002 Buick Regal Owner’s Manual Litho in U.S.A.
We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, the BUICK Emblem and the name REGAL are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Buick Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual.
How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.
Vehicle Damage Warnings Vehicle Symbols Also, in this book you will find these notices: Your vehicle may be equipped with components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage or indicator. NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle.
These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle: v
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you how to adjust the seats and explains the reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Two-Way Manual Front 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 don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
Six-Way Power Seats (If Equipped) Heated Seats (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with this feature, the driver’s and passenger’s controls are located on the outboard sides of the seat cushions. D To move the seat forward or rearward, push the control forward or rearward. D To raise or lower the entire seat, push the control up or down. D To raise or lower the front of your seat, push the front of the control up or down.
Reclining Front Seatbacks Lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat to release the seatback, then move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback in place. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback and the seatback will move forward. 1-4 But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.
Head Restraints CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen.
Split Folding Rear Seat This feature allows you to have access to the trunk from inside of your vehicle. Pull forward on the seat tab, located on the front of the seat, to fold the rear seatback down. To return the seatback to its original position, push it back up and make sure it latches. 1-6 Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system.
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. 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. You never know if you’ll be in a crash.
Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.
Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop. The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ...
or the instrument panel ... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense.
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers Q: Won’t I be trapped in the vehicle after an accident if I’m wearing a safety belt? A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down. And your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Adults This part is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be riding in your vehicle, see the part of this manual called “Children.” Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. First, you’ll want to know which restraint systems your vehicle has. We’ll start with the driver position.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 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.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, squeeze the release lever and the shoulder belt guide as shown and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without squeezing the release lever to make sure it has locked into position.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. A: The belt is twisted across the body.
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag. But these air bags must inflate very quickly to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems: CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags.
CAUTION: Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not lean on the door.
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. How the Air Bag Systems Work Where are the air bags? The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information. The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-24 The driver’s side impact air bag is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an air bag, the bag might not inflate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inflating air bag must be kept clear. Don’t put anything between an occupant and an air bag, and don’t attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other air bag covering. Don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.
What makes an air bag inflate? In an impact of sufficient severity, the air bag sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a crash. For both frontal and side impact air bags, the sensing system triggers a release of gas from the inflator, which inflates the air bag. The inflator, air bag and related hardware are all part of the air bag modules inside the steering wheel, instrument panel and the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Rear Seat Passengers Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the air bag systems in several places around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing your vehicle and the air bag systems. To purchase a service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
When the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section. Make sure the release button on the buckle is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat.
2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out of the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. Center Passenger Position 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section.
Lap Belt To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.
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: (Continued) For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. A baby should be secured in an appropriate restraint. CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer outstanding protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants.
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.
CAUTION: Restraint Systems for Children The body structure of a young child is quite unlike that of an adult or older child, for whom the safety belts are designed. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that’s unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries.
A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. 1-40 A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields.
Q: A: How do child restraints work? A child restraint system is any device designed for use in a motor vehicle to restrain, seat, or position children. A built-in child restraint system is a permanent part of the motor vehicle. An add-on child restraint system is a portable one, which is purchased by the vehicle’s owner. For many years, add-on child restraints have used the adult belt system in the vehicle. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child also has to be secured within the restraint.
When choosing a child restraint, be sure the child restraint is designed to be used in a vehicle. If it is, it will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. Then follow the instructions for the restraint. You may find these instructions on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both. These restraints use the belt system in your vehicle, but the child also has to be secured within the restraint to help reduce the chance of personal injury.
Top Strap CAUTION: A child in a child restraint in the center front seat can be badly injured or killed by the right front passenger air bag if it inflates. Never secure a child restraint in the center front seat. It’s always better to secure a child restraint in the rear seat. You may secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front passenger seat, but before you do, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It’s better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.
In order to get to a bracket, you’ll have to open the trim cover. Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) If you child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see “Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH)” in the Index. Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You’ll find anchors (A) in all three rear seating positions. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a dot on the seatback.
A. Vehicle anchor A. Vehicle anchor B. LATCH system attachment points B. LATCH system attachment points C. Top strap With this system, use the LATCH system instead of the vehicle’s safety belts to secure a child restraint.
CAUTION: If a LATCH-type child restraint isn’t attached to its anchorage points, the restraint won’t be able to protect a child sitting there. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Make sure that a LATCH-type child restraint is properly installed using the anchorage points, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint. See “Child Restraints” in the Index for information on how to secure a child restraint in your vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belts.
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see “Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH)” in the Index. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Put the restraint on the seat. 2.
4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 5. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position If your child restraint is equipped with the LATCH system, see “Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH)” in the Index. You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say.
1. Make the belt as long as possible by tilting the latch plate and pulling it along the belt. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3. Run the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to. 5. To tighten the belt, pull its free end while you push down on the child restraint.
To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt. It will be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger. Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s air bag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating air bag. Always secure a rear-facing child restraint in the rear seat.
You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. 1. Because your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag, always move the seat as far back as it will go before securing a forward-facing child restraint. See “Seats” in the Index. 2. Put the restraint on the seat. 3.
5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 6. To tighten the belt, feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor while you push down on the child restraint. You may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, just unbuckle the vehicle’s safety belt and let it go back all the way.
Older Children Q: A: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? If possible, an older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.
CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs.
Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit.
Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
Windows CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Power Windows Express-Down Window The driver’s window switch has an express-down feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of the switch and the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the rear of the switch is pressed all the way down, the window will go all the way down. To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the front of the switch. The driver’s window controls also include a lock-out switch.
Keys CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or others could be badly injured or even killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or even make the vehicle move. Don’t leave the keys in a vehicle with children.
The ignition key is for the ignition only. The ignition and door keys don’t have plugs. Your dealer or Buick Roadside Assistance has the code for your keys. If you need a new ignition or door key, contact your dealer who can obtain the correct key code. Also, see “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information. NOTICE: The door key is for the doors and all other locks. Your vehicle has a number of features that can help prevent theft.
Door Locks CAUTION: Unlocked doors can be dangerous. D Passengers -- especially children -- can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle won’t open it. You increase the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if the doors aren’t locked. So, wear safety belts properly and lock the doors whenever you drive. D Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out.
Programmable Modes Power Door Locks Your vehicle is equipped with front power door lock switches. Press a power door lock switch to lock or unlock all doors. Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: No automatic door lock or unlock. Mode 2: D Automatic all-door lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P); no automatic door unlock.
Mode 4: D Automatic all-door lock when the transaxle is shifted out of PARK (P). D Automatic driver’s door only unlock when the transaxle is shifted into PARK (P). D Automatic door relock when any door is unlocked, opened and then all doors are closed again while the vehicle is not in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal. Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 3.
Rear-Door Child Security Locks Your vehicle is equipped with rear-door child security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors of your vehicle from the inside. To use one of these locks: 1. Open one of the rear doors. 2. On the inside of the rear door will be a lock. Insert your key into this lock and turn it upward. This will engage the safety lock. To disengage the feature, turn the lock downward. 3. Close the door. 4. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.
