We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, BUICK, and the BUICK Emblem are registered trademarks and the name RENDEZVOUS is a trademark 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.
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. About Driving Your Vehicle As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. See “Your Driving, the Road and Your Vehicle” in the Index. CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people.
You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,” “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.” When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE. Vehicle Symbols Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.
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Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
To raise the seat, pull up on the lever located on the front right side of the seat. To lower the seat, push the lever down. Adjust the seat and release the lever. Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you about the seats -- how to adjust them, take them out, put them back in, fold and unfold them. Driver’s Four-Way Manual Seat To move the seat forward or rearward, pull up on the lever, located on the front left of the seat, to unlock it.
Manual Front Passenger Seats To move the seat forward or rearward, pull up on the lever, located on the front of the seat, to unlock it. Six-Way Power Seat (Option) The six-way power seat controls are located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat or on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. D Move the front of the control in the direction of the Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever.
Manual Lumbar Memory Seat (Option) The knob that controls this feature is located on the outboard sides of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. Turn the knob toward the front of the vehicle to increase lumbar support. Turn the knob toward the rear of the vehicle to decrease lumbar support. If your vehicle has this feature, the controls are located on the driver’s door panel and are used to program and recall the driver’s seat position and outside rearview mirror position.
You can also store an exit position for each driver. The exit position is programmed by moving the seat to the desired exit position and then holding the exit symbol button for more than three seconds. The exit position set will be for the most recently selected driving position (1 or 2). A double beep will sound when the memory is set. To use exit, your vehicle must be in PARK (P).
Reclining Front Seatbacks To adjust the seatback, pull up on the recliner lever located on the outboard sides of both the driver’s and passenger’s seat. It is easier to recline the seat if you lean forward, taking your weight off the seatback. 1-6 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.
Rear Seats The rear seats in your vehicle have seat operating features to adjust, fold, remove and reinstall the seats. By using the seat operating features, in the correct order, you can easily remove the seats from your vehicle. When you put the seats back in the vehicle, be sure to follow the label on the back of the seat for proper location.
To recline the seatback on base-level split bench seats, lift up on the recliner lever located on the outboard side of the seatback. It is easier to raise or lower the seatback if you lean forward and take the weight off the seatback. The seatbacks on each section also fold forward to put items behind the seats. Lift up or push forward on the recliner lever and fold the seatback forward. The seatback will lock into place when you push it back to the upright position.
Removing the Split Bench Seat Each section of the split bench seat can be flipped forward or removed individually. Base-Level 1. Unlatch the shoulder belt from the lap-belt. 2. Make sure that the seatback is in the upright position. 3. Lift up or push forward on the seatback recliner lever to fold the seatback forward. 1-10 4. For base-level split bench seats, pull the lever at the base of the seat on the outboard side to release the rear latches from the floor pins and flip the seat forward.
Replacing the Split Bench Sections CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. CAUTION: 5. To release the front latches, squeeze the angled latch release bar toward the straight crossbar. 6. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out.
CAUTION: A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted won’t provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After installing the seat, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted. Make sure that the seatback is in the folded forward position and that the safety belts are on the correct section of the seat.
2. Make sure that the bench seat is angled so that the front hooks clear the floor pins. If the front legs are not attached correctly, the rear legs will not attach to the rear set of floor pins. 3. Firmly push the rear hooks onto the rear floor pins by pushing down on the rear of the seat. 4. Try to raise the seat to check that it is locked down. 5. Lift the seatback recliner lever and raise the seatback until it locks upright. 6. Push and pull on the seatback to check that it is locked upright. 7.
Captain’s Chairs (If Equipped) CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. If your vehicle has the captain’s chairs, the seatbacks can be reclined or folded forward. To recline the seatback, lift up on the recliner lever located on the outboard side of the seatback. Use the recliner lever to move the seatback to the desired position.
Removing the Captain’s Chairs 1. Make sure that the seatback is in the upright position. 2. Lift the seatback recliner lever to fold the seatback forward. 4. The seat can then be lifted off the front floor pins. 5. Remove the seat by rocking it slightly toward the rear of the vehicle and then pulling it out. Repeat these steps for the other captain’s chair. 3. Pull up on the lever, located at the base on the outboard side of the seat, to release the rear latches from the floor pins.
Replacing the Captain’s Chairs CAUTION: CAUTION: If the seatback isn’t locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always press rearward on the seatback to be sure it is locked. CAUTION: A seat that isn’t locked into place properly can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to lock the seat into place properly when installing it.
1. Hook the front latches over the front floor pins. 2. Push the rear of the seat down to lock the rear latches onto the rear set of floor pins. 3. Push and pull on the seat to check that it is properly attached.
Stowable Seat (Option) The optional stowable seat is a two passenger bench seat and comes with the rear convenience center. See “Rear Convenience Center” in the Index for more information. The stowable seat can be removed and replaced or, with the seatback folded, it can lie flush with the convenience center. 1-18 Folding the Seatback To fold down the seatback, pull up on the lever located on the back of the seat and push the seatback down until it is locked into place.
Push and pull on the seatback to make sure that it is locked into place. To raise the seatback, do one of the following: D From the rear of the vehicle, pull up on the lever to release the seatback, then pull the strap, located on the right side of the seat, to pull the seatback up. The seatback has a pocket to stow the strap on the side of the seatback when not in use, or D from the passenger’s side door, pull up on the lever to release the seatback, then push up on the seatback to raise the seat.
Replacing the Stowable Seat Do not put the stowable seat in so that it faces rearward. The stowable seat has to go in before the rear convenience center. See “Rear Convenience Center” in the Index for more information. The stowable seat has seat position labels, located on the back of the seat, showing where the seat must go. The seat must be placed in the proper location for the legs to attach correctly. Make sure that the seatback is folded forward before beginning this procedure. 1.
Safety Belts: They’re for Everyone This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts. And it explains the air bag system. CAUTION: Don’t let anyone ride where he or she can’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.
You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.
Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider doesn’t stop.
The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield ... 1-24 or the instrument panel ...
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? or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That’s why safety belts make such good sense. A: You could be -- whether you’re wearing a safety belt or not. But you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you’re upside down.
Q: If I’m a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you’re in an accident -- even one that isn’t your fault -- you and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good driver doesn’t protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone.
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. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly.
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.
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, push down on the button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After you move the adjuster to where you want it, try to move it down without pushing the button down to make sure it has locked into position.
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 your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied at the abdomen, not at the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests. A: The belt is over an armrest.
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.
Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has four air bags -- a frontal air bag for the driver, another frontal air bag for the right front passenger, a side impact air bag for the driver, and another side impact air bag for the right front passenger. Frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating frontal air bag.
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.
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. 1-40 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.
When should an air bag inflate? The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal air bags are designed to inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are designed to inflate only if the impact speed is above the system’s designed “threshold level.” In addition, your vehicle has “dual stage” frontal air bags, which adjust the amount of restraint according to crash severity. For moderate frontal impacts, these air bags inflate at a level less than full deployment.
How does an air bag restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. The air bag supplements the protection provided by safety belts. Air bags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag. D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systems. Improper service can mean that an air bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for service. D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for your air bag system.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle Center Passenger Position 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.
Remove the shoulder belt from its stowage location in the roof and pull it all the way down to the lap belt. 1-46 Insert the metal knob on the shoulder belt into the keyhole on the lap belt buckle as shown. Be sure to slide the shoulder belt part into the keyhole until it locks into place.
To make the lap belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. Buckle, position and release the lap-shoulder belt the same way as the other lap-shoulder belts. 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.
Rear Seat Passengers It’s very important for rear seat passengers to buckle up! Accident statistics show that unbelted people in the rear seat are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Rear passengers who aren’t safety belted can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts.
Lap-Shoulder Belt 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle it. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it.
3. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder part. 1-50 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.
The safety belt locks if there’s a sudden stop or a crash, or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor. Each position next to the windows in the second row has a shoulder belt height adjuster. Move the shoulder belt adjuster to the height that is right for you. To move it down, push down on the button and move the height adjuster to the desired position. You can move the height adjuster up just by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Your vehicle may have rear shoulder belt comfort guides. This feature will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each passenger position in the second row rear seat.
For second row outside positions do the following: 1. Remove the guide from its storage clip located on the sidewall next to the outer side of each outside passenger position. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The guide must be on top of the belt. 2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide.
4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Passenger Positions” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. 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, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed.
For second row center position do the following: 1. Remove the elastic cord from under the head restraint of the second row driver’s side position. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The guide must be on top of the belt. 2. Attach the elastic cord to the comfort guide on the center passenger shoulder belt. 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Center Passenger Position” earlier in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder.
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. 1-60 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 Some child restraints have a top strap, or “top tether.” It can help restrain the child restraint during a collision. For it to work, a top strap must be properly anchored to the vehicle. Some top strap-equipped child restraints are designed for use with or without the top strap being anchored. Others require the top strap always to be anchored. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.
Anchor the top strap to one of the following anchor points. Be sure to use an anchor point located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. If you have an adjustable head restraint, raise the head restraint and route the top strap under it. There is also a top strap anchor for third row passenger’s side outside position. Locate the anchor symbol on the flap of carpet behind the seat. Lift up the carpet to access the anchor.
Second Row Outside Positions Bench Seat Second Row Center Position Bench Seat without Third Row Seat 1-65
Second Row Center Position Bench Seat with Third Row Seat 1-66 Second Row Center Position Bench Seat with Third Row Seat Folded Down
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) Your vehicle has the LATCH system. You’ll find anchors (A) in the second row outside passenger positions. To assist you in locating the lower anchors for this child restraint system, each seating position with the LATCH system will have a red dot on the seatback above the latch.
