Every 2001 Monte Carlo under warranty is backed with the following services: Courtesy Transportation 1-800-CHEV-USA ® ( For vehicles purchased in Canada, call 1-800-268-6800) that provides in an emergency: Free lockout assistance Free dead-battery assistance Free out-of-fuel assistance Free flat-tire change Emergency towing
2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Owner's Manual Litho in U.S.A.
Table of Contents Seats and Restraint Systems Section 1 Seats and Seat Controls Safety Belts Air Bag Systems Restraint Systems for Children Features and Controls Section 2 ii Windows Keys and Door Locks Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped) Remote Trunk Release Automatic Transaxle Parking Brake Tilt Wheel Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever Windshield Wipers Cruise Control (If Equipped) Exterior and Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped) Accessory Power Outlet/
Table of Contents (cont'd) Comfort Controls and Audio Systems Section 3 Heating and Air Conditioning Setting the Radio Clock Radio/Cassette Player/CD Player Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) Your Driving and the Road Section 4 Defensive Driving Drunken Driving Control of a Vehicle Braking Steering Driving Tips for Various Road Conditions Recreational Vehicle Towing Loading Your Vehicle Towing a Trailer Problems on the Road Section 5 Hazard Warning Flashers Jump Start
Table of Contents (cont'd) Service and Appearance Care Section 6 Fuel Checking Fluids and Lubricants GM Oil Life System™ Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped) Brakes Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires and Wheels Appearance Care Electrical System/Fuses and Circuit Breakers Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Maintenance Schedule Section 7 iv Scheduled Maintenance Owner Checks and Services Periodic Maintenance Inspec
Table of Contents (cont'd) Customer Assistance Information Section 8 Customer Satisfaction Procedures Customer Assistance Offices Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation Warranty Information (See Warranty Manual) Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-10 Service Publications Index Section 9 In the Index you will find an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.
We support voluntary technician certification. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name MONTE CARLO are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual.
How to Use this Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly. CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard.
Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: NOTICE: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words.
Vehicle Symbols These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle. Also see “Warning Lights and Gages” in the Index.
Service Station Guide For a More Detailed Look at What's Under the Hood Battery Windshield Washer Fluid See Section 6 See Section 6 Cooling System See Section 5 Tire Pressure See Section 6 See Section 6 Spare Tire Pressure See Section 5 Hood Release See Section 6 Engine Oil Dipstick See Section 6 Fuel Oil Viscosity Engine Oil See Section 6 Use unleaded only. See Section 6 for octane ratings.
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems Here you’ll find information about the seats in your vehicle and how to use your safety belts properly. You can also learn about some things you should not do with air bags and safety belts.
Seats and Seat Controls This section tells you how to adjust the seats and explains reclining seatbacks and head restraints. Manual Front Seat CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. 1-2 Lift the bar under the front of the seat to unlock it.
6-Way Power Seat (Option) D Raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion by sliding the front of the switch up or down. D Raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion by sliding the rear of the switch up or down. Manual Lumbar This switch is designed to control the movements of your seat cushion. It is located on the outboard side of the front seats toward the front of the seat cushion.
Heated Front Seat (Option) Reclining Front Seatbacks The driver’s and passenger’s heated seat switches are on the center console. Press LO to warm the seat to a lower temperature. Press HI to warm the seat to a higher temperature. To turn this feature off, place the switch in the center position. 1-4 Lift the lever to release the seatback, then move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
CAUTION: But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 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. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones.
Head Restraints Seatback Latches There is a latch located on the lower back of the front seat. The front seat folds forward to let people get into or out of the rear seat. Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. 1-6 To fold the locked seatback forward, push the seatback toward the rear and lift the latch. Then the seatback will fold forward.
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. Easy Entry Manual Seat The right front passenger seat is designed to make it easy to get into and out of the rear seat. 1. Lift the latch on the back of the seat and tilt the right front seatback forward.
Split Folding Rear Seat To lower either of the rear seatbacks, follow these steps: You can fold either side of the seatback (or both sides) down in your vehicle for more cargo space. Make sure the front seat isn’t reclined. If it is, the rear seatback may not fold down all the way. 1. Pull forward on the seat tab to unlock the seatback. There is a tab located on the outboard sides of the seatbacks. 2. Fold the seatback down. This will allow you direct access to the trunk.
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.
In most states and Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never know if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up a person wouldn’t survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed.
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 ... 1-12 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.
Lap-Shoulder Belt The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here’s how to wear it properly. 1. Close and lock the door. 2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 4.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull down on the buckle end of the belt as you pull up on the shoulder belt. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones. And you’d be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force at your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should fit against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It won’t give nearly as much protection this way.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong place.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times.
Q: What’s wrong with this? CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer to fix it. A: The belt is twisted across the body.
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they don’t wear safety belts. To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle. The belt should go back out of the way. Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage both the belt and your vehicle.
The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it’s more likely that the fetus won’t be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. Right Front Passenger Position To learn how to wear the right front passenger’s safety belt properly, see “Driver Position” earlier in this section.
Air Bag Systems This part explains the frontal and side impact air bag systems. Your vehicle has air bags -- a frontal air bag for the driver and another frontal air bag for the right front passenger. Your vehicle may also have a side impact air bag for the driver. If your vehicle has a side impact air bag for the driver it will say AIR BAG on the air bag covering on the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
Here are the most important things to know about the air bag systems: CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you aren’t wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. All air bags are designed to work with safety belts but don’t replace them.
CAUTION: Both frontal and side impact air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you’re too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for air bag inflation before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with frontal air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not lean on the door.
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. How the Air Bag Systems Work Where are the air bags? The system checks the air bag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See “Air Bag Readiness Light” in the Index for more information. The driver’s frontal air bag is in the middle of the steering wheel.
The right front passenger’s frontal air bag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 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. 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 and don’t let seat covers block the inflation path of a side impact air bag.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an air bag should have inflated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal air bags, inflation is determined by the angle of the impact and how quickly the vehicle slows down in frontal and near-frontal impacts. For the side impact air bag, inflation is determined by the location and severity of the impact.
D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an CAUTION: When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door.
NOTICE: If you damage the covering for the driver’s or the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag covering on the driver’s seatback, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel, both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passenger’s air bag, or the air bag module and seatback for the driver’s side impact air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings.
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions Lap-Shoulder Belt The positions next to the windows have lap-shoulder belts. Here’s how to wear one properly. 1. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Don’t let it get twisted. The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. 2. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
If the belt stops before it reaches the buckle, tilt the latch plate and keep pulling until you can buckle 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. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. On some vehicles, when the shoulder belt is pulled out all the way, it will lock. If it does, let it go back all the way and start again. If the belt is not long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.
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. 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.
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults Rear shoulder belt comfort guides will provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for small adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide better positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outside passenger position in the rear seat.
2. Slide the guide under and past the belt. The elastic cord must be under the belt. Then, place the guide over the belt, and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 1-36 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies flat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top.
To remove and store the comfort guides, squeeze the belt edges together so that you can take them out from the guides. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and in between the seatback and interior body, leaving only the loop of elastic cord exposed. Center Passenger Position 4. Buckle, position and release the safety belt as described in “Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions” earlier in this section.
Lap Belt To make the belt shorter, pull its free end as shown until the belt is snug. When you sit in the center seating position, you have a lap safety belt, which has no retractor. To make the belt longer, tilt the latch plate and pull it along the belt. Buckle, position and release it the same way as the lap part of a lap-shoulder belt. If the belt isn’t long enough, see “Safety Belt Extender” at the end of this section.
Children Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.
CAUTION: (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: People should never hold a baby in their arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesn’t weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it.
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. CAUTION: Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed.
CAUTION: Newborn infants need complete support, including support for the head and neck. This is necessary because a newborn infant’s neck is weak and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing seat settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants always should be secured in appropriate infant restraints.
Restraint Systems for Children An infant car bed (A), a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle, is an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. Make sure that the infant’s head rests toward the center of the vehicle. A rear-facing infant seat (B) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.
A forward-facing child seat (C-E) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness and also sometimes with surfaces such as T-shaped or shelf-like shields. 1-44 A booster seat (F-G) is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle’s safety belt system. Some booster seats have a shoulder belt positioner, and some high-back booster seats have a five-point harness. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.
Q: 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.
Where to Put the Restraint Accident statistics show that children are safer if they are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat. General Motors, therefore, recommends that child restraints be secured in the rear seat including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat.