Remote Keyless Entry With this feature, you can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your trunk from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle. Your remote keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Panic Alarm Operation Press UNLOCK once to unlock the driver’s door and to turn on the interior lamps (see “Illumination on Remote Activation” in the Index for more details). This feature allows you to activate an alarm by pressing a button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Your ignition must be off for the panic alarm to work.
Programmable Modes Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: No Verification Mode 2: Horn Chirp only Mode 3: Headlamp Flash only Mode 4: Horn Chirp and Headlamp Flash Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory.
Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 3. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine which security feedback unlock mode your vehicle is programmed to or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following: 1. Close all doors and turn the ignition key to RUN. 2. Press and hold the power door lock switch in the unlock position.
You have three actions possible once delayed locking is activated: D Cancel the delayed locking by pressing the unlock switch or by fully inserting the key in the ignition. D Override the delayed locking feature and lock the doors immediately by pressing the lock switch a second time. The enabled/disabled state of the delayed locking feature will be toggled when you perform the following sequence: 1. Close the doors. 2. Move the ignition key to the RUN position. 3. Apply your regular brakes.
Illumination on Remote Activation Battery Replacement This feature provides interior lighting when a remote keyless entry door unlock command is received and executed by your vehicle. Your ignition must be off for the illumination on remote activation feature to work. The interior lamps will light until either the ignition is turned to RUN or for a period of 40 seconds has elapsed. If a door is opened during this period, the timed lighting will be canceled, and the interior lamps will remain on.
To replace the battery do the following: 1. Insert a flat object like a thin coin into the slot on the back of the transmitter. Gently pry apart the front and back. 2. Remove the old battery and replace it with the new one. (Use type CR2032 or an equivalent.) Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing down. Do not use a metal object to remove the old battery. 3. Snap the top and bottom together, making sure the halves are together tightly so water won’t get in. 4.
Trunk CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid: D Make sure all other windows are shut. D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT.
Trunk Assist Handle (If Equipped) Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid. Then close the trunk with your other hand. If the trunk is not properly closed, the DOOR/TRUNK light will appear in the message center of your instrument panel cluster. See “DOOR/TRUNK Light” in the Index for more information. NOTICE: The trunk assist handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk assist handle could damage it.
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped) NOTICE: The trunk release handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk release handle could damage it. There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to open the trunk from the inside.
Trunk Release Sensor TrapAlert (If Equipped) t System The sensor is designed to open the trunk automatically. If the sensor detects motion and a difference in temperature in the trunk, the sensor will sound the horn if the ignition is in OFF. There will be three short chirps and a pause repeated for up to two minutes. After one minute, the trunk latch will release. If the ignition is not in OFF, the trunk latch will not release automatically and the horn will not sound.
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor Because the sensor detects motion, there are times when you may want to turn off the trunk sensor so that the motion of your vehicle or items in the trunk won’t cause the trunk to open, such as the following: D When your vehicle is transported on a car ferry, D when your vehicle is towed, or D when you will be loading items through the opening in the split folding rear seat (if equipped). A. Sensor Lens B.
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor Parking at Night The sensor lens should be inspected periodically. If the lens is dirty, wipe it gently with a clean, soft cotton cloth. Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight. Put them in a storage area, or take them with you. If there is an electrical problem with the sensor, the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON light will appear in the instrument panel cluster.
PASS-KeyR II Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key II (Personalized Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key II is a passive theft-deterrent system. It works when you insert or remove the key from the ignition. PASS-Key II uses a resistor pellet in the ignition key that matches a decoder in your vehicle. When the PASS-Key II system senses that someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems.
New Vehicle “Break-In” NOTICE: Your vehicle doesn’t need an elaborate “break-in.” But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: D Don’t drive at any one speed -- fast or slow -- for the first 500 miles (805 km). Don’t make full-throttle starts. D Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time your new brake linings aren’t yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement.
B (LOCK): This is the only position in which you can insert or remove the key. This position locks the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. D (RUN): This position is where the key returns to after you start your vehicle. With the engine off, you can use RUN to display some of your warning and indicator lights. E (START): This position starts your engine.
Starting Your Engine Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won’t start in any other position -- that’s a safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. NOTICE: NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle.
3. If your engine still won’t start (or starts but then stops), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds to clear the extra gasoline from the engine. After waiting about 15 seconds, repeat the normal starting procedure.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is attached to the underside of the vehicle’s diagonal brace, which is located above the engine air cleaner/filter assembly. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured.
CAUTION: The above graphic is also displayed on your instrument panel cluster. Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle vehicles when you’re in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from improper operation. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the shift lever button. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P).
B AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ). D Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ): D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the D When driving on hilly, winding roads.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle. If you are towing a trailer and parking on any hill, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. That section shows what to do first to keep the trailer from moving.
Shifting Into PARK (P) CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index. 1.
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running CAUTION: It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.
Shifting Out of PARK (P) Shift Lock Release Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shiftlock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See “Automatic Transaxle Operation” in the Index. Your vehicle is equipped with an electric park lock system. The system is designed to prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in PARK (P) (with the shift lever button fully released).
You will not be able to remove your key from the ignition unless the shift lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully released. Parking Over Things That Burn The second override access slot is located on the upper right side of the shift panel. To use this slot, do the following: 1. Remove the override access slot cap. 2. Insert a key or tool into the access slot, press in and hold the override mechanism release button. 3. Move the shift lever into the desired gear position. 4.
Engine Exhaust CAUTION: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death. You might have exhaust coming in if: D Your exhaust system sounds strange or different. D Your vehicle gets rusty underneath. D Your vehicle was damaged in a collision. D Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris. D Repairs weren’t done correctly.
CAUTION: It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you’ve left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Turn and Lane-Change Signals The turn signal has the following positions: two upward (for right) and two downward (for left). These positions allow you to signal a turn or a lane change. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically. An arrow on the instrument panel cluster will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.
If the arrow flashes faster than normal as you signal a turn or a lane change, a signal bulb may be burned out and other drivers won’t see your turn signal. If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an accident. If the arrows don’t go on at all when you signal a turn, check for burned-out bulbs and then check the fuse (see “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index). A chime will sound if you leave your turn signal on for more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km).
Windshield Wipers To operate the windshield wipers turn the band located on the multifunction lever upward or downward. WIPER: Turn this band to control the windshield wipers. OFF: Turn the band to OFF to turn off the windshield wipers. LO (Low Speed): Turn the band away from you to LO and past the delay settings for steady wiping at low speed. HI (High Speed): Turn the band away from you, to HI, and past the delay settings for wiping steady at high speed.