In order to use the system, you need either a forward-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B) at its base and a top tether anchor (C), or a rear-facing child restraint that has attaching points (B), as shown here. 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.
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.
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 3. Buckle the belt. Make sure the release button is positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position (Bench Seat) 4. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt 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. 5. 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.
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. When you remove the child restraint, be sure to reconnect the lap and shoulder parts of the belt so they 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 front passenger’s air bag inflates.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. 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. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint.
5. To tighten the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt 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. 6. 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. The safety belt will move freely again and be ready to work for an adult or larger child passenger.
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. 1-78 Q: What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt, but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is very close to the child’s face or neck? A: If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window, move the child toward the center of the vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued) The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. CAUTION: Never do this.
Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
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 The driver’s power window switch has two down positions. Push the rear of the switch to the first position to lower the window normally. Press the rear of any passenger window switch and that window will open. Press the front of any switch to close the window. Express-Down Feature The driver’s window switch also has an express-down feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. To activate the express-down feature, push the rear of the driver’s window switch to the second position, then release it.
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 key can be used for the ignition as well as all the door locks, the floor console and the glovebox. Any new PASS-Key III key must be programmed before it will start your vehicle. See “PASS-KeyR III” in the Index for more information on programming your new key. NOTICE: If you need a new key, contact your dealer, who can obtain the correct key code. For more information see “Roadside Assistance” in the Index. Your vehicle has a number of new 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.
Power Door Locks Delayed Locking The power door lock switch is located on the driver’s and front passenger’s doors next to the door handle. With the delayed locking feature, the doors will not lock immediately when locking the doors using the power door lock switch or when LOCK on the optional remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed while any door is open. Instead, three chimes will be heard to indicate that the delayed locking feature is in operation.
Automatic Door Lock/Unlock Rear Door Child Security Locks All of the doors will automatically lock when all doors are closed, the engine is running and the shift lever is shifted out of PARK (P). All of the doors will automatically unlock when the shift lever is shifted into PARK (P). Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks that help prevent passengers from opening the rear doors on your vehicle from the inside. To use one of these locks do the following: 1. Open one of the rear doors.
Canceling the Rear Door Child Security Locks 1. Unlock and open the rear door from the outside. 2. Push the lever down to disengage the safety lock. 3. Close the door. 4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the other rear door lock. The rear door locks will now work normally. Lockout Prevention The lockout prevention feature makes it difficult for you to lock your keys in your vehicle.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation Remote Driver Door Unlock When you press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter, only the driver’s door will unlock. If you press UNLOCK again within five seconds, the passenger’s doors will unlock. If you would like all the doors to unlock the first time you press UNLOCK, see “Vehicle Customization” in the Index. The UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter will disarm the optional content theft-deterrent system.
Remote Alarm Battery Replacement When you press the button with the horn symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the headlamps and the parking lamps will flash and the horn will sound. This will allow you to attract attention, if needed. Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about three years. Press the horn symbol button again to stop the alarm from sounding or the alarm will turn off after 90 seconds.
Replacing the Battery in the Remote Transmitter NOTICE: When replacing the battery, use care not to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body transferred to these surfaces may damage the transmitter. Center Console Switchbank There is a center console switchbank located in the instrument panel, below the comfort controls. The switches will vary with the options that are on your vehicle. 1.
Vehicle Customization Entering Programming Mode Some of your vehicle’s features can be reset or customized according to your preference. The features you can program depend on the options that came with your vehicle. To program features, your vehicle must be in the programming mode. Follow these steps: If your vehicle is equipped with the DIC, see “Driver Information Center” in the Index to customize your features. 2.
3. This message will appear in the message center, located in the instrument panel cluster, as an indication that your vehicle is ready to begin programming. If you have the optional remote keyless entry system, you must press the LOCK button. This lets the system know which transmitter is being personalized. Each remote keyless entry transmitter can be personalized differently. You can now program your choices.
Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed in Mode 3. The mode to which the vehicle has been programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine the mode to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following: 1. Follow the instructions for “Entering Programming Mode” listed previously. 2. Turn the exterior lamp control from the off position to the parking lamp position. 3. Count the number of chimes you hear.
Mode 4: Automatic Door Locking with shift out of PARK (P)/All Door Unlocking with shift into PARK (P) D Shift out of PARK (P) with the ignition on and the driver’s door closed; all doors will lock automatically. D Shift into PARK (P) with the ignition on; all doors will unlock automatically.
Delayed Locking This feature allows you to delay the locking of your doors. Programmable Modes Mode 1: Off (Doors will always lock immediately when you lock the doors using the power door lock switch or the optional remote keyless entry transmitter.) Mode 2: Delayed Locking (If the power door lock switch or the optional remote keyless entry transmitter is used to lock the vehicle while any door is open, you will hear three chimes. The doors will not lock.
Remote Driver’s Door Unlock This feature allows you to customize the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Programmable Modes Your vehicle can be programmed to one of the following modes. Mode 1: Remote All Doors Unlock (When you press UNLOCK on your remote keyless entry transmitter, all doors will unlock.) Mode 2: Remote Driver’s Door Unlock Only (When you press UNLOCK on your remote keyless entry transmitter once, the driver’s door will unlock.
Programmable Modes Mode 1: Both Features Off (Remote lock and unlock confirmation are disabled.) Mode 2: Exterior Lamps Flash Only D When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock your vehicle, your headlamps and parking lamps will flash briefly to let you know the command has been received. Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed in Mode 3. The mode to which the vehicle has been programmed may have been changed since it left the factory.
Exiting Programming Mode Liftgate To exit programming mode, do one of the following: D Press the odometer button, while in odometer mode, for two seconds, or D turn the ignition key out of ON, or D do not program any commands for one minute while in programming mode, or D shift out of PARK (P). See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” in the Index. The programming mode message will turn off to let you know that you are no longer in the programming mode.
Liftgate Release Theft To open the liftgate do one of the following: Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities. Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Parking at Night Content Theft-Deterrent (Option) 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 your vehicle has this option, it has a theft-deterrent alarm system. Parking Lots Even if you park in a lot where someone will be watching your vehicle, it’s still best to lock it up and take your key.
When the content theft-deterrent system is armed, the liftgate may be opened by using one of the following methods: D press the liftgate release button, which is located on the center console switchbank, or Arming with the Power Lock Switch Your alarm system will arm when you use either power door lock switch to lock the doors while any door or the liftgate is open and the key is removed from the ignition. The security light will start flashing to let you know the system is armed.
Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter Your alarm system will disarm when you press UNLOCK on your remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock the doors. The security light will stop flashing to let you know the system is no longer armed. Disarming with Your Key Your alarm system will disarm when you use your key to unlock the front doors. The security light will stop flashing to let you know the system is no longer armed.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys, only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key III to have new keys made. To program additional keys you will need two current driver’s keys (black in color). You must add a step to the following procedure. After Step 3 repeat Steps 1 through 3 with the second current driver’s key. Then continue with Step 4. To program the new PK3 key do the following: 1. Verify the new key has “PK3” stamped on it. 2. Insert the original key in the ignition and start the engine.
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 If you have all-wheel drive, keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for the first 500 miles (805 km). D Don’t drive at any one speed -- 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.
NOTICE: If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key or the ignition switch. If none of this works, then your vehicle needs service. B (ACCESSORY): This position allows you to use things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off the engine, but still turn the steering wheel.
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. NOTICE: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key.
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 a maximum of 15 seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. If the engine still won’t start or starts briefly but then stops again, repeat Step 1 or 2, depending on temperature. When the engine starts, release the key and the accelerator pedal.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. As you step on the brake pedal, while in PARK (P), you may hear a click from the solenoid of the system. This ensures that the system is operating properly.
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’re already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you’re: D Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. CAUTION: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is “racing” (running at high speed) is dangerous.
Warm-Up Shift Your vehicle has a computer controlled transaxle designed to warm up the engine faster when the outside temperature is 35_F (2_C) or colder. You may notice that the transaxle will shift at a higher vehicle speed until the engine is warmed up. This is a normal condition designed to provide heat to the passenger compartment and defrost the windows more quickly. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
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. NOTICE: Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as much as possible.
Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot and push down on the parking brake pedal with your left foot. To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot while you push down on the parking brake pedal with your left foot. (To release the tension on the parking brake cable, you will need to apply about the same amount of pressure to the parking brake pedal as you did when you set the parking brake.
Shifting Into PARK (P) 2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this: 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: D Move the lever up as far as it will go. 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. 3. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 4.
Torque Lock Shifting Out of PARK (P) If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust CAUTION: CAUTION: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don’t park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that can burn. 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.
Running Your Engine While You’re Parked It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know. CAUTION: Idling the engine with the climate control system off could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust.” Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if the fan is at the highest setting. One place this can happen is a garage.
Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. The lever on the left side of the steering column includes the following: To tilt the wheel, hold onto the steering wheel and pull the lever, located on the left side of the steering wheel console, forward.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two downward (for left) positions. 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 and the optional HUD display will flash in the direction of the turn or lane change.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer Windshield Wipers To change the headlamps from low to high, simply push the turn signal lever back. Then release it. To change the headlamps from high to low, pull the lever forward. You control the windshield wipers by turning the band marked WIPER. When the high beams are on, this light, on the instrument panel cluster and the optional HUD display, will also be on.
Windshield Washer To wash your windshield, push and hold the paddle with the windshield washer symbol. The washers and wipers will operate. When you release the paddle, the washers will stop, and the wipers will continue to operate for two cycles, unless your wipers had already been on. In that case, the wipers will resume the wiper speed you had selected earlier. Rear Window Washer/Wiper (If Equipped) The rear window switch is located in the center console switchbank.
