window outward.
Press the center of the latch
to secure the window in the
open position.

Power Rear Quarter Windows (If Equipped)

This switch, located in
the overhead console
switchbank, is used
for opening and
closing the power rear
quarter windows.

T o close, pull the center of the latch forward and then
close the latch. Press the center of the latch to secure the
window in the closed position.

2-4

Press the textured part of the switch to open the
windows; both windows will open. The windows can
be opened fully or part way depending on how long
the switch is pressed.

Press the part of the switch with the symbol to close
both windows. The windows can be closed fully or part
way depending on how long the switch is pressed.

The ignition must be in RUN, ACCESSORY or
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) must be active,
to use the power rear quarter windows. See “Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)” in the Index.

Keys

CAUTION:

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

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

2-5

This key can be used for the
ignition as well as all door
locks, the liftgate lock and
the storage compartments.

If you need a new key, contact your dealer, who can
obtain the correct key code.

Your vehicle has the PASS
system. The key has a transponder in the key head that
matches a decoder in the vehicle’s steering column. If a
replacement key or any additional key is needed, you
must purchase this key from your dealer. The key will
have PK3 stamped on it. Keep the bar code tag that
came with the original keys. Give this tag to your
dealer if you need a new key made.

R

-Key

III vehicle theft

Any new PASS
before it will start your vehicle. See “PASS
in the Index for more information on programming your
new key.

-Key III key must be programmed

-Key

R

III”

NOTICE:

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

If you ever do get locked out of your vehicle, call
Oldsmobile Roadside Assistance. See “Roadside
Assistance” in the Index for more information.

If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar system with
an active subscription and you lock your keys inside the
vehicle, OnStar may be able to send a command to
unlock your vehicle. See “OnStarR” in the Index for
more information.

2-6

Door Locks

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

D

Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle won’t open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

D

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

D

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.

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

keyless entry transmitter . From the inside, use the
manual or power door locks.

To unlock either front door from the outside with the key,
insert the key and turn it toward the front of the vehicle.
To lock either front door from the outside with your key
insert the key and turn it toward the rear of the vehicle.

T o unlock either front door from the inside, pull back on
the manual lever. To lock either front door from the
inside, push the manual lever forward.

2-7

Power Door Locks

From the inside, press the front of the power door lock
switch (on either front door) to unlock all doors and the
liftgate. If your vehicle has the content theft-deterrent
system, the power door lock switch will not unlock the
doors until the system is disarmed. See “Content
Theft

-Deterrent” in the Index for more details.

You can lock all doors and the liftgate from the inside
by pressing the rear of the power lock switch on either
front door.

If your vehicle has the content theft
the power door lock switch may cause the system to
arm. See “Content Theft-Deterrent” in the Index for
more details.

T o unlock any door or the liftgate from the outside with
your key, turn the key toward the front of the vehicle
and release it. This will only unlock that door or the
liftgate. T o unlock all the doors and the liftgate at once,
insert the key into the key cylinder, then turn it toward
the front of the vehicle and hold it for one second.

With power door locks, you can lock all the doors from
the outside by inserting the key and turning the key
toward the rear of the vehicle.

Also, when the doors are locked with the power door
locks, the inside as well as the outside door handle
cannot open the doors. This safety feature prevents a
door from being accidentally opened from the inside by
moving the handle.

T o override this safety feature, unlock the door you want
to open.

When the liftgate has been unlocked with the power
door locks, you won’t need the key to open it. Simply
squeeze the handle above the license plate. This is also
true if you use the optional remote keyless entry
transmitter. See “Remote Keyless Entry System” later
in this section.

-deterrent system,

2-8

Last Door Closed Locking

The last door closed locking feature will delay the
power locking of the doors and liftgate for up to five
seconds after exiting the vehicle, when the power door
lock switch or the lock button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter is used to lock your vehicle.

T o cancel this delay, press the power door lock switch or
the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter
a second time immediately.

If any door or the liftgate is open when locking the
vehicle, three chimes will be heard signaling that last
door closed locking is being used. Five seconds after the
last door is closed, all of the doors will lock.

If the ignition is in RUN or ACCESSORY, this feature
will not lock the doors.

T o turn the last door closed locking feature off or on, see
“Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in
the Index.

Automatic Door Locks

All of the doors will lock automatically when you move
your shift lever out of PARK (P). All doors will unlock
automatically when the ignition is turned off while the
shift lever is in PARK (P).

If someone needs to get out while you are not in
PARK (P), have that person use the manual lever or
the power door lock switch. When the door is closed
again, it will not lock automatically. Use the manual
lever or the power door lock switch to lock the door.