Windshield Washer Cruise Control At the top of the multifunction lever, there is a paddle with the word PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle. The wipers will run for several sweeps and then either stop or return to your preset speed. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index. With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. See “Traction Control System” in the Index. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise control back on. Setting Cruise Control CAUTION: If you leave your cruise control switch on when you’re not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into cruise when you don’t want to. You could be startled and even lose control.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control Using Cruise Control on Hills There are two ways to reduce your speed while using cruise control: How well your cruise control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed. When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course, applying the brake takes you out of cruise control.
Exterior Lamps This control, located to the left of the cluster on the instrument panel, operates the exterior lamps. Headlamps: Pulling the control out all the way, to the second position, turns on the headlamps together with the previously listed lamps and lights. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door when you turn the ignition switch to OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY with the lamps on.
When the DRL are on, only your front turn signal lamps will be on. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be on. Your instrument panel won’t be lit up either. When it’s dark enough outside, your front turn signal lamps will turn off and your vehicle’s headlamps and parking lamps will turn on. The other lamps that come on with your headlamps will also come on. When it’s bright enough outside, your headlamps will go off and your front turn signal lamps will come on.
You can turn the feature on and off when you perform the following sequence: Fog Lamps To turn the fog lamps on, press the fog lamps button located below the exterior lamps control on the left side of the steering column. 1. Turn the ignition key to RUN. 2. Close all the doors. 3. Press and hold the power door lock switch. While holding the door lock switch, cycle the exterior lamps control on and then off two times. 4. Release the power door lock switch.
Interior Lamps Illuminated Entry Instrument Panel Brightness Control Your courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for a set time whenever you press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter. This feature control the brightness of the instrument panel lights. You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights by adjusting the exterior lamps control located to the right of the exterior lamps control.
Delayed Entry Lighting Delayed Exit Lighting Delayed entry lighting lights your vehicle’s interior for a period of time after all the doors have been closed. This feature illuminates the interior for a period of time after the ignition key is removed from the ignition. The ignition must be off for delayed entry lighting to work.
You may enable or disable the perimeter lighting feature when the driver performs the following sequence with the engine not running and the doors closed: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN. Rearview Mirror Reading Lamps The reading lamps are located on the underside of the rearview mirror. 2. Close all the doors. Use the button next to each lamp to turn them on and off. 3. Apply your brakes. Dome Lamp (If Equipped) 4. Press and hold the power door lock switch.
Mirrors Adjust all the mirrors so you can see clearly when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position. Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror To reduce glare from lamps behind you, pull the lever at the bottom of the mirror toward you (to the night position). To return the mirror to the day position, push the lever away from you. Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with OnStarR and Map Lamps (If Equipped) This mirror has a lever located at the bottom of the mirror between the two map lamps.
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped) One photocell on the front of the mirror senses when it is becoming dark outside. Another photocell, facing rearward, senses headlamps behind you. To turn the electrochromic feature off, press the button in the center of the mirror again. To keep the photocells operating well, occasionally clean them with a cotton swab and glass cleaner.
There are two map lamps located on the bottom of the mirror. Each lamp is turned on and off by pressing the button next to the lamp. There are also three OnStar buttons located at the bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer for more information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar. See “OnStarR System” in the Index for more information about the services OnStar provides. Power Outside Foldaway Rearview Mirrors The power mirror controls are located on the driver’s door armrest.
Convex Outside Mirror Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. CAUTION: A convex mirror can make things (like other vehicles) look farther away than they really are. If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Storage Compartments Glove Box Use the door key to lock and unlock the glove box. To open, lift the latch. Center Console To access the cupholders, pull on the top of the cupholder door, located just behind the console shift lever. Two cupholders will pop into an upright position. Rear Storage Armrest The console has cupholders, a cassette tape storage area and a coinholder. To access the rear storage armrest, pull down on the cloth strap located toward the top of the center back seat cushion.
Convenience Net (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it on the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and stops. The net isn’t for larger, heavier loads. Store those in the trunk as far forward as you can. You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when you’re not using it.
Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also move them from side to side. The visors also have extenders that you can pull out for added coverage. Visor Vanity Mirrors Open the cover on the visor to expose the vanity mirror. Lighted Vanity Mirrors If your vehicle has the optional lighted vanity mirrors, the lamps come on when you open the cover.
NOTICE: When using accessory power outlets: D Loading of any electrical equipment should not exceed the maximum fuse rating. D Be sure to turn off any electrical equipment when not in use. Leaving electrical equipment on for extended periods can drain the battery. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop) Your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary power connection.
NOTICE: Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle can damage it or keep other things from working as they should. This wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Check with your dealer before adding electrical equipment, and never use anything that exceeds the fuse rating. OnStarR System (If Equipped) OnStar is a vehicle communications system that offers a variety of services and provides a one-touch hands-free communication link between you and the OnStar Center.
(Emergency Button): In an emergency situation, press the emergency service button. Upon receiving the call, an advisor at the center will locate your vehicle and assess the situation. If necessary, the advisor will alert the nearest emergency service provider. (Communication Button): Press this button at the end of a call. Also press this button to answer a call from the center, or cancel a call if one of the other buttons is accidentally pressed.
OnStar Services The following services are available within OnStar service plans. Your vehicle comes with a specific one-year service plan that allows use of some or all for the following services. D Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment: If an air bag deploys, a priority emergency signal is automatically sent to the center. An advisor will locate your vehicle’s position, try to contact you and assist you in the situation.
D Vehicle Locator Service: To contact the center, call 1-888-4-ONSTAR. You will be required to provide your security information. An advisor will send a command to your vehicle to sound the horn and/or flash the lamps. D Route Support: An advisor can provide directions or guidance to anywhere you want to go. In addition, they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas, ATMs, hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more.
Sunroof (Option) Your vehicle may be equipped with an express-open sunroof. It includes a sliding glass panel and a one-piece sunshade. The switch is located overhead on the headliner. VENT: To open the sunroof to the vent position only, push and hold the front of the switch. You will need to open the sunshade by hand. To close the sunroof from the vent position, push and hold the rear (indented part) of the switch. Open/Express Open: To open the sunroof, push the rear (indented part) of the switch once.
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System The main components of the instrument panel are the following: A. Exterior Lamps Control E. Air Vents B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever F. Side Window Defogger Vent C. Instrument Panel Cluster G. Hood Release D. Audio Steering Wheel Controls H. Tilt Wheel Lever (If Equipped) I. Horn J. Audio System K. Ashtray L. Climate Control M. Glove Box N.
Instrument Panel Cluster The instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast you’re going, about how much fuel is in your tank and many other things you need to drive safely and economically.
Speedometer and Odometer The speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). The odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven in either miles (used in the United States) or in kilometers (used in Canada). If the button is pressed and held for longer than 1.5 seconds while in the trip odometer mode, it will be reset to zero. If the button is pressed and held for longer than 1.5 seconds while in the odometer mode, it will have no effect.
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. 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 your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights come on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index. This light will come on when you start your vehicle, and it will flash for a few seconds.
Charging System Light The charging system light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition, as a check to show you it’s working. Then it should go out. Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light CAUTION: United States Your brake system may not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on.