Cruise Control (Option) CAUTION: D Cruise control can be dangerous where you D can’t drive safely at a steady speed. So, don’t use your cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic. Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can cause needless wheel spinning, and you could lose control. Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads.
Resuming a Set Speed Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired speed and then you apply the brake. This, of course, shuts off the cruise control. But you don’t need to reset it. Once you’re going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can move the cruise control switch from ON to R/A (resume/accelerate) briefly. There are two ways to go to a higher speed: You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control Using Cruise Control on Hills There are two ways to reduce 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 The exterior lamps control is located to the left of the steering column. Turning the control to this setting turns on the following: D D D D D Headlamps Parking Lamps Sidemarker Lamps Taillamps Instrument Panel Lights Automatic Headlamp Control AUTO: Turning the control to this setting will activate the automatic headlamp control when it is dark enough outside and turn off all the lamps and lights during the day.
Lamps on Reminder If the driver’s door is opened and you turn the ignition to OFF while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime. Daytime Running Lamps Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short periods after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles first sold in Canada.
Fog Lamps Interior Lamps Push the button in the center of the exterior lamps control to turn the fog lamps on and off. Fog lamps are activated by pushing the button in the center of the exterior lamps control. The indicator light for the fog lamp is to the right and slightly below the exterior lamp control and reads FOG. To turn off the fog lamps push the center of the exterior lamps control or turn the ignition off. The indicator light will turn off.
Interior Lamps Control Turn the interior lamps control to one of the following positions: D OFF: Use OFF to turn the interior lamps off. D DOOR: Use DOOR to turn on the interior lamps when any door is opened and when the key is removed from the ignition. D ON: Use ON to turn the interior lamps on. Illuminated Entry With illuminated entry, the interior of your vehicle will illuminate for 25 seconds so you can see inside your vehicle before you enter.
The lamps will fade out before the 25 seconds have passed if the following conditions are met: D The ignition is turned to ON, D LOCK is pressed on the optional remote keyless entry transmitter, or D the front of the power door lock switch is pressed. If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), you can program this feature on or off. See “Driver Information Center” in the Index.
The lamps will turn off before the 25 seconds have passed if the following conditions are met: The lamps will turn off before the 30 seconds have passed if the following conditions are met: D The ignition is turned to ON, or D the exterior lamp control is turned out of the D The ignition is turned to ON, or D the exterior lamp control is turned out of the To program the perimeter lighting feature, see “Remote Lock and Unlock Confirmation” under “Vehicle Customization” in the Index.
Cargo Lamp/Reading Lamp The cargo lamp is located in the rear of the vehicle, above the liftgate opening, and it has an on/off switch. The lamp will go on each time you open the doors, if the interior lamp control is in the DOOR position. If your vehicle has less than 14 miles (24 km) on the odometer, the battery saver will turn off the lamps after only three minutes. There are two reading lamps located on the cargo lamp. To turn either reading lamp on or off, press the button located next to the lamp.
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (If Equipped) The mirror’s two outer buttons operate the lights on the bottom sides of the mirror. 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.
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 There are four small storage compartments in the rear of your vehicle. One is on the passenger’s side, two are on the driver’s side and one is on the floor by the tailgate. To remove the covers, lift up on the tabs and remove. If equipped with the 10-speaker system, the compartment on the passenger’s side and the long compartment on the driver’s side will be equipped with speakers.
Garage Door Opener Compartment 3. Remove the piece of self-sticking VelcroR from the top of the garage door opener compartment. 4. Peel the protective backing from the Velcro and press it firmly to the back of your garage door opener. 5. Line up the button on the garage door opener with the opening in the storage compartment door. Make sure the garage door opener button is facing down and then press the opener firmly into the garage door opener compartment. 6.
Storage Compartment (If Equipped) Front Armrest Storage Compartment To open the storage compartment, located at the front of the overhead console, press the release latch forward. Then pull the compartment down to the full open position. Your vehicle has a front armrest storage compartment which contains a coinholder tray and two storage compartments, one located under the coinholder tray, that will hold six compact discs and another next to the coin holder tray.
Cell Phone Storage Compartment Rear Convenience Net Your vehicle has a cell phone storage compartment located on the floor console storage closest to the driver’s seat. Lift the lid to use the storage compartment. The compartment has an accessory power outlet for charging the cell phone. The rear convenience net is designed to help keep small loads, like grocery bags, from falling over during sharp turns or quick stops and starts.
Rear Convenience Center (Option) CAUTION: If the rear convenience center isn’t secured properly, it can move around in a collision or sudden stop. People in the vehicle could be injured. Be sure to secure the rear convenience center properly. The main purpose of the optional rear convenience center is to provide added convenience when using the rear of your vehicle by making it easier to load, organize and store items in your vehicle.
Replacing the Extended Rear Convenience Center 1. Make sure that all items have been removed from the rear of the vehicle. 2. Remove the carpeted mat (if equipped) from the vehicle. 5. Lift the rear bin into the back of the vehicle. Place the rear bin over the center T-shaped wall on the forward bin. Push down to secure. Align the rear bin over the rear mounting bolts. 6. Put the nuts back onto the mounting bolts and tighten. 3. Lift the forward bin into the back of the vehicle.
Removing the Rear Convenience Center When the Vehicle has the Third Row Stowable Seat Replacing the Rear Convenience Center When the Vehicle has the Third Row Stowable Seat 1. Make sure that all items have been removed from the top and the inside of the rear convenience center. 1. Make sure that all items have been removed from the rear of the vehicle. 2. Lift the handle(s) on the top of the lid to open the storage bin. 3. Remove the two nuts from inside the storage bin.
Roof Rack System (Option) CAUTION: If you try to carry something on top of your vehicle that is longer or wider than the luggage carrier -- like paneling, plywood, a mattress, and so forth -- the wind can catch it as you drive along. This can cause you to lose control. What you are carrying could be violently torn off, and this could cause you or other drivers to have a collision, and of course damage your vehicle. You may be able to carry something like this inside.
Don’t exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading your vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. To prevent damage or loss of cargo as you’re driving, check now and then to make sure the luggage carrier and cargo are still securely fastened. NOTICE: Loading cargo that weighs more than 220 lbs. (100 kg) on the luggage carrier may damage your vehicle. Your luggage carrier has release levers within the end of each crossrail support.
3. Remove the screw. 4. Repeat for the other side. 5. Put the tool and the screws back in the plastic bag in the glove box. Lift the release levers on each side to unlock the crossrails. Slide the crossrails forward or backward, as needed, to accommodate loads of various sizes. After repositioning the crossrails, engage the release lever. This will lock the crossrails in place.
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter The ashtray is located on the floor console closest to the instrument panel. Lift the lid to expose the ashtray. The ashtray removes by lifting it up. The cigarette lighter is located on the floor console in the cell phone storage compartment closest to the driver’s seat. Lift the lid to expose the cigarette lighter. To use the lighter, push it in all the way and let go. When it’s ready, it will pop back out by itself.
To use your air inflator system do the following: Accessory Inflator System (Option) Your vehicle may have an air inflator. With it, you can inflate things like bicycle tires and basketballs, and you can also use it to bring your tires up to the proper pressure. The air inflator is located in the rear compartment on the driver’s side. To remove the cover, pull the tab on the cover and pull it off. The air inflator kit is stored in the glove box.
If the air inflator system does not turn on, the fuse may be blown or installed incorrectly. See “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” in the Index or see your dealer for service. Pull the cover down to use an accessory power outlet. When not in use, always cover the accessory power outlets with the protective cap. Your air inflator will automatically shut off after about 10 minutes. To reset, press the ON switch again.
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 amperage rating. OnStarR System (Option) OnStar is a vehicle communications system that offers a variety of services and provides a 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. Call ANSWER/END Button: Use this button to answer a call. (If you are receiving a call, the audio system will mute, and the ring will be heard). Press this button at the end of a call to disconnect and return the audio system to its previous settings.
Roadside Assistance with Location: For vehicle breakdowns, press the OnStar button. An advisor will contact the appropriate help. Remote Diagnostics: If an instrument panel light comes on, the center can perform a check of the engine on-board computer. An advisor can then recommend what action needs to be taken. OnStar MED-NET: Med-Net can store your personal medical history and provide it to emergency personnel if necessary. (Requires activation and additional fee.
OnStar System Limitations Complete limitations can be found on the Subscriber Services Agreement. OnStar service is: D available in the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada; D available when the vehicle is within the operating range of a cellular provider; D subject to limitations caused by atmospheric conditions, such as severe weather or topographical conditions, such as mountainous terrain; D subject to cellular carrier equipment limitations.
Sunroof (Option) If your vehicle has the optional sunroof, the switch is located between the sun visors. NOTICE: Do not open the sunroof if the luggage carrier crossrails are not in the full rear position. This could cause damage to the sunroof glass panel and/or the crossrails. See “Roof Rack System” in the Index for more information. The sunshade must be opened by hand. To vent open the glass panel, press the rear of the switch.
HomeLinkR Transmitter (Option) Programming the HomeLink Transmitter Do not use the HomeLink Transmitter with any garage door opener that does not have the “stop and reverse” safety feature. This includes any garage door opener model manufactured before April 1, 1982. Be sure that people and objects are clear of the garage door you are programming. It is recommended that a new battery be installed in your hand-held transmitter for quicker and more accurate transmission of the radio frequency.
3. When the HomeLink indicator light begins to blink slowly (this may take up to 30 seconds), hold the hand-held transmitter about 1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from HomeLink and then press and hold the transmit button on the hand-held transmitter. Continue to hold both buttons until the indicator light on HomeLink begins to flash rapidly (this may take up to 90 seconds).