In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top strap, and that the strap be anchored. In the United States, some child restraints also have a top strap. If your child restraint has a top strap, it should be anchored. Your vehicle has top strap anchors already installed for the rear seating positions. You’ll find them behind the rear seat on the filler panel. Anchor the top strap to one of these anchor points.
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position 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. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the 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. 4. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again.
D If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, tighten the belt by pulling 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.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position You’ll be using the lap belt. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. 1. 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.
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. If you’re using a forward-facing child restraint, you may find it helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 6. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure.
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position Although a rear seat is a safer place, you can secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat. You’ll be using the lap-shoulder belt. See the earlier part about the top strap if the child restraint has one. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. Your vehicle has a right front passenger air bag.
Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed. If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the child restraint. 1-54 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. Some vehicles have a child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor. You can tell if your vehicle has this feature by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor. Then, let the belt go back a few inches, and try to pull the belt out again. If you can’t pull the belt out because it has locked, it means the retractor has the child restraint locking feature.
D If your vehicle doesn’t have the child restraint locking feature on the shoulder belt retractor, tighten the belt by pulling 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.
Older Children Q: A: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? If possible, an older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.
CAUTION: Never do this. Here two children are wearing the same belt. The belt can’t properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A belt must be used by only one person at a time.
CAUTION: Never do this. Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a lap-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in a crash the child might slide under the belt. The belt’s force would then be applied right on the child’s abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child’s thighs.
Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit.
Section 2 Features and Controls Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
Windows CAUTION: Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by the extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather.
Power Windows Express-Down Window The driver’s window switch has an express-down feature. This switch is labeled AUTO. Tap the rear of the switch, and the driver’s window will open a small amount. If the rear of the switch is fully pressed, the window will go all the way down. To stop the window while it is lowering, press the front of the switch. To raise the window, press and hold the front of the switch. Both doors have power window switches located on the armrest.
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.
One key is used for the ignition, the doors and all other locks. NOTICE: Your vehicle has a number of features that can help prevent theft. But you can have a lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock your key inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an extra key. If you need a new key, contact your Chevrolet dealer for assistance. In an emergency, contact Chevrolet Roadside Assistance. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index for more information.
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 The power door lock switch is located on the door above the armrest. Press the top part of the switch to unlock both doors, or press the bottom part of the switch to lock both doors. If your vehicle has the optional content theft-deterrent system and it is armed, the power door lock switches are disabled. You must use your remote keyless entry transmitter or your key to unlock the doors when the system is armed.
Lockout Protection Feature To protect you from locking your key in the vehicle, this feature stops the power door locks from locking when the keys are in the ignition and a door is open. If a power lock switch is pressed when a door is open and the key is in the ignition, both doors will lock and then the driver’s door will unlock. A chime will sound continuously until both doors are closed. Leaving Your Vehicle If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your door and set the locks from inside.
Panic Alarm Button Operation Press UNLOCK once to unlock the driver’s door and to turn on the interior lamps. (See “Illumination on Remote Activation” in the Index for more details.). This feature allows you to activate an alarm by pressing a button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The ignition must be in OFF or ACC for the instant alarm to work.
If your vehicle has the optional content theft-deterrent system, the first time the remote unlock is received, three flashes will be seen and three horn chirps heard to indicate an alarm condition has occurred since last arming. See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. Illumination on Remote Activation This feature provides interior illumination when a remote keyless entry door unlock command is received and executed, the trunk release button is pressed or when the panic alarm is activated.
To replace the battery use the following steps: 1. Insert a flat object like a coin into the slot on the back of the transmitter. Gently pry apart the front and back. 2. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter. Do not use a metal object. 3. Put the new battery into the transmitter as shown on the transmitter (use type CR2032 battery or equivalent). 4. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the halves are together tightly so water won’t get in. 5. Resynchronize and then test the transmitter.
Trunk CAUTION: It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable connections must pass through the seal between the body and the trunk lid: D Make sure all other windows are shut. D Turn the fan on your heating or cooling system to its highest speed with the setting on VENT.
Trunk Assist Handle NOTICE: The trunk assist handle was not designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor point when securing items in the trunk. Improper use of the trunk assist handle could damage it. There is an assist handle located on the inside of the trunk lid toward the driver’s side of the vehicle. Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid. Then close the trunk with your other hand.
Trunk Release Handle There is a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located inside the trunk on the latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to open the trunk from the inside. Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit To help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your trunk, you can order a trap-resistant trunk kit from your dealer. This kit includes: D a modified trunk latch, D a lighted release handle, and D seatback tethers (for vehicles with folding rear seatbacks).
Trunk Release Sensor TrapAlert (If Equipped) t System The sensor is designed to open the trunk automatically. If the sensor detects motion and a difference in temperature in the trunk, the sensor will sound the horn if the ignition is in OFF. There will be three short chirps and a pause repeated for up to two minutes. After one minute, the trunk latch will release. If the ignition is not in OFF, the trunk latch will not release automatically and the horn will not sound.
Disabling the Trunk Release Sensor Because the sensor detects motion, there are times when you may want to turn off the trunk sensor so that the motion of your vehicle or items in the trunk won’t cause the trunk to open, such as the following: D when your vehicle is transported on a car ferry, D when your vehicle is towed, or D when you will be loading items through the opening in the split folding rear seat (if equipped). A. Sensor Lens B.
Servicing the Trunk Release Sensor Key in the Ignition The sensor lens should be inspected periodically. If the lens is dirty, wipe it gently with a clean, soft cotton cloth. If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so don’t do it. If there is an electrical problem with the sensor, the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON message will appear in the message center. There are other possible reasons for this message to appear.
Parking Lots Content Theft-Deterrent (Option) 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 keys. But what if you have to leave your key? Your vehicle may have the optional content theft-deterrent alarm system. With this system, a light on the radio will flash. This light reminds you to activate the theft-deterrent system. Here’s how to do it: 1. Open the door. 2.
Arming with the Power Lock Switch Your alarm system will arm when you use either power lock switch to lock the doors while any door or the trunk is open and the key is removed from the ignition. The light on the radio flashes quickly to let you know when the system is ready to arm with the power door lock switches. The light on the radio will stop flashing and stay on when you press the bottom of the power lock switch, to let you know the system is arming.
Vehicle Customization Settings Some of the convenience features can be reset or customized to perform according to your preference. The features you can program depend upon the options that came with your vehicle.
The following information shows how to reset or customize features after entering the main menu: SETTINGS -- Display Current Settings OIL LIFE -- Oil Life Reset: This feature allows you to reset the GM Oil Life System Monitor after an oil change, see “Engine Oil” in the Index. Be careful not to reset the OIL LIFE accidentally at any time other than when the oil has been changed. It can’t be reset accurately until the next oil change.
Programmable Modes Mode 1: OFF -- Turns feature off. Mode 2: 30 SEC -- 30 seconds. Mode 3: 60 SEC -- 60 seconds. When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 2. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory. To determine the mode to which your vehicle is programmed or to program your vehicle to a different mode, do the following: The mode you selected is now set.
1. Scroll, using the SEEK up or down arrows, until AUTOLOCK appears on the display. Programmable Modes 2. Press the PREV or NEXT button to enter the submenu. The current selection will have an asterisk next to it. (If you do not wish to change the current mode, you can either exit the programming mode by following the directions later in this section or program the next feature available on your vehicle.) Mode 2: ON -- One flash for each remote lock/two flashes for each remote unlock. 3.
If your vehicle has the optional content theft-deterrent system, the first time a remote UNLOCK command is received, three flashes will be seen and three horn chirps heard to indicate an alarm condition has occurred since last arming. See “Content Theft-Deterrent System” in the Index. When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 1. The mode to which the vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit the programming mode by following the instructions later in this section or program the next feature available on your vehicle. ALARM (Content Theft Operation): This feature allows the content theft-deterrent system to be turned on or off. Programmable Modes Mode 1: ALRM OFF -- Turns feature off. Mode 2: ALRM ON -- Turns feature on. When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 2.
2. Press the PREV or NEXT button to enter the submenu. The current selection will have an asterisk next to it. (If you do not wish to change the current mode, you can either exit the programming mode by following the directions later in this section or program the next feature available on your vehicle.) When your vehicle was shipped from the factory, it was programmed to Mode 1. The mode to which your vehicle was programmed may have been changed since it left the factory.
