Saturn Astra 2009 Owner's Manual

2009 Saturn ASTRA M

Seats and Restraints

Front Seats
Rear Seats
Safety Belts
Airbag System
Child Restraints

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

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

................... 1-8

.............. 1-24

............. 1-38

Keys, Doors and
Windows

Keys
Doors and Locks
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Windows
Mirrors
Sunroof

Storage

Storage

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

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

...................... 2-10

......................... 2-11

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

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

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

Instruments and
Controls

Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages,

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

Overview
and Indicators

.................... 4-2

............ 4-11

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

............ 2-5

... 2-8

Driver Information

Center (DIC)

®

OnStar

Lighting

Lighting

System

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

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

Infotainment

Audio System(s)

Climate Controls

Climate Controls

............. 4-25

............ 4-38

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

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

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

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

Driving and Operating

Starting and Operating

Your Vehicle
Driving Your Vehicle
Fuel

............................ 8-34

............... 8-2

Vehicle Service
and Care

Service
Owner Checks
Headlamp Aiming
Bulb Replacement
Electrical System

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

.......................... 9-2

................ 9-4

.......... 9-26

......... 9-28

........... 9-34

....... 8-1

...... 8-15

Tires
Tire Changing
Jump Starting
Towing
Appearance Care

Technical Data

Vehicle Identification
Capacities and

........................... 9-40

............... 9-60

............... 9-69

........................ 9-73

................. 10-1

Specifications

.......... 9-73

............ 10-2

Service and
Maintenance

Service and

Maintenance

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

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

Customer Information

Customer Information
Reporting Safety

Defects

Vehicle Data Recording

and Privacy

................................... i-1

Index

................... 12-14

............. 12-16

...... 10-1

...... 12-1

..... 12-1

ii Preface

SATURN and the SATURN Emblem
are registered trademarks, and
the name ASTRA is a trademark of
Saturn Corporation. GENERAL
MOTORS and GM are registered
trademarks of General Motors
Corporation.

This manual includes the latest
information at the time it was
printed. Saturn reserves the right to
make changes after that time
without further notice.

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25918346 A First Printing

Read this manual from beginning to
end to learn about the vehicle’s
features and controls. Pictures,
symbols, and words work together
to explain vehicle operation.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

Canadian Owners

A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer or from:

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

1-800-551-4123
helminc.com

©

2008 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Propriétaires Canadiens

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès de
concessionnaire ou à l’adresse
suivante:

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

1-800-551-4123
helminc.com

Index

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

Preface iii

Cautions and Notices

A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this” or “Do not let
this happen.”

A box with the word CAUTION is
used to tell about things that
could hurt you or others if you were
to ignore the warning.

{ CAUTION

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

Cautions tell what the hazard is and
what to do to avoid or reduce the
hazard. Read these cautions.

A notice tells about something that
can damage the vehicle.

Notice: These mean there is
something that could damage
your vehicle.

Many times, this damage would not
be covered by the vehicle’s
warranty, and it could be costly. The
notice tells what to do to help
avoid the damage.

There are also warning labels on
the vehicle which use the same
words, CAUTION or Notice.

Vehicle Symbols

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

M : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

iv Preface

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the index.

9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g : Audio Steering Wheel

Controls or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gage

+ : Fuses

i : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

j : LATCH System Child Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure

} : Power

/ : Remote Vehicle Start

> : Safety Belt Reminders

7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

Seats and Restraints 1-1

Seats and Restraints

Front Seats

Manual Seats
Seat Height Adjuster
Lumbar Seat Adjustment
Reclining Seatbacks
Head Restraints
Heated Seats

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation

Safety Belts

Safety Belts
How to Wear Safety

Belts Properly
Lap-Shoulder Belt
Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy
Safety Belt Extender
Safety Belt Check

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

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

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

........................1-8

..................1-12

.............1-18

.......................1-22

.............1-22

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

....1-3

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

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

.........1-22

Care of Safety Belts
Replacing Safety Belt

System Parts After a
Crash

..............................1-23

Airbag System

Airbag System
Where Are the Airbags?
When Should an Airbag

Inflate?

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate?

How Does an Airbag

Restrain?

What Will You See After

an Airbag Inflates?

Passenger Sensing

System

Servicing Your

Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle

Adding Equipment to

Your Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle
Airbag System Check
Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash

..................1-24

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

............................1-28

........................1-28

..........1-29

............................1-30

............................1-35

............................1-36

.........1-23

...1-26

.......1-37

.........1-37

Child Restraints

Older Children
Infants and Young

Children
Child Restraint Systems
Where to Put the

Restraint
Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children

(LATCH)
Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash
Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat)
Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front Seat)

..................1-38

..........................1-40

.........................1-44

..........................1-46

...........1-50

.....................1-51

...........1-53

....1-43

1-2 Seats and Restraints

Front Seats

Manual Seats

{ CAUTION

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

To move a manual seat forward or
rearward:

1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the bar.

Try to movethe seat with your body
to be sure the seat is locked in place.

Seat Height Adjuster

To raise and lower the manual
seat, move the lever up or down
repeatedly until the seat is at the
desired height.

Seats and Restraints 1-3

Lumbar Seat Adjustment

On seats with this feature, turn the
knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the
lumbar support.

Reclining Seatbacks

{ CAUTION

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

{ CAUTION

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even if when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

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

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

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

1-4 Seats and Restraints

To adjust a manual reclining
seatback, turn the knob. Do not lean
on the seatback while adjusting it.

Seatback Latches (Three Door
Model)

For easy entry/exit to the rear seats
on three door models:

1. Lift the lever, and tilt the seatback
forward.

2. Lower the lever and move the
entire seat completely forward.

{ CAUTION

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

To return the seat to the upright
position:

1. Remove any objects in front of or
behind the seat.

2. Move the entire seat rearward.

3. Lift the lever located on the
outboard side of the seat
and return the seatback to the
upright position.

4. Lower the lever then push and
pull on the seatback to be sure
it is locked in place.

Head Restraints

The vehicle’s front seats have
adjustable head restraints.

{ CAUTION

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/spinal
injury in a crash. Do not drive
until the head restraints for all
occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that
the top of the restraint is at the
same height as the top of the
occupant’s head.

This position reduces the chance of
a neck injury in a crash.

Seats and Restraints 1-5

To adjust the head restraint, press
the button located on the side
of the head restraint. Pull up or push
down on the restraint to adjust it.

Try to move the head restraint after
the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

The vehicle’s front seat head
restraints are not designed to be
removed.

1-6 Seats and Restraints

Active Head Restraint System

The vehicle has an active head
restraint system in the front seating
positions.

These automatically tilt forward to
reduce the risk of neck injury if
the vehicle is hit from behind.

Rear Seat Headrests

The vehicle has headrests in all
seating positions of the rear seats.
The headrests in the rear outboard
positions adjust like the front
seat head restraints.

To adjust the headrest in the rear
seat center position, pull up to
raise it.

To lower the headrest, press the
buttons located on the top of
the seatback and push the head
rest down.

The vehicle’s rear seat headrests
are not designed to be removed.

Heated Seats

On vehicles with heated front seats,
the controls for each seat are
located on the center of the
instrument panel. To operate the
heated seats the ignition must
be on.

M (Heated Seat): Press this button

to turn on the heated seat.
The light on the button will come on

to indicate that the feature is
working. Press the button to cycle
through the temperature settings
of high, medium, and low and to turn
the heat to the seat off. The number
of indicator lights above the button
will show the level of heat selected:
three for high, two for medium,
and one for low.

Seats and Restraints 1-7

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation

{ CAUTION

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

{ CAUTION

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

Folding the Seatback

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Before folding the seatback down,
the safety belt must be unbuckled
and not in the storage clip.

The front seat must be moved all
the way forward, and not reclined.
The headrest must be completely
lowered.

To lower the seatback:

1. Press the button located on the
top of the seatback to release it.

2. Fold the seatback forward.

1-8 Seats and Restraints

To return the seat to the sitting
position:

1. Make sure the safety belt is
through the storage clip.

2. Lift the seatback and push it
rearward until it is locked in
the sitting position.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

4. Remove the safety belt from the
storage clip.

The seatback must be locked or you
will not be able to pull out and
use the rear center safety belt.
Always push and pull on the
seatback to be sure it is locked.

Safety Belts

This section of the manual describes
how to use safety belts properly.
It also describes some things not to
do with safety belts.

{ CAUTION

Do not let anyone ride where a
safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or be
ejected from the vehicle. You and
your passenger(s) can be
seriously injured or killed. In the
same crash, you might not be, if
you are buckled up. Always fasten
your safety belt, and check that
your passenger(s) are restrained
properly too.

Seats and Restraints 1-9

{ 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.