3. Return to HomeLink in your vehicle and firmly press and release the programmed HomeLink button three times. The rolling-code garage door opener should now recognize HomeLink. You may either use HomeLink or the hand-held transmitter to open the garage door. Operating the HomeLink Transmitter Press and hold the appropriate button on HomeLink for at least a half of a second. The indicator light will come on while the signal is being transmitted.
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System 2-80
The main components of the instrument panel are the following: A. Exterior/Interior Lamps Control J. Hood Release B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever K. Ignition Switch C. Hazard Warning Flasher Switch L. Comfort Controls D. Instrument Panel Cluster M. Center Console Switchbank E. Shift Lever N. Front Armrest Storage F. Instrument Panel Vents G. Audio System O. Ashtray/Cigarette Lighter/Accessory Power Outlet/Cell Phone Storage/Purse Storage/Cupholders H.
Instrument Panel Cluster Your 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, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically. The indicator warning lights and gages are explained on the following pages.
Speedometer and Tamper Resistant Odometer Trip Odometers Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or kilometers (used in Canada). Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the mileage total of the old odometer, then that will be done.
Retro-Active Reset The trip odometer has a feature called retro-active reset. This feature can be used to set the trip odometer to the number of miles (kilometers) driven since the ignition was last turned on. This can be used if you forget to reset your trip odometer at the beginning of a trip. To use the retro-active reset feature, push and hold the trip/reset button for at least three seconds.
Warning Lights, Gages, Messages 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 sensor, the air bag modules, the wiring and the 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.
Brake System Warning Light When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on when you set your parking brake. The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you have a brake problem. 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.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light United States Traction Control System Warning Light (If Equipped) Canada United States The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on longer than normal after you’ve started your engine, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light comes on and stays on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off.
If the traction control system warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage See “Engine Overheating” in the Index. The check tire pressure system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. After the system has been properly calibrated, the light will come on if a pressure difference (low pressure) is detected in one tire.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light in the United States or Check Engine Light in Canada) United States Canada Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. 2-90 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.
NOTICE: Modifications made to the engine, transaxle, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission controls and may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
If the Light Is Flashing If the Light Is On Steady The following may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle: You may be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following: D D D D Reducing vehicle speed. Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle? Avoiding hard accelerations. If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel? Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See “Fuel” in the Index. Poor fuel quality will cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.
Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left when the ignition is on. Fuel Gage 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 gas pump shuts off before the gage reads full. D It takes a little more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage reads. For example, the gage reads half full, but it took more (or less) than half of the tank’s capacity to fill it.
Message Center The message center is located at the top of the instrument panel cluster in between the tachometer and speedometer. It gives you important safety and maintenance facts. Service Traction System Warning Message (Option) Charging System Indicator Message The charging system battery symbol will come on in the message center when you turn on the ignition as a check to show you it is working. It will remain on as long as the engine is not running. It should go out once the engine is running.
Traction Active Message (Option) United States Canada If your vehicle has the traction control system, the TRACTION ACTIVE message will appear when the traction control system is limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions may exist if this message appears, so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control system stops limiting wheel spin.
Low Oil Pressure Message CAUTION: United States Canada Your vehicle is equipped with a low oil pressure warning message. Your oil pressure message lets you know when you may have a problem with your engine oil pressure. When the engine is running and this message comes on, the engine oil level may be too low. There may also be another problem causing low oil pressure. Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do, your engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Low Engine Oil Level Message United States Canada If this message comes on, it means your engine is low on oil. You need to check the oil level right away. Have your vehicle serviced immediately. 2-98 Change Engine Oil Message United States Canada If this change engine oil message comes on and stays on for several seconds after starting the engine, have the oil changed. For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to Change” in the Index. After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset.
Door Ajar Warning Message United States Rear Hatch Ajar Warning Message Canada This message will come on when the ignition is turned to ON or START and the driver’s or passenger’s door is open. United States Canada This message will come on when the ignition is turned to ON or START and the liftgate is open.
PASS-KeyR III Security Message United States Canada If you are ever driving and this message comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key III system, however, is not working properly and must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key III system at this time. 2-100 Low Fuel Warning Message United States Canada If your fuel is low, the warning message will come on and stay on until you add fuel.
Low Brake Fluid Warning Message United States Canada If your brake fluid is low, the warning message will come on and stay on until you add brake fluid. If the warning message is still on after adding fluid, you need to reset the warning message. To reset the warning message, turn the ignition to OFF then to ON. If the message stays on, see your dealer right away.
Service Vehicle Soon Message United States AWD Disable Warning Message (Option) Canada This light will come on if your vehicle has certain non-emission related problems. For example, if the entire electrical system fails to send and receive messages from the vehicle’s components, this message will come on. These problems may not be obvious and may affect vehicle performance or durability. Consult a qualified dealership for necessary repairs to maintain top vehicle performance.
Program Mode Message United States Key Fob Battery Low Warning Message Canada If you receive this message, your vehicle is in program mode. You are ready to begin programming your vehicle’s customization features. If your vehicle does not have the Driver Information Center (DIC), see “Vehicle Customization” in the Index. If your vehicle is equipped with the Driver Information Center (DIC), see “Driver Information Center” in the Index.
Park Lamp Warning Message United States Highbeam Out Warning Message Canada If you receive this message, one or both of the vehicle’s parking lamp bulbs needs replacement. See “Bulb Replacement” in the Index for bulb replacement instructions. 2-104 United States Canada If you receive this message, one or both of the vehicle’s high-beam headlamp bulbs needs replacement. See “Bulb Replacement” in the Index for more information.
Low Tire Pressure Message (If Equipped) United States Driver Information Center (DIC) (If Equipped) Canada The check tire pressure system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. After the system has been properly calibrated, the low tire pressure message will come on and chime will sound if a pressure difference (low pressure) is detected in one tire.
When the ignition is turned to ON or START, the DIC will display the following: MODE: This button lets you cycle through the options on the display. BUICK: BUICK will be displayed for three seconds. SET: This button is used to select and set the options to your preference. DRIVER #: This message will be displayed for another three seconds after BUICK appears in the display.
FUEL RANGE: The fuel range is an estimated distance that your vehicle can travel on the remaining fuel. The fuel economy used to calculate the range is based on your driving history since the last reset of the average speed. FUEL USED: The fuel used display will show you how much fuel has been used since the last time it was reset. To reset the fuel used to zero, press and hold the SET button while the fuel used is displayed on the DIC and until the display goes to zero.
Compass Variance Manual Compass Calibration Compass variance is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas of the country, the difference is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this occurs, the compass must be set. If the compass appears erratic and the calibration symbol does not appear, you must manually put the compass into the calibration mode.
ZONE # PRESS & HOLD SET TO CHANGE: This display mode will be displayed when you are manually calibrating the system. The current zone number for compass variance will be displayed in place of the # symbol. Use the SET button to select the zone number from the graphic shown to select the current area of the country that you are driving in. PRESS SET TO CALIBRATE COMPASS: After selecting your zone, press the MODE button and this will be displayed on the DIC.
Entering Programming Mode To program features, your vehicle must be in the programming mode. Follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition key to ON with the vehicle in PARK (P). 2. Press and release the MODE button, scrolling through the DIC messages, until PERSONALIZATION PRESS SET TO BEGIN is displayed. 3. Press the SET button and TO SELECT DRIVER PRESS REMOTE LOCK will appear. Press the LOCK button on the optional remote keyless entry to start.
Headlamp Exit Delay OFF: The headlamps and parking lamps will not turn on at the same instant that the ignition is turned to OFF. Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed in 30-second activation mode. The mode to which the vehicle has been programmed may have been changed since it left the factory.
Interior Lighting Delay The interior lighting delay feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: ON: Continue to illuminate the interior lamps for 25 seconds after all doors have been closed so that you can find your ignition and buckle your safety belt at night. Interior lighting delay will not occur while the ignition is in ON. After 25 seconds have passed, the interior lamps will slowly fade out.
Interior Lighting On The interior lighting on feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: KEY OUT: The interior lamps will come on for about 25 seconds whenever you remove the key from the ignition. DOOR: The interior lamps will come on for about 25 seconds when any door is opened. Interior lighting on will not occur while the ignition is in ON. After 25 seconds have passed, the interior lamps will slowly fade out.
Auto Door Lock The auto door lock feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: 3. Press the SET button until the arrow is before ON or OFF. ON: The doors will automatically lock when shifted out of PARK (P). The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit programming mode by following the instructions later in this section or program the next feature available on your vehicle. OFF: You will always need to lock your doors manually before driving to increase occupant safety.
Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed in ALL. The mode to which the vehicle has been programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine the mode to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following: Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed in PARK. The mode to which the vehicle has been programmed may have been changed since it left the factory.
Delayed Locking The delayed locking feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: ON: Lock your vehicle using the power door lock switch or the optional remote keyless entry transmitter while any door is opened, you will hear three chimes and the doors will not lock. Five seconds after the last door is closed, all doors will lock.
Remote Door Unlock The remote door unlock feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: DRIVER/ALL: With the first press of UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the driver’s door will unlock, and with the second press of UNLOCK, within five seconds of the first press, all passenger’s doors will unlock. ALL: All doors will unlock with every press of UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter. Before your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed in ALL.
Unlock Feedback The unlock feedback feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: LIGHTS: This mode does the following: D During the day, when the ignition is in OFF and UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter is pressed, the headlamps and parking lamps will flash, or D during the night, when the ignition is in OFF and the headlamp exit delay feature is programmed to any mode but OFF, the headlamps and parking lamps will be activated for the same time period as the headlamp exit delay f
Lock Feedback The lock feedback feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: OFF: When LOCK is pressed on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the headlamps and parking lamps will not flash and the horn will not sound. LIGHTS: When LOCK is pressed on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the headlamps and parking lamps will flash briefly.