ORIG. SET (Return to the Original Settings): This feature allows you to return all feature customization settings back to their original factory settings. To reset do the following: 1. Scroll, using the SEEK up or down arrows, until ORIG. SET appears on the display. 2. Press the PREV or NEXT button to enter the submenu. SET ALL will appear. 3. With your preference displayed, press the DISP button to select. A chime will be heard to verify the new setting.
PasslockR Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock theft-deterrent system. Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system. Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used or the ignition lock cylinder is tampered with, fuel is disabled and the engine will not start. During normal operation, the SECURITY message will be displayed after the key is turned to the ON ignition position. See “Message Center, Security” in the Index.
Ignition Positions The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel, to the right of the steering column. With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn the switch to four positions. OFF: This is the only position from which you can remove the key. Removing the key locks your ignition and automatic transaxle. 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.
START: This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON for normal driving. When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door when the ignition is in OFF or ACC and the key is in the ignition.
Starting Your 3400 V6 Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine warms up. NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2.
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your engine gets warm. NOTICE: Holding your key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining your battery or damaging your starter. 2.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option) 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. CAUTION: Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord won’t reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
Automatic Transaxle Operation The above graphic is displayed on your instrument panel cluster. Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the console between the front seats. 2-34 Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle vehicles when you’re in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from improper operation. There are several different positions for your shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It’s the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can’t move easily. CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
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. B AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ): 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.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ). B Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ): B D When driving on hilly, winding roads. D When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears. D When going down a steep hill.
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is in FIRST (1), the transaxle won’t shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Parking Brake The parking brake is located to the left of the brake pedal, near the driver’s door. NOTICE: If your front wheels can’t turn, don’t try to drive.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and push the parking brake pedal with your left foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the released position. A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on and the shift lever is not in PARK (P). NOTICE: Driving with the parking brake on can cause your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to replace them, and you could also damage other parts of your vehicle.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this: Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running CAUTION: It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Don’t leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to.
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. 2-42 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 switch 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 raise the steering wheel to the highest level to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle, or you can lower it so that you’re more comfortable while driving. To adjust the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the lever. Move the steering wheel to a comfortable level, then release the lever to lock the wheel into place.
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicator Turn Signal On Chime 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. If you leave either one of your turn signals on and drive more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km), a chime will sound to alert you. To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down. When the turn is finished, the lever will return automatically.
Flash-to-Pass Feature This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to signal the driver in front of you that you want to pass. It works even if your headlamps are off. To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you a little, but not so far that you hear a click. For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band to LO. For high-speed wiping, turn the band further, to HI. To stop the wipers, turn the band to OFF. You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between wipes.
Windshield Washer At the top of the multifunction lever, there’s a paddle with the word PUSH on it. To spray washer fluid on the windshield, push the paddle. The wipers will run for several sweeps and then either stop or return to your preset speed. The ignition key must be in the ACC or ON position to for this to work. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index. CAUTION: In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until the windshield is warmed.
Cruise Control (If Equipped) With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). When you apply your brakes, the cruise control shuts off. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control system (optional) begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage.
1. Press the cruise control ON button on the steering wheel to turn it on. Resuming a Set Speed 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, press the RES button on your steering wheel. You’ll go right back up to your chosen speed and stay there. 2. Get up to the speed you want. 3. Press the SET button on your steering wheel and release it.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control There are two ways to go to a higher speed: D Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher speed. Press the SET button on the steering wheel, then release the button and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now cruise at the higher speed. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control D Press the ACC button on the steering wheel. Hold it How well your cruise control will work on hills depends upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
Exterior Lamps If you pull the knob out halfway, it will turn on your parking lamps and your other operating lamps. If you pull the knob all the way out, your headlamps will then come on. Push the knob in all the way to turn off the lamps. A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door when you turn the ignition switch to OFF with the lamps on. Daytime Running Lamps / Automatic Headlamp Control The lamp controls are located on the instrument panel.
The DRL system will make your high-beam headlamps come on at a reduced brightness when the following conditions are met: D The ignition is on, D the headlamp switch is off and D the gearshift is not in PARK (P). When the DRL are on, only your high-beam headlamps, at a reduced level of brightness, will be on. The headlamps, taillamps, sidemarker and other lamps won’t be on. Your instrument panel and cluster won’t be lit up either.
Fog Lamps (If Equipped) To turn the fog lamps on, press the fog lamps button located next to the exterior lamp control on the left side of the steering column. Your ignition must be in ON for the fog lamps to illuminate. Interior Lamps Instrument Panel Brightness Control You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights and cluster by turning the exterior lamp knob. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the brightness of the instrument panel and cluster, and counterclockwise to decrease the brightness.
Illuminated Entry (If Equipped) Delayed Entry Lighting Your courtesy lamps will come on and stay on for a set time whenever you press UNLOCK on the remote keyless entry transmitter (if equipped). Delayed entry lighting illuminates the interior for a period of time after all the doors have been closed. If you open a door, the lamps will stay on while it’s open and then turn off automatically about 25 seconds after you close it.
Delayed Exit Lighting Reading Lamps This feature illuminates the interior for a period of time after the key is removed from the ignition. The reading lamps are located on the rearview mirror. These lamps and the interior courtesy lamps come on when any door is opened. Press the button to turn them on. Press it again to turn them off. The vehicle’s ignition must be off for delayed exit lighting to work.
If your vehicle has less than 15 miles (25 km) on the odometer, the battery saver will turn off the lamps after only three minutes. Battery rundown protection will also work if the headlamps are left on. After having been left on for 10 minutes, the headlamps and the parking lamps will flash three times. They will remain on for one more minute before being turned off automatically. Mirrors Adjust all the mirrors so you can see clearly when you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Electrochromic Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror (Option) 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.
Power Outside Mirrors The power mirror controls are located near the driver’s side window, on the armrest. There are also three OnStar buttons located at the bottom of the mirror face. See your dealer for more information on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar. See “OnStarR System” in the Index for more information about the services OnStar provides. To choose either the left or right outside mirror, press either side of the top switch.
Convex Outside Mirror Storage Compartments Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s surface is curved so you can see more from the driver’s seat. Glove Box 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.
Trunk Convenience Net (If Equipped) Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it on the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind or inside the net. It can help keep them from falling over during sharp turns or quick starts and stops. The net isn’t for larger, heavier loads. Store those in the trunk as far forward as you can. You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when you’re not using it.
Sun Visors To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You can also move them from side to side. The visors also have extenders that you can pull out for added coverage. Visor Vanity Mirrors Open the cover to expose the vanity mirror. If your vehicle has the lighted vanity mirrors, the lamps come on when you open the cover. Accessory Power Outlet Your vehicle has a 12-volt accessory power outlet. It is located at the rear of the console. Lift the cover to access the outlet.
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop) Your vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary power connection. NOTICE: Adding some electrical equipment to your vehicle can damage it or keep other things from working as they should. This wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Check with your dealer before adding electrical equipment, and never use anything that exceeds the fuse rating.
OnStarR System (If Equipped) OnStar is a vehicle communications system that offers a variety of services and provides a hands-free communication link between you and the OnStar Center. A service subscription agreement and fee are required in order to receive OnStar service. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, call 1-888-ONSTAR-7 (1-888-667-8277). OnStar Services Button: Press this button once to contact an advisor who will be able to assist you with these services.
The light will be red in the event of an OnStar system malfunction. If this occurs press the OnStar button to attempt to contact an advisor. If the connection is made, the advisor will assist you with steps to take to make sure that the system is functioning properly. If you cannot contact the advisor, take your vehicle to your dealership as soon as possible for assistance.
Premium Services (Includes Safety and Security Services) D Route Support -- An advisor can provide directions or guidance to anywhere you want to go. In addition, they can help you locate gas stations, rest areas, ATMs, hospitals, hotels, stores, eateries and more. D Concierge Services -- The concierge advisor can obtain tickets, reservations, or help with vacation/trip planning and other unique items and services.
OnStar will not function if the vehicle’s battery is discharged or disconnected. It may also be inoperative if the vehicle is in an accident and the OnStar or vehicle electrical system components are damaged. Safety and security services are provided by existing governmental emergency service providers. OnStar will use reasonable efforts to contact the appropriate emergency service provider and request assistance but cannot promise that they will respond to the call in a timely manner or at all.
To activate the express-open feature, press the switch rearward. You can stop the power sunroof before it is completely open by pressing the switch forward. HomeLinkR Transmitter (Option) Your sunroof also has a vent feature. It can be activated from the closed sunroof position by pressing the switch once rearward. To close, push the sunroof switch forward. When using this feature the sunshade should be fully opened in the rearward position.
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.
2. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter approximately one to three inches (three to eight cm) away from the HomeLink Transmitter making sure that you can still see the display. 3. Decide which one of the three channels you want to program. Using both hands, press the hand-held transmitter button and the desired button on the HomeLink Transmitter. Continue to hold both buttons through Step 4. 4.
Operating the Transmitter Press and hold the appropriate button on the HomeLinkR Transmitter. The house symbol comes on while the signal is being transmitted. The effective transmission range of the HomeLink Transmitter may differ from the hand-held transmitter and from one channel to another.
3. Locate the training button on the garage door opener receiver. The exact location and color will vary among brands. 4. Press the training button on the garage door opener receiver. This will activate the training light. 5. Within thirty seconds of pressing the training button, return to your vehicle and press the programmed button on the HomeLink Transmitter until the indicator light flashes rapidly (about two seconds). 6.
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System 2-72
The main components of your instrument panel are listed here: A. Instrument Panel Fuse Block G. Remote Trunk Release B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever (behind steering wheel) H. Hood Release C. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) I. Steering Wheel Cruise Control Switches (If Equipped) D. Hazard Warning Flasher Switch J. Ignition Switch E. Audio System K. Automatic Transaxle Shift Lever F. Exterior Lamp Controls L.
Instrument Panel Cluster 3400 V6 Engine Cluster: United States Version Shown, Canadian Similar 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, about how much fuel is in your tank and many other things you need to drive safely and economically.
3800 V6 Engine Cluster: United States Version Shown, Canadian Similar 2-75
Speedometer and Odometer 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 in kilometers (used in Canada). Your vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If you see ERROR, you’ll know someone has probably tampered with it and the numbers may not be accurate. If the button is pressed and held for longer than 1.
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators This part describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights come on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Air Bag Readiness Light There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensors, the air bag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” in the Index.
Voltmeter Gage (3800 V6 Engine) You can read battery voltage on the voltmeter gage. Brake System Warning Light Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. The LOW BRAKE FLUID message in the message center will also appear when there is a brake problem. See “Low Brake Fluid Message” in the Index.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See “Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light” and “Towing Your Vehicle” in the Index. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light The anti-lock brake system warning light should come on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON.
Traction Control System Warning Light The traction control system warning light may come on for the following reasons: D If there’s a brake system problem that is specifically related to traction control, the traction control system will turn off and the warning light will come on. If your brakes begin to overheat, the traction control system will turn off and the warning light will come on until your brakes cool down.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) Canada-3400 V6 Engine Cluster Canada-3800 V6 Engine Cluster This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. It also provides an indicator of how hard your vehicle is working. During the majority of the operation, the gage will read 210_F (100_C) or less. If you are pulling a load or going up hills, it is normal for the temperature to fluctuate and approach the 250_F (122_C) mark.
NOTICE: If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by your warranty. This light should come on, as a check to show you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
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.
Oil Pressure Indicator/Low Oil Pressure Light The oil pressure indicator tells you if you have the correct oil pressure in your engine to operate your vehicle. United States Canada This message is displayed in the message center when the engine oil pressure is low. A chime will sound continuously, also. 3800 V6 Engine Under normal conditions the indicator should read slightly above the half way point between the low “L” and high“H” settings.
Fuel Gage NOTICE: Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warranty. Cruise Light (If Equipped) The CRUISE light comes on whenever you set your cruise control. See “Cruise Control” in the Index.
The fuel gage, when the ignition is on, tells you about how much fuel you have left in your tank. The gage will first indicate empty before you are out of fuel, and you should get more fuel as soon as possible. Modes Service Traction System Here are three situations you may experience with your fuel gage. None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gage. D At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
Traction Active Battery Life Indicator When the vehicle is started this message will be displayed for three seconds. United States Canada This message will appear when the traction control system is limiting wheel spin. The message will stay on a few seconds after the traction system stops limiting wheel spin. If the message is displayed when the engine is running, you may have a problem with your charging system.
Hot Coolant Temp United States Low Coolant Level Canada This message is displayed when the cooling system temperature gets hot. A chime will sound continuously, also. Check the coolant temperature gage and the coolant level. See “Engine Coolant,” “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “Engine Overheating” in the Index for further information. 2-90 United States Canada This message is displayed when the cooling system is low on coolant. Four chimes will also sound. The engine may overheat.
Low Oil Pressure United States Low Eng Oil Level Canada This message is displayed when the engine oil pressure is low. A chime will sound continuously, also. See “Oil Pressure Indicator/Low Oil Pressure Light” earlier in this section. United States Canada This message is displayed for 60 seconds at the start of each ignition cycle when the engine oil level is low. Four chimes will also sound.
Change Engine Oil United States Door Ajar Canada United States Canada This message is displayed when the engine oil needs to be changed. It will appear for 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, it will go out. This message will appear if the driver’s door or the passenger’s door is not completely closed and the ignition is in ON. Once the engine oil has been changed, the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message must be reset. Until it is reset, the message will be displayed for 60 seconds each time you start the engine.
Security United States Low Fuel Canada United States Canada This message is displayed to monitor the PasslockR system. This message is displayed when your vehicle is low on fuel. Four chimes will also sound. If the security message is displayed continuously while driving and stays on, there may be a problem with the Passlock system. Your vehicle will not be protected by Passlock, and you should see your dealer for service.
Low Brake Fluid United States Low Washer Fluid Canada This message will be displayed when your vehicle has a brake problem. The brake system warning light will also be illuminated. If this message appears, the brakes aren’t working properly. You should have your vehicle serviced immediately. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index for more information. 2-94 United States Canada This message is displayed when the vehicle is low on windshield washer fluid.
Low Tire Pressure United States Service Vehicle Soon Canada The low tire pressure system monitors the inflation pressure of the tires. If one or more of the tires is low, the LOW TIRE PRESSURE message in the system’s monitor will be displayed and four warning chimes will sound. When you have checked the tire pressures, be sure to reset the tire inflation monitor. See “Tires” in the Index. United States Canada This message will come on if you have engine problems.
Trunk Open United States Highbeam Out Canada United States Canada This message will appear if the trunk is not completely closed and the ignition is in ON. If this message appears, you may have a problem with your high-beam headlamps. If you are in a forward or reverse gear position you will also hear four chimes. The message will stay on approximately 60 seconds.
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Option) RESET (Reset Button): D You can reset the AVG ECON, FUEL USED or AVG SPEED trip computer modes by pressing and holding this button for three seconds while you are in the mode you wish to reset. A chime will sound to confirm that your requested change has been made, and all the segments of the display will briefly light up. To change the display to a metric or English reading, press the RESET and MODE buttons at the same time.
MODE (Mode Button): Setting the Variance D Press this button to cycle through three modes of operation -- Off, Compass/Temperature and Trip Computer mode. D In the Trip Computer mode, pressing the MODE button cycles through the five displays. Press the MODE button after the last Trip Computer display to return the DIC to the OFF mode. Off: No driver information is displayed in this mode of operation. Compass/Temperature Mode: One of eight compass readings and the outside temperature are displayed.
All the display segments will be illuminated briefly to acknowledge the change in zone number. A chime will sound to confirm that the new zone number has been set. Automatic Compass Calibration The compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the need to manually set the compass. When the vehicle is new, the calibration process may not be complete. In these cases “CAL” will be displayed, and all segments of the compass will be illuminated where the compass reading is normally displayed.
Trip Computer D FUEL USED (Trip Fuel Used): This shows the accumulated fuel used since the last reset. There are five trip computer displays which may be stepped through by pushing the MODE button. The information will appear in the following order: D AVG SPEED (Average Speed): This shows the D AVG ECON (Average Fuel Economy): This shows Resetting the Trip Computer the average fuel economy since the last reset.
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 Manual Single Zone Climate Control Temperature Knob The center knob on the control panel changes the temperature of the air coming through the system. Turn this knob toward red (clockwise) for warmer air. Turn it toward blue (counterclockwise) for cooler air. Mode Knob The right knob on the control panel has several settings to control the direction of the airflow: UPPER: This setting directs air through the instrument panel outlets.
DEFOG: This setting sends half of the air to the floor ducts and half to the defroster and side window outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the outside temperature is below 40 _F (4_C). The air inlet will also be automatically set to outside air. The RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected in this mode. DEFROST: This setting directs most of the air through the defroster and side window vents. Some of the air also goes to the floor ducts.