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on
page 4-13 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in a
crash. If you do have a crash,
you do not know if it will be a
serious one.

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

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter... a lot!

Why Safety Belts Work

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

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

1-10 Seats and Restraints

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

vehicle. The rider does not stop.

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

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

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

Seats and Restraints 1-11

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts

Will I be trapped in the vehicle

Q:

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you are

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

1-12 Seats and Restraints

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety
belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants
still have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true
not only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other
collisions.

Q: If I am a good driver, and I

never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does not
protect you from things beyond
your control, such as bad drivers.

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

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety
belts and children. And there are
different rules for smaller children
and infants. If a child will be riding in
the vehicle, see Older Children on

page 1-38 or Infants and Young
Children on page 1-40. Follow those

rules for everyone’s protection.
It is very important for all occupants

to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash. And they can strike
others in the vehicle who are
wearing safety belts.

Seats and Restraints 1-13

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information
you should know.

Sit up straight and always keep your
feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be
worn low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash,

this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones and you would be less
likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would
apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give 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
snugly against your body.

1-14 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose.

It will not give nearly as much
protection this way.

{ CAUTION

Q: What is wrong with this?

You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap belt
and apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The lap belt should
be worn low and snug on the
hips, just touching the thighs.

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

Seats and Restraints 1-15

{ 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 on the pelvic bones. This
could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt
into the buckle nearest you.

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ 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 on the
abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.

A: The belt is over an armrest.

1-16 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

{ 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 are not as
strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure
internal organs like your liver or
spleen. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

Seats and Restraints 1-17

{ CAUTION

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. You might
also slide under the lap belt.
The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

{ CAUTION

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

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

1-18 Seats and Restraints

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let
it get twisted.

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

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.

3. 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
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 1-22.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

4. If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you.
See “Shoulder Belt Height
Adjustment” later in this section
for instructions on use and
important safety information.

5. To make the lap part tight,
pull up on the shoulder belt.

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should return
to its stowed position. When the
safety belt is not in use, slide the
latch plate up the safety belt
webbing.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
position.

Adjust the height so that the
shoulder portion of the belt is
centered on the shoulder. The belt
should be away from the face
and neck, but not falling off the
shoulder. Improper shoulder
belt height adjustment could reduce
the effectiveness of the safety
belt in a crash.

Seats and Restraints 1-19

To move it, squeeze the button on
the front of the height adjuster to
release the locking feature and move
the height adjuster to the desired
position.

After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it
down without squeezing the
release button to make sure it
has locked into position.

1-20 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belt Pretensioners

The vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for the front
occupants. Although the
pretensioners cannot be seen,
they are part of the safety belt
assembly. They can help tighten
the safety belts during the early
stages of a moderate to severe
frontal or near frontal crash if
the threshold conditions for
pretensioner activation are met.
And, if the vehicle has side impact
airbags, safety belt pretensioners
can help tighten the safety belts in
a side crash.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
they will need to be replaced,
and probably other new parts for
the vehicle’s safety belt system.
See Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts After a Crash on page 1-23.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides

Rear shoulder belt comfort guides
may provide added safety belt
comfort for older children who have
outgrown booster seats and for
some adults. When installed on a
shoulder belt, the comfort guide
positions the belt away from
the neck and head.

There is one guide for each
outboard passenger position in the
rear seat. Here is how to install
a comfort guide to the safety belt:

1. Pull the elastic cord out from the
side of the seatback to remove
the guide from its storage pocket.

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

Seats and Restraints 1-21

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

{ CAUTION

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. The shoulder

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section.
Make sure that the shoulder belt
crosses the shoulder.

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide.
Push the guide into the pocket on
the side of seatback.

Properly secure the guide loop
before folding the seatback.
The comfort guide and vehicle can
be damaged while closing a
door if it is not properly secured in
its storage location.

1-22 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

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

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

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

Safety Belt Extender

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

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

Safety Belt Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your
dealer/retailer to have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not
protect you in a crash. They can
rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new
one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt
Reminders on page 4-13 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Care of Safety Belts on
page 1-23.

Seats and Restraints 1-23

Care of Safety Belts

Keep belts clean and dry.

{ CAUTION

Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After

a Crash

{ CAUTION

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

After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies
that were used during any crash
may have been stressed or
damaged. See your dealer/retailer
to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at
the time of the crash.

Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in
a crash, or if the airbag readiness
light stays on after you start
the vehicle or while you are driving.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-14.

1-24 Seats and Restraints

Airbag System

Your vehicle has the following
airbags:

• A frontal airbag for the driver.

• A frontal airbag for the right front

passenger.

• A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the driver.

• A seat-mounted side impact

airbag for the right front
passenger.

• A roof-rail airbag for the driver

and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver.

• A roof-rail airbag for the right

front passenger and the
passenger seated directly behind
the right front passenger.

All of the airbags in your vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached
label near the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for
the driver and on the instrument
panel for the right front passenger.

With seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG
will appear on the side of the
seatback closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today’s airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of
an inflating bag, all airbags must
inflate very quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

{ CAUTION

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even if
you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should an
Airbag Inflate? on page 1-27.

Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

Seats and Restraints 1-25

{ CAUTION

Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or very
close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured or
killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of your seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

{ CAUTION

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

page 1-38 or Infants and Young
Children on page 1-40.

There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 4-14 for
more information.

1-26 Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.

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

Driver Side shown, Passenger

Side similar

The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.

The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.

{ CAUTION

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

Do not use seat accessories that
block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.

Seats and Restraints 1-27

When Should an Airbag
Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver’s or right
front passenger’s head and chest.
However, they are only designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe
a crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you
hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle
slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds. For example:

• If the vehicle hits a stationary

object, the airbags could inflate at
a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.

• If the vehicle hits an object that

deforms, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits an object that
does not deform.

• If the vehicle hits a narrow object

(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).

• If the vehicle goes into an object

at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.

Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.

In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.

1-28 Seats and Restraints

The vehicle has seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags.
See Airbag System on page 1-24.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended
to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes. Seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags will
inflate if the crash severity is above
the system’s designed threshold
level. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.

Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are not intended to
inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal
impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag is
intended to deploy on the side of the
vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail
airbag is intended to deploy on the
side of the vehicle that is struck.

In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should
have inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because
of what the repair costs were.

For frontal airbags, inflation is
determined by what the vehicle hits,
the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
For seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags, deployment is
determined by the location
and severity of the side impact.

What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills
the airbag causing the bag to
break out of the cover and deploy.
The inflator, the airbag, and
related hardware are all part of the
airbag module.

Frontal airbag modules are located
inside the steering wheel and
instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
there are airbag modules in the side
of the front seatbacks closest to

the door. For vehicles with roof-rail
airbags, there are airbag modules
in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the
side windows that have occupant
seating positions.

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants
can contact the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts. Frontal
airbags distribute the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant’s upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags distribute the force
of the impact more evenly over the
occupant’s upper body.

Seats and Restraints 1-29

But airbags would not help in
many types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant’s motion
is not toward those airbags.
See When Should an Airbag Inflate?
on page 1-27 for more information.

Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.

What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates?

After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they deploy. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbag modules, see What Makes an
Airbag Inflate? on page 1-28.

The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to
steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.

{ CAUTION

When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot get
out of the vehicle after an airbag
inflates, then get fresh air by
opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.

The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors,
turn the interior lamps on, and turn
the hazard warning flashers on
when the airbags inflate. You can
lock the doors, turn the interior
lamps off, and turn the hazard
warning flashers off by using the
controls for those features.

1-30 Seats and Restraints

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

• Airbags are designed to inflate

only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some
new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there to
help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the
need to replace other parts.

• The vehicle has a crash sensing

and diagnostic module which
records information after a crash.
See Vehicle Data Recording

and Privacy on page 12-16 and
Event Data Recorders on
page 12-16.

• Let only qualified technicians

work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not
work properly. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

Passenger Sensing System

The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the right front
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be
visible in the rearview mirror when
the vehicle is started.

United States

Canada

The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. When the
system check is complete, either
the word ON or OFF, or the symbol
for on or off, will be visible. See

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 4-15.

Seats and Restraints 1-31

The passenger sensing system will
turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag under certain
conditions. The driver airbags are
not affected by the passenger
sensing system.

The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the right front passenger’s seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the
right front passenger frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact
airbag should be enabled (may
inflate) or not.

According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.

We recommend that children be
secured in a rear seat, including: an
infant or a child riding in a
rear-facing child restraint; a child
riding in a forward-facing child seat;
an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.

A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat
in the front.” This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.

{ CAUTION

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the right front passenger
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
right front passenger airbag
inflates and the passenger seat is
in a forward position.