Seat Recall The seat recall feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: ON: The previously programmed memory seat position will be recalled when the UNLOCK button is pressed on the remote keyless entry transmitter. OFF: No memory seat position will be recalled when you press the UNLOCK button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
Tilt Mirror Exiting Programming Mode The tilt mirror feature can be programmed to one of the following modes: To exit programming mode, do one of the following: ON: The passengers side outside rearview mirror will tilt down towards the curb when the vehicle is shifted to REVERSE (R) and returns to its previous position when the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (R). OFF: The mirror will not tilt.
Head-Up Display (HUD) (Option) CAUTION: If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in your field of view, it may take you more time to see things you need to see when it’s dark outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim and placed low in your field of view. If your vehicle has this option, it can display the speedometer reading in English or metric.
The HUD controls are located to the left of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. Be sure to continue scanning your displays, controls and driving environment just as you would in a vehicle without HUD. If you never look at your instrument panel cluster, you may not see something important, such as a warning light. Under important warning conditions, the CHECK GAGES icon will illuminate in the HUD. Glance at your instrument panel cluster for more information.
To adjust the HUD so you can see it properly: 1. Start your engine and turn the dimmer knob to the desired HUD image brightness. The brightness of the HUD image is determined by the ambient light conditions in the direction your vehicle is facing and where you have the HUD dimmer knob set. If you are facing a dark object or a heavily shaded area, your HUD may anticipate that you are entering a dark area and may begin to dim. 2. Adjust the driver’s seat.
Rear Parking Assist (RPA) (Option) RPA can help you to determine how close an object is to your rear bumper within a given area, making parking easier. The four ultrasonic sensors located on the rear bumper detect the distance to the object in the given area. It is not intended to be used primarily as a rear obstacle detection system. RPA can be turned off by pressing the rear park aid disable switch located in the center console switchbank. When the switch is on an indicator light will glow on the switch.
How the System Works If the rear park aid disable switch is not on, the rear parking assist will turn on automatically when the shift lever is moved into REVERSE (R) and the vehicle speed is less then 3 mph (5 km/h). When the system turns on, the three lights on the display will illuminate for 1.5 seconds to let you know that the system is working. The red light will flash to indicate that the system is disabled if your vehicle is moving in REVERSE (R) at a speed greater then 3 mph (5 km/h).
When the System Does Not Seem to Work Properly The light will flash red when shifting into REVERSE (R) if a trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or an object was on the back of, or hanging out of your liftgate during your last drive cycle. The light will continue to flash whenever in REVERSE (R), until your vehicle is driven forward at least 15 mph (25 km/h) without any obstructions behind the vehicle. It may also flash red if the ultrasonic sensors are not kept clean.
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 Temperature Knob This section tells you how to make your air system work for you. The center knob controls the temperature of the air coming through the system. Turn the knob clockwise (toward the red area) for warmer air. Turn the knob counterclockwise (toward the blue area) for cooler air. With this system, you can control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a flow-through ventilation system described later in this section.
Air Conditioning (Defog): This setting directs air to the windshield and through the floor ducts. This mode is particularly useful during cold or inclement weather because of your vehicle’s larger windshield area. On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more quickly and economically if you open the windows long enough to let hot, inside air escape. For all settings, adjust the temperature knob and fan speed as desired.
Heating Turn the temperature knob clockwise (toward the red area) to warm the air. In the lower mode, outside air will be brought in and sent through the floor outlets. The heater works best if you keep your windows closed while using it. The bi-level setting is designed for use on sunny days when the air is only moderately warm or cool. On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your upper body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
Dual Automatic ComforTempt Climate Control (If Equipped) Automatic Control For the most efficient operation, you should set the system temperature and push the driver’s temperature knob for automatic operation. The word AUTO will be shown in the display. The system will select the best fan speed and airflow settings to keep you comfortable. The air conditioning compressor will run if the outside temperature is above 32_F (0_C).
Passenger’s Temperature Control Mode Button The passenger’s temperature knob adjusts the temperature on the passenger’s side of the vehicle so it is warmer or cooler than the temperature set by the driver. The passenger temperature setting is shown under the words PASS TEMP in the display. This button has several settings to control direction of airflow when the system is not in AUTO. To access the various modes available, continue to press MODE until the desired mode appears in the display.
Mode Buttons Air Conditioning VENT: This button turns the air conditioning compressor on and off and changes the mode to upper. The words A/C OFF are shown in the display. Recirculation is not permitted when the compressor is off. The system will try to control the temperature automatically, but without the compressor. On very hot days, your vehicle will cool down more quickly and economically if you open the windows long enough to let hot, inside air escape.
Heating Turn the temperature knob to the desired interior temperature to warm the air. In the lower mode, outside air will be brought in and sent through the floor outlets. The heater works best if you keep your windows closed while using it. The bi-level setting is designed for use on sunny days when the air is only moderately warm or cool. On days like these, the sun may adequately warm your upper body, but your lower body may not be warm enough.
Rear Window Defogger Press the REAR button (the indicator light will glow) to warm the defogger grid on the rear window. The engine must be running for the defogger grid to warm up. The system will turn off automatically after about 10 minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger will operate for about five minutes. You can also turn the defogger off by turning the ignition to OFF or by pressing the button again. The indicator light will turn off.
Ventilation System Ventilation Tips D Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction (such as leaves). This will allow the heater and defroster to work much better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. D When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, select the Your vehicle’s flow-through ventilation system supplies outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the air conditioning is running.
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 it’s controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
DISP (Display): Press this button to display the station being played or to display the clock. The clock can be displayed with the ignition on or off. Finding a Station AM FM: Press this button to switch between AM, FM1 and FM2. The display shows your selection. TUNE: Turn this knob clockwise to tune in to the next station. Turn it counterclockwise to tune into the previous station. SEEK : Press the right or left arrow to go to the next or previous station and stay there. The sound will mute while seeking.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) AUDIO: Push and release AUDIO until BAS appears on the display. Then turn the AUDIO knob clockwise to increase bass. B and a positive number will appear on the display. Turn the AUDIO knob counterclockwise to decrease bass. B and a negative number will appear on the display. B and a zero will appear on the display when the bass level is set to the middle position. Stop turning the knob when you find the bass level you want or when the maximum or minimum level is reached.
To adjust the fade between the front and rear speakers, push and release AUDIO until FAD appears on the display. Then turn the AUDIO knob clockwise to move the sound to the front speakers or counterclockwise to move the sound to the rear speakers. F and a number will appear on the display when the sound is balanced toward the front speakers. R and a number will appear on the display when the sound is balanced toward the rear speakers.
Using RDS Finding a PTY Station Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). With RDS, the radio can do the following: P-TYP (Program Type): This button is used to turn on and off Program Type (PTY) select. The P-TYPE symbol will appear on the display and the SELECT LED indicator next to the P-TYP button will light. The last selected PTY will appear on the display for five seconds. Turn the AUDIO knob to select the PTY you want to listen to.
AM FM (Alternate Frequency): Alternate frequency allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the same program type. Press and hold AM FM for two seconds to turn alternate frequency on. AF ON will appear on the display. The radio may switch to stronger stations. Press and hold AM FM again for two seconds to turn alternate frequency off. AF OFF will appear on the display. The radio will not switch to other stations.
TRAF (Traffic): Press this button to receive traffic announcements. The traffic announcement brackets will appear on the display. TRAF will appear on the display if the tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements. If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, the radio will seek to a station that does. When the radio finds a station that broadcasts traffic announcements, it will stop. If no station is found, NO TRAFFIC will appear on the display.
DISP (Display): Press this button to see which track is playing. Press it again within five seconds to see how long it has been playing. To change what is normally shown on the display (track or elapsed time), press this button until you see the display you want, then hold the button until the display flashes. SEEK : Press the left arrow to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played.
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Automatic Tone Control and Radio Data Systems (RDS) (If Equipped) Playing the Radio PWR (Power): Push this knob to turn the system on and off. VOL (Volume): Turn this knob clockwise to increase volume. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the volume. DISP (Display): Press this button to display the station being played or to display the clock. The clock can be displayed with the ignition on or off.
Setting Preset Stations 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: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Press AM FM to select the band. 3. Tune in the desired station. 4. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons. The sound will mute. When it returns, release the pushbutton. Whenever you press that numbered pushbutton, the station you set will return. 5.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade) AUDIO: To adjust the balance between the right and left speakers, push and release AUDIO until BAL appears on the display. Then turn the AUDIO knob clockwise to move the sound to the right speakers or counterclockwise to move the sound to the left speakers. R and a number will appear on the display when the sound is balanced toward the right speakers. L and a number will appear on the display when the sound is balanced toward the left speakers.
EQ (Equalizer): This feature allows you to choose preset bass, mid and treble equalization settings designed for different program types. Press EQ to select the desired preset equalization setting. Each time you press EQ, another setting will appear on the display. You can preset up to six equalization settings by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the radio on. 2. Push the AUDIO knob to select the desired equalization. 3. Press and hold EQ for two seconds. SELECT EQ # will appear on the display.
Finding a PTY Station P-TYP (Program): This button is used to turn on and off Program Type (PTY) select. The P-TYPE symbol will appear on the display and the SELECT LED indicator next to the P-TYP button will light. The last selected PTY will appear on the display for five seconds. Turn the AUDIO knob to select the PTY you want to listen to. Press the SEEK arrows to find radio stations of the PTY you want to listen to. The last PTY selected will be used for seek.