Dual ComforTemp (If Equipped) t Climate Control Driver’s Temperature Lever The lever on the left adjusts the air temperature on the driver’s side independent of the temperature set by the passenger. Slide the lever upward to raise the temperature. Slide the lever downward to lower the temperature. Passenger’s Temperature Lever The lever on the right adjusts the air temperature on the passenger’s side independent of the temperature set by the driver. Slide the lever upward to raise the temperature.
LOWER: This setting sends most of the air through the ducts near the floor. The remaining air comes out of the defroster and side window outlets. The RECIRCULATION button cannot be selected in this mode. DEFOG: This setting sends half of the air to the floor ducts and half to the defroster and side window outlets. The air conditioning compressor will run automatically in this setting unless the outside temperature is below 40_F (4_C). The air inlet will also be automatically set to outside air.
Air Conditioning Heating On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot, inside air escape. This reduces the time for the vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed for the air conditioner to work its best. On cold days, turn the right knob on the control panel to LOWER. Push the OUTSIDE AIR button on and move the temperature control all the way in the red area. The system will bring in outside air, heat it and send it to the floor ducts.
Rear Window Defogger Press the button marked REAR to turn the defogger on. An indicator on the button will light. Do not attach anything like a temporary vehicle license or decal across the defogger grid. NOTICE: Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Don’t put decals there because you might have to scrape them off.
Ventilation Tips Ventilation System Adjust the direction of airflow by moving the vents. D Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. D When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, adjust the mode knob to LOWER and the fan to the highest speed for a few seconds before driving off.
Audio Systems Your audio system has been designed to operate easily and give years of listening pleasure. You will get the most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it first. Find out what your audio system can do and how to operate all its controls, to be sure you’re getting the most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
AUTO VOL: Your system has a feature called Speed-Compensated Volume (SCV). With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Press AUTO VOL to adjust the SCV. AVOL will appear on the display. Each time you press AUTO VOL, another volume setting (LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH) will appear on the display. NONE will appear on the display if the radio cannot find out the vehicle speed.
The AUTO TONE setting stored for that pushbutton will be automatically chosen. Press P SCAN or one of the pushbuttons again to stop scanning. SCAN will be displayed whenever the tuner is in the P SCAN mode. The channel number (P1-P6) will appear with the frequency. In FM mode, this function will scan through the current band such as FM1 or FM2. Setting the Tone BASS: Press and release the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob until BASS appears on the display.
Adjusting the Speakers BALANCE: Press and release the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob until BAL appears on the display. Turn the knob clockwise to move the sound to the right speakers and counterclockwise to move the sound to the left speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. The display will show the speaker balance. To set the balance to the middle position, select the control and press and hold the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob.
RDS is always on. RDS features are only available for use on FM stations which broadcast RDS information. The RDS features of your radio rely upon receiving specific RDS information from these stations. These features will only work when the RDS information is available. In rare cases, a radio station may broadcast incorrect information that will cause the radio features to work improperly. If this happens, please contact the radio station.
Traffic Interrupt Feature: Your radio can be programmed to interrupt the playback of a cassette tape, CD or FM radio by enabling the traffic interrupt feature. Press the TRAF button once to seek to an RDS station that supports the traffic interrupt feature if the current tuned station does not. The TRAF icon will flash on the display when seeking for a station that supports traffic interrupt. When the traffic interrupt feature is on, TRAF will appear on the display.
SEEK TYPE: Press this button to go to a station with the last selected PTY. TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display, if it is not already showing. Press SEEK TYPE a second time to seek. If a station with the selected PTY is not found, the radio will return to the original station and display NONE. 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.
If you want to insert a tape when the ignition is off, first press EJT or DISP. If CHK TAPE appears on the radio display, the tape won’t play because of an error. CHK TAPE may be displayed when the tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape. Hold the tape with the open end down and try to turn the right hub counterclockwise with a pencil. Turn the tape over and repeat. If the hubs do not turn easily, your tape may be damaged and should not be used in the player.
NEXT (2): Press this button to go to the next selection on the tape. If you press the button more than once, the player will continue moving forward through the tape. SEEK and a positive number will appear on the display. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for NEXT to work. To forward through each selection press the right SEEK arrow. The sound will mute while seeking. REV (3): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed.
EJT: Press this button located next to the cassette slot to remove a tape. The radio will play. EJT may be activated with the radio off. Cassette tapes may be loaded with the radio off if this button is pressed first. CD Adapter Kits CLEAN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See “Care of Your Cassette Tape Player” in the Index.
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (Option) Playing the Radio AUTO VOL: Your system has a feature called Speed-Compensated Volume (SCV). With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Press AUTO VOL to adjust the SCV. AVOL will appear on the display. Each time you press AUTO VOL, another volume setting (LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH) will appear on the display.
PUSHBUTTONS: 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: 2. Press AM FM to select the band. The AUTO TONE setting stored for that pushbutton will be automatically chosen. Press P SCAN or one of the pushbuttons again to stop scanning. SCAN will be displayed whenever the tuner is in the P SCAN mode. The channel number (P1-P6) will appear with the frequency.
TREBLE: Press and release the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob until TREB appears on the display. Turn the knob clockwise to increase treble and counterclockwise to decrease treble. The display will show the treble level. When you use this control, the radio’s AUTO TONE setting will switch to manual. If a station is weak or noisy, you may want to decrease the treble. To set treble to the middle position, select the control and press and hold the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob.
FADE: Press and release the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob until FADE appears on the display. Turn the knob clockwise to move the sound to the front speakers and counterclockwise to move the sound to the rear speakers. The middle position balances the sound between the speakers. The display will show the speaker balance. To set the fade to the middle position, select the control and press and hold the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob. The radio will produce one beep and set the display level to the middle position.
Accessing RDS Stations: 1. Push the SEEK TYPE button or turn the P-TYPE LIST/AUDIO knob to display the program type list. 2. Turn knob either clockwise or counterclockwise to select a program type. List is alphabetical. If you select ANY TYPE your radio will seek to the first PTY available. 3. Push SEEK TYPE button to activate search. TRAF: Press this button to receive traffic announcements. If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, the radio will seek to a station that does.
P-TYPE LIST: Turn this knob clockwise or counterclockwise to select the Program Type (PTY) you want to listen to. TYPE and a PTY will appear on the display. Press the SEEK TYPE button and the radio will seek to the first RDS broadcaster of the selected P-TYPE. If the radio cannot find the desired P-TYPE, NONE will appear on the display and the radio will return to the last station you were listening to. SEEK TYPE: Press this button to go to a station with the last selected PTY.
If the disc comes out, it could be one of the following: D The disc is upside down. D It is dirty, scratched or wet. D It is very humid. (If so, wait about an hour and try again.) If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error can’t be corrected, please contact your dealer. PREV (1): Press this button to go to the previous track if the current selection has been playing for less than eight seconds.
DISP: Press this button to see how long the current track has been playing. ET and the elapsed time will appear on the display. To change what is normally shown on the display (track or elapsed time), press the button until you see the display you want, then hold the button for two seconds until the display flashes. The radio will produce one beep.
AUTO VOL: Your system has a feature called Speed-Compensated Volume (SCV). With SCV, your audio system adjusts automatically to make up for road and wind noise as you drive. Set the volume at the desired level. Press AUTO VOL to adjust the SCV. AVOL will appear on the display. Each time you press AUTO VOL, another volume setting (LOW, MEDIUM or HIGH) will appear on the display. NONE will appear on the display if the radio cannot find out the vehicle speed.
P SCAN: Press and hold one of the arrows for more than two seconds. The radio will beep once to confirm. Use P SCAN to listen to each of your favorite stations stored on your pushbuttons for a few seconds. The radio will scan through each of the stations stored on your pushbuttons, except those stations with weak reception. The AUTO TONE setting stored for that pushbutton will be automatically chosen. Press P SCAN or one of the pushbuttons again to stop scanning.
AUTO TONE: This feature allows you to choose preset bass and treble equalization settings designed for ROCK, NEWS, POP, JAZZ, CLASSICAL and COUNTRY music stations. TONE and the preset equalization setting will appear on the display when you press AUTO TONE. Each time you press it, another setting will appear on the display. The manual setting allows tone control to return to the BASS and TREB controls. Use PUSHBUTTONS and AUTO TONE button to program AUTO TONE for station presets.
Using RDS Your audio system is equipped with a Radio Data System (RDS). RDS is a system that sends data along with the audio of the FM station you are currently tuned to. You can use RDS to display program information and to control your radio.