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped), no system is
fail-safe. No one can guarantee
that an airbag will not deploy under
some unusual circumstance,
even though the airbag(s) are off.

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the
airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the
right front seat, always move the
front passenger seat as far back as
it will go. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.

1-32 Seats and Restraints

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag if:

• The right front passenger seat

is unoccupied.

• The system determines that an

infant is present in a rear-facing
infant seat.

• The system determines that a

small child is present in a
child restraint.

• The system determines that a

small child is present in a
booster seat.

• A right front passenger takes

his/her weight off of the seat
for a period of time.

• The right front passenger seat is

occupied by a smaller person,
such as a child who has
outgrown child restraints.

• Or, if there is a critical problem

with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.

When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front
passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag,
the off indicator will light and stay lit
to remind you that the airbags
are off. See Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 4-15.

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on (may inflate) the
right front passenger frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact
airbag anytime the system senses
that a person of adult size is
sitting properly in the right front
passenger seat. When the
passenger sensing system has
allowed the airbags to be enabled,
the on indicator will light and
stay lit to remind you that the
airbags are active.

For some children who have
outgrown child restraints and for very
small adults, the passenger sensing
system may or may not turn off the
right front passenger frontal airbag

and seat-mounted side impact
airbag, depending upon the person’s
seating posture and body build.
Everyone in the vehicle who has
outgrown child restraints should wear
a safety belt properly — whether or
not there is an airbag for that person.

{ CAUTION

If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-14 for more information,
including important safety
information.

Seats and Restraints 1-33

If the On Indicator is Lit for a
Child Restraint

If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.

3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions
provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to

Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat) on page 1-51 or
Securing Child Restraints
(Right Front Seat) on page 1-53.

5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit,
turn the vehicle off. Then
slightly recline the vehicle
seatback and adjust the seat
cushion, if adjustable, to
make sure that the vehicle
seatback is not pushing the child
restraint into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child restraint
is not trapped under the vehicle
head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint.

6. Restart the vehicle.
If the on indicator is still lit,

secure the child in the child
restraint in a rear seat position in
the vehicle, and check with
your dealer/retailer.

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult-size is sitting in
the right front passenger seat,
but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat.

1-34 Seats and Restraints

If this happens, use the following
steps to allow the system to detect
that person and enable the right
front passenger frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact
airbag:

1. Turn the vehicle off.

2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the
on indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation

Safety belts help keep the passenger
in position on the seat during vehicle
maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system
maintain the passenger airbag
status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for additional
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.

A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion, or
aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment

to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-36 for more information

about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.

A wet seat can affect the
performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:

• The passenger sensing system

may turn off the passenger airbag
when liquid is soaked into the
seat. If this happens, the off
indicator will be lit, and the airbag
readiness light on the instrument
panel will also be lit.

• Liquid pooled on the seat that has

not soaked in may make it more
likely that the passenger sensing
system will enable (turn on) the
passenger airbag while a child
restraint or child occupant is on
the seat. If the passenger airbag
is turned on, the on indicator
will be lit.

If the passenger seat gets wet,
dry the seat immediately. If the
airbag readiness light is lit,
do not install a child restraint or
allow anyone to occupy the seat.

Seats and Restraints 1-35

See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-14 for important safety

information.
The on indicator may be lit if an

object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop or
other electronic device, is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is
not desired, remove the object from
the seat.

{ CAUTION

Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle.
Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information
about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a
service manual, see Service

Publications Ordering Information
on page 12-15.

{ CAUTION

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

1-36 Seats and Restraints

Adding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle

Q: Is there anything I might add to

or change about the vehicle
that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

A: Yes. If you add things that

change the vehicle’s frame,
bumper system, height, front end
or side sheet metal, they may
keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or
moving any parts of the front
seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module,
steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules,
ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, front sensors, or
airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.

In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position,
which includes sensors that are
part of the passenger’s seat.
The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the
original seat trim is replaced with
non-GM covers, upholstery or
trim, or with GM covers,
upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such
as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the
seat fabric, could also interfere
with the operation of the
passenger sensing system.

This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the
passenger sensing system
from properly turning off
the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing
System on page 1-30.

If you have any questions, call
Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in
Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure on
page 12-1.

Seats and Restraints 1-37

Q: Because I have a disability,

I have to get my vehicle
modified. How can I find out
whether this will affect my
airbag system?

A: If you have questions, call

Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are
in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in
this manual. See Customer

Satisfaction Procedure on
page 12-1.

In addition, your dealer/retailer
and the service manual have
information about the location of
the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module and airbag wiring.

Airbag System Check

The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4-14 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering
is damaged, opened, or broken,
the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened
or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag
module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? on page 1-28. See your
dealer/retailer for service.

Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash

{ CAUTION

A crash can damage the
airbag systems in your vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not work properly and may not
protect you and your passenger(s)
in a crash, resulting in serious
injury or even death. To help
make sure your airbag systems
are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any
necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need
to replace airbag system parts.
See your dealer/retailer for service.

If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly.
Have the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-14 for more information.

1-38 Seats and Restraints

Child Restraints

Older Children

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

The manufacturer’s instructions that
come with the booster seat, state
the weight and height limitations for
that booster. Use a booster seat
with a lap-shoulder belt until
the child passes the below fit test:

• Sit all the way back on the

seat. Do the knees bend at the
seat edge? If yes, continue.
If no, return to the booster seat.

• Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.

Does the shoulder belt rest on the
shoulder? If yes, continue. If no,
try using the rear safety belt
comfort guide. See “Rear Safety
Belt Comfort Guides” under

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 1-18

for more information. If the
shoulder belt still does not rest on
the shoulder, then return to the
booster seat.

• Does the lap belt fit low and snug

on the hips, touching the thighs?
If yes, continue. If no, return to the
booster seat.

• Can proper safety belt fit be

maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no, return
to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to

wear safety belts?

A: 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.
This applies belt force to
the child’s pelvic bones in a
crash. It should never be worn
over the abdomen, which
could cause severe or even fatal
internal injuries in a crash.

Seats and Restraints 1-39

Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt
on page 1-18.

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position.

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.

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Never allow two children to wear

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

1-40 Seats and Restraints

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Never allow a child to wear the

safety belt with the shoulder belt
behind their back. A child can be
seriously injured by not wearing
the lap-shoulder belt properly.
In a crash, the child would not be
restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. The child
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Infants and Young Children

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

{ CAUTION

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Never leave children
unattended in a vehicle and never
allow children to play with the
safety belts.

Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer
protection for adults and older
children, but not for young children
and infants. Neither the vehicle’s
safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them.
Every time infants and young
children ride in vehicles, they should
have the protection provided by
appropriate child restraints.

Seats and Restraints 1-41

Children who are not restrained
properly can strike other people, or
can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Never hold an infant or a child

while riding in a vehicle. Due to
crash forces, an infant or a child
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.
For example, in a crash at only
25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg)
infant will suddenly become a
240 lb (110 kg) force on a
person’s arms. An infant should
be secured in an appropriate
restraint.

CAUTION (Continued)

restraint in a rear seat. It is also
better to secure a forward-facing
child restraint in a rear seat. If you
must secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger
seat as far back as it will go.

{ CAUTION

Never do this.
Children who are up against, or

very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured or
killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the right front
seat. Secure a rear-facing child

(Continued)

1-42 Seats and Restraints

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.

{ CAUTION

To reduce the risk of neck and
head injury during a crash, infants
need complete support. This is
because an infant’s neck is not
fully developed and its head
weighs so much compared with
the rest of its body. In a crash,
an infant in a rear-facing child
restraint 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 should
always be secured in rear-facing
child restraints.

{ CAUTION

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 is unprotected by
any bony structure. This alone
could cause serious or fatal
injuries. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, young children should
always be secured in appropriate
child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

Seats and Restraints 1-43

(A) Rear-Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat (A) 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.

(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat

A forward-facing child seat (B)
provides restraint for the child’s
body with the harness.

(C) Booster Seats

A booster seat (C) is a child
restraint designed to improve the fit
of the vehicle’s safety belt system.
A booster seat can also help a child
to see out the window.

1-44 Seats and Restraints

Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle

{ CAUTION

A child can be seriously injured
or killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle’s safety belt or
LATCH system, following the
instructions that came with that
child restraint and the instructions
in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraint
systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by
the LATCH system. See Lower

Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH) on page 1-46 for more

information. A child can be
endangered in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured
in the vehicle.

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.

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 the vehicle — even
when no child is in it.

Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint

{ CAUTION

A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child properly
following the instructions that
came with that child restraint.

Where to Put the Restraint

According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child restraint
system or infant restraint system
secured in a rear seating position.