T o change the way the automatic door locks operate,
see “Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices”
in the Index.

With the automatic door locks feature, you can lock or
unlock the doors at any time, either manually or by
using the power door lock switches.

Sliding Door Delayed Locking

If either sliding door is open when you use the power
door locks to lock the vehicle, the sliding door that is
open will not lock. Normally the last door closed
locking feature will be used to lock the sliding door after
it has been closed.

When the ignition is on or if the last door closed locking
feature has been overridden or programmed to be off,
the sliding door delayed locking feature will lock your
sliding door for you. Three seconds after either sliding
door is closed, all the doors will lock.

2-9

Lockout Deterrent

The lockout deterrent feature makes it difficult for you
to lock your keys in your vehicle. If the driver’s door is
open while the keys are in the ignition, a chime will
sound and you will not be able to use your power door
lock switch to lock the vehicle.

If you don’t leave the keys in the ignition or if you
use the manual door lock, you could still lock your keys
in your vehicle. Always remember to take your keys
with you.

T o turn this feature off or on, see “Multifunction Alarm
Locks and Lighting Choices” in the Index.

Leaving Your Vehicle

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

Remote Keyless Entry System (Option)

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

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

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

2-10

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:

D

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

D

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

D

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

D

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

Operation

Remote Driver’s Door and All Door Unlock

When you press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry
transmitter, only the driver’s door will unlock. If you
press UNLOCK again within five seconds, all the doors
and the liftgate will unlock. If you would like all the
doors to unlock the first time you press UNLOCK, see
“Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in
the Index.

If your vehicle has the content theft
the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter will disarm the system. See “Content
Theft

-Deterrent” in the Index for more details.

Remote All Door Lock

T o lock all doors, press LOCK on the remote keyless
entry transmitter. See “Power Door Locks” in the Index
for more details on the power door lock features. If your
vehicle has the content theft
LOCK button may arm the system. See “Content
Theft

-Deterrent” in the Index for more details.

-deterrent system, the

-deterrent system,

2-11

Remote Lock Confirmation (Option)

If your vehicle has the content theft
system, your remote keyless entry transmitter will
have this feature.

When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to
lock your vehicle, the parking lamps will flash to let you
know the command has been received. If you press the
LOCK button again, within five seconds, the horn will
sound and the parking lamps will flash to let you know
the vehicle is already locked.

If you would like to change the way the parking lamps
and horn operate with remote lock confirmation, see
“Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices” in
the Index.

Remote Unlock Confirmation (Option)

If your vehicle has the content theft
your remote keyless entry transmitter will have this
feature.

When you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to
unlock your vehicle or to operate the optional power
sliding door(s), the parking lamps will flash to let you
know the command was received.

-deterrent

-deterrent system,

If you would like to change the way the parking
lamps operate with remote unlock confirmation, see
“Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices”
in the Index.

Panic Alarm (Option)

When you press the panic button with the horn symbol
on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the parking
lamps will flash and the horn will sound. This will allow
you to attract attention, if needed.

Press the panic button to stop the alarm from sounding.

Remote Power Sliding Door Operation (Option)

If your vehicle has the optional power sliding door,
your remote keyless entry transmitter will have a button
that has a van symbol on it. Press it to open or close
the sliding door. See “Power Sliding Door” later in
this section.

If your vehicle has the optional dual power sliding
doors, your remote keyless entry transmitter will
have two buttons that have a van symbol on it. The
van symbol on the left is for the driver’s side sliding
door and the van symbol on the right is for the
passenger’s side sliding door. See “Power Sliding Door”
later in this section.

2-12

If the power sliding door(s) is locked, first unlock all
doors, then press the van symbol to open the power
sliding door(s). The parking lamps will flash when the
right button with the van symbol is pressed and they
will not flash when the left button with the van symbol
is pressed. Press the van symbol again to close the
sliding door(s). See “Remote Driver’s Door and All
Door Unlock” earlier in this section and “Power
Sliding Door” later in this section.

You can operate the power sliding door(s) with
the remote keyless entry transmitter only when the
power sliding door override switch(es) on the overhead
console is turned off. See “Power Sliding Door” later
in this section.

If your vehicle’s fuel filler door is opened, the driver’s
side power sliding door will not open completely.
Do not try to force the door. Once the fuel filler
door is closed, the driver’s side sliding door can be
opened normally.

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.

See your dealer to match transmitters to another vehicle.