Traction Control System Warning Light The traction control system warning light may come on for the following reasons: D If you turn the system off by pressing the traction control button located on the black panel directly behind your automatic transaxle shift lever, the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, press the button again. The warning light should go off. See “Traction Control System” in the Index for more information.
The low traction light also comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be there to tell you when the traction control system is active. Engine Coolant Temperature Light This light tells you that your engine coolant has overheated or your radiator cooling fan is not working. The light will come on briefly when your ignition is turned on to show you that it is working.
Low Coolant Warning Light If the LOW COOLANT light comes on, your system is low on coolant and the engine may overheat. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can. The light will come on briefly when your ignition is turned on to show you that it is working properly. Low Tire Light The low tire inflation monitor system can alert you to a large change in the pressure in one tire.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light) Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This system is called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light comes on and a chime will sound to indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired. This light will also come on during a malfunction in one of two ways: D Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and may damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.
Are you low on fuel? Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. It will take a few driving trips to turn the light off.
Oil Pressure Light If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that oil is not going through your engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could be low on oil or could have some other oil problem. Have it fixed right away. The oil light could also come on in the following situations: D The light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition to show you that it is working properly.
Low Oil Level Light Change Oil Soon Light Your engine is equipped with an oil level monitoring system. When the ignition key is turned on, the LOW OIL light will come on briefly. The CHANGE OIL SOON light should come on briefly as a bulb check when you start the engine. If the light doesn’t come on, have it serviced. If the light does not come on briefly, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.
Security Light Service Vehicle Soon Light The SECURITY light will come on when you turn the key to START and stay on until the vehicle starts. It will also flash if your ignition key is too dirty or wet for the PASS-KeyRII system to read the resistor pellet. See “PASS-Key II” in the Index. The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON light will come on if you have certain non-emission related vehicle problems. If the resistor pellet is damaged or missing, the light will come on.
Door/Trunk Ajar Warning Light The DOOR/TRUNK light will come on if your trunk or any door is not completely closed. Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears empty, you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. All these things are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage: D At the gas station, the pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
Low Fuel Light Driver Information Center (Option) The Driver Information Center (DIC), located below the tachometer on the instrument panel cluster, gives you important safety and maintenance facts. When you turn the ignition on, the entire center lights up for just a few seconds. United States Canada If your fuel is low, a circular light on your instrument panel cluster will come on and stay on and a chime will sound periodically until you add fuel.
Control Buttons 3800 V6 Supercharged Engine The Driver Information Center has three buttons that control its functions. The English/Metric (E/M), RESET and MODE buttons for the Driver Information Center are located to the left of the steering wheel, just below the instrument panel cluster. E/M (English/Metric): Press this button to change the display from English to metric units or metric to English. RESET: Press this button for one second to reset the mode displayed.
Modes AVG ECON (Average Economy): Shows your average fuel economy since you last reset this mode. Average fuel economy is viewed as a long term approximation of your overall driving and driving conditions. To learn the average fuel economy from a new starting point, press the RESET button while the average fuel economy is displayed in the DIC. INSTANTANEOUS FUEL ECONOMY: Shows your current fuel economy.
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems In this section, you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control and audio systems offered with your vehicle. Be sure to read about the particular systems supplied with your vehicle.
Comfort Controls Dual ComforTemp t Climate Control With this system, the driver and passenger can maintain separate temperatures in their seating areas. The system works best if you keep your windows closed while using it. FAN: Turn the knob clockwise toward HI to increase fan speed and counterclockwise toward LO to decrease fan speed. The fan must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor to operate.
Mode Knob The right knob has several settings to control the direction of airflow. To access the various modes available, turn the mode knob to the desired mode. MAX (Maximum Air Conditioning): This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle and sends it through the instrument panel outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the outside temperature is below 40_F (4_C). (Even when the compressor is running, you can control the temperature.
Dual Automatic ComforTemp Control (If Equipped) t Climate With this system, you set a temperature. You can then either let the system automatically control airflow direction and force to maintain the temperature, or you can manually adjust it. The system works best if you keep your windows closed while using it. AIR FLOW: This control has several settings to control the direction of airflow when the system is not in AUTO.
FAN: Press the up arrow to increase fan speed and the down arrow to decrease fan speed. The fan must be turned on for the air conditioning compressor to operate. TEMP (Temperature): The TEMP switch sets the temperature for the entire cabin when the light on the DUAL light button isn’t lit. When the DUAL button light is lit, the TEMP switch sets the temperature for the driver’s side only. Press the up arrow to raise the temperature and press the down arrow to lower the temperature.
PASSENGER CONTROL: The PASSENGER CONTROL with the arrows adjust the temperature on the passenger’s side so it is warmer or cooler than the temperature for the driver’s side. Push the DUAL button so that the indicator light is lit. Press the right arrow button to raise the temperature. Press the left arrow button to lower the temperature. The display will not show the passenger’s temperature, only that of the driver.
Heating (Engine Coolant Heater) Defogging and Defrosting If your vehicle has an engine coolant heater, you can use it to help your system provide warm air faster when it’s cold outside -- 0_F (-18_C) or lower. An engine coolant heater warms the coolant your engine and heating system use to provide heat. See “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index. If you have the Dual Comfortemp Climate Control, your system has two settings for clearing the front and side windows.
Rear Window Defogger NOTICE: Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license or decal across the defogger grid. NOTICE: t Dual ComforTemp Climate Control Dual Automatic ComforTemp Climate Control t The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. Press the button to turn the rear defogger on. It will turn off after about 15 minutes. If you turn it on again, the rear defogger will only run for about seven and a half minutes before turning off.
Ventilation Tips Ventilation System Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the vent levers. D Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction, such as leaves. The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. D When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the mode knob or button to FLOOR and the fan to the highest speed for a few seconds before driving off.
Audio Systems Your audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your audio system can do and how to operate all of its controls to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it. AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control Setting the Clock Press and hold HRS until the correct hour appears.
Playing the Radio ON/OFF: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. VOLUME: Turn the knob clockwise to increase volume. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the volume. RECALL: Press this button to display the station being played or to display the clock. To change what is normally shown on the display (station or time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold the button until the display flashes.
Setting Preset Stations Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) The six numbered pushbuttons let you return to your favorite stations. You can set up to 18 stations (six AM, six FM1 and six FM2) by performing the following steps: BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease bass. 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM-FM to select the band. 3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press TONE to select the setting you prefer. 5. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. FADE: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound to the front or rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. Push these knobs back into their stored positions when you’re not using them.
5 SIDE: Press this pushbutton to change the side of the tape that is playing. D 6 (Dolby): Press this pushbutton to reduce background noise. The double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. AM-FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a cassette tape is playing.
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped) Playing the Radio ON/OFF: Push this knob to turn the system on and off. VOLUME: Turn this knob clockwise to increase volume. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease volume. RECALL: Press this button to display the station being played or to display the clock.