TRAF: Press this button to receive traffic announcements. If the current tuned station does not broadcast traffic announcements, the radio will seek to a station that does. The TRAF icon will flash on the display. When the radio finds a station that broadcasts traffic announcements, it will stop. If no station is found, NO TRAF will appear on the display.
SEEK TYPE: Press this button to go to a station with the last selected PTY. TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display, if it is not already showing. Press SEEK TYPE a second time to seek. If a station with the selected PTY is not found, the radio will return to the original station and display NONE. 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.
While the tape is playing, use the VOL, FADE, BAL, TREB, BASS and SEEK controls just as you do for the radio. The display will show TAPE and an arrow showing which side of the tape is playing. If you want to insert a tape when the ignition is off, first press EJT or DISP. If CHK TAPE appears on the radio display, the tape won’t play because of an error. CHK TAPE may be displayed when the tape is tight and the player can’t turn the tape hubs. Remove the tape.
REV (3): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape reverses. The station frequency and REV will appear on the display. You may select stations during REV operation by using TUNE, SEEK and P SCAN controls. FWD (4): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape advances.
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat With the radio off and the ignition on, press and hold the TAPE CD button to disable the tight/loose tape sensing feature to enable play of some tape head cleaners and portable CD adapters. The radio will display READY and flash the cassette icon. The tight/loose tape sensing feature will then be disabled until the next cassette eject. Playing a Compact Disc Insert a disc partway into the slot, label side up. The player will pull it in. The disc should begin playing.
FWD (4): Press and hold this button to advance quickly within a track. Press and hold this button for less than two seconds to advance at six times the normal playing speed. Press and hold it for more than two seconds to advance at 17 times the normal playing speed. Release it to play the passage. The display will show ET and the elapsed time. RDM (6): Press this button to hear the tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. RDM ON will show on the display.
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios THEFTLOCKR is designed to discourage theft of your Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped) radio. The feature works automatically by learning a portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the radio is moved to a different vehicle, it will not operate and LOCKED will be displayed. If your vehicle has this feature, you can control certain radio functions using the buttons on your steering wheel.
SEEK BY TYPE: Press this button to go to a station with the last selected PTY TYPE and the last selected PTY will appear on the display, if it is not already showing. If a station with the selected PTY is not found, the radio will return to the original station. If both SEEK BY TYPE and TRAF are on, the radio will search for stations with traffic announcements and the selected PTY. PRESET: Press this button to play a station you have programmed on the radio preset buttons.
To help avoid hearing loss or damage: D Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting. D Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly. NOTICE: Before you add any sound equipment to your vehicle -- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile telephone or two-way radio -- be sure you can add what you want. If you can, it’s very important to do it properly.
When using a scrubbing action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, it is normal for the cassette to eject because your unit is equipped with a broken tape detection feature and a cleaning cassette may appear as a broken tape. To prevent the cleaning cassette from being ejected, use the following steps.
After you clean the player, press and hold the cassette eject symbol or EJT button for five seconds to reset the CLEAN indicator. The radio will display CLEANED or --- to show the indicator was reset. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced. Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully.
Because this antenna is built into your rear window, there is a reduced risk of damage caused by car washes and vandals. If you choose to add a cellular telephone to your vehicle, and the antenna needs to be attached to the glass, be sure that you do not damage the grid lines for the AM-FM antenna. There is enough space between the lines to attach a cellular telephone antenna without interfering with radio reception.
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road Here you’ll find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We’ve also included many other useful tips on driving.
Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving maneuver, in both city and rural driving.
Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: D D D D Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision Attentiveness. Police records show that almost half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving.
Since alcohol is carried in body water, this means that a woman generally will reach a higher BAC level than a man of her same body weight when each has the same number of drinks. The law in many U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In a growing number of U.S. states, and throughout Canada, the limit is 0.08 percent. In some other countries, it’s even lower. The BAC limit for all commercial drivers in the United States is 0.04 percent. The BAC will be over 0.
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up. “I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know.
Control of a Vehicle Braking You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts -- heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. Here’s how anti-lock works. Let’s say the road is wet. 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.
When the system is on, this warning light will come on to let you know if there’s a problem. To turn the system on or off, press the TRAC OFF button on the console. See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in the Index. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the Traction Control System on. But you can turn the system off if you ever need to.
Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem.
Off-Road Recovery Passing You may find that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. 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.
D Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass while you’re awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you’re following a larger vehicle. Also, you won’t have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. D When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and don’t get too close.
Loss of Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Driving at Night 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.
What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also make a lot of things invisible. You can be temporarily blinded by approaching headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark.
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.
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. If you can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. Driving Through Flowing Water CAUTION: Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
City Driving 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. See the next part, “Freeway Driving.” D Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it.
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 Hill and Mountain Roads 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.
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. CAUTION: D Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid 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.
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 trunk. 4-26 Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles.
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.
If You’re Caught in a Blizzard D Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that you’ve been stopped by the snow. D Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you. If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor mats -- anything you can wrap around yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm. If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation.
CAUTION: Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You can’t see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around again from time to time to be sure snow doesn’t collect there. Open a window just a little on the side of the vehicle that’s away from the wind.
Loading Your Vehicle Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. The Tire-Loading Information label is on the inside of the trunk lid. The label tells you the proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you important information about the number of people that can be in your vehicle and the total weight you can carry.
CAUTION: Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. NOTICE: Your warranty does not cover parts or components that fail because of overloading. CAUTION: Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
Towing a Trailer CAUTION: If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well -- or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section.
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. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
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. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too.
Hitches Safety Chains It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Driving with a Trailer Following Distance Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Making Turns NOTICE: Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Driving On Grades Parking on Hills Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transaxle overheating. If you have overdrive, you may want to drive in THIRD (3), instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE ( ).
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: D Start your engine; D Shift into a gear; and D Release the parking brake. 2. Let up on the brake pedal. 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks. Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this.
Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
Hazard Warning Flashers Press the switch to the right of the instrument panel cluster to make the front and rear turn signal lamps flash on and off. The hazard warning flashers work no matter what position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in. To turn off the flashers, press the switch again. When the hazard warning flashers are on, the turn signals and brake lamps won’t work. Other Warning Devices 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. But please follow the steps listed 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. Put an automatic transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL. 3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lamps that aren’t needed, and radios.
CAUTION: To uncover the remote positive (+) terminal, lift the plastic cap. 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.
CAUTION: Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running. 5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged, too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (-) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part.
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 good battery’s negative (-) terminal. Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next step. 9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move.
11. Try to start the vehicle with 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 heavy, unpainted metal engine part on the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (-) cable from the negative (-) terminal on the vehicle with the good battery. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 4.
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 a coolant temperature gage and a warning light about a hot engine on your instrument panel cluster. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage” and “Hot Coolant Temperature Message” in the Index. You also have a low coolant message on your instrument panel cluster.
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: 3800 V6 Engine A. Coolant Recovery Tank B. Electric Engine Cooling Fans 3400 V6 Engine A. Coolant Recovery Tank B.
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. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or above the COLD mark on the coolant recovery tank.
CAUTION: Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine parts, can be very hot. Don’t touch them. If you do, you can be burned. Don’t run the engine if there is a leak. If you run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could cause an engine fire, and you could be burned. Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle. NOTICE: Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t covered by your warranty. See “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” in the Index.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank NOTICE: If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at the COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR engine coolant at the coolant recovery tank. See “Engine Coolant” in the Index for more information. In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant and the proper coolant mixture.
CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at the COLD mark, start your vehicle. If the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the cooling system is cool before you do it.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator NOTICE: Your engine has a specific radiator fill procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could cause your engine to overheat and be severely damaged. 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.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap. CAUTION: You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine. 3. If you have the 3800 V6 engine, remove the 3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield to access the bleed valve. A. Clean the area around the engine oil fill tube and cap before removing.
4. After the engine cools, open the coolant air bleed valve or valves. 3400 V6 Bleed Valve #1 3400 V6 Bleed Valve #2 3800 V6 Bleed Valve 3400 V6 engine: There are two bleed valves. One is located on the thermostat housing. The other is located on the thermostat bypass tube. 3800 V6 engine: There is one bleed valve. It is located on the thermostat housing.
7. If you have the 3800 V6 engine, replace the 3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield. A. Remove the oil fill tube, with cap attached, from the valve cover. B. Insert the catch tab on the cover shield under the bracket on the engine. C. Place the hole in the cover shield over the hole in the valve cover. Install oil fill tube and cap by twisting clockwise. 5. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture, up to the base of the filler neck.
9. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator pressure cap off. 10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine cooling fans. 11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of the proper DEX-COOLR coolant mixture through the filler neck until the level reaches the base of the filler neck. 12. Then replace the pressure cap.
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard warning flashers.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk. Turn the center nut on the compact spare cover counterclockwise to remove it. Then remove the cover. The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and change a tire.
Remove the compact spare tire. See “Compact Spare Tire” later in this section for more information about the compact spare. 5-24 Turn the nut holding the jack counterclockwise and remove it. Then remove the jack and wrench.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A) extension and protector/guide (B) and wheel wrench (C). 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. 1. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts. Don’t remove them yet. If your vehicle has wheel nut caps, remove them using the wheel wrench.
CAUTION: Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. CAUTION: Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.
The diagram shows you where to place your jack. Use the notch (B) as a guide when positioning the jack lift head (A) near the front edge of the rear wheel opening (C). 2. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground for the spare tire to fit under the vehicle. Remove all wheel nuts and take off the flat tire.
3. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. CAUTION: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident. 4. Install the spare tire. CAUTION: Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident.
7. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence as shown. 8. Reinstall the wheel trim. If present, tighten plastic caps by hand. With a wheel wrench tighten plastic caps an additional quarter turn clockwise. CAUTION: 6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts.
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. Don’t try to put the wheel cover on your compact spare tire. It won’t fit. Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you have the flat tire repaired or replaced. NOTICE: Wheel covers won’t fit on your compact spare.
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools CAUTION: Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. When storing a full-size tire, you must use the extension to help avoid wheel surface damage. Use the extension and protector/guide located in the foam holder.
A. Retainer Compact Spare Tire B. Cover Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). C. Compact Spare Tire D. Nut E. Jack F. Wrench G. Lock Nut Tool H. Foam Holder I. Extension and Protective Guide J. Bolt Screw 5-32 After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated.
NOTICE: If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow When the compact spare is installed, don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle. In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will need to spin the wheels, but you don’t want to spin your wheels too fast. The method known as “rocking” can help you get out when you’re stuck, but you must use caution.
NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains” in the Index. 5-34 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 the 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.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don’t worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you’re accelerating or driving up a hill. That’s normal, and you don’t have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging.
NOTICE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don’t use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t be covered under your warranty. 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.
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 filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. While refueling, let the cap hang by the tether below the fuel fill opening. To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise).
NOTICE: If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and your fuel tank and emissions system may be damaged. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” 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.
Checking Things Under the Hood CAUTION: An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even when the engine is not running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. 6-8 CAUTION: Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline, oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release To open the hood, first pull the handle located inside the vehicle near the parking brake pedal. Then go to the front of the vehicle and release the secondary hood release. Lift the hood.
Engine Compartment Overview When you open the hood on the 3400 V6 (Code E) engine, you’ll see: A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir B. Underhood Fuse Block C. Radiator Pressure Cap 6-10 D. E. F. G. Engine Coolant Reservoir Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Engine Oil Fill Cap Engine Oil Dipstick H. Transaxle Fluid Dipstick I. Brake Fluid Reservoir J.
When you open the hood on the 3800 V6 (Code K) engine, you’ll see: A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir B. Underhood Fuse Block C. Radiator Pressure Cap D. Engine Coolant Reservoir E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine compartment) F. Engine Oil Dipstick G. H. I. J. Engine Oil Fill Cap Transaxle Fluid Dipstick Brake Fluid Reservoir Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close it firmly.
Checking Engine Oil 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. United States Canada If the LOW ENG OIL LEVEL message appears on the instrument panel, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see “Low Oil Level Message” in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. When to Add Engine Oil If the oil is at or below the lower mark, then you’ll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the starburst symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this starburst symbol. 3400 (Code E) V6 Engine 3800 (Code K) V6 Engine The engine oil fill cap is located toward the front of the engine near the yellow-looped engine oil dipstick handle.
As in the chart shown previously, if you have the 3400 V6 engine, 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.
As shown in the following chart, if you have the 3800 V6 engine, SAE 10W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it’s going to be colder than 60_F (16_C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. 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. GM GoodwrenchR oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle. If you are in an area where the temperature falls below -20_F (-29_C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil.
How to Reset the Change Engine Oil Message After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset. To reset the the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message use one of the following procedures: Using the RDS Radio 1. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON, with the radio off. 2. Press and hold the DISP button on the radio for at least five seconds until SETTINGS is displayed. 5. Press the PREV or NEXT buttons to enter the submenu. RESET will be displayed. 6. Press the DISP button to reset.
What to Do with Used Oil Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Did you know that 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. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
1. Loosen the two clips on the top of the engine air cleaner/filter housing and lift the filter cover tabs out of the housing. 2. Push the filter cover housing toward the engine, compressing the duct convolutes. 3. Pull out the filter. 4. Check or install a new engine air cleaner/filter. See “Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts” in the Index. 5. To reinstall the cover, position the tabs through the slots on the housing. A notch on the sides of the filter cover will indicate the correct engagement.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter (If Equipped) To change the passenger compartment air filter, use the following steps: 1. Turn off the ignition when the windshield wipers are in the up position. 2. Raise the hood. 3. Disconnect the windshield washer pump hose from the fender rail and air inlet grille. 4. Reposition the hood weatherstrip from the passenger’s side of the vehicle (peel back halfway to center). 5. Remove the air inlet grille retainers. 6. Remove the air inlet grille. 7.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid How to Check When to Check and Change Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this done at the dealership service department. A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid level is when the engine oil is changed. Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles (83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: D In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle fluid level if you have been driving: Checking the Fluid Level D D D D D Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the When outside temperatures are above 90_F (32_C). At high speed for quite a while. In heavy traffic -- especially in hot weather. While pulling a trailer. To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal operating temperature, which is 180_F to 200_F (82_C to 93_C).
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps: 3400 (Code E) V6 Engine 3800 (Code K) V6 Engine The transaxle fluid dipstick handle is the red loop near the back of the engine. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. 1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel. 6-24 2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and then pull it back out again. 3400 (Code E) V6 Engine 3800 (Code K) V6 Engine 3.
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. 3.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOLR coolant will: D D D D D Give freezing protection down to -34_F (-37_C). Give boiling protection up to 265_F (129_C). Protect against rust and corrosion. Help keep the proper engine temperature. Let the warning lights and gages work as they should. NOTICE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use only DEX-COOLR (silicate-free) coolant.
NOTICE: Checking Coolant If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts. If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer check your cooling system. NOTICE: If you use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system.
CAUTION: United States Canada If this LOW COOLANT LEVEL message comes on and stays on, it means you’re low on engine coolant. 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.
Radiator Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side, near the diagonal cross brace. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. The power steering fluid reservoir is located toward the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger’s side. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid Windshield Washer Fluid It is not necessary to regularly check power steering fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired. What to Use How to Check Power Steering Fluid Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down, wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
NOTICE: D When using concentrated washer fluid, D D The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment near the diagonal cross brace. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY. Add washer fluid until the tank is full. D follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water. Don’t mix water with ready-to-use washer fluid.
Brakes Brake Fluid There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.
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. When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning Light” in the Index. When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake fluid. 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.
Battery Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free ACDelcoR battery. When it’s time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco battery. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for battery location. WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Bulb Replacement For the proper type of replacement bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact the service department of your dealer. Headlamps, Front Parking, Turn Signal and Sidemarker Lamps Halogen Bulbs CAUTION: Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or others could be injured. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the bulb package. A. High-Beam Headlamp B.
To remove the headlamps do the following: 1. Open the hood. 2. Remove the air baffle. 3. Remove the two headlamp fasteners by pulling up on them. 7. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by raising the lock tab and pulling the connector away from the bulb’s base. 8. Install the electrical connector to the new bulb. 9. Install the new bulb by inserting the smallest tab on the bulb base into the matching notch in the retaining ring. Turn the bulb a quarter-turn clockwise until it stops. 10.
4. Unscrew the two remaining wing nuts. Tail/Stop/Turn Signal and Rear Sidemarker Lamps A. Rear Sidemarker Lamp B. Tail/Stop Lamp C. Turn Signal Lamp 5. Pull the assembly from the body carefully. To remove the rear lamp assembly do the following: 1. Open the trunk. Remove the convenience net, if you have one. Unhook the net from the upper wing nut. 2. Remove the upper (convenience net) wing nut. 3. Pull the carpet away from the rear of the vehicle. 6.