Battery Replacement

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

2-13

Replacing the Battery in the Remote Transmitter

NOTICE:

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

1. Insert a flat object like a coin into the slot on the side
of the transmitter and twist it to separate the halves.

2. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter. Do not
use the metal flanges to “pop out” the battery.

3. Replace the battery.

4. Reassemble the transmitter. Make sure the halves are
snapped together tightly so water will not get in.

5. Check the transmitter operation.

Switchbanks

There are two sets of switchbanks located in the front
of the vehicle. The switches will vary with the options
that are on your vehicle. It is useful to become familiar
with them since they are used frequently while operating
the vehicle.

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Overhead Console Switchbank

This switchbank is located in the overhead console. The
switchbank may include the interior lamps override, the
power sliding door, the power sliding door override, the
power rear quarter windows and the rear parking aid
disable. If your vehicle has the optional dual power
sliding doors, the switchbank will have both power
sliding door switches. The power sliding door override
switches will be integrated on the power sliding door
switches. If your vehicle does not have some of the
options controlled by these switches, there will be a
blank switch in its place.

For more information, see each of these features in
the Index.

Instrument Panel Switchbank

This switchbank is located in the instrument panel below
the comfort controls. The switchbank may include the
rear fan knob, rear window wiper/washer, the fog lamps,
the traction control and the heated seats. If your vehicle
does not have some of the options controlled by these
switches, there will be a blank button in its place.

For more information, see each of these features in
the Index.

If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional rear
climate control system, there will be a storage space in
this switchbank. The rubber mat can be removed for
cleaning. Snap the mat into place after cleaning.

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Multifunction Alarm Locks and Lighting Choices

Your vehicle’s locks and lighting systems can be programmed with several different features. The features you can
program depend on the options that came with your vehicle. The following chart shows the features that can be
programmed. T o determine which features your vehicle is equipped with, follow the steps listed for entering the
programming mode.

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Entering Programming Mode

T o program features, your vehicle must be in the
programming mode. Follow these steps:

1. The optional content theft
be disarmed. See “Content Theft
in this section.

2. Remove the BCM PRGRM fuse from the instrument
panel fuse block, located to the right of the glove
box. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index.

3. Close the driver’s door .

4. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY.

5. Count the number of chimes you hear. You will
hear two to four chimes depending on the features
your vehicle is equipped with. Refer to the chart
shown previously.

You can now program your choices.
T o exit the programming mode, follow the steps

listed under “Exiting Programming Mode” later in
this section.

-deterrent system must

-Deterrent System”

Delayed Illumination and Exit Lighting

This feature allows you to customize the interior lamps
when entering and exiting the vehicle.

Programmable Modes

Mode 1: Both Features Off (The interior lamps will

turn on or off at the same instant that a door is opened
or closed.)

Mode 2: Delayed Illumination Only (The interior lamps
will stay on for about 25 seconds after all the doors and
liftgate are closed, or until you lock the doors.)

Mode 3: Exit Lighting Only (The interior lamps will
come on whenever you remove the key from the ignition
and stay on for about 25 seconds, or until you lock
the doors.)

Mode 4: Both Features On (This combines
Modes 2 and 3.)

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Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was
programmed in Mode 4. The mode to which the vehicle
was programmed may have been changed since it left
the factory. To determine the mode to which your
vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a
different mode, do the following:

1. Follow the instructions for “Entering Programming
Mode” listed previously.

2. Turn the interior lamps on by turning the instrument
panel brightness control all the way up.

3. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes indicates the vehicle’s current programmed
mode. (If you do not wish to change the current
mode, you can either exit the programming mode
by following the instructions later in this section or
program the next feature available on your vehicle.

4. Turn the interior lamps off to change the
current mode.

5. Turn the interior lamps from on to off until you hear
the number of chimes corresponding to the mode
selection you want.

The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.

Automatic Door Locks

This feature allows you to customize the automatic
locking and unlocking of the doors when using
the gearshift.

Programmable Modes

Mode 1: Both Features Off (Automatic door locking

and unlocking is disabled. You will always need to
lock your doors manually before driving to increase
occupant safety.)

Mode 2: Automatic Door Locking Only

D

The automatic door unlock feature is turned off.

D

Shift out of PARK (P) with the ignition on and the
driver’s door closed; all doors will lock automatically.

Mode 3: Automatic Unlocking with the Ignition Off

D

Turn off the ignition with the transaxle in PARK (P);
all doors will unlock automatically.

D

Shift out of PARK (P) with the ignition on and the
driver’s door closed; all doors will lock automatically.

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