SEEK : Press the up or down arrow to go to the next or previous station and stay there. The radio will seek to stations with a strong signal only. The sound will mute while seeking. To scan, press one of the SEEK arrows for two seconds and SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press one of the SEEK arrows again to stop scanning. The radio will scan to stations with a strong signal only. The sound will mute while scanning.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) BASS: Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease bass. BAL (Balance): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to move the sound to the left or right speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. TREB (Treble): Press this knob lightly so it extends. Turn the knob to increase or decrease treble. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble.
If you want to insert a tape when the ignition or radio is off, first press EJECT or RECALL. Your tape bias is set automatically. If an error appears on the display, see “Cassette Tape Messages” later in this section. 1 PREV (Previous): Press this pushbutton to search for the previous selection on the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for previous to work. The sound will mute while seeking.
Cassette Tape Messages Playing a Compact Disc E (Error): If this message and a number appears while trying to play a cassette tape, it could be for one of the following reasons: Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. The disc should begin playing. If you want to insert a CD while the ignition or the radio is off, first press EJECT or RECALL. D E10: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape.
3 AA (Reverse): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly reverse within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced level. Release it to play the passage. 4 "" (Forward): Press and hold this pushbutton to quickly advance within a track. You will hear sound at a reduced level. Release it to play the passage. 6 RAND (Random): Press this pushbutton to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. Press it again to turn off random play. RECALL: Press this button to see which track is playing.
Theft-Deterrent Feature THEFTLOCKR is designed to discourage theft of your radio. It works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever battery power is removed. If THEFTLOCK is active, the THEFTLOCK indicator will flash when the ignition is off. The THEFTLOCK feature for the radio may be used or ignored. If ignored, the system plays normally and the radio is not protected by the feature. If THEFTLOCK is activated, your radio will not operate if stolen.
Unlocking the Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps: 1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display. 2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display. 3. Press MIN again to make the last two digits agree with your code. 4. Press HRS to make the first one or two digits agree with your code. 5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches the secret code you have written down.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel. SCAN: Press this button and SCAN will appear on the display. The radio will scan to the first preset station on your pushbuttons, play for a few seconds, then go to the next preset station. The radio will scan preset stations with a strong signal only. Press SCAN again to stop scanning. AM FM: Press this button to choose AM, FM1 or FM2.
Understanding Radio Reception AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise if you ever get it. FM Stereo FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or may cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every 50 hours of use.
Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Diversity Antenna System (If Equipped) Your AM-FM antennas are located in the front NOTICE: windshield and rear window. Be sure that the inside surfaces of the front windshield and rear window are not scratched and that the lines on the glass are not damaged. If the inside surfaces are damaged, they could interfere with radio reception. Also, for proper radio reception, the antenna connectors at the top-center of the front and rear windows need to be properly attached to the posts on the glass.
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving.
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving.
Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: D D D D Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving.
Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in an increasing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, sets the legal limit at 0.08 percent. In some other countries, the limit is even lower. For example, it is 0.05 percent in both France and Germany. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know.
Control of a Vehicle Braking You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. Let’s say the road is wet and you’re driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here’s what happens with ABS: A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Using Anti-Lock Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let anti-lock work for you.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control” in the Index. This light should come on briefly when you start the engine. If it stays on or comes on while you are driving, there’s a problem with your traction control system. See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in the Index.
Traction Control System (3800 V6 Engine) Your vehicle is equipped with a Traction Control System that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces engine power and may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin. This light will come on when your Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin.
To turn the system on or off, press the TRACTION button on the panel located directly behind your automatic transaxle shift lever. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering When you turn the system off, the Traction Control System warning light will come on and stay on.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control.
Off-Road Recovery You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object.
Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds.
D Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is.) D Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. Driving at Night If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road.
Here are some tips on night driving. D Drive defensively. D Don’t drink and drive. D Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. D Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. D Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. D In remote areas, watch for animals. D If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road, you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement. The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see.
CAUTION: Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won’t work as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until your brakes work normally. Hydroplaning Driving too fast through large water puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can come in through your engine’s air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
City Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving: D Know the best way to get to where you are going. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross-country trip. D Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy.
Freeway Driving At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. Here are some things you can check before a trip: The exit speed is usually posted. D Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested.
Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy.
Hill and Mountain Roads If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. D Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard on mountain roads. D Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down.
CAUTION: Winter Driving Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down. They could get so hot that they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Always have your engine running and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill. D Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear.
Driving on Snow or Ice Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You’ll have a lot less traction or “grip” and will need to be very careful. Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles.
What’s the worst time for this? “Wet ice.” Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about freezing (32_F; 0_C) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there. Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road.
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard D Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. D Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation.
CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind.
Here are some important things to consider before you do recreational vehicle towing: D What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. D How far will you tow? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. D Do you have the proper towing equipment? See your dealer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Dolly Towing Loading Your Vehicle To dolly tow your vehicle do the following: 1. Put the front or rear wheels on a dolly. 2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P). 3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key from the ignition. 4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing. 5. Release the parking brake. Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label is inside the trunk lid.
CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. The other label is the Certification label, found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. D Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a trunk, put them as far forward as you can. Try to spread the weight evenly. D Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats. D Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. D When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That’s the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer.
Three important considerations have to do with weight: D the weight of the trailer, D the weight of the trailer tongue D and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label (found inside the trunk lid) or see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. Hitches It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Safety Chains Driving with a Trailer You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane. Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer Parking on Hills When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: D start your engine, D shift into a gear, and D release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks. Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this.
Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
Hazard Warning Flashers The hazard warning flasher button is located on the top of the steering column. Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in. Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to turn the flashers off. Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem. Your front and rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.
Jump Starting If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below to do it safely. CAUTION: Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: D They contain acid that can burn you. D They contain gas that can explode or ignite. D They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems. To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in the jump start procedure.
CAUTION: An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. CAUTION: Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t need to add water to the ACDelcoR battery installed in every new GM vehicle.
CAUTION: Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running. 6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know.
8. Now connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (-) cable doesn’t go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal part, or to the remote negative (-) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery. 9.
NOTICE: Damage to your vehicle may result from electrical shorting if jumper cables are removed incorrectly. To prevent electrical shorting, take care that the cables don’t touch each other or any other metal. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Jumper Cable Removal A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (-) Terminal B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (-) Terminals C.
To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle. 5. Return the remote positive (+) terminal cover to its original position.
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat protection mode which alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a significant loss in power and engine performance. The low coolant light may come on and the temperature gage will indicate an overheat condition exists.
CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine An overheat warning, along with a low coolant light, can indicate a serious problem. See “Low Coolant Light” in the Index. If you get an engine overheat warning with no low coolant light, but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: D D D D Climb a long hill on a hot day. Stop after high-speed driving. Idle for long periods in traffic.
Cooling System When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see: CAUTION: An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should be running.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank NOTICE: If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information. In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture.
CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the COLD mark, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator NOTICE: Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap). 1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system, including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop.
CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. 3. Remove the 3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield to access the bleed valve. 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
4. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valve. There is one bleed valve. It is located on the thermostat housing. A. Clean the area around the engine oil fill tube and cap before removing. Twist the oil fill tube, with cap attached, counterclockwise and remove it. B. If you have the supercharged engine, remove the nut in the center of the cover shield. C. Lift the engine cover shield at the front, slide the catch tab out of the engine bracket and remove the cover shield. D.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close the valve after the radiator is filled. 6. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine and the compartment. 7. Replace the 3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield. A. Remove the oil fill tube, with cap attached, from the valve cover. B. Insert the catch tab on the cover shield under the bracket on the engine. C. Place the hole in the cover shield over the hole in the valve cover.
10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. 12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap.
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. 1. Turn the center nut on the compact spare tire cover counterclockwise to remove it. Then lift and remove the cover. (See“Compact Spare Tire” in the Index for more information about the compact spare tire.) The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.
2. Remove the compact spare tire. 5-24 3. Turn the nut holding the jack counterclockwise and remove it. Then remove the jack and wrench.
Removing the Wheel Center Caps To remove a center cap, use the wrench to pry gently at the notch. Don’t use a tool that is narrower than the wrench to pry at this notch. Then pry off the cap. The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A), extension and protection guide (B) and wheel wrench (C).
Removing the Wheel Covers (If Equipped) If your vehicle is equipped with wheel covers, be sure to use a wheel wrench to begin the process of loosening the plastic wheel nut caps. Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire Once you have loosened the plastic nut caps with the wheel wrench, if needed, you can finish loosening them with your fingers. Then, using the flat end of the wheel wrench, pry along the edge of the wheel cover until it comes off. Be careful; the edge may be sharp.
3. For jacking at the vehicle’s front location, put the jack lift head (C) about 6 inches (15 cm) from the rear edge of the front wheel opening (B) or just behind the two bolts (A) as shown. For jacking at the vehicle’s rear location, put the jack lift head (B) about 5 inches (13 cm) from the front edge of the rear wheel opening (C) or just behind the off-set (A) as shown. 4. Put the compact spare tire near you.
CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle. 5.
7. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 8. Install the compact spare tire. CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
10. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown. CAUTION: 9. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 5-30 Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new GM original equipment wheel nuts.
NOTICE: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. 11. Don’t try to put the wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced.
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools When storing a compact spare tire in the trunk, put the protector/guide back in the foam holder. CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. When storing a full-size tire, use the extension with the protector/guide, located in the foam holder, to help avoid wheel surface damage.
A. Retainer Compact Spare Tire B. Cover Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). C. Compact Spare Tire D. Nut E. Jack F. Wrench G. Lock Nut Tool H. Foam Holder I. Extension and Protector/Guide J. Bolt Screw After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
NOTICE: If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow When the compact spare is installed, don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle. In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in the Index. Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around your front wheels. If your vehicle has the Traction Control System, you should turn the system off.
✍ NOTES 5-37
✍ 5-38 NOTES
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information, and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
Service Doing Your Own Service Work Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to be happy with it. We hope you’ll go to your dealer for all your service needs. You’ll get genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. If you want to do some of your own service work, you’ll want to use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service your vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
CAUTION: You can be injured and your vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. D Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts and tools before you attempt any vehicle maintenance task. D Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and other fasteners. “English” and “metric” fasteners can be easily confused. If you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt.
Gasoline Specifications California Fuel It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications which were developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting these specifications could provide improved driveability and emission control system performance compared to other gasolines.
Additives Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
Filling Your Tank CAUTION: Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns violently, and that can cause very bad injuries. Don’t smoke if you’re near gasoline or refueling your vehicle. Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from gasoline. While refueling, let the fuel cap hang by the tether below the fuel fill opening. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
CAUTION: If you get gasoline on yourself and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See “Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle” in the Index.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container CAUTION: Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: D Dispense gasoline only into approved containers. D Do not fill a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or on any surface other than the ground.
Hood Release To open the hood, do the following: 1. Pull the handle inside the vehicle, located just below the instrument panel and to the left of the steering column. 2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release by pushing it to the right. 3. Lift the hood. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
Engine Compartment Overview When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 engine, you’ll see: A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir B. Battery C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal D. Underhood Fuse Block 6-10 E. Radiator Pressure Cap F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator) H. Engine Oil Dipstick I. Engine Oil Fill Cap J. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick K. Brake Fluid Reservoir L.
When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 Supercharged engine, you’ll see: A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir B. Battery C. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal D. Underhood Electrical Center E. Radiator Pressure Cap F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Below Generator) H. Engine Oil Dipstick I. Engine Oil Fill Cap J. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick K. Brake Fluid Reservoir L.
Checking Engine Oil Engine Oil If the LOW OIL light appears on the instrument cluster, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “Low Oil Level Light” in the Index. It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the starburst symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this starburst symbol. The engine oil fill cap is located toward the front of the engine near the yellow-looped engine oil dipstick handle. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
As in the chart shown previously, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it’s going to be 0 F (-18 C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. _ _ SAE 10W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder than 60 F (16 C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below -20_F (-29_C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. Engine Oil Additives Don’t add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection.
How to Reset the Change Oil Soon Light What to Do with Used Oil The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE OIL SOON light being turned on, reset the system. Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter The engine air cleaner/filter is located underneath a diagonal brace in the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. To check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter, do the following: 1. Loosen the wing nut on the air duct. 2. Lift up on the two clips located on the top of the filter assembly. 3. Then disconnect the duct and reposition it while removing the side cover. 4.
NOTICE: If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get into your engine, which will damage it. Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when you’re driving. To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the following steps: 1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are in the up position. 2. Raise the hood. 3. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille. 4.
7. Remove the passenger compartment air filter. Supercharger Oil The supercharger oil fill hole is on the front of the supercharger which is located in the engine compartment towards the passenger side of the vehicle. 8. Then replace the old air filter with the new one. For the type of filter to use, see “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index. 9. Reinstall the air inlet grille.
How to Check and Add Oil Automatic Transaxle Fluid Park the vehicle on a level surface. Check oil only when the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to three hours after running. When to Check and Change CAUTION: If you remove the supercharger oil fill plug while the engine is hot, pressure may cause hot oil to blow out of the oil fill hole. You may be burned. Do not remove the plug until the engine cools. 1. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before removing it. 2.
How to Check Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. NOTICE: Too much or too little fluid can damage your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: The automatic transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the red loop located toward the rear of the engine. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched area. 4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way. 1.
How to Add Fluid Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transaxle fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the level into the cross-hatched area on the dipstick. 1. Pull out the dipstick. 2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level. It doesn’t take much fluid, generally less than one pint (0.5 L). Don’t overfill.
Engine Coolant The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with DEX-COOLR engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOLR extended life coolant. The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating or if you need to add coolant to your radiator, see “Engine Overheating” in the Index.