RDS Messages ALERT!: This type of announcement warns of national or local emergencies. You will not be able to turn off alert announcements. ALERT! appears on the display when an alert announcement plays. When an alert announcement comes on the tuned radio station, you will hear it, even if the volume is muted or a cassette tape is playing. If the cassette tape is playing, play will stop for the announcement and resume when the announcement is finished.
Playing a Cassette Tape The longer side with the tape visible should face to the right. If the ignition and the radio are on, the tape can be inserted and will begin playing. If you hear nothing or hear a garbled sound, the tape may not be in squarely. Press the eject button to remove the tape and start over. While the tape is playing, use the VOLUME and AUDIO controls just as you do for the radio. Other controls may have different functions when a tape is inserted.
Cassette Tape Messages Playing a Compact Disc If an E 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 the eject button or DISP. D E10: The tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape.
SEEK : Press the left SEEK button to go to the start of the current track if more than eight seconds have played. If you hold the button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving back through the disc. Press the right SEEK button to go to the next track. If you hold the button or press it more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the disc. The sound will mute while seeking. AM FM: Press this button to listen to the radio when a cassette tape or CD is playing.
AM-FM Stereo with Six-Disc Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped) AUTO VOL (Automatic Volume): Your system has a feature called automatic volume. With this feature, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Press this button to select MIN, MED or MAX. Each higher choice allows for more volume compensation at faster vehicle speeds.
t u SCAN : Press and hold either SCAN arrow for two seconds until SC appears on the display and you hear a beep. The radio will go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the next station. Press either SCAN arrow again to stop scanning. If you press SCAN for more than four seconds, the radio will change to preset scan mode. The sound will mute while scanning. 4. Press AUTO EQ to select the equalization that best suits the type of station selected.
To adjust bass, midrange or treble to the middle position, select BASS, MID or TREB and push and hold the AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and adjust the display level to zero. To adjust all tone and speaker controls to the middle position, push and hold the AUDIO knob when no tone or speaker control is active. The radio will produce one beep and CENTERED will appear on the display.
Using RDS Finding a PTY Station Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS mode gives you many useful new features. With RDS, the radio can do the following: P-TYPE (Program Type): This button is used to turn on and off Program Type (PTY) selections. PTY and the light next to the button will turn on. The last selected PTY will appear on the display for five seconds.
AM FM (Alternate Frequency): Alternate frequency allows the radio to switch to a stronger station with the same program type. Press and hold AM FM for two seconds to turn alternate frequency on. AF ON will appear on the display. The radio may switch to stronger stations. Press and hold AM FM again for two seconds to turn alternate frequency off. AF OFF will appear on the display. The radio will not switch to other stations.
TRAF (Traffic): Press this button to receive traffic announcements. The traffic announcement brackets will appear on the display. TRAF will appear on the display if the tuned station broadcasts traffic announcements. If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, the radio will seek to a station that does. When the radio finds a station that broadcasts traffic announcements, it will stop. If no station is found, NONE FOUND will appear on the display.
To load more than one disc but less than six, complete Steps 1 through 3. When you have finished loading discs, with the radio on or off, press the LOAD side of the LOAD CD button to cancel the loading function. The radio will begin to play the last CD loaded. LOAD CD (Eject): The CD eject side of this button will eject a disc or discs, if you have multiple discs loaded.
Once the player stops and the disc is ejected, remove the disc. After removing the disc, press the PWR knob off and then on again. This will clear the disc-sensing feature and enable discs to be loaded into the player again. << REV (Reverse): Press and hold this button to reverse quickly within a track. Release it to play the passage. You will hear sound at a reduced volume. The display will show elapsed time.
t u SCAN : To scan one disc, press and hold either SCAN arrow for more than two seconds until SCAN appears on the display and you hear a beep. Use this feature to listen to each track of the currently selected disc for ten seconds. The sound will mute while scanning. SCAN will appear on the display. Press either SCAN arrow again, to stop scanning.
If you attempt to save more than 20 selections, S-LIST FULL will appear on the display. To play the song list, press the SONG LIST button. One beep will be heard and S-LIST will appear on the display. The recorded tracks will begin to play in the order that they were saved. You may seek through the song list by using the SEEK SCAN arrows. Seeking past the last saved track will return you to the first saved track. To delete tracks from the song list, perform the following steps: 1. Turn the disc player on.
Compact Disc Messages Theft-Deterrent Feature CHECK CD: If this message appears on the radio display, it could be due to one of the following conditions: 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 and the radio is placed in a different vehicle. This feature requires no user input to be activated. It is automatically armed when it is put into the vehicle for the first time.
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. MUTE: Press this button to silence the system. Press it again to turn on the sound. YVOL B (Volume): Press the up or down arrow to increase or decrease volume. Y SEEK B: Press the up arrow to seek to the next station and the down arrow to seek to the previous station. The sound will mute while seeking.
Understanding Radio Reception To help avoid hearing loss or damage do the following: AM D Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. D Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably 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.
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 Care of Your Compact Disc Player 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. The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.
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.
But statistics show that the most important factor, by far, is how we drive. Knowing how these three factors work together can help you understand how your vehicle handles and what you can do to avoid many types of crashes, including a rollover crash. Driver Behavior Your Driving, the Road and Your Vehicle Whenever we drive, we’re taking on an important responsibility. This is true for any motor vehicle -- passenger car, van, truck or sport utility.
Driving Environment You can also help avoid a rollover or other type of crash by being prepared for driving in inclement weather, at night, or during other times where visibility or traction may be limited (such as on curves, slippery roads or hilly terrain). Unfamiliar surroundings can also have hidden hazards.
Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task -- such as concentrating on a cellular telephone call, reading, or reaching for something on the floor -- makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.
According to the American Medical Association, a 180-lb. (82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06 percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had 1-1/2 ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol that counts.
All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater! The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink.
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.
To turn the system off, press the TRAC OFF button located on the center console switchbank. United States Canada If this message comes on and stays on or comes on while you are driving, there’s a problem with your traction control system. See “Service Traction System Warning Message” in the Index. When this warning message is on, the TRAC OFF light will come on to remind you that the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System (Option) Steering Tips If your vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD), the AWD system operates automatically without any action required by the driver. If the front drive wheels begin to slip, the rear wheels will automatically begin to drive the vehicle as required. There may be a slight engagement noise during hard use but this is normal. It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead.
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.
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. Driving at Night Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions.
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.
D Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift CAUTION: 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. down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better.
Winter Driving Here are some tips for winter driving: D Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. D You may want to put winter emergency supplies in your vehicle. 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 reflective warning triangles.
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. 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.
Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have an anti-lock braking system, you’ll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See “Anti-Lock” in the Index. If You’re Caught in a Blizzard D Allow greater following distance on any slippery road. D Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine until you hit a spot that’s covered with ice.
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. You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful. CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or so until help comes.
Dinghy Towing Dolly Towing Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all of its wheels on the ground. If you have a two-wheel-drive vehicle, it can be towed with two of its wheels on the ground. See “Dolly Towing” following. If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it cannot be towed with any of its wheels on the ground. It can be towed with car carrier equipment. If you have a two-wheel-drive vehicle, it can be towed with two of its wheels on the ground.
Loading Your Vehicle The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on both sides of the centerline. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
NOTICE: Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading. If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else -- they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they’ll keep going. 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 cargo area of your vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly.
Electronic Level Control (Option) On vehicles equipped with the optional electronic level control, the rear of the vehicle is automatically kept level as you load or unload your vehicle. However, you should still not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index.
NOTICE: Pulling a trailer improperly can damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by your warranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this part, and see your dealer for important information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Additional rear axle maintenance is required for a vehicle used to tow a trailer. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. Your vehicle can tow a trailer.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: D There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. D Consider using a sway control if your trailer will weigh 2,000 lbs. (900 kg) or less.
You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at: Buick Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33136 Detroit, MI 48232-5136 In Canada, write to: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Safety Chains Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Certification/Tire Label at the rear edge of the driver’s door, or see “Tire Loading” in the Index. Then be sure you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.
Driving with a Trailer CAUTION: If you have a rear-most window open and you pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or death. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. To maximize your safety when towing a trailer: D Have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, and make necessary repairs before starting on your trip. D Keep the rear-most windows closed.
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 When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has to have extra wiring. 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 towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out.
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. 4-44 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 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. When the hazard warning flashers are on, the turn signals won’t work. Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They also let police know you have a problem.
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 starting procedure.
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. But if a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 7. Don’t let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 8. Now connect the black negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (-) terminal if the vehicle has one.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (-) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, and the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. 10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while. 11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it won’t start after a few tries, it probably needs service.
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. Jumper Cable Removal A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (-) Terminal B.
Towing Your Vehicle Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if you need to have your vehicle towed. See “Roadside Assistance” and “Recreational Vehicle Towing” in the Index. Engine Overheating You will find an engine coolant temperature gage on your vehicle’s instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” in the Index. You also have an engine coolant temperature warning message on your instrument panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Message” in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine 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.
NOTICE: If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off. If your engine catches fire because you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index. If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine If you get an engine overheat warning but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
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. A. Radiator Pressure Cap B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans C.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD mark. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else in the cooling system. 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.
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 or above the FULL 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: (Continued) 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 or above the FULL COLD mark, start your vehicle. They are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -- they can come out at high speed.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator 2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove 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. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until it first stops. (Don’t press down while turning the pressure cap.) If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some pressure left.
Housing Bypass Tube 3. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valves. There are two bleed valves. One is located on the thermostat housing. The other is located on the thermostat bypass tube. 4. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information about the proper coolant mixture. If you see a stream of coolant coming from an air bleed valve, close the valve.