We recommend that children and
child restraints be secured in a rear
seat, including: an infant or a child
riding in a rear-facing child restraint;

Seats and Restraints 1-45

a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster
seat; and children, who are large
enough, using safety belts.

A label on the sun visor says, “Never
put a rear-facing child restraint in the
front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the
airbag deploys.

{ CAUTION

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the right front passenger
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
right front passenger airbag
inflates and the passenger seat is
in a forward position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.

Secure rear-facing child
restraints in a rear seat, even if
the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the right front seat, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System
on page 1-30 for additional
information.

When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is compatible
with this vehicle.

Wherever a child restraint is
installed, 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
the vehicle — even when no child
is in it.

1-46 Seats and Restraints

Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children

(LATCH)

The LATCH system holds a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
This system is designed to make
installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors
in the vehicle and attachments
on the child restraint that are made
for use with the LATCH system.

Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
child restraint is properly installed
using the anchors, or use the
vehicle’s safety belts to secure the
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint,
and also the instructions in this
manual. When installing a child
restraint with a top tether, you must
also use either the lower anchors
or the safety belts to properly secure
the child restraint. A child restraint
must never be installed using
only the top tether and anchor.

In order to use the LATCH system
in your vehicle, you need a child
restraint that has LATCH
attachments. The child restraint
manufacturer will provide you with
instructions on how to use the child
restraint and its attachments.
The following explains how to
attach a child restraint with these
attachments in your vehicle.

Not all vehicle seating positions or
child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.

Lower Anchors

Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
built into the vehicle. There are
two lower anchors for each LATCH
seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with
lower attachments (B).

Top Tether Anchor

A top tether (A, C) anchors the
top of the child restraint to the
vehicle. A top tether anchor is built
into the vehicle. The top tether
attachment (B) on the child restraint
connects to the top tether anchor
in the vehicle in order to reduce the
forward movement and rotation
of the child restraint during driving
or in a crash.

Seats and Restraints 1-47

Your child restraint may have
a single tether (A) or a dual
tether (C). Either will have a single
attachment (B) to secure the top
tether to the anchor.

Some child restraints with top
tethers are designed for use with or
without the top tether being
attached. Others require the top
tether always to be attached.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether
be attached. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions for your
child restraint.

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

Lower Anchor and Top Tether
Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating

positions with top tether anchors.

j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions

with two lower anchors.

To assist you in locating the lower
anchors, each seating position
with lower anchors has two labels,
near the crease between the
seatback and the seat cushion.

If the top tether anchors are
covered, the top tether anchor
symbol will be located on the cover
to assist you in locating them.

1-48 Seats and Restraints

The top tether anchors are located
on the seatback for each rear seating
position. Be sure to use an anchor
located on the same side of the
vehicle as the seating position where
the child restraint will be placed.

Do not secure a child restraint in a
position without a top tether anchor if
a national or local law requires that
the top tether be attached, or if the
instructions that come with the child
restraint say that the top tether must
be attached. There is no place to
attach the top tether in this position.

Accident statistics show that
children are safer if they are
restrained in the rear rather than the
front seat. See Where to Put the
Restraint on page 1-44 for additional
information.

Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH
System

{ CAUTION

If a LATCH-type child restraint is
not attached to anchors, the child
restraint will not be able to protect
the child correctly. In a crash, the
child could be seriously injured
or killed. Install a LATCH-type
child restraint properly using the
anchors, or use the vehicle’s
safety belts to secure the restraint,
following the instructions that came
with the child restraint and the
instructions in this manual.

{ CAUTION

Do not attach more than one
child restraint to a single anchor.
Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment to
come loose or even break during
a crash. A child or others could
be injured. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, attach only one child
restraint per anchor.

{ CAUTION

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to

(Continued)

Seats and Restraints 1-49

CAUTION (Continued)

tighten. Buckle any unused safety
belts behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull
the shoulder belt all the way out
of the retractor to set the lock, if
your vehicle has one, after the
child restraint has been installed.

Notice: Do not let the LATCH
attachments rub against the
vehicle’s safety belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary,
move buckled safety belts to
avoid rubbing the LATCH
attachments.

Do not fold the empty rear seat
with a safety belt buckled. This
could damage the safety belt or
the seat. Unbuckle and return the
safety belt to its stowed position,
before folding the seat.

1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower
anchors. If the child restraint
does not have lower attachments
or the desired seating position
does not have lower anchors,
secure the child restraint with the
top tether and the safety belts.
Refer to your child restraint
manufacturer instructions and the
instructions in this manual.

1.1. Find the lower anchors for

the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the

lower attachments on the
child restraint to the lower
anchors.

2. If the child restraint manufacturer
recommends that the top tether
be attached, attach and tighten
the top tether to the top tether
anchor, if equipped. Refer to the
child restraint instructions and the
following steps:

2.1. Find the top tether anchor.

2.2. If the anchor is covered,

open the cover to expose
the anchor.

1-50 Seats and Restraints

2.3. Route, attach, and tighten
the top tether according to
your child restraint
instructions and the
following instructions:

If the position you are using
has an adjustable headrest
or head restraint and you are
using a dual tether, route the
tether around the headrest or
head restraint.

If the position you are using
has an adjustable headrest
or head restraint and
you are using a single
tether, raise the headrest or
head restraint and route
the tether under the
headrest or head restraint
and in between the headrest
or head restraint posts.

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

Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash

{ CAUTION

A crash can damage the LATCH
system in the vehicle. A damaged
LATCH system may not properly
secure the child restraint, resulting
in serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure the
LATCH system is working
properly after a crash, see your
dealer/retailer to have the system
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH
system and it was being used
during a crash, new LATCH system
parts may be needed.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the LATCH
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Seats and Restraints 1-51

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)

When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with your
child restraint to make sure it
is compatible with this vehicle.

If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 1-46 for how and where to

install your child restraint using
LATCH. If a child restraint is secured
in the vehicle using a safety belt
and it uses a top tether, see Lower

Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH) on page 1-46 for top tether

anchor locations.
Do not secure a child restraint in a

position without a top tether
anchor if a national or local law
requires that the top tether be
anchored, or if the instructions that
come with the child restraint say
that the top strap must be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether
be attached.

If the child restraint does not have
the LATCH system, you will be using
the safety belt to secure the child
restraint in this position. 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.

If more than one child restraint
needs to be installed in the
rear seat, be sure to read Where to
Put the Restraint on page 1-44.

1. Put the child 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.

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

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

1-52 Seats and Restraints

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

5. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt
to tighten the lap portion of the
belt, and feed the shoulder
belt back into the retractor. When
installing a forward-facing child
restraint, it may be helpful to use
your knee to push down on
the child restraint as you tighten
the belt.

6. If your child restraint has a top
tether, follow the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions
regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 1-46 for more

information.

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

To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
let it return to the stowed position.
If the top tether is attached to a top
tether anchor, disconnect it.

Seats and Restraints 1-53

Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat)

This vehicle has airbags. A rear
seat is a safer place to secure
a forward-facing child restraint.
See Where to Put the Restraint on
page 1-44.

In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system which is
designed to turn off the right
front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
under certain conditions. See

Passenger Sensing System on
page 1-30 and Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 4-15

for more information, including
important safety information.

A label on the sun visor says,
“Never put a rear-facing child seat
in the front.” This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.

{ CAUTION

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the right front
passenger airbag inflates and the
passenger seat is in a forward
position.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.

Secure rear-facing child
restraints in a rear seat, even if
the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the
right front seat, always move the
front passenger seat as far back as
it will go. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.

See Passenger Sensing System
on page 1-30 for additional
information.

1-54 Seats and Restraints

If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 1-46 for how and where to

install the child restraint using
LATCH. If a child restraint is secured
in the seating position using a
safety belt and it uses a top tether,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH) on page 1-46

for top tether anchor locations.
Do not secure a child seat in

a position without a top tether
anchor if a national or local
law requires that the top tether be
anchored, or if the instructions
that come with the child restraint
say that the top strap must be
anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether
be attached.

You will be using the lap-shoulder
belt to secure the child restraint
in this position. Follow the
instructions that came with the
child restraint.

1. Move the seat as far back as it
will go before securing the
forward-facing child restraint.

When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the
right front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact
airbag, the off indicator on the
passenger airbag status indicator
should light and stay lit when
you start the vehicle. See

Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 4-15.

2. Put the child restraint on
the seat.

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

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

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

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

6. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt
to tighten the lap portion of the
belt and feed the shoulder
belt back into the retractor.
When installing a forward-facing
child restraint, it may be
helpful to use your knee to push
down on the child restraint as
you tighten the belt.