What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and one-half DEX-COOLR coolant which won’t damage aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you don’t need to add anything else. CAUTION: Adding only plain water to your cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.
If this LOW COOLANT light comes on and stays on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. Checking Coolant The engine coolant recovery tank is located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle at the rear of the engine compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the COLD mark or a little higher.
CAUTION: Turning the radiator pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator are hot. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Power Steering Fluid When to Check Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for reservoir location.
Windshield Washer Fluid What to Use When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for reservoir location. Adding Washer Fluid If the fluid is at the ADD mark, you should add fluid. When the engine compartment is hot, the level should be at the HOT mark.
NOTICE: D When using concentrated washer fluid, D D D follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze and damage your washer fluid tank and other parts of the washer system. Also, water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid. Fill your washer fluid tank only three-quarters full when it’s very cold. This allows for expansion if freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if it is completely full.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all. So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
NOTICE: D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage D brake system parts. For example, just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts so badly that they’ll have to be replaced. Don’t let someone put in the wrong kind of fluid. If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately. See “Appearance Care” in the Index.
NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes.
Battery Vehicle Storage Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free ACDelcoR battery. When it’s time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco battery. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for battery location. If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery from running down.
Bulb Replacement Headlamps For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer. For the type of bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. 1. Open the hood. Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package. 2. Pull up on the headlamp retainers (A) to release the assembly locator tabs. 3.
8. Connect the new headlamp bulb to the electrical connector, making sure the connector tab snaps into place. 9. Insert the bulb socket into the headlamp assembly. 10. Reverse all steps to reassemble the headlamp assembly, then check the lamps. 11. Close the hood. Headlamp Aiming 5. Remove the rubber access cover from behind the bulb you are replacing. 6. Turn the bulb socket one-quarter turn and remove it from the headlamp assembly. 7.
NOTICE: D Tires should be properly inflated. D Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspension. To make sure your headlamps are aimed properly, read all the instructions before beginning. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to headlamp parts. To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly prepared as follows: D The headlamps must be off for one hour prior to aiming and must remain off during this procedure. D The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly level surface.
Start with the horizontal aim. The adjustment screws can be turned with an E8 TorxR socket. Once the horizontal aim is adjusted, then adjust the vertical aim. 1. Turn the horizontal aiming screw until the indicator is lined up with zero. 2. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the level bubble is lined up with zero. Front Parking and Turn Signal Lamps 1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the removal procedure earlier in this section. Passenger’s Side Headlamp Shown A.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp 1. Open the trunk. 3. Remove the old bulb by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise. 4. Push the new bulb into the bulb socket. 2. Reach through the access opening in the trunk lid. 5. Turn the socket one-quarter turn clockwise to reinstall. 6. Close the trunk.
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lamps 1. Open the trunk 2. If your vehicle is equipped with a convenience net, remove it. 3. Remove the three plastic wing nuts (A). There is one wing nut located on the outside of the carpet. The other two are located underneath the carpet. 4. Pull the taillamp housing (B) away from the body of the vehicle. 5. Squeeze the tab on the socket and turn the socket counterclockwise. 6. Pull out the socket. 7. Pull the old bulb out of the socket. (There are two bulbs on each taillamp.) 8.
Back-Up Lamps 1. Open the trunk lid halfway. 2. Remove the seven wing nuts (A) from the applique. 3. Remove the applique from the trunk lid. 4. Twist and pull the bulb socket (B) from the trunk lid applique. 5. Twist and/or pull the old bulb from the bulb socket. 6. Twist and/or push the new bulb into the lamp socket. 7. Twist and/or push the lamp socket into the trunk lid applique. 8. Reverse steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the trunk lid applique. 9. Close the trunk lid.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade Check” in the Index for more information. 1. Turn on the wipers to LO. 2. Turn off the ignition while the wipers are at the outer positions of the wiper pattern. The blades are more accessible for removal/replacement while in this position. 3. Pull the windshield wiper arm 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) away from the windshield. 4.
Tires Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Buick Warranty booklet for details. CAUTION: (Continued) D Underinflated tires pose the same danger CAUTION: Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous. D Overloading your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much friction. You could have an air-out and a serious accident.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the inside of the trunk lid, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). NOTICE: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not.
Tire Inflation Monitor System The tire inflation monitor system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. The system “learns” the pressure at each tire throughout the operating speed range of your vehicle. The system normally takes between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to learn the tire pressures. This time may be longer depending on your individual driving habits. Learning need not be accumulated during a single trip.
To reset (calibrate) the system: 1. Turn the ignition to RUN. 2. Locate the red RESET button inside of your instrument panel fuse block. The fuse block is located under the cover labeled FUSES, which is at the end of the instrument panel on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The RESET button is the first button in the top row of the fuse block. 3. Press and hold the RESET button for about five seconds. The LOW TIRE light will come on and flash three times. Then it will go off.
CAUTION: When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here. Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading Information label. Reset the Tire Inflation Monitor system. See “Tire Inflation Monitor System” in the Index. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in the Index.
When It’s Time for New Tires One way to tell when it’s time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any of the following statements are true: D You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. D You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber. D The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric.
Buying New Tires To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the Tire-Loading Information label. The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires, get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed to give proper endurance, handling, speed rating, traction, ride and other things during normal service on your vehicle.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Treadwear Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
Temperature -- A, B, C Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces. If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle. CAUTION: Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
Tire Chains CAUTION: If your vehicle has P225/60R16 size tires, don’t use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet Using Cleaner on Fabric Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric and carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains very well. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index. 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt. Here are some cleaning tips: 4. Apply cleaner with a clean sponge. Don’t saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems Cleaning Vinyl Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and blood can be removed as follows: Use warm water and a clean cloth. 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the soiled area with cool water. D Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain 2. If a stain remains, follow the cleaner instructions described earlier. D Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Cleaning Glass Surfaces Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a A liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may be on the blade or windshield. Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades and affect their performance.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.” Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index. Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish.
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels (If Equipped) Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then be applied. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners with acid or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage the surface.
Finish Damage Chemical Paint Spotting Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair expense. Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-63
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Engine Identification The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications and replacement parts. Service Parts Identification Label You’ll find this label on the inside of the trunk lid. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side.
Electrical System Headlamp Wiring Add-On Electrical Equipment The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker in the underhood fuse block. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your headlamp system checked right away. NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and in the fuse block wiring itself. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating.