Back-Up Lamp The back-up lamps are located in the rear bumper. To change the back-up lamp bulbs do the following: 1. Open the trunk. 2. Remove the two screws. 3. Pull the assembly from the body of the vehicle. Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Windshield Wipers, Blade Check” in the Index for more information. 5. Pull the old bulb out. Do not twist it.
CAUTION: 4. While holding the wiper arm away from the glass, push the release clip from under the blade connecting point and pull the blade assembly down toward the glass to remove it from the wiper arm. 5. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm until you hear the release clip “click” into place. Tires Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the inside of the trunk lid, shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). NOTICE: Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It’s not.
Tire Inflation Monitor System The tire inflation monitor system can alert you to a large change in the pressure of one tire. The system “learns” the pressure at each tire throughout the operating speed range of your vehicle. The system normally takes between 45 and 90 minutes of driving to learn the tire pressures. This time may be longer depending on your individual driving habits. Learning need not be accumulated during a single trip.
To reset (calibrate) the system: The tire inflation monitor system can be reset by turning the exterior lamp control from OFF to parking lamps three times while the ignition is in ON. It can also be reset through the RDS radio using the following steps: 1. Turn the ignition to ACC or ON and turn the radio off. 2. Press and hold the DISP button on the radio for at least five seconds until SETTINGS is displayed. 3. Press the SEEK up or down arrow to scroll through the main menu. 4.
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 D D D D around the tire. You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire’s rubber. 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. 6-50 Tire Chains NOTICE: 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.
Appearance Care Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space. When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Here are some cleaning tips: D D D D D Always read the instructions on the cleaner label. Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set. Carefully scrape off any excess stain. Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are stubborn. If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or it will set. Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric 1. Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt. 2.
Cleaning Vinyl Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Use warm water and a clean cloth. Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. D Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it more than once.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces 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. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Washing Your Vehicle Finish Care The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water. 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. The clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Cleaning Aluminum 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.
Finish Damage Chemical Paint Spotting Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair expense. Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface.
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials PART NUMBER 994954 1050172 1050173 1050174 1050214 1050427 SIZE 23 in. x 25 in. 16 oz. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) 16 oz. (0.473 L) 32 oz. (0.946 L) 23 oz. (0.680 L) 1052918** 8 oz. (0.237 L) DESCRIPTION Polishing Cloth – Wax Treated Tar and Road Oil Remover Chrome Cleaner and Polish White Sidewall Tire Cleaner Vinyl Cleaner Glass Cleaner t Protectant Armor All Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner 1052929 16 oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner 1052930 8 oz. (0.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Engine Identification The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This code will help you identify your engine, specifications and replacement parts. Service Parts Identification Label You’ll find this label on the inside of your trunk lid. It’s very helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is: This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver’s side.
Electrical System Windshield Wipers Add-On Electrical Equipment The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical problem, have it fixed. NOTICE: Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle unless you check with your dealer first. Some electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Driver’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block Some fuses are in a fuse block on the driver’s side of the instrument panel. Pull off the cover labeled FUSES to expose the fuses. Additional fuses are in the underhood electrical center on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment.
Circuit Breaker Description Mini Fuses Description RETAINED ACCESSORY PWR BRKR Power Window, Sunroof Breaker STOP Brake Lamps, Body Control Module (Run, Crank) TURN SIGNAL Turn Signal Flashers Mini Fuses Description CRUISE PCM/BCM/ CLSTR Powertrain Control Module, Body Control Module, Cluster (Ignition 0) Cruise Control Steering Column Controls A/C/CRUISE HVAC Temp Door Motors & Module, Cruise Control Module WSW Windshield Wipers, Windshield Washer A/C FAN HVAC Blower PCM (CRANK) Powe
Passenger’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block Some fuses are in a fuse block on the passenger’s side of the instrument panel. Pull off the cover labeled FUSES to expose the fuses. Additional fuses are in the underhood electrical center on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment.
Circuit Relay Description Mini Fuses Description BATT RUN DOWN PROTECTION RELAY Battery Run Down Protection Relay TRK/ROOF BRP Trunk Lamps, Headliner Lamps HVAC BLO HVAC Blower Relay REAR DEFOG RELAY Rear Defog Relay, Heated Mirror Relay I/P BRP Instrument Panel Footwell Lamps, Glovebox Lamps Circuit Breaker Description HTD MIR Heated Mirrors POWER SEATS BRKR Power Seat Circuit Breaker BRK SW Brake Switch HAZ SW Hazard Switch REAR DEFOG BRKR Rear Defog Breaker REAR PRK LP Rear Par
Underhood Fuse Block (Upper) Circuit Relay Description Some fuses are in a fuse block on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location. FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump DRL RELAY Daytime Running Lamps A.I.R.
Mini Fuses Description Underhood Fuse Block (Lower) HORN RLY Horn Relay BLANK Blank BLANK Blank Some fuses are in a fuse block on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the Index for more information on location.
Circuit Relay Description Mini Fuses Description FAN CONT #3 Secondary Cooling Fan (Passenger’s Side) FAN CONT #2 & #3 Cooling Fan Control Relays #2 & #3 FAN CONT #2 Cooling Fan Control Relay FAN CONT #1 Cooling Fan Control Relays #1 FAN CONT #1 Primary Cooling Fan (Driver’s Side) AIR PMP RLY Air Induction Reaction Pump Relay (Battery) IGN RELAY Ignition Relay FUEL INJ Fuel Injectors A/C CMPR HVAC Compressor TRANS SOL Transmission Solenoids Maxi Fuses Description HVAC Control Relay
Replacement Bulbs Exterior Lamps Bulb Number Back-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 921 Front Park/Turn Signal . . . . 3357NAK or 3457NAK Headlamp, High-Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9005 Headlamp, Low-Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9006 Front Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Stop/Tail/Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3057 Rear Sidemarker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3800 (L36) V6 Engine Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V6 VIN Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K Displacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 CID Compression Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4:1 Firing Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6-5-4-3-2 Thermostat Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . 195_F (91_C) Horsepower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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” shows 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 Footnotes The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles (166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles (166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km). See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic Maintenance Inspections” following. [ The U.S.
Scheduled Maintenance Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM Oil Life System (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Reset the system. 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 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) 15,000 Miles (25 000 km) j Inspect engine air cleaner filter if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary. An Emission Control Service. (See footnote [.) j If Equipped: Replace passenger compartment air filter.
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 proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) j Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service. 37,500 Miles (62 500 km) j Rotate tires.
Scheduled Maintenance 50,000 Miles (83 000 km) j Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions: – In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 90_F (32_C) or higher. – In hilly or mountainous terrain. – When doing frequent trailer towing. – Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change the fluid and filter at 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
Scheduled Maintenance 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. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) j Inspect engine accessory drive belt. An Emission Control Service. j Replace engine air cleaner filter. An Emission Control Service.
Scheduled Maintenance 82,500 Miles (137 500 km) j Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote @.) (See footnote +.) 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.
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 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check 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. Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index for further details. Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
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. Weatherstrip Lubrication Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Starter Switch Check CAUTION: When you are doing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be injured. Follow the steps below. 1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room around the vehicle. 2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. See “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary. NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts. 3. Try to start the engine in each gear.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. D The key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). D The key should come out only in OFF. Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check CAUTION: Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake.
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections 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 NOTE: 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.
Part E: Maintenance Record After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval. Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on the following record pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio is a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED 7-23
Maintenance Record DATE 7-24 ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Here you will find out how to contact Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet. 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 Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-222-1020. 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.
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days.
From: Puerto Rico: 1-800-496-9992 (English) 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) U.S. Virgin Islands: 1-800-496-9994 Fax Number: 313-381-0022 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 Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S.
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program If your problem cannot be resolved over the phone, our advisors have access to a nationwide network of dealer recommended service providers. Roadside membership is free; however some services may incur costs.
Chevrolet offers Courtesy Transportation for customers needing warranty service. Courtesy Transportation will be offered in conjunction with the coverage provided by the Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty to eligible purchasers of 2001 Chevrolet passenger cars and light duty trucks. (Please see your selling dealer for details.
Courtesy Transportation Chevrolet 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.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle When your vehicle is unavailable due to overnight warranty repairs, your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle you obtained, at actual cost, up to a maximum of $30.00 per day supported by receipts. This requires that you sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state, local and rental vehicle provider requirements. Requirements vary and may include minimum age requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us. Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write: In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O.
2001 CHEVROLET SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.
ORDER TOLL FREE (NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only) 1-800-551-4123 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST) FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927 2 0 0 1 PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER Orders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call 1-800-551-4123. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return information within 30 days of delivery.