Seats and Restraints 1-55

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

If the airbags are off, the off
indicator in the passenger airbag
status indicator will come on
and stay on when the vehicle is
started.

If a child restraint has been
installed and the on indicator is lit,
see “If the On Indicator is Lit for
a Child Restraint” under Passenger

Sensing System on page 1-30

for more information.
To remove the child restraint,

unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
let it return to the stowed position.

1-56 Seats and Restraints

✍ NOTES

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys

Doors and Locks

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

Keys
Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System

Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System Operation

Door Locks
Power Door Locks
Rear Door Security

Liftgate

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

Locks

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

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

.........................2-5

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

...2-4

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Immobilizer
Immobilizer Operation
Content Theft-Deterrent

.........................2-8

.....2-8

.........2-8

......2-9

Windows

Windows
Power Windows
Sun Visors

...........................2-10

................2-10

........................2-11

Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror
Outside Mirror(s)
Outside Power Mirror(s)

...............2-11

....2-11

....2-12

Sunroof

Sunroof

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

2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys

{ CAUTION

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons, children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key, located in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, is
used for the ignition and all locks.

Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key.
Press the button and the key blade
to retract the key.

When a new vehicle is delivered,
a key number is included in
the vehicle documents.

Each key number tells your
dealer/retailer or a qualified
locksmith how to make extra keys.
Keep this number in a safe
place. If you lose your keys, you will
be able to have one made easily
using this number. If you need
a new key, go to your dealer/retailer
for the correct key code.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

Notice: If you ever lock your
keys in the vehicle, you may have
to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

If you are locked out of your vehicle,
contact Roadside Assistance or
OnStar. See Roadside Assistance

Program on page 12-6 or OnStar
System on page 4-38.

®

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.

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

1. This device may not cause
interference.

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

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

1. This device may not cause
interference.

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.

If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range, try this:

• Check the distance. The

transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle. Stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.

• Check the location. Other

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

• Check the transmitter’s battery.

See “Battery Replacement”
later in this section.

• If the transmitter is still not

working correctly, see your
dealer/retailer or a qualified
technician for service.

2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

c (Lock): Press to lock the doors,

liftgate and fuel tank door.
If the driver door is open, the doors

will not lock.

d (Unlock): Press to unlock the

doors, liftgate and fuel tank door.
Press and hold

the windows.

d to lower all

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer/
retailer. When the replacement
transmitter is programmed to this
vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be reprogrammed.
Any lost or stolen transmitters will no
longer work once the new transmitter
is programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to five transmitters
programmed to it.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the Remote
Control Battery check message
appears in the DIC. See “Remote
Control Battery Check” under

DIC Warnings and Messages
(Base and Uplevel Systems) on
page 4-36.

Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could
damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery:

1. Extend the key. See Keys
on page 2-2 for additional
information.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5

2. Open the RKE transmitter.

3. Remove the old battery. Do not
use a metal object.

4. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.

5. Close the RKE transmitter.

Synchronization

After changing the battery,
turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
This synchronizes the key.

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{ CAUTION

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

• Passengers, especially

children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is
locked, the handle will not
open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of
the vehicle in a crash if the
doors are not locked. So,
wear safety belts properly
and lock the doors whenever
you drive.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

• Young children who get into

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

• Outsiders can easily enter

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

To manually lock or unlock your
vehicle, use the key in the driver’s
door from the outside to unlock
it. When the driver door is opened
the entire vehicle is unlocked. There
are also window sill knobs that
unlock each door from the inside.

2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Door Locks

The power door lock switch is
located on the instrument panel.

T (Door Lock): Press to lock the

doors, liftgate, and the fuel tank
door. The button will illuminate when
locked. Press again to unlock.

If the driver’s door is not closed
properly, the power door lock switch
will not lock the doors.

When the vehicle has been
unlocked, the key is not in the
ignition, and no door is opened the
vehicle will automatically lock
itself again after one minute.

Rear Door Security Locks

Your vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.

Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge
of each door.

To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door to
normal operation, turn the slot to
the vertical position.

Liftgate

{ CAUTION

Exhaust gases may enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

• Close all of the windows.

• Fully open the air outlets on

or under the instrument
panel.

(Continued)

CAUTION (Continued)

• Adjust the Climate Control

system to a setting that
brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.

• If the vehicle is equipped with

a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 8-14.

Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the
area above and behind the liftgate
is clear before opening it.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

Press the touchpad located in the
handle of the liftgate and lift up
to open.

Use the inside pull handle to lower
and close the liftgate.

Do not press the touchpad while
closing the liftgate. This will
cause the liftgate to be unlatched.

Always close the liftgate before
driving.

2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

Theft-Deterrent Systems

Vehicle theft is big business,
especially in some cities.
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features, however, they do not
make it impossible to steal.

Immobilizer

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

1. This device may not cause
interference.

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

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

1. This device may not cause
interference.

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.

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.

The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from
the ignition.

The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned to
ON/RUN.

You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.

The service vehicle soon light,
located in the instrument panel
cluster, comes on if there is
a problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.

The key uses a transponder that
matches an immobilizer control unit
in the vehicle. Only the correct
key starts the vehicle.

When starting the vehicle, the
service vehicle soon light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned on.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9

If the engine does not start and the
service vehicle soon light flashes
there is a problem with the system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.

If the engine still does not start and
the service vehicle soon light
continues to flash, try another key.

If the engine still does not start
with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start,
the first key may be damaged.
See your dealer/retailer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made.

In an emergency, contact Roadside
Service. See Roadside Assistance
Program on page 12-6.

Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.

Content Theft-Deterrent

This vehicle has a content
theft-deterrent alarm system.

The security light is located on the
instrument panel.

Do not use this system if there are
people in the vehicle. The doors
can not be unlocked from inside the
vehicle.

Arming the System

To arm the system:

1. Close all doors, windows, hood
and sunroof.

2. Press

The security light flashes when the
vehicle is armed.

c on the Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) transmitter.

Disarming the System

To disarm the system, do one of the
following:

• Press d on the RKE transmitter.

• Turn the ignition on.

The security light stays on for
approximately one second when the
vehicle is disarming.

How the System Alarm is
Activated

To activate the system if it is armed,
open any door, the liftgate or hood.
The horn will sound and the
hazard warning flashers will flash.

How to Turn Off the System
Alarm

To turn off the system alarm, do
one of the following:

• Press the unlock button on the

RKE transmitter.

• Insert the key in the ignition and

turn it on.

The theft-deterrent system is
disarmed when the alarm is
turned off.

2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

Windows

{ CAUTION

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

Power Windows

{ CAUTION

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons, children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function and
they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
keys in a vehicle with children.

When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.

The window switches are located on
each of the doors.

To lower a window, press the switch
down. To raise a window, pull the
switch up.

Express-Down Window

This feature is on all windows.
It allows you to lower the window
all the way without holding the
switch down.

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11

Press the front of the switch to the
second position and release. If you
want to stop the window as it is
lowering, briefly pull up the switch.

Press and hold the unlock button on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lower all of the
windows from outside the vehicle.

Window Lockout

o (Window Lockout): This button

is located on the driver’s door
armrest. Slide the switch forward
to turn the lockout feature on.
The rear windows can only be
opened or closed by the driver
window switches. The light on the
button indicates the feature is in use.
Press again to turn off.

Sun Visors

Pull the visor toward you, or move it
to the side to help reduce glare.

To use the lighted mirror, lift
the cover.

Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror

Hold the mirror in the center to move
it for a clearer view of behind your
vehicle.

Headlamp Glare

To reduce headlamp glare from
vehicles following from behind, pull
the lever toward you. Push the
lever forward after the vehicle glare
is gone, to return the mirror back
to the original position.

®

Vehicles with OnStar
additional control buttons located
at the bottom of the mirror.
See your dealer/retailer for more
information on the system and
how to subscribe to OnStar
See OnStar
for more information about the
services OnStar provides.

®

System on page 4-38

have three

®

.

Cleaning the Mirror

Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with glass cleaner.

Outside Mirror(s)

To maximize the viewing area,
adjust each mirror to see the side of
your vehicle and the area beside
and behind your vehicle.

Manually fold the mirrors inward to
prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return to its original position.

2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

Outside Power Mirror(s)

hi

(Power Mirrors): Press to
select the driver side or passenger
side mirror. Press the arrows to
move the selected mirror in the
desired direction.

Outside Heated Mirrors

The vehicle may have outside
heated mirrors which help clear the
condensation, snow, and ice.

< (Rear Window Defogger):

Press to heat the mirrors. See “Rear
Window Defogger” under, Climate
Control System on page 7-1 for
more information.