Fuse Usage Fuse Usage PARK LOCK Ignition Key Solenoid Blank Not Used Blank Not Used Blank Not Used Blank Not Used Blank Not Used PCM, BCM, U/H RELAY Ignition Signal: Hot in Run and Start, Powertrain Control Module, Body Control Module, Underhood Relay INADV POWER BUS DOOR LOCKS Door Locks Remote Radio Premium Sound TRAP ALERT Trap Alert Taillamps, License Lamps POWER MIRRORS Power Mirrors TAIL LAMPS, LIC LAMPS Blank Not Used RADIO Radio PANEL DIMMING Panel Dimming HEATED MIRR
Fuse Usage Fuse Usage STOP LAMPS Stoplamps LH HEATED SEAT Driver’s Heated Seat Blank Not Used ONSTAR OnStarR FRT PARK LPS Parking Lamps BCM ACC POWER DROP Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop): Hot in ACC and Run Ignition Signal: Hot in ACC and Run, Body Control Module Blank Not Used LOW BLOWER Low Blower ABS Anti-Lock Brakes TURN SIGNALS, CORN LPS Turn Signals, Cornering Lamps RADIO, HVAC, RFA, CLUSTER Radio, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Head, Remote Keyless Entry, Clus
Underhood Fuse Block Some fuses and relays are located in the underhood fuse block on the passenger’s side of the vehicle in the engine compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
Mini Relay Usage Usage 9 Cooling Fan 2 20 Air Pump (Optional) 10 Cooling Fan 3 21 Generator 11 Starter Solenoid 22 ECM 12 Cooling Fan 1 23 A/C Compressor Clutch 13 Ignition Main 24 Cooling Fan 14 Air Pump (Optional) 25 Electronic Ignition 26 Transaxle Micro Relay Usage 6-70 Mini Fuse 15 A/C Clutch 27 Horn 16 Horn 28 Fuel Injector 17 Fog Lamps 29 Oxygen Sensor 18 Fuel Pump, Speed Control (L67 only) 30 Engine Emissions 19 Fuel Pump 31 Fog Lamps 32 Headlamp
Mini Fuse Usage 34 Parking Lamps 35 Fuel Pump 36 Headlamp (Left) 37 Spare 38 Spare 39 Spare 40 Spare 41 Spare 42 Spare 43 Fuse Puller SYMBOL Replacement Bulbs Exterior Lamps Bulb Number Back-up (Applique) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1156 Center High-Mounted Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3155 Front Parking/Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . 4157NAK Headlamp, High Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9005 Headlamp, Low Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications Automatic Transaxle Pan Removal and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 7.4 quarts (7.0 L) After Complete Overhaul . . . . . . . 10.0 quarts (9.5 L) When draining/replacing converter, more fluid will be needed. Cooling System Including Reservoir . . . . . . . . . 11.7 quarts (11.0 L) Engine Oil with Filter . . . . . . . . . 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) Wheel Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . 100 lb-ft (140 N·m) Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.0 U.S. gallons (64.
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule This section covers the maintenance required for your vehicle. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety, dependability and emission control performance.
Introduction Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. All recommended maintenance procedures are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from your vehicle.
How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” explains what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer’s service department or another qualified service center do these jobs. CAUTION: Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured.
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services Using Your Maintenance Schedule We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we don’t know exactly how you’ll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways.
Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be repeated at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km) for the life of this vehicle. See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” following. Footnotes [ The U.S.
Scheduled Maintenance Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Reset the system. t Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably.
Scheduled Maintenance 7-7
Scheduled Maintenance 7-8
Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) j Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.) j Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) j Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) j Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service.
Scheduled Maintenance 45,000 Miles (75 000 km) j Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.) j Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.
Scheduled Maintenance 52,500 Miles (87 500 km) j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) j Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty j j j j conditions, the filter may require replacement more often.
Scheduled Maintenance 67,500 Miles (112 500 km) j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) 75,000 Miles (125 000 km) j Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.) j Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Scheduled Maintenance 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) j Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. j For supercharged engines only: Check the supercharger oil level and add the proper supercharger oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs first). See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in this section. An Emission Control Service.
Scheduled Maintenance 100,000 Miles (166 000 km) j Inspect spark plug wires. An Emission Control Service. j Replace spark plugs. An Emission Control Service. j Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
Part B: Owner Checks and Services Listed in this part are owner checks and services which should be performed at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety, dependability and emission control performance of your vehicle. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
At Least Twice a Year Restraint System Check Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Automatic Transaxle Check Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See “Automatic Transaxle Fluid” in the Index.
Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. See “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each gear.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. D The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). D The key should come out only in LOCK. Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check CAUTION: Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection Listed in this part are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). You should let your dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Fuel System Inspection Throttle System Inspection Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks. Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding, and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and cruise control cables. Engine Cooling System Inspection Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated.
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may be obtained from your dealer. USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Engine Oil Engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst symbol of the proper viscosity. To determine the preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT USAGE FLUID/LUBRICANT Supercharger Supercharger Oil (GM Part No. 12345982). See “Supercharger Oil” in the Index. Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, SuperlubeR (GM Part No. 12346241 or equivalent). Weatherstrip Conditioning Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579 or equivalent). Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl LubriplateR Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No.
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-25
Maintenance Record DATE 7-26 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-27
Maintenance Record DATE 7-28 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-29
Maintenance Record DATE 7-30 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Buick if you need assistance. This section also tells you how to obtain service publications and how to report any safety defects.
Customer Satisfaction Procedure Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Buick. Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can occur.
STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Buick Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to give your inquiry prompt attention.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone number or write them at the following address: BBB Auto Line Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. 4200 Wilson Boulevard Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203-1804 Telephone: 1-800-955-5100 This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age, mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its participation in this program.
Canada General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 1-800-263-3777 (English) 1-800-263-7854 (French) 1-800-263-3830 (For Text Telephone devices (TTYs)) Roadside Assistance: 1-800-268-6800 All Overseas Locations Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit. Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Roadside Assistance Buick Motor Division is proud to offer Buick Premium Roadside Assistance to customers for vehicles covered under the 3 year/36,000 mile (60 000 km) new car warranty (whichever occurs first). 8-6 Our commitment to Buick owners has always included superior service through our network of Buick dealers. Buick Premium Roadside Assistance provides an extra measure of convenience and security.
We have quick, easy access to telephone numbers of the following additional services depending on your needs: D Hotels D Glass replacement D Tire repair facilities D Rental vehicle or taxis D Airports or train stations D Police, fire department or hospitals In many instances, mechanical failures are covered under Buick’s comprehensive warranty. However, when other services are utilized, our advisors will explain any payment obligations you might incur.
Courtesy Transportation Buick has always exemplified quality and value in its offering of motor vehicles. To enhance your ownership experience, we and our participating dealers are proud to offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer support program for new vehicles. The Courtesy Transportation program is offered to retail purchase/lease customers in conjunction with the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, reimbursement up to $30 per day (five days maximum) may be available for the use of public transportation such as taxi or bus. In addition, should you arrange transportation through a friend or relative, reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses up to $10 per day (five day maximum) may be available. Claim amounts should reflect actual costs and be supported by original receipts.
Canadian Vehicles: For warranty repairs during the Complete Vehicle Coverage period of the General Motors of Canada New Vehicle Limited Warranty, alternative transportation may be available under the Courtesy Transportation Program. Please consult your dealer for details.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, you should immediately notify Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to: In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION Service Manuals Owner’s Information Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 Owner publications are written specifically for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