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 7. 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. 5-18 8. 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 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 front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Changing a Flat Tire If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers. CAUTION: Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1. Set the parking brake firmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). 3. Turn off the engine.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is located in the storage compartment at the rear of the vehicle, on the passenger’s side. 1. Open the jack storage compartment by lifting up the tab and pulling the cover off. A. Jack B. Wing Nut and Screw C. Jacking Instructions D. Folding Wrench E. Wing Nut F. J-Hook 2. Remove the jack and jacking tools by turning the wing nut counterclockwise. 3.
Removing the Spare Tire (Vehicles without the Rear Convenience/Cargo Tray) 1. Flip the rear cargo area carpet cut out to expose the hoist shaft. The compact spare tire is located under the vehicle, ahead of the rear bumper. Use the spare tire hoist to raise, lower and store the compact spare tire. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare. 2. Attach the folding wrench into the hoist shaft. A. Hoist Shaft B. Folding Wrench C. Hoist Assembly 5-22 D.
5. After removing the spare tire, turn the wrench clockwise to raise the cable back up. Do not store a full-size or a flat road tire under the vehicle. See “Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools” later in this section. To continue changing the flat tire see “Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire” later in this section. Do the following to check the cable: 1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable is visible. 2. If not visible, see “Secondary Latch System” later in this section.
Removing the Spare Tire (Vehicles with the Rear Convenience/Cargo Tray) (Optional) The compact spare tire is located under the vehicle, ahead of the rear bumper. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare. 1. Open the storage compartment door of the convenience/cargo tray that is nearest the liftgate and remove the cap on the bottom of the storage compartment. 2. Flip the cut out carpet that is located through the hole of the storage compartment. 3.
6. To remove the spare tire from the cable, tilt the retainer and slip it through the wheel opening. 7. After removing the spare tire, turn the wrench clockwise to raise the cable back up. Do not store a full-size or a flat road tire under the vehicle. See “Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools” later in this section. To continue changing the flat tire see “Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire” later in this section.
3. Loosen the cable by turning the wrench counterclockwise three or four turns. CAUTION: 4. Repeat this procedure at least two times. 5. If you still cannot lower the spare tire to the ground, see “Secondary Latch System” later in this section. 6. If the spare tire did lower to the ground, continue with Step 6 under “Removing the Spare Tire (Vehicles with the Rear Convenience/Cargo Tray)”. Secondary Latch System The spare tire hoist assembly is equipped with a secondary latch system.
2. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable is exposed. 5. Turn the folding wrench clockwise to raise the jack until it lifts the secondary latch spring. 3. Attach the folding wrench to the jack and raise the jack at least 10 turns. 6. Keep raising the jack until the spare tire stops moving upward and is held firmly in place, this lets you know that the secondary latch has released 4. Place the jack under the vehicle, ahead of the rear bumper.
7. Lower the jack by turning the folding wrench counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack until the spare tire is resting on the folding wrench. 8. Grasp the spare tire with both hands and pull it out from under the vehicle. 9. Reach under the vehicle and remove the folding wrench and jack. 10. When the spare tire has been completely lowered, tilt the retainer and slip it through the wheel opening. 11. If the cable is hanging, turn the wrench clockwise to raise the cable back up.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. If there is a wheel cover, loosen the plastic nut caps with the wheel wrench. They won’t come off. Then, using the flat end of the wheel wrench, pry along the edge of the cover until it comes off. Be careful; the edges may be sharp. Don’t try to remove the cover with your bare hands. If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, remove the wheel nut caps using the wheel wrench. 2. Loosen the wheel nuts -- but do not remove them -- using the folding wrench.
Do not raise the vehicle yet. 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. NOTICE: Do not place the jack under the rear axle control arms. Only use the areas shown for proper jack location.
4. Attach the folding wrench to the jack, and turn the wrench clockwise to raise the jack head 3 inches (7.6 cm). 5. Raise the vehicle by turning the folding wrench clockwise in the jack. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so that there is enough room for the spare tire to fit under the wheel well. 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.
8. Install the spare tire and put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub. 10. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown. CAUTION: 9. Lower the vehicle by attaching the folding wrench to the jack and turning the wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 5-32 Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off.
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 a wheel cover on the compact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel cover securely in the rear of the vehicle until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced. NOTICE: Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare.
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools 1. Lay the compact spare tire on the ground at the rear of the vehicle. Position the compact spare tire so that the valve stem is pointed down facing the rear of the vehicle. 5. Turn the folding wrench clockwise to lift the spare tire. 6. When the tire reaches the stabilizer bar, move the tire over the bar, then continue to turn the folding wrench clockwise to lift the spare tire. 2. Lower the cable to the ground.
Put back all tools as they were stored in the jack storage compartment and put the compartment cover back on. To put the cover back on, slip the tabs on the side of the cover into the cover opening. Push the cover in place and push down the tabs on the cover so that it rests in the groove. This secures the cover in place. When you replace the compact spare with a full-size tire, reinstall the bolt-on wheel covers or the center cap (if equipped).
Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles without the Stowable Seat and without the Rear Convenience/Cargo Tray) 1. Flip up the D-ring located in the rear cargo area. 2. Lay the tire in the rear cargo area of the vehicle with the valve stem up with the center hole of the tire over the D-ring. For vehicles with aluminum wheels, remove the center trim cap by tapping the back of the cap with the folding wrench. 3. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back of the jack access door.
Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles with the Rear Convenience/Cargo Tray) (Option) 1. Open the center storage compartment door of the rear convenience/cargo tray. 2. Remove the cap on the bottom of the storage compartment and flip the D-ring up. 3. Lay the tire on top of the center storage compartment with the valve stem down. Make sure you can see the D-ring through the center hole of the tire. 4. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and the J-hook.
Storing the Flat Tire (Vehicles with the Stowable Seat) (Option) A. Rear Convenience/ Cargo Tray B. Full-Size Tire C. D-Ring D. E. F. G. Stowable Seat Strap Cargo Net Hook J-Hook Wing Nut 1. If the seatback is not in an upright position, move it to an upright position. 2. There is a strap attached to each side of the stowable seat. Hook the straps to the cargo net hook in the rear of the vehicle. 3. Flip the D-ring so it is pointing outward. 4. Open the convenience/cargo tray cover. 5.
Storing the Flat Tire with the Stowable Seatback Folded Flat 1. Fold the seatback down and flip the D-ring up. 2. Lay the tire on the seatback with the valve stem pointing up with the center hole of the tire over the D-ring. 3. Remove the J-hook and the wing nut from the back of the jack access door. Assemble the wing nut and the J-hook. 4. Install the wing nut and the J-hook to the D-ring through the center hole of the tire. 5. Tighten the wing nut to secure the tire to the seatback.
Compact Spare Tire 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). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
All-Wheel Drive (Option) NOTICE: After installing a compact spare tire on a vehicle with all-wheel drive you will need to drive with light to moderate acceleration, for 10 seconds, in a straight line. This action will allow the vehicle to detect the compact spare tire and disable the all-wheel drive system. The AWD DISABLE message will come on indicating that the all-wheel drive system is off. You may detect a slight pull during this time, but this is normal.
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. 5-42 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 traction control, you should turn your traction control system off.
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.
While refueling, let the fuel cap hang by the tether as shown. 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. The fuel cap is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle. 6-6 To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
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 hood release handle, located on the driver’s side under the instrument panel. 2. Go to the front of the vehicle and slide the secondary hood release handle from left to right. 3. Lift the hood.
Engine Compartment Overview When you lift the hood, you’ll see these items: A. B. C. D. Underhood Fuse and Relay Center Remote Positive (+) Terminal Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick 6-10 E. Brake Master Cylinder F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir G. Battery H. Radiator Pressure Cap I. J. K. L.
Before closing the hood be sure that all of the filler caps are on properly, then let the hood down and close it firmly. Engine Oil Checking Engine Oil 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. The engine oil dipstick is located at the front of the engine compartment, near the center. The dipstick handle has a bright, yellow loop design for easy identification.
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. NOTICE: Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.
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. If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.
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. _ _ NOTICE: Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty.
How to Reset the Change Engine Oil Message What to Do with Used Oil If your vehicle does not have the optional Driver Information Center (DIC), do the following: Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags containing used engine oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Checking or Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 1. Remove the two clamps on the duct. 2. Remove the duct. 3. Unlatch the two hooks on top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing. 4. Remove and replace the engine air cleaner/filter. 5. Align the tabs located on the bottom of the panel with the slots at the top of the housing. 6. Latch the hooks to secure the panel in place. If the panel moves easily, check that the tabs are seated correctly in the slots. 7.
CAUTION: Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off can cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the engine backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with it off, and be careful working on the engine with the air cleaner/filter off. 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.
The access panel for the passenger compartment air filter is located in the back of the glove box. 1. Open the glove box. 3. Then squeeze the tab on the left of the inner access panel to open the door. 2. Squeeze the tab on the left and pull the outer access panel to remove. 6-18 4. The first air filter will pull straight out. To remove the second, reach in and slide it toward the opening. Pull the second filter out.
5. Replace the filters by reversing Step 4. Make sure the filters are inserted so that the sealing foam is angled in the same direction on both filters. Automatic Transaxle Fluid 6. Close the inner access door, while squeezing the tab. Be sure it is tightly closed. A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. 7. Snap the outer access panel into the back of the glove box.
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 dipstick is located toward the back of the engine compartment, next to the brake master cylinder. 3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower level. The fluid level must be in the cross-hatched area. The dipstick handle is a bright red loop. See “Engine Compartment Overview in the Index for more information on location. 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.
All-Wheel Drive (Option) How to Check Lubricant If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure to perform the lubricant checks described in this section. However, they have two additional systems that need lubrication. Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) When to Check Lubricant Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant. See “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the Index. To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface.
Carrier Assembly-Differential (Rear Drive Module) To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a level surface. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index. If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole, you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
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, 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.