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches are located in the overhead
console. To operate the sunroof,
the ignition must be turned on.

t Vent/Open: With the sunroof in

the closed position, press to vent
the sunroof. With the sunroof in the
vent position, press to open the
sunroof. The sunshade will open
automatically with the sunroof.

u Close: Press to close the

sunroof. Press and hold to close
completely.

Sunshade

r Sunshade Open: Press to

open the sunshade.

s Sunshade Close: Press to

close the sunshade. Press and hold
to close completely.

Storage 3-1

Storage

Storage

Glove Box
Cupholders
Sunglasses Storage

Compartment
Cargo Cover
Cargo Tie Downs

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

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

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

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

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

Storage

Glove Box

Pull up on the handle to open the
glovebox. There may be a shelf
inside that can be removed by lifting
up on the shelf and pulling it out.

Cupholders

There is a cupholder on the front
edge of the rear seat cushion.
To open or close, press on the
cupholder.

There is a cupholder on the rear
center console.

Sunglasses Storage Compartment

The vehicle may have a sunglasses
storage compartment located
above the driver door. Pull the lid
down to open the compartment.

3-2 Storage

Cargo Cover

Your vehicle may have a cargo
cover.

To remove the cover, unhook the
retaining straps from the liftgate and
pull the cover from the side guides.

Cargo Tie Downs

Four cargo tie-downs are located
in the rear compartment of the
vehicle. The tie-downs can be used
to secure small loads.

Instruments and Controls 4-1

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel
Overview

Instrument Panel

Overview
Hazard Warning Flashers
Horn
Tilt Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction

Lever
Cruise Control
Turn and Lane-Change

Signals
Headlamp High/

Low-Beam Changer
Flash-to-Pass
Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
Rear Window Wiper/

Washer
Accessory Power

Outlet(s)

...........................4-2

...................................4-4

...........................4-4

................................4-4

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

.............................4-8

..........4-8

......................4-8

..............4-8

.............4-9

.............................4-9

..........................4-10

...4-4

Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gages,

and Indicators
Instrument Panel Cluster
Speedometer and

Odometer
Trip Odometer(s)

Tachometer
Safety Belt Reminders
Airbag Readiness Light
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator
Charging System Light
Brake System Warning

................................4-16

Light
Antilock Brake System

(ABS) Warning Light
StabiliTrak®Indicator

................................4-17

Light
Engine Coolant

Temperature Warning

................................4-18

Light
Tire Pressure Light
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp
Oil Pressure Light
Low Oil Level Light

.................4-11

........................4-13

...............4-13

.......................4-13

..........................4-15

................4-18

...4-12

......4-13

.....4-14

......4-16

.......4-17

...........4-18

.............4-21

...........4-22

Winter Driving Mode

................................4-22

Light

Fog Lamp Light

................4-22

Exterior Lamps Off

Reminder

........................4-23

Cruise Control Light
Highbeam On Light
Door Ajar Light

...........4-23

.................4-23

Service Vehicle Soon

................................4-23

Light

Fuel Gage

........................4-24

Low Fuel Warning Light

Driver Information
Center (DIC)

Driver Information

Center (DIC)

DIC Operation and

Displays (Uplevel DIC
and Audio)

DIC Operation and

Displays (Base Level
DIC and Audio)

DIC Warnings and

Messages (Base and
Uplevel Systems)

...................4-25

.......................4-26

...............4-32

............4-36

OnStar®System

OnStar®System

................4-38

..........4-23

....4-24

4-2 Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Overview

Instruments and Controls 4-3

The main components of the
instrument panel are the:

A. Exterior Lamps Controls on

page 5-1.

B. Outlets. Outlet Adjustment on

page 7-4.

C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

on page 4-4.

D. DIC Operation and Displays

(Uplevel DIC and Audio) on
page 4-26 or DIC Operation and
Displays (Base Level DIC and
Audio) on page 4-32 and Audio
Steering Wheel Controls on
page 6-23. (If Equipped)

E. Instrument Panel Cluster on

page 4-12.

F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls

on page 6-23. (If Equipped)

G. Windshield Wipers on page 4-8.
H. Heated Seats on page 1-6.

(If Equipped)

I. StabiliTrak

®

System on

page 8-19. (If Equipped)

J. Driver Information Center (DIC)

on page 4-25. (If Equipped)

K. Hazard Warning Flashers on

page 4-4.

L. Power Door Locks on page 2-6.
M. Passenger Safety Belt

Reminder. Safety Belt
Reminders on page 4-13.

N. Front Passenger Airbag.

Airbag System on page 1-24.

O. Fog Lamps on page 5-2.

(If Equipped)

P. Instrument Panel Brightness

on page 5-3.
Q. Hood Release on page 9-5.
R. Tilt Wheel on page 4-4.
S. Horn on page 4-4.
T. Ignition Positions on page 8-2.
U. Climate Control System on

page 7-1.
V. Accessory Power Outlet(s) on

page 4-10. (Covered)
W. Audio System(s) on page 6-1.
X. Glove Box on page 3-1.

4-4 Instruments and Controls

Hazard Warning Flashers

|

: Press this button located on
the instrument panel, to make
the front and rear turn signal lamps
flash on and off. This warns
others that you are having trouble.
Press the button again to turn
the flashers off.

While the hazard warning flashers
are on, the turn signals do not work.

An indicator light on the hazard
warning flasher button comes on
whenever the ignition is turned on.

If the airbags are deployed, the
hazard warning flashers turn
on automatically. Press the button
twice to turn them off.

Horn

Press the horn symbol in the middle
of the steering wheel to sound
the horn.

Tilt Wheel

A tilt and telescope wheel lets the
steering wheel position be adjusted.

The adjustment lever is located on
the left side of the steering column.

It allows the steering column to be
moved up or down and in or out.

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever

The lever on the left side of the
steering column includes the
following:

G : Turn and Lane-Change

Signals

2 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

J : Cruise Control (If Equipped)

Flash-to-Pass Feature.
Information for these features is on

the pages following.

Instruments and Controls 4-5

Cruise Control

{ CAUTION

Cruise control can be dangerous

where you cannot drive safely at

a steady speed. So, do not use

the cruise control on winding

roads or in heavy traffic.

Cruise control can be dangerous

on slippery roads. On such roads,

fast changes in tire traction can

cause excessive wheel slip, and

you could lose control. Do not use

cruise control on slippery roads.

With cruise control, a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more can
be maintained without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h).

The cruise control buttons
are located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever on the
left side of the steering wheel.

9 (On/Off): Press and hold the

button on the back end of the cruise
control lever, to turn the cruise
control system on or off. The CC on
or CC off message will appear on
the instrument panel cluster at
the odometer display to show that
the cruise control system is on or off.

A

J (Set/Accelerate): Press to set

a speed and to accelerate the speed.
B W (Resume/Coast): Press to

resume a set speed and to decrease
the speed.

4-6 Instruments and Controls

Setting Cruise Control

For safety reasons the cruise control
cannot be turned on until the brake
has been applied once.

With automatic transmission, only
use cruise control in D (Drive).

Press the On/Off button to turn on
the cruise control. A message briefly
appears on the instrument panel
cluster at the odometer display when
the cruise control has been turned on.

CC On Message

CC Off Message

{ CAUTION

If you leave your cruise control on
when you are not using cruise,
you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even
lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to
use cruise control.

1. Press

2. Take your foot off the accelerator

The cruise control automatically
disengages under the following
conditions:

J and the current speed

is stored and maintained.

pedal. The
the instrument panel cluster turns
on after the cruise control has
been set to the desired speed.

J indicator light on

• The vehicle speed drops below

25 mph (40 km/h).

• The brake is applied.

• The clutch pedal is applied

(for manual transmission
vehicles).

• The automatic transmission is

in N (Neutral).

• The On/Off button is pressed.

Instruments and Controls 4-7

Resuming a Set Speed

Once the vehicle speed reaches
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more and

the cruise control is on, press
The vehicle returns to the previous
speed selected before the cruise
was disengaged.

The stored speed is deleted if the
ignition is turned off.

W.

Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control

Press and hold J until the

•

desired speed is reached,
then release it.

• To increase vehicle speed in

small increments, briefly
press

J repeatedly. Each time

this is done, the vehicle speed
increase by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) without using the
accelerator pedal.

When the
the current speed is stored
and maintained.

J button is released

Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control

Press and hold W until the

•

desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.

• To reduce vehicle speed in small

increments, briefly press
repeatedly. Each time this is
done, the vehicle speed
decreases by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).

When the W button is released
the current speed is stored
and maintained.

W

Passing Another Vehicle
While Using Cruise Control

Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed.
When the accelerator pedal is
released, the vehicle will return to
the previously set cruise speed.

Using Cruise Control on Hills

How well the cruise control will
work on hills depends upon
the vehicle speed, load, and the
steepness of the hills. While going
up steep hills, you might have
to step on the accelerator pedal to
maintain the vehicle’s speed.
While going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear
to keep the vehicle’s speed down.
Of course, applying the brake
turns off the cruise control.

Ending Cruise Control

There are several ways to end
cruise control:

• Step lightly on the brake or

clutch pedal.

• The automatic transmission is

placed in N (Neutral).

• Press the 9 button.

Erasing Speed Memory

The cruise control set speed memory
is erased when the cruise control or
the ignition is turned off.

4-8 Instruments and Controls

Turn and Lane-Change Signals

To signal a turn, move the lever all
the way up or down, past the
detent. The lever returns to its
starting position when released.

An arrow on the instrument panel
cluster flashes in the direction of the
turn or lane change.

To signal a lane change, raise or
lower the lever until the arrow starts
to flash, and then release the
lever. Do not move the lever past
the detent. The turn signal will
automatically flash three times and
turn off.

To cancel it before turning, move
the lever slightly in either direction.
Do not past the detent.

If the turn signal is moved up or down
and left engaged, the headlamps and
taillamps will remain on and the
battery could be drained.

Headlamp High/ Low-Beam Changer

23

(Headlamp High/Low

Beam Changer): To change the

headlamps from low to high
beam, push the multifunction lever
towards the instrument panel.
To return to low-beam headlamps,
push the lever towards the
instrument panel again or pull the
lever toward you. Then release it.

This indicator light on the instrument
panel cluster is on while the high
beam headlamps are on.

Flash-to-Pass

Pull the turn signal/multifunction
lever towards you to flash the high
beams from low beam.

Windshield Wipers

Clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If the
wiper blades are frozen to the
windshield, gently loosen or thaw
them. If the blades do become
damaged, install new blades or blade
inserts. See Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 9-21.

Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. A circuit breaker will
stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent
an overload.

Instruments and Controls 4-9

The lever on the right side of the
steering column operates the
windshield wipers. Push up or pull
down on the lever
to place it in one of the following
positions.

[ (High): For rapid wiping cycles.

— (Low): For slow, steady wiping
cycles.

-- (Intermittent/RainSense™):

See RainSense™ wipers below.

9 (Off): Turns off the wipers.

For a single wipe pull the lever
down from the off position.
The lever will return to its original
position. For more cycles, hold
the lever down before releasing it.

RainSense™ Wipers

There is a moisture sensor mounted
on the windshield next to the
inside rearview mirror. When active,
the sensor is able to detect
moisture on the windshield and
automatically control the frequency
of the wipes according to the
weather conditions.

To turn on the RainSense feature,
the wipers must be set to the
intermittent delay setting on the
windshield wiper lever.

To turn off RainSense, move the
lever downwards.

Notice: Going through an
automatic car wash with the
wipers on can damage them.
Turn the wipers off when going
through an automatic car wash.

Windshield Washer

{ CAUTION

In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.

Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray washer fluid on
the windshield. The wipers will
run for a few cycles to clear the
windshield. For more wash cycles,
pull the lever forward and hold.

Rear Window Wiper/Washer

For vehicles with the rear
wiper/washer feature, it is turned
on by moving the windshield
wiper lever.

To turn the rear wiper on or off,
push the windshield wiper lever.

4-10 Instruments and Controls

To turn on the rear washer, hold the
windshield wiper lever toward the
front of the vehicle to spray the
rear window.

The rear wiper turns on
automatically when the windshield
wiper is turned on and the shift lever
is in R (Reverse).

The rear window washer uses the
same fluid bottle as the windshield
washer. However, the rear window
washer will run out of fluid before
the windshield washer. If washer
fluid sprays onto the windshield but
not the rear window, check the
fluid level. See Windshield Washer
Fluid on page 9-20.

For information on replacing the
rear wiper blades, see Windshield

Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 9-21.

Accessory Power Outlet(s)

The 12-volt accessory power outlets
can be used to connect electrical
equipment, such as a cellular phone.

There may be a accessory power
outlet located inside the console
below the climate controls.

Notice: Leaving electrical
equipment on for extended
periods will drain the battery.
Always turn off electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum 20 ampere
rating.

Certain electrical accessories
may not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
result in blown vehicle or adapter
fuses. If there is a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for
additional information on the
accessory power outlet.

Notice: Adding any electrical
equipment to your vehicle
may damage it or keep other
components from working as
they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding electrical
equipment.

When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the installation
instructions included with the
equipment.

Notice: Improper use of the
power outlet can cause damage
not covered by the warranty.
Do not hang any type of
accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the
power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.

Instruments and Controls 4-11

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators

Warning lights and gages can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gages could
prevent injury.

Warning lights come on when there
may be or is a problem with one
of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate
they are working.

Gages can indicate when there may
be or is a problem with one of the
vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to
indicate a problem with the vehicle.

When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while
driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.

4-12 Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Cluster

The instrument cluster is designed to show at a glance how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is
going, about how much fuel has been used, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.

United States Base Automatic Transmission version shown, Canada, Manual Transmission and

Uplevel similar

Instruments and Controls 4-13

Speedometer and Odometer

The speedometer shows the
vehicle’s speed in both miles per
hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h).

The odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven, in either
miles or kilometers.

If a new odometer is installed, the
new one is set to the mileage total
of the old odometer. If it cannot,
it will be set at zero and a label
must be put on the driver’s door to
show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was
installed. If the mileage is unknown,
the label should then indicate
“previous mileage unknown.”

Trip Odometer(s)

The trip odometer, located at the
center of the instrument panel
cluster, tells how far the vehicle has
been driven since the trip odometer
was set to zero.

To reset the trip odometer, hold the
reset stem, located to the right of
the speedometer, for approximately
one second while the trip odometer
is displayed. The engine must be
turned on.

Service Display

The vehicle may have a display
above the odometer that shows when
service is needed. The number that
displays with “INSP” is the remaining
distance that can be driven until
service is required. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 9-9 and the
index of the Saturn Astra Limited
Warranty, Maintenance and Owner
Assistance Information Manual.

Tachometer

The tachometer displays the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light

There is a Driver Safety Belt
Reminder Light on the instrument
panel cluster.

When the engine is started this light
and chime come on and stay on
for several seconds to remind
drivers to fasten their safety belts.
The light also begins to flash.

This cycle repeats if the driver
remains unbuckled and the vehicle
is moving.

If the driver safety belt is already
buckled, neither the light nor chime
come on.

4-14 Instruments and Controls

Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light

For vehicles with this light, it
operates the same as the Safety
Belt Reminder Light except that it
is meant for the front passenger.

If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.

The front passenger safety belt
warning light and chime may
turn on if an object is put on the
seat such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device. To turn off the
warning light and or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the safety belt

Airbag Readiness Light

This light shows if there is an
electrical problem. The system
check includes the airbag sensor,
the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag
system, see Airbag System on
page 1-24.

This light will come on and stay on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. Then the light
should go out.

If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle has been started
or comes on when while driving,
the airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced
right away.

{ CAUTION

If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.

Instruments and Controls 4-15

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger

Sensing System on page 1-30

for important safety information.
The rearview mirror has a
passenger airbag status indicator.

United States

Canada

When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF, or the symbol
for on and off, for several seconds

as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status
indicator will light either ON or OFF,
or either the on or off symbol to
let you know the status of the right
front passenger frontal and
seat-mounted side impact airbags.

If the word ON or the on symbol
is lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag are
enabled (may inflate).

If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted
side impact airbag. See Passenger

Sensing System on page 1-30

for more on this, including important
safety information.

If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if
there are no lights at all, there
may be a problem with the lights or
the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.

{ CAUTION

If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 4-14 for more information,
including important safety
information.

4-16 Instruments and Controls

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show the light is
working. It should go out when the
engine is started.

If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there could be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. Driving while this light
is on could drain the battery.

If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.

Brake System Warning Light

United States Canada

The brake indicator light should
come on briefly as the engine
is started. If it does not come on
have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.

When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set.
The light stays on if the parking
brake does not fully release.
If it stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, there is a brake
problem. Have the brake system
inspected immediately.

{ CAUTION

The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.

If the light comes on while driving, a
chime sounds. Pull off the road
and stop. The pedal might be harder
to push or go closer to the floor.
It might also take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing
Your Vehicle on page 9-73.

Instruments and Controls 4-17

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
light will come on briefly, as a check,
when you start your vehicle.

If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced so that the light works
properly when it needs to.