Checking Coolant 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. Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank, but be careful not to spill it. The vehicle must be on a level surface.
Radiator Pressure Cap NOTICE: Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line up with the overflow tube on the radiator filler neck. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid What to Use 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. To determine what kind of fluid to use, see “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Always use the proper fluid.
Adding Washer Fluid The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, near the fuse and relay center. NOTICE: D When using concentrated washer fluid, D Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. D D 6-30 follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
Brakes Brake Fluid Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for the location of the reservoir. 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.
What to Add CAUTION: If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid” in this section. When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid. Refer to “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
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.
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. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM torque specifications. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.
Vehicle Storage Bulb Replacement 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. For the type of bulbs, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. CAUTION: Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index for tips on working around a battery without getting hurt.
Headlamps 6. Turn the bulb socket one-quarter of a turn clockwise. 1. Open the hood. 2. Push in on the headlamp panel and lift up the headlamp retaining clip partway, but do not remove. 7. Pull the bulb assembly out from the lamp housing. 3. Undo the wing stud on the upper, outboard side of the lamp assembly. 4. Unsnap the headlamp assembly by pulling it forward, away from the vehicle. 5.
9. Install the new bulb into the electrical connector. Push the bulb firmly enough so that the gray tabs hook over the tab on the bulb. 10. Carefully put the bulb assembly back into the lamp housing and turn the bulb socket one-quarter of a turn counterclockwise. 11. Align the retaining clips on the back of the headlamp with the rectangular holes in the mounting panel. 12. Push firmly on both ends of the headlamp to snap it into position. 13. Push the retaining clip down to its original position. 8.
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Sidemarker Lamps 7. Pull the bulb assembly out from the lamp housing. To replace the front turn signal, parking or sidemarker lamp bulbs, follow the headlamp bulb replacement procedure and replace the appropriate bulb. 8. Unhook the electrical connector by lifting up the tabs and separate the connector from the bulb base. Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps (Liftgate Mounted) 1. Open the liftgate. 2. Remove the panel inside the liftgate by lifting the tabs and pulling the panel off. 3.
Outboard Taillamps, Brake Lamps and Turn Signals 1. Open the liftgate. 2. Remove the two screws on the inboard taillamp panel. 3. Pull the lamp directly rearward from the vehicle. 4. Turn the bulb socket one-quarter of a turn clockwise. 5. Pull the bulb assembly out from the lamp housing. 6. Unhook the electrical connector by lifting up the tabs and separate the connector from the bulb base. 7. Install the new bulb into the electrical connector.
To replace the backglass mounted wiper blade, do the following: 1. Turn the rear wiper off. 2. Pull the wiper away from the backglass. 3. Pull up the release clip, located at the connecting point of the blade and the arm. Then, pull the blade assembly down toward the glass to remove it from the wiper arm. 4. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm until you hear the release clip “click” into place. 5. Push the release clip, from Step 3, down to secure the wiper blade into place. 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 Certification/Tire label, which is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, 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.
Check Tire Pressure System (If Equipped) The check tire pressure system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. The system won’t alert you before you drive that a tire is low or flat. You must begin driving before the system will work properly.
Don’t reset the check tire pressure system without first correcting the cause of the problem and checking and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If you reset the system when the tire pressures are incorrect, the check tire pressure system will not work properly and may not alert you when a tire is low or high. The system completes the calibration process during driving. Calibration time can take 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your driving habits.
CAUTION: When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here. Don’t include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation. Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
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.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading CAUTION: Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same size and type tires on all wheels. It’s all right to drive with your compact spare, though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.
Treadwear Temperature -- A, B, C 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.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced.
Used Replacement Wheels CAUTION: Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel. Tire Chains CAUTION: If your vehicle has P215/70R16 size tires, don’t use tire chains, there’s not enough clearance.
NOTICE: If your vehicle has a tire size other than P215/705R16 size tires, use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the front tires, or for all-wheel-drive vehicles, the front or all four (but never rear only) tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle Using Cleaner on Fabric Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt. Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet 3. Follow the directions on the container label. 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.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a water/baking soda solution: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml) of lukewarm water. Cleaning Leather 4. Let dry. D For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows: 1. Carefully scrape off excess stain. 2. First, clean with cool water and allow to dry completely. 3.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components Cleaning Glass Surfaces Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the surface finish. Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass. See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index. Care of Safety Belts Keep belts clean and dry. CAUTION: Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass 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 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. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s body and paint shop. Underbody Maintenance Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody.
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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 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. You can see it if you look through the windshield from outside your vehicle.
Electrical System Headlamp Wiring Add-On Electrical Equipment The headlamp wiring is protected by an internal circuit breaker in the floor console 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 wiring checked right away. NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers Floor Console Fuse Block The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermal links. The floor console fuse block is located to the left of the glove box near the floor. 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.
Fuses Usage Fuses Usage 1 Fuse Puller 16 Heated Mirrors 2 Steering Wheel Radio Controls 17 Power Mirrors 3 Power Door Locks 18 Ignition 1 Module 4 Spare 19 5 Spare 6 Spare 21 Turn Signal Switch and NSBU Switch Rear Defogger 7 Spare 22 Air Bag Module 8 Spare 24 9 Spare Canister Vent Solenoid and TCC Switch HVAC Blower Motor 10 Turn Signal and Hazard Lamp Flashers Power Seats 11 12 13 Electronic Level Control (ELC) Compressor Liftglass and Endgate 14 Rear Auxiliary Powe
Fuses Usage 35 Power Windows 36 37 Map Lamps, Courtesy Lamps and Instrument Panel Lights Radio 38 UQ3 Radio Amplifier 39 Head-Up Display 40 Hazard Flashers 41 Instrument Panel Cluster, HVAC Control, Security LED and Remote Keyless Entry Module 42 PASS-KeyR III 44 Body Control Module (BCM) Relays Usage 20 Rear Defogger Relay 23 IGN3 Relay 27 Accessory Relay 33 Retained Accessory Power Relay Diode 43 6-64 Accessory Diode Underhood Fuse Block This fuse block is located in the en
Mini Fuses 6 7 8 9 10 Mini Fuses 1 2 3 4 5 Usage Fuel Pump Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Horn Engine Controls - Emissions and Sensors Power Control Module (PCM) - Battery Power 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Usage Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Control Module Transaxle Solenoids Spare ABS Solenoid Valves Oxygen Sensors - Emissions Control Injectors Spare Engine Controls Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Passenger’s Low-Beam Headlamp Spare Driver’s Low-Beam Headlamp Driver’s High-Beam Headlamp Ignition Sw
Mini Fuses 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 J-Style Fuse 35 36 37 6-66 Usage Spare Spare Front Fog Lamps Ignition Relay, Neutral Start Switch, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Battery Control Module - Battery Power Spare All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Module Cruise Control Front Power Outlets/Lights, OnStarR Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Spare Usage Starter Solenoid Battery Fuse ABS Motor Spare J-Style Fuse 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Usage Spare Engine Cooling Fan Engine Cooling Fan Main
Maxi Breaker 49 Micro Relay 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 Mini Relay 58 59 60 61 62 63 Usage Spare Usage Horn Fuel Pump Air Conditioning Clutch Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Low-Beam Headlamps Parking Lamps High-Beam Headlamps Fog Lamps Usage Starter Relay Cooling Fan Ignition 1 Relay Cooling Fan Cooling Fan Air Pump Spare Fuses 64 65 66 67 68 69 Fuse Puller 70 Diode Usage Spare Spare Spare Spare Spare Spare Fuse Puller Diode for Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch 6-67
Replacement Bulbs Capacities and Specifications For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer. The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Headlamps High-beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9005 Low-beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9006 Front Turn Signal/Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 3457K Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Liftgate Mounted Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle Differential Capacity . . . . . . . . . . 2.1 quarts (1.9 L) Transfer Case Fluid Capacity . . . . . 0.6 pints (290 ml) Cooling System With A/C . . . . . . . 9.6 quarts (9.1 L) Engine Oil with Filter . . . . . . . . . . 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) Fuel Capacity . . . . . . . . . . 18.5 U.S. gallons (72.0 L) Wheel Nut Torque . . . . . . . . . . . 100 lb-ft (140 N·m) All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
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 and Chassis Lubrication 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. The system will show you when to change the oil -- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km) since your last oil change. Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Scheduled Maintenance 7-7
Scheduled Maintenance 7-8
Scheduled Maintenance 7,500 Miles (12 500 km) j All-wheel drive/drive axle service. If your vehicle is used to pull a trailer, change the rear axle fluid. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the proper fluid to use. 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.
Scheduled Maintenance 30,000 Miles (50 000 km) j If Equipped: 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 j DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) 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 If Equipped: 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 If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may require replacement more often. j Rotate tires.
Scheduled Maintenance 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 If Equipped: 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 90,000 Miles (150 000 km) j If Equipped: 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 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.
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 DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: DATE ACTUAL MILEAGE SERVICED BY: 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.
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. Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
At Least Once a Year Starter Switch Check Key Lock Cylinders Service Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant specified in Part D. Body Lubrication Service Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assemblies, secondary latches, pivots, spring anchor and release pawl, hood and door hinges, rear folding seats, liftgate hinges. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System 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. It should be parked on a level surface. 3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position, but don’t start the engine. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. 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 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. Proper procedures to perform these services may be found in a service manual. See “Service and Owner Publications” in the Index.
Throttle System Inspection Brake System Inspection 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. Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
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 Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985 or equivalent) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI # 2, Category LB or GC-LB. Carrier Assembly Differential (Rear Drive Module) and Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit) VersaTrak Fluid (GM Part No. 12378514). Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release Pawl 7-24 FLUID/LUBRICANT 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 7-26 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.
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