If the light stays on longer than a
few seconds after you start your
engine, or comes on and stays on
while you are driving, try resetting
the system. To reset the system:

1. If you are driving, pull over when
it is safe to do so. It may take
longer to stop the vehicle.

2. Place the vehicle in P (Park).

3. Turn off the ignition.

4. Then restart the engine.

If the light remains on after resetting
the system or comes on again
while driving, your vehicle needs
service. The antilock brakes are not
working properly and there might
be a problem stopping the vehicle.
Pull off the road and stop. It may
take longer to stop the vehicle. If the
light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. See Towing Your
Vehicle on page 9-73 for more
information.

{ CAUTION

Your brake system may not be
working properly if the Antilock
Brake System (ABS) light is on.
Driving with the ABS light on can
lead to an accident. If the light is
still on after you have pulled off
the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for
service.

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light

For vehicles with this light, it should
come on briefly when the ignition is
turned on.

If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.

If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving there may be a
problem with the StabiliTrak
system and your vehicle may
need service. When this light is on,
the StabiliTrak system does not
assist in controlling the vehicle.
Adjust your driving accordingly.

See StabiliTrak
page 8-19 for more information.

When the system is active, the light
will flash while the system helps
control the vehicle. You may also
feel or hear the system working.
This is normal.

®

System on

4-18 Instruments and Controls

Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning

Light

The engine coolant temperature
light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not
come on have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.

Notice: Driving with the engine
coolant temperature warning light
on could cause the vehicle to
overheat. See Engine Overheating
on page 9-18. The vehicle’s engine
could be damaged, and it might
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never drive with the
engine coolant temperature
warning light on.

If this light comes on and stays on,
the engine has overheated. Pull
over and see Engine Overheating on
page 9-18 for more information.

Tire Pressure Light

For vehicles with this light, it comes
on briefly as a check when the
ignition is turned on.

This light comes on and stays on
when one or more of the vehicle’s
tires are significantly underinflated.

Stop and check the tires as
soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinflated, inflate to the proper
pressure. See Tires on page 9-40
for more information.

This light flashes for approximately
one minute and then stays on
when the system detects a
malfunction. See Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 9-49 for
more information.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Check Engine Light

A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It makes sure
that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner
environment.

This light should come on when
the ignition is on, but the engine
is not running, as check to show
it is working. If it does not, have
the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.

Instruments and Controls 4-19

If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, while the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.

Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem
is apparent. Heeding the light can
prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist the service
technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.

Notice: If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the
engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Notice: Modifications made
to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by
the vehicle warranty. This could
also result in a failure to
pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
See Accessories and
Modifications on page 9-3.

This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:

Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.

The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:

• Reduce vehicle speed.

• Avoid hard accelerations.

• Avoid steep uphill grades.

If the light continues to flash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the
vehicle. Find a safe place to park
the vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at
least 10 seconds, and restart the
engine. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps and
see your dealer/retailer for service
as soon as possible.

4-20 Instruments and Controls

Light On Steady: An emission

control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.

An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing the
following:

• Make sure the fuel cap is fully

installed. See Filling the Tank
on page 8-36. The diagnostic
system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap allows fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn
the light off.

• If the vehicle has been driven

through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition
is usually corrected when
the electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.

• Make sure to fuel the vehicle

with quality fuel. Poor fuel
quality causes the engine not to
run as efficiently as designed
and may cause: stalling after
start-up, stalling when the vehicle
is changed into gear, misfiring,
hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.

If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel
to turn the light off.

See Gasoline Octane on
page 8-34.

If none of the above have made
the light turn off, have your
dealer/retailer check the vehicle.

The dealer/retailer has the proper
test equipment and diagnostic
tools to fix any mechanical or
electrical problems that might have
developed.

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs

Some state/provincial and local
governments have or might begin
programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle.
Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle
registration.

Here are some things to know to
help the vehicle pass an inspection:

• The vehicle will not pass this

inspection if the check engine
light is on with the engine
running, or if the key is in the
ON/RUN and the light is not on.

Instruments and Controls 4-21

• The vehicle will not pass this

inspection if the OBD II
(on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission
control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the
system. The vehicle would
be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system
is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems
during normal driving. This can
take several days of routine
driving. If this has been done and
the vehicle still does not pass
the inspection for lack of
OBD II (system readiness,
your dealer/retailer can prepare
the vehicle for inspection.

Oil Pressure Light

{ CAUTION

Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned.
Check the oil as soon as possible
and have the vehicle serviced.

Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.

The oil pressure light should come
on briefly as the engine is started.
If it does not come on have the
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.

If the light comes on and stays on,
it means that oil is not flowing
through the engine properly.
The vehicle could be low on oil
and might have some other system
problem.

4-22 Instruments and Controls

Low Oil Level Light

This light should come on briefly
when the ignition is turned on as a
check to let you know that the
light is working.

If this light comes on and stays on
while the engine is running, it
means your engine is low on oil.
You need to check the oil level as
soon as possible. See Engine Oil on
page 9-7 for further information.

Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.

Winter Driving Mode Light

This light will come on when the
winter driving mode feature is in use.

When you turn off the winter
driving mode feature, the light will
go out. If it stays on, your vehicle
may need service. See your
dealer/retailer. See “Winter
Driving Mode” under Automatic

Transmission Operation on page 8-6

for more information.

Fog Lamp Light

The fog lamp light comes on when
the fog lamps are in use.

The light goes out when the fog
lamps are turned off. See Fog
Lamps on page 5-2 for more
information.

Instruments and Controls 4-23

Exterior Lamps Off Reminder

This light comes on whenever the
exterior lights are off.

See Exterior Lamps Controls on
page 5-1 for more information.

Cruise Control Light

This light comes on whenever you
set the cruise control.

The light goes out when the cruise
control is turned off or disengaged.
See Cruise Control on page 4-5
for more information.

Highbeam On Light

This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.

See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 4-8 for more
information.

Door Ajar Light

This light comes on when a door or
liftgate is open. Before driving,
check that all doors are properly
closed.

Service Vehicle Soon Light

This light should come one briefly
when the ignition is turned on
as a check to let you know that the
light is working.

This light will come on if a condition
exists that may require the vehicle
to be taken in for service.

If the light comes on and stays on,
see your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.

4-24 Instruments and Controls

Fuel Gage

Your fuel gage tells you about how
much fuel you have left, when
the ignition is on.

When the indicator nears empty,
the low fuel warning light will come
on. You still have a little fuel left,
but you should get more soon.
See Low Fuel Warning Light
on page 4-24 for more information.

The arrow on the fuel gage points
to the side of the vehicle with
the fuel door.

Here are five things that some
owners ask about. These are normal
and do not indicate a problem
with your fuel gage:

• At the service station, the gas

pump shuts off before the
gage reads full.

• It takes a little more or less fuel

to fill up than the gage indicated.

• The indicator moves a little when

you turn a corner or speed up.

• The gage goes back to empty

when you turn off the ignition.

• The vehicle is driven or parked

on a grade.

Low Fuel Warning Light

This light, below the fuel gage,
should come on briefly when the
ignition is turned on as a check to let
you know that the light is working.

This light also comes on when
the fuel tank is low on fuel. When
you add fuel the light should go off.
If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced.

Instruments and Controls 4-25

Driver Information Center (DIC)

Vehicles with a Driver Information
Center (DIC) can display:

• Time

• Outside temperature

• Date or audio system, if it is

turned on

• Trip computer, on vehicles with

this feature

• Warning messages

The type of information and how it
is displayed depends on the
equipment of the vehicle and the
settings of the trip computer
and audio system. See DIC

Operation and Displays (Uplevel
DIC and Audio) on page 4-26 or
DIC Operation and Displays
(Base Level DIC and Audio) on
page 4-32 and Audio System(s) on
page 6-1 for more information.

An F in the display indicates a fault.
See your dealer/retailer for service.

Outside Air Temperature

The DIC shows the temperature
outside of the vehicle in either
degrees Fahrenheit or degrees
Celsius. A fall in temperature
is displayed immediately, while a
rise in temperature is displayed after
a short delay.

On vehicles with the base level DIC,

Q displays when the outside air

temperature is cold enough to create
icy road conditions.

On vehicles with the uplevel DIC,
“Slippery road” displays.

The road surface may already be
icy even though the DIC shows
a few degrees above freezing.
Adjust your driving accordingly.

4-26 Instruments and Controls

DIC Operation and Displays (Uplevel DIC and Audio)

CDC 40

If the vehicle has the uplevel DIC,
the following information explains
how the system works.

Selecting Functions

Functions and settings of some
equipment can be accessed through
the DIC.

On some vehicles, menu options
can be selected with the
multifunction knob on the audio
system:

1. Turn the multifunction knob
until the desired menu item
is highlighted.

2. Press the multifunction knob to
select the menu item.

To exit a menu, turn the
multifunction knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to “Return”
or “Main”, then press the knob.